I don't think I'll ever get sick of Kool-Aid...

Every once in a while, my mom gets me to clean out my closet.  But it's really not so bad because sometimes, I find things like this old sweater.  I've had it for years and loved it, had memories with it, etc, but now it's just the wrong fit.  So I followed this tutorial and scrapped it for yarn!  My seams were actually crocheted, so taking everything apart was pretty much a piece of cake (find the end and pull!).

The front (pretty cables, huh?):



And back:



I got 1050 yards out of it, which is insane, and I've never had green before!  But something about using that much same-color yarn sounds beyond boring, so I dragged my brother into a dye party!  I used Kool-aid and about twenty tutorials off the internet, just trying out different methods.  (Like this, this, and this.)

He's supposed to be the artistic one, so I gave him the second skein from my last dye run (with the coffee).  I was actually really scared of his skein at first...  He pretty much drenched it in red dye, at first.



And if that's not the face of a happy teenage boy, then I don't know what is.  I think he's a bit embarassed about how pink it turned out though!



I did the same method with 300yds of green sweater yarn, in blues and greens.  It also helped straighten the yarn, so it'll knit up easier.  But look at all the variegation!



Want a close up?  (And that finger in the bottom is what happens when you dont use gloves.)



About the fiber content, the bright red is Patons Classic Wool in Natural (so 100% wool) and the sweater tag read 50% acrylic, 25% wool, and 25% nylon, so I'm pretty sure I can't get anything darker than a tint...  Does anyone have any ideas for finding its gauge weight?  Then I could just buy the correct size, rather than a full set and trying them all.  It seems like it might make a nice sock yarn too.

I'm also trying the dip dye method, but i'm leaving it out in the sun, so it's taking a lot longer...  Maybe I'll get some nice subtle striping?  The vinegar bottle is just there to prop up the undyed part and avoid the cappillary action. (Like when water "climbs up" surfaces like paper or you link a full glass and an empty glass with yarn and the water drips into the empty glass.)



So, I still have 600 yds to dye, but I'm *completely* wiped out of Kool-Aid.  I'm thinking about selling a skein or two on Etsy...  I can't imagine using up all of this yarn any time soon, but knowing me, it would be gone in an instant.  Either way, anyone interested?  I'll take suggestions too, at least until I can get to the grocery store for more dye.

Thanks!  And sorry it's so long, but I'm very proud.  Once I learn to spin, I'll have almost the entire process down!  All I want/need now is a sheep!

-Cristy

Currently Watching: Yes Dear

Random Photo Friday 8

It's Photo Friday on a Thursday!  This is mainly because tomorrow, I have to take an exam, pack my room, drive back home, etc.  So, first...

This isn't very crafty, per se, but graphic design is a skill I'm rather bent on learning...  This may not be the most groundbreaking work ever, but the tutorial was an excellent exercise in technique.  (I also made that banner up top. ^.^)



Next, I picked this necklace up a thrift store, Time After Time, with the intention of scrapping it for parts.  (And I really needed a clasp...)  It'll reappear in various incarnations eventually.



And the original reason I bought the necklace, which I'm sending off to the Uniform Project tomorrow!  I think I'll be taking custom orders on these too, if anyone's interested.  Email me, and we can work something out!



Finally, this is part of the crochet project I mentioned a while ago.  I've been in a slump recently, as i'm sure you've noticed, so he's in limbo for right now...  But I'll be back, I promise!



-Cristy

Currently Watching: The Daily Show with Jon Stewart - "Wednesday, July 22, 2009"

Random Photo Friday 7

Photo Friday is back!  I had no school today and, what with exams next week, I thought I ought to make the most of it.

First, another trip to the book store!  I love it dearly, and if you're ever in Chapel Hill, NC, I recommend a visit.  I have a passion for truly old books, so meet Mrs. Margaret Sangster's Good Manners for All Occasions, published in 1904.  Her paragraphs on proper correspondence and the value of your typewriter are my favorites, so far...  Also, the design on the front is probably going to be inspiration for an art project in the future.



There's also a note on the first page which I can't completely decipher...  The first line, "Anna +..." is beyond me, but the rest reads "Trinity College.  Durham, NC.  Jan. 1905.  'Fairyland.'"  Trinity College became Duke University in 1924, thanks to a grant from a tobacco magnate.  Anyways, if you can read that first line, give me a hand?



