WIPs: 1 present
FOs: 1 present, all of the boot cuffs
Hello, my lovelies!
Yes indeed, I am hitting the busiest season, it seems. Busy with work, busy with the house, busy with Christmas parties/dinners all this week, and busy with knitting, too!
But, I have the commission for the boot cuffs done, and they're delivered.
I have 1/2 presents finished.
And I sold a pair of mittens on Etsy! Super stoked about that.
Otherwise, going to get through this week and then I have a lot of time off at home to catch up, relax, and etc.
Also, done 3/9 of the next set of work outs! Whoot!
Other than that, tired from getting up so early, but good.
So I'll let you know more tomorrow, and I'll show you photos of presents after Christmas. :)
Katie =^..^=
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
Hobbit, Hobbit, Hobbit, Hobbit, Hobbit, Hobbit, Hobbit TIME!
WIPs: 6/6 Boot cuffs (shhhh. They're about 3/4s done.)
FOs: None
Yes, that's right. I'm a crazy one and I'm going to see The Hobbit on opening day. But I have tickets, and I have the posse, and we're going to enjoy it! Sooooo excited! I've been hearing good things already, so I'm stoked.
I'll be ready for a sleep in tomorrow, though, and then it's back to the gym for cardio tomorrow, Sunday, and Monday. Then the ramp up to Christmas!! Still have presents I need to knit (I know, I know. Can you hear the sizzle? That's my brain).
I've been good keeping up with the gym, and I plan to continue you this even after Christmas! My incentive: I get to buy my wedding shoes once I'm done all my phases~! (About three months.) Must do it. haha (Another good incentive should be the fact that I want to reduce my medication...But shoes!)
Let's see. The problem with me trying to post everyday is that I run out of things to talk about. Which is not very good for you or I. I'm sure I'll have more to say tomorrow, though, after the Hobbit. Or I may keep that for Monday, and take this weekend off.
Dallas is home, which is awesome, and tonight we're going to go pick up my wedding band and get him properly fitted for his band.
And then, to The Hobbit, and the likely crazy lines~!
Now, back to the regularly scheduled boot cuff.
Has anyone else gone to, or is going to see, "The Hobbit" at a midnight/opening day/weekend showing? Let me know, spoiler-free, in the comments!
Have a lovely evening, my darlings!
Katie =^..^=
FOs: None
Yes, that's right. I'm a crazy one and I'm going to see The Hobbit on opening day. But I have tickets, and I have the posse, and we're going to enjoy it! Sooooo excited! I've been hearing good things already, so I'm stoked.
I'll be ready for a sleep in tomorrow, though, and then it's back to the gym for cardio tomorrow, Sunday, and Monday. Then the ramp up to Christmas!! Still have presents I need to knit (I know, I know. Can you hear the sizzle? That's my brain).
I've been good keeping up with the gym, and I plan to continue you this even after Christmas! My incentive: I get to buy my wedding shoes once I'm done all my phases~! (About three months.) Must do it. haha (Another good incentive should be the fact that I want to reduce my medication...But shoes!)
Let's see. The problem with me trying to post everyday is that I run out of things to talk about. Which is not very good for you or I. I'm sure I'll have more to say tomorrow, though, after the Hobbit. Or I may keep that for Monday, and take this weekend off.
Dallas is home, which is awesome, and tonight we're going to go pick up my wedding band and get him properly fitted for his band.
And then, to The Hobbit, and the likely crazy lines~!
Now, back to the regularly scheduled boot cuff.
Has anyone else gone to, or is going to see, "The Hobbit" at a midnight/opening day/weekend showing? Let me know, spoiler-free, in the comments!
Have a lovely evening, my darlings!
Katie =^..^=
Thursday, December 13, 2012
1/3 Weeks to a Good Habit
WIPs: 6/6 Boot cuffs
FOs: None
So, I have been to the gym for exactly one week today. Which means that I'm 33.33333333% towards what most people benchmark as a good habit: 3 weeks.
Celebration! Especially considering that I was up at 5:40 am this morning to meet with a trainer (save me from myself, please)!
And I'm rinsing and repeating that again tomorrow! But there are two evening things that are helping me through it.
Today, Dallas comes home for his Christmas break, the last guaranteed one in who knows how long.
And tomorrow, we go to see "The Hobbit"!!! Sooooooo stoked for that!
And then, this weekend, we're planning to see Zoo-Lights this weekend, and I definitely want to take in the Lion's Festival of Lights, which is set up every year on 14th St. in Calgary!
Let's see. Otherwise, mostly just been a super zombie day today. I am definitely not used to getting up as early as I have been, so still adjusting out. (I'm a night owl. We'll see how this transition goes.)
I'll have the boot cuffs (hopefully) finished tomorrow, and then they can head off to their happy recipient(s).
Other than that, this is a short one, folks.
Have a good night, my lovelies!
Katie =^..^=
FOs: None
So, I have been to the gym for exactly one week today. Which means that I'm 33.33333333% towards what most people benchmark as a good habit: 3 weeks.
Celebration! Especially considering that I was up at 5:40 am this morning to meet with a trainer (save me from myself, please)!
And I'm rinsing and repeating that again tomorrow! But there are two evening things that are helping me through it.
Today, Dallas comes home for his Christmas break, the last guaranteed one in who knows how long.
And tomorrow, we go to see "The Hobbit"!!! Sooooooo stoked for that!
And then, this weekend, we're planning to see Zoo-Lights this weekend, and I definitely want to take in the Lion's Festival of Lights, which is set up every year on 14th St. in Calgary!
Let's see. Otherwise, mostly just been a super zombie day today. I am definitely not used to getting up as early as I have been, so still adjusting out. (I'm a night owl. We'll see how this transition goes.)
I'll have the boot cuffs (hopefully) finished tomorrow, and then they can head off to their happy recipient(s).
Other than that, this is a short one, folks.
Have a good night, my lovelies!
Katie =^..^=
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Wedding Wednesday, Post 1/Seven Dozen (84)
WIPs: 6/6 Boot cuff
FOs: None
Sorry for the short blog yesterday! Between commissions, being up for the gym each morning, and doing misc. stuff for life/venue hunting, I've been super busy and, in the end of it all, super tired.
But! Today is special, for today is the inaugural post of my "Wedding Wednesday" posts, which I will do each week for the 7-dozen weeks until the wedding! The last one that I plan to do is the Wednesday before the wedding, which is July 2014.
These weekly posts are designed to help keep me on track and to not drive you guys crazy with updates in every single post that I write up over the week.
Right now, we're looking into the venues, because that's my one big thing that I want to do, so I can decide what I can and want to make to decorate the space that we will be in.
The we can do save-the-date postcards from somewhere, and be on our merry little way towards being married!
Other than that, this is essentially just a warm-up post to let you all know what I will be doing here each week. Things won't really start to gear up until after we've booked our venue, etc.
