WIPs

Ok so this craft blog hasn't been really crafty lately....sorry. I've had a lot of stress lately which means I have been crocheting like a mad woman just not taking pics.

I have a love hate relationship with this shawl. I can't decide if I love it or hate it. It's one of those items I pick up for a day or two then put it away because I don't like it. It's not because its ugly or its giving me problems, actually it was way easier than I expected. I just can't think of any time I would actually wear it. Chuckles was like ummmm doesn't it kinda defeat the purpose of wearing a shawl if it's all holey *grumbles* true.

I used a K hook & a worsted acrylic that is some discontinued brand I've never seen before I got on sale for $1

I got the pattern from:

http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/visoppskrift.php?d_nr=99&d_id=13&lang=en

I've also been making a bunch of cotton dishcloths lately to practice different stitches & for the dishcloth swap I entered. I'll load pics after the swap is over.

I had some really dark cotton just sitting around calling my name & I couldn't think of anything to make with it. I only had 2 balls so it had to be something small. Then I remembered the green paisley dress I have that I never wear because its sleeveless & I don't have a cute summer shrug for it soooooooo......

For size reference the original yarn was a 6ply worsted weight. I split it in 1/2 and I'm using a K hook. The stitch is called snapdragon. Basically a V stitch & 5dc then the opposite the next row. I would have had more done but I only worked 6hrs tonight & we were busy most of the time.

In other news if you are interested I have an interview Tues for a position I really want cross your fingers for me.

Movie reviews

I was thinking since chuckles & I go see a new movie about every week that I would start posting my reviews for different movies. Now be aware I love weird movies like John Waters & cheesie movie so think about that when you read my reviews. so what I have seen lately:

Spiderman- I was actually kind of bored during it. Granted some lady brought in 3 small children behind me that wouldn't sit still & would cry on & off thru the movie. But I honestly thought it was very similar to the last movie. perter parker loves mary Jane then he leaves her then they get back together again in a happily ever after after he rescues her. Sounds familiar doesn't it. The big bad villain is an ok guy at the beginning then he goes all evil then he becomes a semi-softie at the end & decides not to fight against spidey. sounds like doc ock doesn't it. Well that's exactly how the sandmand & the goblin Jr are in this one. Same thing over again. I say wait for it on tape. No real impressive shots & it kinda made me motion sick the way they did the CGI & shakey camera thing.

The Condemned- Ok so this is a WWE steve austin movie which I'm not big on that we went to because nothing else was playing & it was $5 day. But honestly it was pretty good. You know whats going to happen from the beginning hello it was produced by WWE & steve austin is in it obviously he will be the hero. If you are against violence especially against women this isn't the movie for you. But if you are like me & love gore then you will love this. There is a rape scene but they don't show anything just the aftereffect & you can pretty much guess what happened. This is a great guy movie if you are in the mood for violence & a silly plot one of those no-brainer movies. I say wait for the dollar theatre or DVD. No huge effects & not really a life changing plot but a good basic action movie.

Disterbia- So I thought this was going to be one of those cheesie teen movies that I like (I warned you I like cheese) but I was actually pleasantly surprised with this one. Good acting VERY funny in a dry way. Good thriller like ohhhh girl don't go down in that basement type & it has a happy ending. I love happy endings as long as they aren't forced & so unbelievable. I def recommend seeing this one in the theatre worth the money.

300- Love it! I swear this movie is a gay mans dream. The guys in it were seriously chiseled. The story was a little weak at the beginning but it made up for it in cool effects, great cinematography & good acting. I def recommend seeing this in a theatre great effects. I think it would be way better in a theatre than on DVD.

Blades of Glory- Its Will Ferral if you like him then you'll like this, nuff said. Rent it unless you are a huge fan.

Ghost Rider- I wasn't impressed with it. It had some nice bikes in it though. the story was boring, the effects were good. This would be a good movie for kids & tweens. Wait for the DVD

Grindhouse- LOVE IT! the second movie with kurt russell was actually better than the zombie one & I'm a big zombie fan. You will love the first one if you are into mega cheese like me. Excessive violence, gross out puss & corney comedy. If you are a woman you will love the second film especially the end. Go see it in the theatre. Its long but you won't even want to leave during the fake movie previews between each movie.