Really, this book was full of surprises.  As I was reading it, this page feel out.  It's an advertisement for a Christian newsletter.  Most interesting:  you could subscribe for $1.50 per year and there's an inky fingerprint in the top right corner!  The paper's been in the book so long that it stained the facing pages.



My second purchase was I Will Be a Lady: A Book for Girls, by Mrs. Tuthill.  This is the 28th edition (popular book, huh?), published in 1854.  I haven't started reading it yet, but I love the amount of attention the bookmaker paid his (or her) work.  And if anyone knows anything about printing in the 1850s...



Also, the cover is gorgeous.  Seriously, how do you do this?



Alright, I usually try to limit the number of pictures to four, but yeah...  One last one, I promise!  I finally managed to get into Lime & Basil, a Vietnamese Restuarant near school.  I tried an appetizer and, though I was expecting something completely different, it was really good!  Now I'm hungry all over again...   If you're in the area, check it out!  I'm taking my mother there when she visits next week, so I can try the rest of the menu!



That's it for the photos, but if you don't feel like leaving me yet, you can always leave a comment on my last post!  I'm still looking for advice...  Remember, I can either lengthen the necklace or send it as is and experiment with Kool-Aid on the rest of the yarn.  Anyways, thank you very much!  I really do appreciate all of you.

-Cristy

Progress! And some advice wanted...

Yes, this has been an all-consuming project recently...  I *do* have school, you know.  Anyways, I managed to finish up all of the beads in a few days.  They take a rather deceptive amount of yarn, probably because these are slightly bigger that my originals.  So I managed a total of 22, and I think I want more...



And this would be me wearing it.  I think I'm a bit taller (5'9") than the recipient, but it's hard to tell from the internet.  Now here's my big question.  Do you think this is enough or should I attempt to dye two more batches?  You can see the color variation in this picture, and I'm not sure how possible it would be to repeat it...  It's about 3.5 ft long from end to end right now.



Thank you guys!  Comments would be beyond helpful.

-Cristy

I dyed!

*Ahem* Be careful when you say that over the phone.  Harry was worried he was dating a zombie.

Anyways, clearly no Photo Friday today because, well, my week has been pretty boring and I don't think you want a photo montage of my classes.  But dyeing for the first time is much more exciting, really.  I also already have plans for this yarn, so that's what we'll be doing probably for most of next week... The dyeing is after the jump!

-Cristy

Happy (belated) Independence Day!

I'm a horrible blogger, I know!  I better have a story to make up for my absence, right?  It's one of those stories I'll look back at and laugh.  Here goes...



At the very last minute, Harry (pictured) told me he was coming down Thursday.  We hung out, played games, etc until Saturday (Independence Day in the US).  He found directions to the State Fair for fireworks and we went to dinner as just the two of us.  Except we forgot to tip the waitress.  Which we blame for the entire rest of the night...

First, the State Fair was unbelievably crowded, so we watched fireworks over a machine shop (very Americana, believe me).  Then, as we're driving home, the car starts having some overheating problems, which were supposedly fixed last week.  We stop at a gas station, check under the hood a bit, and keep going.  Of course, less than 5 miles later, smoke starts pouring out of the hood!  With the help of some sincerely kind people, Harry pushes the car into a movie theater parking lot.

Once Harry arranges everything with AAA, we start trying to find a friend who can get us home.  Of course, this is in the middle of the summer (school and vacation), on a night when beer flows freely and there are explosions to be had.  The only person we reach is Harry's ex-girlfriend, who shows up with her new girlfriend.  The awkwardness in that car was unbelievable, I swear!  (Did I mention we sat in an anthill while we were waiting for her?  I'm still scratching.)  So, between that night and an essay due yesterday, I've been swamped.  But, pleasantly so.  It's nice to be around craziness.

Anyways, thank you very much for listening to me, and (hopefully) we'll have something big later this week!  Did I mention Harry brought me a gift?



It's a squirrel!  And it's tiny!  On a squeeze bottle of lemon juice for comparison.



Much love!