Have an awesome evening, my lovelies!
Katie =^..^=
FOs: None
Sorry for the short blog yesterday! Between commissions, being up for the gym each morning, and doing misc. stuff for life/venue hunting, I've been super busy and, in the end of it all, super tired.
But! Today is special, for today is the inaugural post of my "Wedding Wednesday" posts, which I will do each week for the 7-dozen weeks until the wedding! The last one that I plan to do is the Wednesday before the wedding, which is July 2014.
These weekly posts are designed to help keep me on track and to not drive you guys crazy with updates in every single post that I write up over the week.
Right now, we're looking into the venues, because that's my one big thing that I want to do, so I can decide what I can and want to make to decorate the space that we will be in.
The we can do save-the-date postcards from somewhere, and be on our merry little way towards being married!
Other than that, this is essentially just a warm-up post to let you all know what I will be doing here each week. Things won't really start to gear up until after we've booked our venue, etc.
Have an awesome evening, my lovelies!
Katie =^..^=
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
In which, this Author Writes Post #5
WIPs: 6/6 boot cuffs (yay!)
FOs: 5/6 boot cuffs
Let's see...
Busy at work today! So I don't have much to say. haha
I did get out to knit night last night, which was good. But I'm exhausted, as I have been up everyday to work out.
So with that...I'm going to head for tonight.
Watch out for tomorrow's post, which is going to be the first "Wedding Wednesday" post!
Have an awesome night, my lovelies!
Katie =^..^=
FOs: 5/6 boot cuffs
Let's see...
Busy at work today! So I don't have much to say. haha
I did get out to knit night last night, which was good. But I'm exhausted, as I have been up everyday to work out.
So with that...I'm going to head for tonight.
Watch out for tomorrow's post, which is going to be the first "Wedding Wednesday" post!
Have an awesome night, my lovelies!
Katie =^..^=
Monday, December 10, 2012
Day # 4
On the needles: 5/6 Boot cuffs (almost there~!)
FOs: 4/6 boot cuffs!
Tonight is knit night, which means I'm doing a short post.
Done 5 days at the gym so far, with tomorrow being number 6. This morning, I was even there at about 7!
Pros of being at the gym so early:
Hardly anyone there
Good wake up
Cons of being at the gym so early:
Tired by 6pm
In bed by 9ish.
But I will persevere (I hope)! haha
I've also come to a decision about wedding stuff.
Rather than rambling in each post about what I'm doing, I'm going to do one post per week on Wednesdays! These will be the "Wedding Wednesday" posts, and I'll ramble on in those posts about what nefarious plans I have concocted that week!
Let's see...
Just working on the boot cuffs. Hope to be done tomorrow at the latest. :)
Hope all you lovelies have a wonderful evening!
Katie =^..^=
FOs: 4/6 boot cuffs!
Tonight is knit night, which means I'm doing a short post.
Done 5 days at the gym so far, with tomorrow being number 6. This morning, I was even there at about 7!
Pros of being at the gym so early:
Hardly anyone there
Good wake up
Cons of being at the gym so early:
Tired by 6pm
In bed by 9ish.
But I will persevere (I hope)! haha
I've also come to a decision about wedding stuff.
Rather than rambling in each post about what I'm doing, I'm going to do one post per week on Wednesdays! These will be the "Wedding Wednesday" posts, and I'll ramble on in those posts about what nefarious plans I have concocted that week!
Let's see...
Just working on the boot cuffs. Hope to be done tomorrow at the latest. :)
Hope all you lovelies have a wonderful evening!
Katie =^..^=
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Day # 3
On the Needles: 4/6 boot cuff!
FOs: 1 more boot cuff
That's right! I'm down to the last three boot cuffs, and I'm already about a quarter of the way through this fourth one!! Yay!!
Got all the Christmas gifts wrapped yesterday. Now to just finish the super secret Christmas presents, which I will this coming week.
Today will be the fourth day that I will go to the gym. I'm just waiting for my tummy to settle after breakfast. I don't want to give myself stitches!
I also totally spoilt myself yesterday and bought myself some Dragonfly Dyewerx BFL (Blue Faced Leicester) fibre. I have two braids of it, for a total of 200 grams. Once I'm finished boot cuffs, I am going to spin some of this (that's the goal for today, anyway). The colour really, really, really reminds me of a kind of cherry blossom/black cherry sort of thing. I'll make sure to take progress pictures, don't worry. Also, Dragonfly Dyewerx is out of Drumheller, AB, Canada, so she's actually pretty local to me! I bought it at a local store called The Loop (in Kensington). They are wonderful ladies and terrible enablers. I wouldn't have gotten the two braids, but the lady said that the one had a twin...And I quickly fell down from there. hahaha I've told Dallas that if he ever wants to get me a "just because" gift, that's the place to go, because any of the colours that were there yesterday, I would LOVE to have in my possession. haha
Let's see...
I'm figuring out how to do DIY invitations for our wedding! It's so awesome that we have so long of time in between, because it's giving me a chance to plan out and also organize what I want to do. DIY invitations look like they're going to be awesome to do! And one of my bride's minions is going to draw a custom invitation for us, because she's awesome! And an amazing artist. In fact, you see some of her art every time that you come to this blog, for she drew my Etsy logo! You can find her here: Starlitdragon and bask in the glory that is her art.
Other than that, can't really do much right now anyway. Just relaxing over Christmas. And I'm going to look over more once Dallas is home so that we can decide together what we want for things. Because, once we decide what venue we will be at, we (I) can start making the decorations that I want! And yes, a lot of this will be handmade, because I want this event to reflect both of our tastes, and since it's fairly eclectic, it'll have to be handmade.
This all definitely leaning towards a strange mix of classical informatlity. I want semi-formal. But that will also be up for discussion with Dallas.
Anyway. If anyone gets tired of me talking about all of this, please let me know. I'm just super excited, and I want to share! Maybe I'll start warning you that the "wedding section" is coming up, and then you can scroll down to the end of "wedding section" if you don't want to read about it. I won't know the difference! haha
Oh yeah, and after this whole Christmas rush, spinning, etc. I have to get geared up for the Mommylicious show on January 20th in Calgary. Fingers crossed I can do it!
Anyway. Just a few more minutes and it'll be gym time. Hope all is well with you, my dears.
Take care!
Katie =^..^=
FOs: 1 more boot cuff
That's right! I'm down to the last three boot cuffs, and I'm already about a quarter of the way through this fourth one!! Yay!!
Got all the Christmas gifts wrapped yesterday. Now to just finish the super secret Christmas presents, which I will this coming week.
Today will be the fourth day that I will go to the gym. I'm just waiting for my tummy to settle after breakfast. I don't want to give myself stitches!