Black snake moan- Not impressed at all. If you are a Christina rici fan you will love it because she looks really good. The story was stupid & pointless. A total waste of Sam jacksons talent. I wouldnt even rent it.

the Reaping-It wasn't scarey at all but not bad. It had a great twist ending. I'm big on religious movies that are kinda cynical & make you think different things about religion. If you were expecting a scarey movie it isn't but I liked it. You realize what is going on about 20mins from the end but its still good. Rent or dollar theatre

Well I got a call about that great job I applied for...yay & I just finished the assessment test. Wow do I ever suck. I got a 50% on the section for business writing, granted the average is a 60% but I always thought I was a stickler for punctuation. I guess I've been out of school for too long. Maybe I can make up for it in the sections I did well in for math, typing & data entry. I think I did well for the data entry even though I didn't use a 10key pad.

In better news I sold another item on etsy...YAY. I really need to get on the ball & list some of the items I made recently, maybe after I get home tonight. I'm working until midnight now on my new schedule which sucks but at least I get 2 more hours of pay.

I have such cabin fever I hope some festivals are coming up. I have a strong urge to go swimming but I really don't like public pools.

I planted some veggies yesterday. I hope they do as well as last years. At least I planted some things that we will eat this year. And I put up a fence to keep the weenie from jumping around in the garden, maybe it will keep the bunnies out too. It looks really white trash with the 2 different color fences but its doing the job & that's all that matters.

summer cold

So Chuckles & I have been horribly ill for the last 2 weeks. I was first with a sore throat for 4days straight, it felt like pure fire. Guess I should have taken that as a sign as to how long I would be sick. Can I just tell you how much it sucks to have to talk on the phone for 5hrs straight with throat problems. But I guess it could be worse it could have been a 10hr day.

I swear it my luck I go all winter w/o being sick but as soon as it gets warm out I get a cold. I need to plant some veggies in the garden....don't have the energy. I need to make & list some new items on etsy.....don't feel like it. I need to clean & do laundry....don't feel like it. All I want to do is either sleep all day or be a couch potato.....blah

I finished a couple hats within the last 2 weeks one to sell just like the blue one in my shop & a cute recycled pink cotton that looks like a knit hat inspired by mary jane in spiderman (i think) I only looked at it once but thought it would be cute on my big melon. I need to get around to taking pics. I received the coolest swap package from my crochet swap partner. I just wish Canada post didn't take so long, I know I'm missing out on really great partners by not shipping outside the us but it really sucks to have to wait so long when you know something has been sent.

My new scheduled started today & the big dork I am forgot so I got ready for work.....luckily I don't go in till 6 & 1/2 way there I was like wait a minute I don't think I work today. I went in anyways to see if Kandy was there to pay me for the hat I'm selling her & to double check I didn't have to work....of course she was off & I didn't have to be there soooooo I called up chuckles & we went shopping for mothers day prezzies.

After a couple hours shopping we came home & I vegged.....that's how tired this cold has made me walking around for maybe 2hrs at the most wears me out. I tried to finish this blue recycled cotton hat (just like the pink with a K hook) and I got maybe 3 rounds done & I was done for. Granted I am in no way the most active person but this is ridiculous. So we decided to watch pulse....not to bad, not scary at all but a great movie to sit & comment about the stupid girl going into the dark basement type.

We are suppose to go see Spiderman tomorrow for $5day I hope its good. I can't wait until 28 weeks is out I FREAKIN LOVE the first one & it better not be a disappointment. I am so ready for all the summer festivals to start especially the street fair. I'm ready to get all sun burnt & achy from walking. I love how it makes you feel all exhausted but relaxed, getting all kinds of creative ideas from the things you see & feeling in tune with nature being outside all day.

I recently applied for a job with a local city organization & I hope I get it *crossing my fingers* I would be absolutely perfect for the position & the hours are perfect, the location is perfect, & the pay isn't too bad...but I probably won't get it. I'm not sure why I'm not getting any offers the only thing I can think of is my education. My resume is strong I get replies all the time (things I'm not interested in of course) my work history is strong. I just wish I could get in somewhere where I can show what I can do I am sooooo tired of my current job. I'm so burnt out & dread every day I go in. I'm amazed that I have been there almost 8yrs when the burnout rate is 18months. Guess I can handles some major BS.