-Cristy

Currently Watching - Kiss the Bride (Hulu.com)

Update...

I've posted Humphrey the Giraffe on Etsy so non-Ravelry users can get him too!  It's the same price either way, and I'll email the pattern to you if you purchase him through Etsy.

Thanks guys!

-Cristy

Zombies! With a little slice of cute...

I haz zombie.  You can haz zombie.  Is gift!

When I began writing the pattern post, I realized it was a bit complicated, and decided to make a PDF instead.  It's available as a download on both the Patterns page and Ravelry.  This isn't exactly my most articulate pattern even, but I'm pretty sure it does the job... Email me about anything you find please!

-Cristy

Currently Listening to: "Dance Floor Anthem" - Good Charlotte (via Pandora.com)

Yarn, a Pattern, and a Shameless Plug

Remember when I claimed I was going to the thrift store for inspiration and supplies?  Well, I didn't.  It turns out they're on vacation (how does a store take a vacation?!) for at least the rest of this month.  But, in the spirit of things, I made a new pattern!  I'm feeling very productive...  Unfortunately, you get this ramble first, but I promise my next post will be a full pattern write-up!  And trust me, this one's possibly cuter than Humphrey.

Whenever I pack for school, I always manage to forgt something desperately important.  This time, I believe I forgot color (the lack of which is pictured to the left).  Humphrey the Giraffe was the very last of my  bright colors , and that little piece of yellow yarn is all that remains.  I really don't know how I managed to squeak by.  And I apoligize for all those little balls of the same stuff, but that's what I get for taking apart complicated projects.

~*~

The bright side to my predicament is that it's forcing me (kicking and screaming) to think of creative patterns that can be covered by shades of blue, shades of black, brown, and white.  Here's a preview for my next post!  Yes, I'm jumping on the zombie bandwagon...  I prefer the girl, but hey, we're an equal opportunity blog and there's room for every kind of zombie here!  And yes, I did make just one zombie model.  (S)He's a little confused... ^.^

The girl is in the dress, and there's the boy in his shorts (not a skirt!).  As usual, they both need names...  I'm not offering a prize this time, but if you think you've got a good one, leave it in the comments!  Also as proof I haven't *completely* forgotten how to knit, the dress and shorts are both knitted!

My final item today is the Uniform Project.  The idea is bring attention to sustainable fashion, while raising money for education for some of India's poorest children at the same time.  It's very much in the same vein as the Little Brown Dress Project from a few years ago, but I think it's a bit more fashion forward and appeals more to a younger generation.  Anyways, the creators of the Uniform Project are open to donations for their outfits, so I emailed them about sending in a piece!  I'll let you know about future developments!  Of course, if you've got something too, they're very very personable and will definitely hear you out!

Happy Monday!

-Cristy

Random Photo Friday 6

Alright, so I really didn't go out and take pictures this time, but I like to keep in rhythm.  This is a mashup of random photos from my computer that just never made it into a post.  I hope you enjoy it.

I'm rather given to anthropomophization (SAT word!) so I couldn't resist this one...



A few months ago, this graffiti motif popped up all over campus.  No explanation was ever offered about its significance, but I thinkat least some of the symbolism is clear.



Today's Public Service Announcement:  what happens when you *do* microwave a "nonmicrowaveable" dish.  And believe me, the sounds were even more alarming than the picture...  I liked this bowl too.



I'll leave you with the nicer cooking picture.  Here's my oatmeal from a few days ago.  I was bored enough to even arrange the (golden) raisins on top into a pretty design.



Thank you for putting up with me this week.  I'm planning a visit to the thrift store on Sunday, so we'll have some fresh material.  Saturday however, I'm taking a personal day.  Harry's coming to visit!

Much love,

-Cristy

This really isn't "crafty", per se...

...but I definitely think art should have a place here!  And because I do love pop culture and the world of comics, I have to draw your attention to Neill Cameron's A-Z of Awesomeness.  The general premise is that readers can submit alliterating sentences, from which Neill choses one per letter to illustrate.  As Neill says, Batman is good, but "Batman Beating up a Bear" is better, especially when illustrated with Neill's incredible work.  He has also started a facebook group (if you're into that) where you can sumbit your own alliterations.