I also totally spoilt myself yesterday and bought myself some Dragonfly Dyewerx BFL (Blue Faced Leicester) fibre. I have two braids of it, for a total of 200 grams. Once I'm finished boot cuffs, I am going to spin some of this (that's the goal for today, anyway). The colour really, really, really reminds me of a kind of cherry blossom/black cherry sort of thing. I'll make sure to take progress pictures, don't worry. Also, Dragonfly Dyewerx is out of Drumheller, AB, Canada, so she's actually pretty local to me! I bought it at a local store called The Loop (in Kensington). They are wonderful ladies and terrible enablers. I wouldn't have gotten the two braids, but the lady said that the one had a twin...And I quickly fell down from there. hahaha I've told Dallas that if he ever wants to get me a "just because" gift, that's the place to go, because any of the colours that were there yesterday, I would LOVE to have in my possession. haha
Let's see...
I'm figuring out how to do DIY invitations for our wedding! It's so awesome that we have so long of time in between, because it's giving me a chance to plan out and also organize what I want to do. DIY invitations look like they're going to be awesome to do! And one of my bride's minions is going to draw a custom invitation for us, because she's awesome! And an amazing artist. In fact, you see some of her art every time that you come to this blog, for she drew my Etsy logo! You can find her here: Starlitdragon and bask in the glory that is her art.
Other than that, can't really do much right now anyway. Just relaxing over Christmas. And I'm going to look over more once Dallas is home so that we can decide together what we want for things. Because, once we decide what venue we will be at, we (I) can start making the decorations that I want! And yes, a lot of this will be handmade, because I want this event to reflect both of our tastes, and since it's fairly eclectic, it'll have to be handmade.
This all definitely leaning towards a strange mix of classical informatlity. I want semi-formal. But that will also be up for discussion with Dallas.
Anyway. If anyone gets tired of me talking about all of this, please let me know. I'm just super excited, and I want to share! Maybe I'll start warning you that the "wedding section" is coming up, and then you can scroll down to the end of "wedding section" if you don't want to read about it. I won't know the difference! haha
Oh yeah, and after this whole Christmas rush, spinning, etc. I have to get geared up for the Mommylicious show on January 20th in Calgary. Fingers crossed I can do it!
Anyway. Just a few more minutes and it'll be gym time. Hope all is well with you, my dears.
Take care!
Katie =^..^=
Friday, December 7, 2012
Day # 2
WIPs: Boot cuffs
FOs: None
Progress: some (almost done 1/3 pairs of cuffs)!
They say it takes about three weeks to establish and maintain a good habit. So here's to day # 2 of habit making!
I went to the gym last night, and again this morning, and I'm all pumped and ready to go tomorrow and Sunday, and then I have to start training with my trainer again.
And, although I was up at about 6am this morning (well, my alarm started then. I didn't get up untilthe still unholy hour of 6:30am), I am feeling quite energized...But at the same time like I will actually be able to go to bed tonight and get an amazing night's sleep. Yay! Means that I'll try to be up at the still unholy hour of a wonderful hour of 6ish. I need to be up earlier than I was today to hit the gym earlier on the weekdays (less people, more spare time for me getting to work).
The upside of this is that the gym doesn't open until 8 on weekend, which means I can get up and make myself a nice, hot breakfast, and get some knitting done (i.e. the boot cuffs. haha)~!
This is also day #2 for my blog posts! Yay! By the way, the 50th post brought my views up over 1600 views! So happy about it.
Also, I found pineapple-flavoured Danone yogurt drinks...Actually surprisingly tasty! I hope it helps cultivate good bacteria in my body!
Let's see...
Finally got all the information from all of the venues that we've been looking at. I think it's helped narrow it down to two specific ones, which we'll go look at in January (I think).
I know that it may seem like a long ways out, but I do really want to do this now so that they don't get booked up before we even get a chance, and since we do have such a long time we get our pick, mostly.
Another benefit on knowing where we'll be is we can put the town on Save-the-Dates, which I want to get out soon so that my international friends that I'm inviting have time to save to come here. It also allows me to see the space and see how I can decorate, and what handmade items I want to make to decorate. :) (i.e. garlands of yarn pom-poms, anyone? hahaha)
I'm going to have so much fun with this~!
Dallas has this last trip up north and then he's home for Christmas, so we can sit down and talk more seriously about what we want to do, and budget around things. He was studying for an exam last week he was home, and so that wasn't conducive to talking about much else. (Fingers crossed he passes!) (He thinks that he's going to be going from stressing about exams to stressing about wedding details. I told him no. It's going to be a lot of fun planning! At least, that's how I'm going to look at it, and that seems to be half the battle. That and I think I have amazing bridesmaids (actually, a Minion of Honour and Bride's Minions, which is even better)!)
If you read Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's wonderful Yarn Harlot blog, you will notice that I am likely going to start emulating her a bit more (like, with struck-out text above). If you don't read her blog, go do it. Do it now!!!! She's fantastic. :) And Canadian (all the better).
Now, to go contemplate...things. Like knitting (one more row and bind off for the first pair)!
Have a lovely evening, my dears!
Katie =^..^=
FOs: None
Progress: some (almost done 1/3 pairs of cuffs)!
They say it takes about three weeks to establish and maintain a good habit. So here's to day # 2 of habit making!
I went to the gym last night, and again this morning, and I'm all pumped and ready to go tomorrow and Sunday, and then I have to start training with my trainer again.
And, although I was up at about 6am this morning (well, my alarm started then. I didn't get up until
The upside of this is that the gym doesn't open until 8 on weekend, which means I can get up and make myself a nice, hot breakfast, and get some knitting done (i.e. the boot cuffs. haha)~!
This is also day #2 for my blog posts! Yay! By the way, the 50th post brought my views up over 1600 views! So happy about it.
Also, I found pineapple-flavoured Danone yogurt drinks...Actually surprisingly tasty! I hope it helps cultivate good bacteria in my body!
Let's see...
Finally got all the information from all of the venues that we've been looking at. I think it's helped narrow it down to two specific ones, which we'll go look at in January (I think).
I know that it may seem like a long ways out, but I do really want to do this now so that they don't get booked up before we even get a chance, and since we do have such a long time we get our pick, mostly.
Another benefit on knowing where we'll be is we can put the town on Save-the-Dates, which I want to get out soon so that my international friends that I'm inviting have time to save to come here. It also allows me to see the space and see how I can decorate, and what handmade items I want to make to decorate. :) (i.e. garlands of yarn pom-poms, anyone? hahaha)
I'm going to have so much fun with this~!
Dallas has this last trip up north and then he's home for Christmas, so we can sit down and talk more seriously about what we want to do, and budget around things. He was studying for an exam last week he was home, and so that wasn't conducive to talking about much else. (Fingers crossed he passes!) (He thinks that he's going to be going from stressing about exams to stressing about wedding details. I told him no. It's going to be a lot of fun planning! At least, that's how I'm going to look at it, and that seems to be half the battle. That and I think I have amazing bridesmaids (actually, a Minion of Honour and Bride's Minions, which is even better)!)