So if there are any wealthy bosses out there that need a creative person on their staff & can pay me enough to live I will work for you until I keel over with the utmost gratitude...........

So last night I had this idea to make a morbid checkbook cover. I have some micro-suede left over from making a leatherface costume & have been trying to think of something gory to make. I'm really anal about listing something or giving a gift that isn't "perfect" in my eyes. So I made the checkbook cover out of the material & splattered red paint over it to look like blood. I didn't really try to match up the sides so it would look a little more like a hand sewn item made out of human flesh. Now I'm a little iffy about listing it on etsy because it isn't my normal good work. So far it has had a lot of views, either people like it & think its too much or the title caught their eye & they change their mind after seeing it. Maybe I can make some other morbid style items if this doesn't work.


On other news I went to the thrift store & got a shell & a cover sweater in 2 shades of pink made out of 100% cotton for $1.25!!!!! Along with an acrylic that looks like a handspun thick & thin. Now all I have to do is decide what I want to make. I'm really into making cloches lately but I need to focus on thing I can sell on etsy until there is another income in the family. I think I'm still excited about ripping the sweaters apart & using my nifty little yarn ball winder more than making anything. Maybe I can find a cute little QUICK shawl pattern to go with my new summer dresses.

I listed a couple new hats I whipped out tonight at work to keep up my stock on etsy. Come check them out.

I think I will try experimenting with wallet & checkbook patterns tomorrow to see if I can come up with something interesting.

I made another sale on etsy WOO HOO!!! I am honestly surprised that people want the things I make this much, but pleasantly surprised :)

If only I could quit my job in corporate hell & make things full time, I would be one happy little chic-a-dee.

I crocheted up a couple more hats & hope to list them within the next couple days. I love making stuff but I swear I fall in love with everything & want to keep it for myself.

I made my first sale on etsy WOOO HOOOO! I honestly didn't think I would sell something that fast. The cute little monkey markers shown in my last post were my first sale. The boi said they were too cute to last long so I guess I have found a good item to sell.


I also FINALLY bought a yarn ball winder. I thought it was a little pricey so I waited till joanns had a 40% off sale. It was still over $20. Let me tell you though it was totally worth every penny especially if you recycle a lot of sweaters like I do. I think I have rewound every skein of yarn in my house in the last 2 days.

I recently listed some items on etsy. I have some GREAT vintage knitting patterns, including one of a star trek sweater which being the uber geek I am totally loves. If I was a big knitter I would keep it for myself.

I also listed some cute little boutique style gift tags. Like these -->



And some cute little stitch markers. Including monkeys....yes you heard me right monkey markers they are too freakin cute. I also listed some breast cancer awareness ribbon markers that I think every woman should have. Even if you can't afford to donate a bunch of money to a charity you can show your support by wearing a pink ribbon. How many times are you noticed in public knitting or crocheting. Maybe you can make one of those people take a moment when they see your breast cancer awareness ribbon. If they take a moment to think then maybe they will take a moment to donate to cancer research.



So take a look at my store. Browse around see I'm sure you will find something to your liking.

Well I FINALLY listed some items on etsy. Takes a look & let me know what you think. I will continue to add items so check back often.


www.MissMotleys.etsy.com

Water bottle holder that clips to your belt, stroller etc

I Hook
worsted weight yarn
This fits a 20oz bottle of water

Body
Round 1: Ch 6, join with sl in 1st ch
Round 2: Ch 2(counts as 1st dc), Dc into ring 13 times, join with sl to 1st Dc
Round 3: Ch 2, Dc in same stitch as ch2, *2Dc in next stitch* repeat to end, 1dc in last stitch, join with sl in 1st dc (27 stitches)
Round 4: Ch 2(counts as 1dc), 1dc in each space around, join with sl to 1st dc
Round 5: Ch 3, *Dc in next stitch, ch1, skip next dc, dc in next stitch, ch1* repeat from * to * join with sl to 1st ch3
Round 6-14: Ch 3(counts as dc & ch1) *dc in next ch1 space, ch1, dc in next ch1 space, ch1* repeat from * to *
At end of round 14 do not bind off