I'll be back later today with business as usual!

-Cristy

Giraffe Contest Winners!

You all made chosing this so unbelievably hard for me, but I'm very pleased to annouce that I chose Hubert (short for Sir Hubert Norris Finkely-Smyth) as my winner!  And, because there were so many great entries, I can't help but recognize the two runner-ups, Granville, and Neil Patrick Harris (nerd crush!) and all three of you will find the pattern in your inboxes shortly!

Hubert is now available on Ravelry (for $5) and I'll try to get my patterns on Etsy once I have more than just Hubert.

Thank you all so very, very much for your time and readership!  You guys keep me going, day in, day out.

-Cristy

Giraffe Giveaway!

I know, I promised he'd be ready today, but the little bugger just won't let me rest!  He tells me he wants a name now...  So, I'm offering a giveaway!  Whomever suggests the best (chosen arbitrarily by me) will get the pattern for free, as well as my undying gratitude!  It's 5 pages, and full of pictures with detailed instructions.  The stitches are extremely easy (single and slip), so this pattern is suitable for all levels!

~*~

If you think you've got a winning name, leave your name, email address, and your suggestions in the comments below.  Everyone has an unlimited number of entries and the contest will end 24 hours hence, at 2pm EST on Tuesday, June 23.  Good luck!

Thank you!

-Cristy

ETA: As it is now 2pm EST, this contest is closed!!  Thank you all for your submissions and I'll back back sometime tonight (after class) with the results!

Pattern Teaser!

Sorta... I mean, it's not very secretive, but I am very in love with this pattern.  It's for sale too!  Which is great for me because I'm poor and Out Of Yarn.  So, help put me through college (or yarn-buying), please?  The PDF will be available on Ravelry and Etsy tomorrow!



My, oh my, what ever could it be... ^.^

-Cristy

Random Photo Friday 5

It's so good to be back in Chapel Hill!  I'm only taking one summer course and most (all) of my friends stayed home, so I'm finding myself with a ton of time on my hands.  Truly disturbing amounts of time...  It's amazing!  In celebration, I braved the NC heat to photo the surrounding area. (I'll try to intersperse those photos throughout the summer.) First, my favorite place to go for a cool drink.  The area was much busier than usual; I think everyone was trying to get outside before it got too scorching...



Next, the bargain book store.  I can't decide if I like this place because of the variety, or the smell.  Not a great picture but I was in the middle of a book on ancient Japanese philosophy... you can't blame me!



I decided against any trite UNC pictures of the Bell Tower or the Old Well, so here's a different perspective.  There's the hospital, the water tower, and at least 5 different dorms, all seen from the end of my hall.



And finally, I was in desperate need of a haircut...  Here it is, right afterwards.  After showering, it has more life and bounce, but this will do for now.



Have a pleasant weekend!

-Cristy

Currently Listening to: "Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt" - We Are Scientists

Eating on a Budget: Part 1

Tomorrow is the first day of my Summer School Session and, desiring to pack lightly, I didn't bring much in the way of crafts (we're talking a single tote bag here, people).  I promise that the crafting will pick up when summer school ends (July 24th) but until then, we're going to talk about food!

The dining halls don't open during summer, so my parents sent me here with $300 in food money (it was the recommended amount).  This works out to about $8.33 per day.  I was also scatterbrained enough to forget both my refridgerator and microwave at home, severly restricting the types of foods I can buy.  I also realized that, the less I spend on food, the more I'll have to put to other uses (ie. yarn, my World of Warcraft subscription, household expenses, etc.) and well, there's no such thing as too much extra money.  So, you're invited along as I learn to cook... please make sure I don't blow anything up.

My restrictions:

• must be cheap eats


• must be light (I'm carrying everything back to my room across campus)


• may not require refrigeration


• lunch must be portable, since I don't plan on returning to my room


• must be healthy and satisfy the food groups

Here are my materials:



Minus the round bowls... and I don't even know if this stuff is microwave-able!  I'm heading to the grocery store tomorrow.