If you read Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's wonderful Yarn Harlot blog, you will notice that I am likely going to start emulating her a bit more (like, with struck-out text above). If you don't read her blog, go do it. Do it now!!!! She's fantastic. :) And Canadian (all the better).
Now, to go contemplate...things. Like knitting (one more row and bind off for the first pair)!
Have a lovely evening, my dears!
Katie =^..^=
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Oh Tannenbaum...(Post 50!) And the Goal Post!
WiP: Boot cuffs
ItP: You know from the last post. haha
FOs: None
So, you know how I was saying I was getting busier?
Well, part of that was going out and getting a Christmas tree (which had to then thaw). And then I wrapped my parents' gifts, since we saw them yesterday. And I know we're heading to their place for Christmas...But you never know, what with the roads between, etc.
Anyway. We met for dinner, and it was good. :) And then we went home and decorated the Christmas tree, which looks awesome!
Went to the gym tonight, which was good! One of my goals is to get fit.
This brings me to the goals that I want to achieve over the next year (and yes, I know, I know, New Year's, etc, but why can't goals start at any time of year? Like now? Better now than later)!
So, without further ado, here's my list of desired goals:
1. Get fit (fit enough that I drop some weight, but also that I can either reduce my medication or go off of it completely)
1. a. Eat healthier (no more sugary drinks or cookies from Starbucks. I'm allowed cream in my coffee, though!)
2. Start writing here, if not every, every second day.
3. Start writing fiction again
4. Finish my wedding shawl in time for the 2013 Stampede Showcase
5. Have updates for my Etsy shop every two weeks (there won't be one this week, though, either...I'm slogged down in comissions)
6. Read a book a month, at least.
7. Have fun!
These goals will fluctuate, but I've just been thinking over it, and these are the top priorities.
Hence, you folks have to hold me accountable! I am going to post a picture of my knitting process each time I post (following this one), and hopefully that'll help.
In other news, still reading through YarnHarlot.ca's archives. They're awesome!
It's warmed up a lot in Calgary and helped dry up the roads, which is nice.
Dallas heads up North again today, which sucks, but at least when he's home next he's off for Christmas! (Last guaranteed one for who knows how long. haha)
Anyway, heading out. Have a lovely evening, my dears!
Katie =^..^=
ItP: You know from the last post. haha
FOs: None
So, you know how I was saying I was getting busier?
Well, part of that was going out and getting a Christmas tree (which had to then thaw). And then I wrapped my parents' gifts, since we saw them yesterday. And I know we're heading to their place for Christmas...But you never know, what with the roads between, etc.
Anyway. We met for dinner, and it was good. :) And then we went home and decorated the Christmas tree, which looks awesome!
Went to the gym tonight, which was good! One of my goals is to get fit.
This brings me to the goals that I want to achieve over the next year (and yes, I know, I know, New Year's, etc, but why can't goals start at any time of year? Like now? Better now than later)!
So, without further ado, here's my list of desired goals:
1. Get fit (fit enough that I drop some weight, but also that I can either reduce my medication or go off of it completely)
1. a. Eat healthier (no more sugary drinks or cookies from Starbucks. I'm allowed cream in my coffee, though!)
2. Start writing here, if not every, every second day.
3. Start writing fiction again
4. Finish my wedding shawl in time for the 2013 Stampede Showcase
5. Have updates for my Etsy shop every two weeks (there won't be one this week, though, either...I'm slogged down in comissions)
6. Read a book a month, at least.
7. Have fun!
These goals will fluctuate, but I've just been thinking over it, and these are the top priorities.
Hence, you folks have to hold me accountable! I am going to post a picture of my knitting process each time I post (following this one), and hopefully that'll help.
In other news, still reading through YarnHarlot.ca's archives. They're awesome!
It's warmed up a lot in Calgary and helped dry up the roads, which is nice.
Dallas heads up North again today, which sucks, but at least when he's home next he's off for Christmas! (Last guaranteed one for who knows how long. haha)
Anyway, heading out. Have a lovely evening, my dears!
Katie =^..^=
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Neglectful~!
WIP: Boot cuffs
ItP: Calligraphy Cardigan, Spanish Peacock, felted mittens, etc.
FOs: 1/6 boot cuffs (yes, really it's only a half-finished object, but let me count it. hahaha)
Hey everyone!
I know, I've been super neglectful of the blog. :/ Life's been super busy, and leading up into Christmas, my already busy workload is...busier. haha
On top of that, still tracking down information from venues, some of which have been easier to get the information from than others.
Otherwise, just trying to keep up on commissions outside of my 9-5 job. As well as knit a couple presents. ^^'
I'm going through and reading all of the old Yarn Harlot blog entries. Just for fun. :)
Also plotting out where we'll be for Christmas.
Tonight, we get our Christmas tree! Which means I can legitimately wrap Dallas's gifts to put them underneath so he can be left guessing when he comes home next~! hehehehe (Shhhh...I can't tell on this public space, just in case he DOES end up reading the blog.)
Other than that, just busy, busy, busy. Time flies!
Have an awesome evening, my lovelies! <3
Katie =^..^=
ItP: Calligraphy Cardigan, Spanish Peacock, felted mittens, etc.
FOs: 1/6 boot cuffs (yes, really it's only a half-finished object, but let me count it. hahaha)
Hey everyone!
I know, I've been super neglectful of the blog. :/ Life's been super busy, and leading up into Christmas, my already busy workload is...busier. haha
On top of that, still tracking down information from venues, some of which have been easier to get the information from than others.
Otherwise, just trying to keep up on commissions outside of my 9-5 job. As well as knit a couple presents. ^^'
I'm going through and reading all of the old Yarn Harlot blog entries. Just for fun. :)
Also plotting out where we'll be for Christmas.
Tonight, we get our Christmas tree! Which means I can legitimately wrap Dallas's gifts to put them underneath so he can be left guessing when he comes home next~! hehehehe (Shhhh...I can't tell on this public space, just in case he DOES end up reading the blog.)
Other than that, just busy, busy, busy. Time flies!
Have an awesome evening, my lovelies! <3
Katie =^..^=
Friday, November 30, 2012
Busy Week Behind Me, Busy Weeks Ahead of Me
WIPs: wedding blanket
FOs: Little Boy Blue Baby Blanket
ItP: Boot cuffs (casting on tonight!), personal Christmas presents
Yep, it's that time of year. I have a couple last minute gifts I actually really need to make. Oops! haha But the end of November/beginning of December always has me in a Christmas. Particularly this year, since I don't have to worry about exams or papers or anything else, just work.
Which means, that I'm free to go out to Canmore on Saturday, with a friend, to (hopefully) finish up my Christmas shopping! Yay! hahaha
Otherwise, I have some orders to finish and a couple personal gifts to finish up before then. But I think I can do it! I can't tell you what they are, but they are pretty fast projects.