Handle
Row 1: Ch 1, turn, sc evenly 7times, Ch 1, turn
Row 2-4: skip 1st sc space, sc in each space to end, ch 1, turn (ending with 4 sc spaces)
Row 5-12: sc in each space across, ch 1, turn
Row 13: 1sc in first 2 spaces, ch 5, 1sc in next 2 spaces, ch 1, turn
Row 14: 1sc in 1st space, skip next sc space, sl in first chain stitch & in next 4, skip 1sc space, sc in next space bind off

Sew button to back of bag for button hole

to make this an over the shoulder bag repeat rows 1&2 untile desired length & join to opposite side of bag with sc stitches

The great goodies I received from my swap partner for the Bathroom theme swap

A carved picture for my wall with the symbol for relax.

2 embroidered towels if you cant tell they have 3 pockets and it says relax with little flowers. The buttons are vintage japanese.

I also got 4 candle holders w/candles with the same relax symbol.

Some milk lotion & body wash & a wash mit.

This is what I sent to my partner.

My partner's bathroom style was antique maps & jungle themes. So I sent her 3 pictures of vintage maps that I made to look antiqued by brushing them with watered down brown paint.

2 crocheted washcloths(started before I knew her theme)

An embroidered bath mat with birdies on one side & 2 non-skid feet on the back.

2 coffee candles with leather tie that I have had forever & was waiting for something good to use them on.

And 3 washcloths. 1 plain & 2 embroidered. One says guest & the other has a corner design.

Can you tell I have been using every excuse to use my new embroidery machine I got for x-mas that I can.......

WIPs

My scrap yarn blanket. It's similar to a granny square. Done in all dc around the box with 3 dc ch2 3dc in the corners. I have no restrictions on yarn as far as weight. If I use something in smaller weight in 1 row I use a bulkier weight in the next to even it out its working pretty well.. I'm also currently collecting small amounts of scraps on all my x-mas projects and I'm joining them to make hippy style hats for myself.

This isn't really a work in progress but its more of I plan to make one of these again after x-mas. I really loves how my plastic bag purse came out & I have started collecting the extra thick bags for another. Grocery bags worked fine but I really like how smooth the finished product was with the thicker bags.

Halloween Hats

some hats I made & sold over halloween with my knify knitter. The pumpkin has a crocheted stem, leaf & vine. The grapes hat has crocheted balls, leaf & vine. On the candy corn had I removed it from the loom using the square toe method you use when making socks.

Craft Swaps

Oh how I missed craft swaps.....I think I stopped for too long & now I'm over compensating for lost time.
Here are some things I made lately.
Dollar store swap:
I made a scrapbooking tote & wallet out of 4 dishtowels
and some knitted slippers using this loom pattern.
http://decoraccentsinc.com/slipper_instructions.html
Which you can use the small blue knifty knitter to make.

For my tiny little dog swap I made a cute little treat jar with my swap partner's dogs name on it. The doggie bones on top were sealed with Modge Podge which actually makes a pretty good lacquer after a couple coats. Then I made a retractable leash saddle bag. I think I may make another one of these for next summer. It came out a little wonky because I was working without a pattern & had only seen one in a catalogue once but it works. Next time I think I will just make 1 big elastic loop then attach the pockets. Anyways what this is for is to carry treats, poop bags, your keys, or even to have a little water bowl for the dog. I also made some little puppy size squeekers out of felt. And the doggie shirt was made from 1 fleece scarf. I cant believe I got that much fabric from 1 scarf I may have to make another one for chiquita.



I'm currently in a Hat/Glove swap. I hope my partner likes the stuff I made I thought it was a pretty cool idea, I'm just worried if the color stitch combo may be too much. I swear I'm becoming more conservative as I get older its so weird.
I'm also in a World of Warcraft swap for chuckles. Can I just say GRRRRRRRRRR at trying to come up with ideas for something you have no clue about. But honestly I think the stuff I have made is pretty creative since I have no clue about anything on that stupid game.