-Cristy

Currently Listening to: "Always" - Saliva (Pandora.com)

My Brea Bag

I've been so very pro-posting this week!  This is what I've been so busy with recently... The Brea Bag from Berroco!  It's a well written pattern, I'll give it that.  I've always liked cables, and I had the front and back pieces done in two days, but the gusset?!  (I had to google "gusset")  The gusset was so incredibly boring!  It took me a month to finish, all becuase of the gusset.  Something about seed stitch just bores me to tears.  Of course, I had to do things my own way too, so my bag is much more circular than it should be.  (Just use US 8s instead of 9s if you want the same look.)  I like it; I think it makes it more age-appropriate for all of my 18-going-on-19 years.  You know you're young when your age is an approximation, rather than a number.

Sick of me talking yet?  Here are the pictures!



For size reference:



Requisite zoom shoot.  I love how well my camera was cooperating on this one.  I wish I knew where the button came from...



I'd like to thank futuregirl for her great tutorial about sewing in linings.  It made it so much easier to do this by hand...

As a whole, I think I'm quite pleased with it...  but it gets it's first trial run tomorrow, for a trip to the movies!

-Cristy

Currently Watching: music videos on VH1

Parfaits for Summer!

I have a strange thing for yogurt, granola, and fruit.  Mix the two together and, well, I'm a very happy camper.  So here's a nice easy recipe for summer.  It makes a nice breakfast or, in my case, a midnight snack!

You'll need:  Granola, Fruit (frozen is the easiest, they're juicier and mix well), plain yogurt, a cup/bowl, and a spoon.  Oh, and saran wrap!



Layer your ingredients in the cup (this one isn't my prettiest...).  As a rule of thumb, I try to end with granola and alternate every other row with yogurt.  It keeps the granola from getting too soggy.  Cover your cup with saran wrap and stick it in the fridge for three hours.  Longer, and that bottom layer gets mushier than I like.  Shorter, and the top layer is still really crunchy.  Of course, it's good anytime, but I think that's the perfect setting time!



I'm working on a knitting project that's running a bit long... but when it's done, I'll be right back here!

-Cristy

Random Photo Friday 4

We've made it through another week!  I've worked on lessening the number of nature-y photos and, what with summer school starting up in another week, we'll have some all new subject matter!

But until then, nature photo! (I'm terrible, I know.)  I never manage to catch bugs when I want the for pictures (you may need to click for a bigger picture).  And besides, I wanted you to experience some of the sweltering heat that is North Carolina!



You know those tomato flowers I showed you a few weeks ago?  Here they are again!  (Though I still don't like tomatoes...)  They're rather.. kumquat shaped. (I love kumquats!)



Now remember when I said I lived in NC?  Not that I'm trying to confirm the redneck stereotype, but we do have this fabulously dilapidated old thing in our backyarn.  I popped my head through the broken window for this shot... (Note:  I *do not* have the accent either, thank you.)  The grate is actually off of the front of this jeep, but was placed here by what I can only assume was insanity.



And finally, did you know we celebrated our 10,000 Page Views Day about a week ago?  (Current: 12,196 views)  Thank you everyone!!  I realized that, despite the 5 months we've been together, I've never actually revealed what I look like.  Oops!  So, I present to you my visage, poorly photographed 30 minutes ago in my bathroom.  I can't decide if I look stern or flighty... What do you think?  Also, enjoy the free pass into my bathroom!



Have a good weekend!

-Cristy

Currently Watching: "House, M.D."

Art + Embroidery = Shortcut

As you may remember from earlier this month, I recieved a package with everything I needed to learn to embroider!  (I haven't worked out the sewing machine part of sewing yet...)  And I've finished my first embroidery piece!  I love it, and I'd like to display it in a frame someday...  Of course, proper embroidery protocol calls for an iron-on pattern, but who follows instructions??  For this quickie, I borrowed a technique I learned years ago in a middle school art class.  Steps after the image and the jump.



Look at it!  I know, tension's probably an issue, it needs to be ironed, and I should've waited for daylight, but I love it!!  The labeling was all freehand, and I'm still not sure whether I was to add the blood flow arrows.  I do like that it's color coded and everything, though.  I'm thinking I might try some satin stitch too, inside the heart.  I also initially made the blood vessels with 6 strands, but ended up pulling up all my stitches in favor of 3.  Thoughts/critiques? (please!)

-Cristy

Currently Watching: "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"