I've finished the baby boy blanket, now called the Little Boy Blue Baby Blanket. So gorgeous and soft! I'll post a picture later on for you all to see. It's knit out of Lion Brand Homespun, with the Lion Brand pattern "Diagonal Baby Blanket."
Other than that, been trying to track down information on venues (why don't people email when they say they're going to...? I don't like having to re-contact people a THIRD time...It's actually the best way to lose my money. Just saying), which has had almost exactly a 50% success rate. haha Some of the venues were super prompt and got me the information on Friday, as promised; others that said that they would didn't, so I called back. Then they promised it for Tuesday. Now it's been a full week...And still nothing. One even emailed me when I was out of the office and told me that she would get me information on Wednesday. And she did. And so that impresses me.
But enough ranting. I just don't like having to do double or triple the amount of work to track something down, especially when I could be spending a lot of money if you just pay a bit of attention and send me the promised email.
/end rant
Sorry, some things just get my gall.
Anyway, heading out. I'll chat at you all later. :)
Katie =^..^=
FOs: Little Boy Blue Baby Blanket
ItP: Boot cuffs (casting on tonight!), personal Christmas presents
Yep, it's that time of year. I have a couple last minute gifts I actually really need to make. Oops! haha But the end of November/beginning of December always has me in a Christmas. Particularly this year, since I don't have to worry about exams or papers or anything else, just work.
Which means, that I'm free to go out to Canmore on Saturday, with a friend, to (hopefully) finish up my Christmas shopping! Yay! hahaha
Otherwise, I have some orders to finish and a couple personal gifts to finish up before then. But I think I can do it! I can't tell you what they are, but they are pretty fast projects.
I've finished the baby boy blanket, now called the Little Boy Blue Baby Blanket. So gorgeous and soft! I'll post a picture later on for you all to see. It's knit out of Lion Brand Homespun, with the Lion Brand pattern "Diagonal Baby Blanket."
Other than that, been trying to track down information on venues (why don't people email when they say they're going to...? I don't like having to re-contact people a THIRD time...It's actually the best way to lose my money. Just saying), which has had almost exactly a 50% success rate. haha Some of the venues were super prompt and got me the information on Friday, as promised; others that said that they would didn't, so I called back. Then they promised it for Tuesday. Now it's been a full week...And still nothing. One even emailed me when I was out of the office and told me that she would get me information on Wednesday. And she did. And so that impresses me.
But enough ranting. I just don't like having to do double or triple the amount of work to track something down, especially when I could be spending a lot of money if you just pay a bit of attention and send me the promised email.
/end rant
Sorry, some things just get my gall.
Anyway, heading out. I'll chat at you all later. :)
Katie =^..^=
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Sad News
WIP: Baby Boy Blanket
FOs: None
Sad news for the knitting blog/video podcasting-verse.
Karrie of KnitPurlGurl (associated with everything BUT the Etsy shop) passed away yesterday, very suddenly.
She was very active in the knitting community, and she mostly started the RAP (Random Act of Pattern) movement on Ravelry on Tuesday.
So, in her honour, on Tuesday's, gift a random person something that they have listed in their wish list on Ravelry, or one you think they might enjoy.
I only knew her through her podcast, but I think that she was a wonderful person, and I'm sending my condolences to her family. <3
~*~
Other than that, just busy at work. Only two more sleeps until my boy's home. Super stoked. And my ring should be finished its fitting by tomorrow.
And now it's time for bed. Tomorrow's hump day! Yay!
Night, all!
Katie =^..^=
FOs: None
Sad news for the knitting blog/video podcasting-verse.
Karrie of KnitPurlGurl (associated with everything BUT the Etsy shop) passed away yesterday, very suddenly.
She was very active in the knitting community, and she mostly started the RAP (Random Act of Pattern) movement on Ravelry on Tuesday.
So, in her honour, on Tuesday's, gift a random person something that they have listed in their wish list on Ravelry, or one you think they might enjoy.
I only knew her through her podcast, but I think that she was a wonderful person, and I'm sending my condolences to her family. <3
~*~
Other than that, just busy at work. Only two more sleeps until my boy's home. Super stoked. And my ring should be finished its fitting by tomorrow.
And now it's time for bed. Tomorrow's hump day! Yay!
Night, all!
Katie =^..^=
Monday, November 26, 2012
Ooops! Got Tangled Up in Spinning
WIP: baby boy blanket
ItP: Spanish Peacock Shawl, boot cuffs, felted bags, dinosaurs~!
That's right, folks! I forgot my blog entry last night...Because I'm learning to spin! I took a lesson yesterday morning, and I'm already hooked. :)
So, that's what I'm doing tonight. I want to fill a second bobbin so that I can ply it together, and probably make a hat out of it! :)
Have a lovely evening, all!
Katie =^..^=
ItP: Spanish Peacock Shawl, boot cuffs, felted bags, dinosaurs~!
That's right, folks! I forgot my blog entry last night...Because I'm learning to spin! I took a lesson yesterday morning, and I'm already hooked. :)
So, that's what I'm doing tonight. I want to fill a second bobbin so that I can ply it together, and probably make a hat out of it! :)
Have a lovely evening, all!
Katie =^..^=
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Post-Victoria
WIPs: baby blanket
FOs: none
ItP: Boot cuffs, disclothes, Christmas presents
Hello folks,
So no shop update this week, unfortunately. I got hardly any knitting done in Victoria, and now that I'm home, I'm looking into our options for where to hold our big party! (See the last post if you don't know what I'm referring to. haha)
We're going to have a long engagement, with the date being in July 2014. We're definitely going to be in the mountains, but we're looking into the different options that will be available to us there. (Although my favourite so far has been Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.)
I have also decided that I'm knitting a wedding shawl: Spanish Peacock Shawl by Meg Swanson (link will open in new window). I'm going to make it out of Handmaiden's Lace Silk in the Ruby colourway (ordered and hopefully here before Christmas)!
So, expect to see lots about wedding over the next 20 months. On that note, my fiancee and I started dating 44 months ago today~! hehe (And again, go check out my previous blog post; he proposed to me in a really cute way. <3) In case any of you don't know, our song is: "Temptation Waits" by Garbage (this isn't the official video, but the song is high quality). It was followed by this one: "The One" by Garbage.
Let's see...Other than that, just working on commissions and then I'm heading into build up of stock again for the Mommylicious show in Calgary on January 20th.
And I might be completely insane, but I want to try to have that shawl finished to enter into the Stampede creative arts and crafts show. We shall see.
I'm going to do a longer post with pictures of Victoria tomorrow after I go for a lesson on how to use my spinning wheel!
Have an awesome day! :)
Katie =^..^=
Sunday, November 18, 2012
On the Way to Victoria~!
WIPs: Baby blanket, wedding blanketFOs: None
ItP: socks
Hello everybody!