Ok so I secretly love making baby items. But what I really love is making baby items that look like minature adult clothing or making things for babies that an adult could never wear because they are totally off the wall. Like a 35yr old man could never wear an outfit that looks like a big teddy bear (unless its halloween) but I bet he could when he was 3mos old.

So 2 of my friends are planning a little one & I have started making items when I don't have a current project. Can I just say how hard it is to think of androgenous baby items that aren't the typical blah yellow & green. What I plan is to make an item here & there as the months go on and then present them with a huge bag of hats, booties, blankies etc in various sizes at the shower. Hopefully they will be preggers soon so I can get down to girly or boy things. Here are a few hats I have made so far.

The big leaf on the pumpkin hat was from this pattern http://members.aol.com/JSchlossma/cph.html I cant find the hat pattern but it was easy to make the ridges just do a fpdc in even amounts around the hat to make the ridges.

I think I may try these cute little imitation ugg booties for one of my future projects.....just as soon as someone around me is preggers again

http://pamapaloza.blogspot.com/

Knitting Oiy!

Ok so if you havent noticed I'm a hooker not a knitter......not that I have anything against knitting. It looks great, it moves well BUT god does it take freakin FOREVER!!!! Sooooo I bought one of those knifty knitter sets because I wanted to try one & I had a 40% off coupon for hobby lobby. I really love how knit hats look but I so don't have the patience nor do my hands have the stamina to complete anything on regular needles. I must say I really like the knifty knitter....granted it still takes a while but I think its a lot easier to manipulate so no strain on my already overworked hands & everthing comes out looking pretty good. Here are some of the hats I have made for myself for this winter.....very basic but perfect size for my big melon.

This brown one was made from a recycled thrift store sweater that I was going to sell the yarn I took from it on ebay......but I feel in love with the wool & had to keep it. I had to knit it with 2 strands held together because it was pretty fine & a little fragile









The fuzzy hat was made with a light brown cheapy acrylic & this weird yarn that looked almost like a thin rope with puff balls here & there I got at the dollar tree. I love it I think it looks like something you would see in some sheep hearder who lives in the mountains of BFE wearing







Both the blue & the green hats were made from leftovers in the same color ranges

Doggy clothes

This is my baby & her winter ensemble isn't she so freakin cute.

Very easy to make from fleece. Cut one rectangle that is the length of your dog from the back of their neck to their tale......the width is 1/2 what your dog measures around its tummy(make wider if you want it to come down farther on the dog. Now measure around your dogs neck. Divide that number by 2, add 1/2 to one inch to that number (depends on how much overlap you want for the velcro) & you have the 2 pieces that go around the neck....The piece under the belly is the other 1/2 of what you measured you dog around its middle and its width is measured from the back of your dogs front paws to about 2-3 in before their naughty bits (2in for girls & 3in or more for boys).

I like to use 2 pieces of fabric for each piece for the really cold winters. Sew as directed below on the yellow lines....

Coca-Cola kitchen

Here are a few of the thing I have made or revamped for my kitchen. My g/f was allowed to pick the design of one room.....the kitchen. The design.....coca-cola.

Our ghetto fridge. A friend at work gave this to me when I bought my house last year. It had been in storage since god knows how long & it was FILTHY. Its missing those metal things on the doors that hold things in. The bottom shelve would cave in if it didnt have two drawers, some of the rubber is missing around the door & there is no light. Sooooooooo since it is pretty much going to be trashed when I can afford a new spiffy stainless steel one why not paint it right?

Its not completed yet......I couldnt find appliance paint in the obnoxious red I wanted so I used primer recomended by a dude at Homo Depot....unfortunately I didnt listen to myself and sand it prior so I had to basically redo the whole top portion because when I took off the tape I was using for lines the primer came with it.

When finished it will look like the old machines with the 5cent dispencers.

The rug in front is made from hot pads bought at the dollar tree, sewn together. Im going to eventually paint them to look like pop bottle caps

closeup of rug..........

the little box on top of the fride holds my extra dish sponges & was made of a recycled 12pack case.........you'll notice I'm notorious for reusing trash. I cant help being a hippy, it helps combat the consumerist that has pretty much been beaten into me by todays media

Sponge box......



I have also taken old soda bottle crates & turned them into a spice rack & storage for all my teas