Sitting in the Tsawassen ferry terminal, waiting for the ferry to come in! It's rainy and wind so, it's running a little bit behind, but oh well. All's well. The road's were really good, with only a little bit of compact snow coming up and over the Coquihalla pass! Perfect weather otherwise, and really, rain is a good trade off from the snow and cold in Calgary!
Mike the Sheep is quite happy to finally be travelling again. He hasn't done much intense travelling since Japan. :)Yesterday was good. Set off a bit later than we were planning, but we still made really good time.
We stopped in Canmore for Knit & Caboodle, which was awesome. Got some GORGEOUS Sweet Georgia sock yarn, which was awesome.
Then, we were toodling along Highway # 1, heading out towards Lake Louise, etc. And Dallas is like, yay! Castle Mountain junction, which is where we normally turn off to go down towards my parents'. And he asked if I remembered how we would text back and forth at this point to let each other know that we were safely at Castle, either going or coming to see each other (when we were in the first part of our whole long distance relationship). And, of course I remember it, so I think nothing of it.
Anyway, Dallas turns off for this exit, and I'm kind of like, we don't turn off here... (Well, actually, I was like, No! Don't turn off here. haha). And then I figure, well he's probably just going down towards Johnston Canyon, since this turn off is the best one for us if we're going to it, and I had mentioned that we should do the hike on the way out.
But no, he turned to go up the 93, through Kootenay National Park. So I super, super, confused at this point. And he pulled over at a rest area that's right over the bridge on the #1.
Can anyone guess what's happening here? hehe
He had on "our" song...And he proposed to me. I am now going to Victoria, not with my boyfriend, but with my fiancee! ^^
This is the ring:
Anyway, Dallas turns off for this exit, and I'm kind of like, we don't turn off here... (Well, actually, I was like, No! Don't turn off here. haha). And then I figure, well he's probably just going down towards Johnston Canyon, since this turn off is the best one for us if we're going to it, and I had mentioned that we should do the hike on the way out.
But no, he turned to go up the 93, through Kootenay National Park. So I super, super, confused at this point. And he pulled over at a rest area that's right over the bridge on the #1.
Can anyone guess what's happening here? hehe
He had on "our" song...And he proposed to me. I am now going to Victoria, not with my boyfriend, but with my fiancee! ^^
This is the ring:
(Yes, that is taken against my brand new Sweet Georgia yarn. Haha.)
It's gorgeous. I love it. And the proposal was amazingly perfect; meaningful spot, in the mountains, with "Temptation Waits" by Garbage, which is now sealed as our song forever. hehe
I just need to get the ring sized, and we'll be good (the average size of a woman's finger is the size that my pinky finger is...So fair enough, the sales girl didn't believe I could have a size 9 ring finger (which I'm pretty sure it is))! But it's gorgeous and I love it. :D
The drive was pretty uneventful after that! haha Although we did see an aunt and uncle of mine that I hadn't seen in awhile and Dallas had never met.
Now, we just await the ferry, and I should actually get some knitting done.
Tata for now!
Katie =^..^=
P.S. By the way, my cheeks are sore from smiling so much. hehehehe
It's gorgeous. I love it. And the proposal was amazingly perfect; meaningful spot, in the mountains, with "Temptation Waits" by Garbage, which is now sealed as our song forever. hehe
I just need to get the ring sized, and we'll be good (the average size of a woman's finger is the size that my pinky finger is...So fair enough, the sales girl didn't believe I could have a size 9 ring finger (which I'm pretty sure it is))! But it's gorgeous and I love it. :D
The drive was pretty uneventful after that! haha Although we did see an aunt and uncle of mine that I hadn't seen in awhile and Dallas had never met.
Now, we just await the ferry, and I should actually get some knitting done.
Tata for now!
Katie =^..^=
P.S. By the way, my cheeks are sore from smiling so much. hehehehe
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Better Late than Never!
FOs: None
WIPs: baby blanket
Hey all!
Yes, that's right. Just a quick post tonight, though.
I have my shawl pinned out for blocking right now and am working on the baby blanket.
I'm officially on vacation now, so tomorrow I have to clean the house a bit and pack for Victoria.
Super stoked!
So I'm going to go read a bit more, and I'll hopefully have more to talk about tomorrow (maybe even a mostly finished baby blanket)!
Have a lovely evening, folks.
Katie =^..^=
WIPs: baby blanket
Hey all!
Yes, that's right. Just a quick post tonight, though.
I have my shawl pinned out for blocking right now and am working on the baby blanket.
I'm officially on vacation now, so tomorrow I have to clean the house a bit and pack for Victoria.
Super stoked!
So I'm going to go read a bit more, and I'll hopefully have more to talk about tomorrow (maybe even a mostly finished baby blanket)!
Have a lovely evening, folks.
Katie =^..^=
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
I Can Has Knitting Time Nao?
FOs: None
WIPs: Baby blanket, wedding blanket (Victoria trip car knitting)
ItP: More boot cuffs, dinos, dishcloths
No knitting has been done today. Super busy at work, so I didn't even get a chance to take my lunch break and knit. But that's OK.
And you know why?
Because I went and had dinner and a drink with my friend. And then I went and got the 8th volume of Sailor Moon.
And now I'm at home and I have super shiny fingernails. I need to give myself manicures more often to cure all these dang hangnails. Eventually! haha
8 more hours of regular work, and then it's vacation time!
I keep getting requests for slippers, and trust me, folks, I'm working on them. I have epic patterns of epicness for these slippers, and they will be all felted goodness, too. I'm just trying to figure out what to use as a grippy to keep you folks from slipping in felted slipper goodness.
Anyway. I'm off to read and potentially take some knitting time.
Have a lovely evening!
Katie =^..^=
P.S. I just read Knit and Caboodle's newest newsletter. I want this: Kitty Cat Tape Measure with Yarn
WIPs: Baby blanket, wedding blanket (Victoria trip car knitting)
ItP: More boot cuffs, dinos, dishcloths
No knitting has been done today. Super busy at work, so I didn't even get a chance to take my lunch break and knit. But that's OK.
And you know why?
Because I went and had dinner and a drink with my friend. And then I went and got the 8th volume of Sailor Moon.
And now I'm at home and I have super shiny fingernails. I need to give myself manicures more often to cure all these dang hangnails. Eventually! haha
8 more hours of regular work, and then it's vacation time!
I keep getting requests for slippers, and trust me, folks, I'm working on them. I have epic patterns of epicness for these slippers, and they will be all felted goodness, too. I'm just trying to figure out what to use as a grippy to keep you folks from slipping in felted slipper goodness.
Anyway. I'm off to read and potentially take some knitting time.
Have a lovely evening!
Katie =^..^=
P.S. I just read Knit and Caboodle's newest newsletter. I want this: Kitty Cat Tape Measure with Yarn
Monday, November 12, 2012
Trying Something New!
FO (finished object): Gingko Shoulderette Shawlette (woohoo!) I just need to block it, and then it will be COMPLETELY finished in time for Victoria, even!
WIPs (Works-in-progress): baby blanket, wedding blanket (car knitting for Victoria trip)
In the plans (ITP): dinos, dishcloths
Hello everybody,
So I'm trying something new (right before vacation, I know!). I want to try to write, if not everyday on this blog, than at least every other day. This will take a lot of commitment on my part, but I think that it'll be good for me. I've always wanted to be an author, so I think that blogging here will help to work that out, especially since I'll be able to blog about knitting!
Now, I'm not guaranteeing pages and pages of glorious knitting goodies, etc. (Like the Yarn Harlot did in the early days.) But I am guaranteeing at least a few paragraphs to update you where I am in my knitting progress that day. Also, please understand that normally all of my activity has to take place outside of a 9-5 Monday-Friday job, unless I'm writing a quick snippet on my lunch break/when it's super slow. This does mean that any actual publishing of the blog will take place after 6 from Monday-Friday, but anytime during the day on weekends or stat days that I have off. Notifications of new posts can be gotten if you "follow" me, or I will be posting links on Twitter and Facebook!
Also, I don't normally ask for this, but I would absolutely love it if you guys can leave comments; I try to respond to all the ones that I get now, and I it would be spectacular if I got more to help bump me up. Or, if you can share any of my posts. I really want to grow my Etsy business to be able to share with more people, and this blog is an excellent introduction to myself and everything that I do to be able to improve my shop and product.
Speaking of improvement, did you notice that the pictures are getting better? AND I have a paper tag on everything now so that you can what the fibre content is and care instructions are. And they're made with the totally adorable cat that my friend drew for me.
Speaking of which, the cat has been named Lucinda. :)
Let's see...Not much is happening. Super happy that I finished my shawl, and I hope to be able to finish the baby blanket before Victoria!
Oh yeah, tonight I dye my hair again...My roots are showing already!
Have a lovely day, my dears! I hope to have another post tomorrow. :)
WIPs (Works-in-progress): baby blanket, wedding blanket (car knitting for Victoria trip)
In the plans (ITP): dinos, dishcloths
Hello everybody,
So I'm trying something new (right before vacation, I know!). I want to try to write, if not everyday on this blog, than at least every other day. This will take a lot of commitment on my part, but I think that it'll be good for me. I've always wanted to be an author, so I think that blogging here will help to work that out, especially since I'll be able to blog about knitting!
Now, I'm not guaranteeing pages and pages of glorious knitting goodies, etc. (Like the Yarn Harlot did in the early days.) But I am guaranteeing at least a few paragraphs to update you where I am in my knitting progress that day. Also, please understand that normally all of my activity has to take place outside of a 9-5 Monday-Friday job, unless I'm writing a quick snippet on my lunch break/when it's super slow. This does mean that any actual publishing of the blog will take place after 6 from Monday-Friday, but anytime during the day on weekends or stat days that I have off. Notifications of new posts can be gotten if you "follow" me, or I will be posting links on Twitter and Facebook!
Also, I don't normally ask for this, but I would absolutely love it if you guys can leave comments; I try to respond to all the ones that I get now, and I it would be spectacular if I got more to help bump me up. Or, if you can share any of my posts. I really want to grow my Etsy business to be able to share with more people, and this blog is an excellent introduction to myself and everything that I do to be able to improve my shop and product.
Speaking of improvement, did you notice that the pictures are getting better? AND I have a paper tag on everything now so that you can what the fibre content is and care instructions are. And they're made with the totally adorable cat that my friend drew for me.
Speaking of which, the cat has been named Lucinda. :)
Let's see...Not much is happening. Super happy that I finished my shawl, and I hope to be able to finish the baby blanket before Victoria!
Oh yeah, tonight I dye my hair again...My roots are showing already!
Have a lovely day, my dears! I hope to have another post tomorrow. :)
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Moving Forward
On the Needles: Gingko Shoulderette Shawlette
In the plans: dishcloths, baby mittens and hats, dinosuars
Hello from a cold and snowy Calgary! (At least it's sunny today!)
That's right! We've had about 8-10" of snow in the city itself, with more falling in the outlying areas.
So, that's led to the wonderful weekend of staying in here at Nekozuki Yarns! Which is a good thing, considering that I'm trying to get the huge shop update done for Sunday.
I know I promised a video podcast, but I'm actually sick, and I don't feel like hacking up a lung on camera today. So the first video podcast will take place the weekend of the 24th. Just after my vacation!
And yes, that is correct, I will be doing the update on Sunday. However, it will not be until after 11, considering that it is Remembrance Day.
Moving forward, update days for the shop will be every two weeks on the Sunday, with a break around Christmas.
However, anything purchased between November 16 and 23 will be shipped following those dates, as I will be on an actual vacation (instead of catching up on life) in Victoria, BC, with my boyfriend! So excited~!
So, be prepared for lots of non-item photos in a few weeks!
The Crestmont Christmas fair was awesome! There was lots of traffic, and pretty successful for me.
In the plans? I have another market with Mommylicious here in Calgary on January 20. However, until them I'm lying low and getting Etsy updated/working on more new stock (notice the note about "knitted dinosaurs"? That's part of the "more new stock).
This time around, I have sparkly rainbow mittens, owly looking mittens, and a bunch of old favourites, too!
There are some pictures of the new items for your viewing pleasure below (I wanted to have an epic amount...But my camera battery died just as I stared! Sorry.):
Aren't these gorgeous? I love how the colours blended together in the felting process.
I have more of these in the future!
Not quite what you are looking for? There are also some grey/white ones that will be posted in tomorrow's update. You can also always talk to me about custom orders~!
Have an amazing weekend, my lovelies! I'm off to knit and watch Disney movies and get over this cold. -_-
Katie =^..^=
In the plans: dishcloths, baby mittens and hats, dinosuars
Hello from a cold and snowy Calgary! (At least it's sunny today!)
That's right! We've had about 8-10" of snow in the city itself, with more falling in the outlying areas.
So, that's led to the wonderful weekend of staying in here at Nekozuki Yarns! Which is a good thing, considering that I'm trying to get the huge shop update done for Sunday.
I know I promised a video podcast, but I'm actually sick, and I don't feel like hacking up a lung on camera today. So the first video podcast will take place the weekend of the 24th. Just after my vacation!
And yes, that is correct, I will be doing the update on Sunday. However, it will not be until after 11, considering that it is Remembrance Day.
Moving forward, update days for the shop will be every two weeks on the Sunday, with a break around Christmas.
However, anything purchased between November 16 and 23 will be shipped following those dates, as I will be on an actual vacation (instead of catching up on life) in Victoria, BC, with my boyfriend! So excited~!
So, be prepared for lots of non-item photos in a few weeks!
The Crestmont Christmas fair was awesome! There was lots of traffic, and pretty successful for me.
In the plans? I have another market with Mommylicious here in Calgary on January 20. However, until them I'm lying low and getting Etsy updated/working on more new stock (notice the note about "knitted dinosaurs"? That's part of the "more new stock).
There are some pictures of the new items for your viewing pleasure below (I wanted to have an epic amount...But my camera battery died just as I stared! Sorry.):
Aren't these gorgeous? I love how the colours blended together in the felting process.
I have more of these in the future!
Not quite what you are looking for? There are also some grey/white ones that will be posted in tomorrow's update. You can also always talk to me about custom orders~!
Have an amazing weekend, my lovelies! I'm off to knit and watch Disney movies and get over this cold. -_-
Katie =^..^=
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Sneak a Peek at the Goodies!!
Hey all! Just a super quick post!
You need to go by my Facebook page: NekozukiYarns
I will be posting some more pictures tonight, hopefully, before bed and heading out tomorrow!
Super excited for the Crestmont Christmas Fair!
Make sure to come out and support local handmade for your Christmas and holiday gift-season! We're in Crestmont 3-8 on Friday and 10-4 on Saturday!
I'll have mittens, fingerless mitts, felted bags, and headbands, plus a whole bunch of cute hair accessories just waiting to go with you to your Christmas parties!!
Hope everyone had an awesome Halloween!
Take care!
Katie =^..^=
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
In a Retail Store Near You!
Boot Cuffs are in The Shoe Closet in Cochrane, AB! (By the way, they have super cute shoes. Definitely go check them out if you're in the area!)
On the needles: Boot cuffs, scarf, mittens, and one more wedding blanket!
In the plans for Crestmont Christmas Fair: Felted mittens, slippers, bags; also some regular knit mittens (full and fingerless).
In the plans for personal: Ginko Shoulderette Shawl available for free on Ravelry! (I want this for Victoria in November!) Yarn to use: Yummy Yarn Studios (from Calgary, AB) in their Ruby Colourway, with sparkle.
Yes, the title and the link are correct! I'm now in a retail store near Calgary, AB. The Shoe Closet is a locally owned and operated store in Cocrhane, AB. They were looking for someone to commission boot cuffs from, and I was the one that they chose! I'm still super stoked about it. They've been so popular that I'm making another small batch for her to deliver Friday for this weekend, and then I'll restock the rest next Thursday. Definitely go check it out! They're awesome. And Danielle is super nice. So happy about it all.
Otherwise, that is a super long list on the top. I'm looking to have quite a bit of winter stock for the Crestmont Christmas fair, and I have my fingers crossed to get at least two bags done in that time (I've got some Scottie-dog appliques that just NEED to have felted plaid bags to go on~!).
So, that's what I've been busy with.
News: I'll be at the Crestmont Christmas fair November 2 and 3. I'll give you more details in week, and I can give you a sneak peek at the items I'll have!
I've also come to a decision about my Etsy shop. I am reopening it the weekend of November 10. I don't know if it'll be the Saturday or Sunday, but I'll let you know the closer we get. Which day mostly depends on how much I have to photograph!
Also, I am going to start having a systematic update of every couple of weekends. So, the update after that will be the weekend of November 24, and I'm going to set that update for November 25. This follow my boyfriend's schedule of week-in/week-out, leaving me time to work on stuff and to photograph it.
Now the only thing is is that I will be out of town from November 16-21. So anything ordered between that point will not be shipped until November 23-25. So if you want custom order mitts or anything like that, now's actually the time to order them!
Otherwise, keep an eye on the Facebook page and Twitter; I'll be posting some pictures on there leading up to November 2.
What I have also been considering is doing a video podcast. What would you all think of that? I would be talking about what I'll be putting up, what I've got in the plans, and etc.This would likely be put up the day before I do shop updates (so Friday/Saturday). Just a thought. Then I can give you a tour of my new craft room! This is still brewing in the back of my mind, though, so we'll see. :)
Other than that, just been super busy at work and with commissions. And I have my fingers crossed that the Crestmont Market is super busy!
So, message me on Facebook, contact me in the comments section, or however you want to find out about custom orders, or come see me either at the last Calgary West Country Market I'm doing (October 27, ~8-2), or the Crestmont Christmas Fair, November 2 and 3 (Google search to find)!
Type at you later!
Katie =^..^=
On the needles: Boot cuffs, scarf, mittens, and one more wedding blanket!
In the plans for Crestmont Christmas Fair: Felted mittens, slippers, bags; also some regular knit mittens (full and fingerless).
In the plans for personal: Ginko Shoulderette Shawl available for free on Ravelry! (I want this for Victoria in November!) Yarn to use: Yummy Yarn Studios (from Calgary, AB) in their Ruby Colourway, with sparkle.
Yes, the title and the link are correct! I'm now in a retail store near Calgary, AB. The Shoe Closet is a locally owned and operated store in Cocrhane, AB. They were looking for someone to commission boot cuffs from, and I was the one that they chose! I'm still super stoked about it. They've been so popular that I'm making another small batch for her to deliver Friday for this weekend, and then I'll restock the rest next Thursday. Definitely go check it out! They're awesome. And Danielle is super nice. So happy about it all.
Otherwise, that is a super long list on the top. I'm looking to have quite a bit of winter stock for the Crestmont Christmas fair, and I have my fingers crossed to get at least two bags done in that time (I've got some Scottie-dog appliques that just NEED to have felted plaid bags to go on~!).
So, that's what I've been busy with.
News: I'll be at the Crestmont Christmas fair November 2 and 3. I'll give you more details in week, and I can give you a sneak peek at the items I'll have!
I've also come to a decision about my Etsy shop. I am reopening it the weekend of November 10. I don't know if it'll be the Saturday or Sunday, but I'll let you know the closer we get. Which day mostly depends on how much I have to photograph!
Also, I am going to start having a systematic update of every couple of weekends. So, the update after that will be the weekend of November 24, and I'm going to set that update for November 25. This follow my boyfriend's schedule of week-in/week-out, leaving me time to work on stuff and to photograph it.
Now the only thing is is that I will be out of town from November 16-21. So anything ordered between that point will not be shipped until November 23-25. So if you want custom order mitts or anything like that, now's actually the time to order them!
Otherwise, keep an eye on the Facebook page and Twitter; I'll be posting some pictures on there leading up to November 2.
What I have also been considering is doing a video podcast. What would you all think of that? I would be talking about what I'll be putting up, what I've got in the plans, and etc.This would likely be put up the day before I do shop updates (so Friday/Saturday). Just a thought. Then I can give you a tour of my new craft room! This is still brewing in the back of my mind, though, so we'll see. :)
Other than that, just been super busy at work and with commissions. And I have my fingers crossed that the Crestmont Market is super busy!
So, message me on Facebook, contact me in the comments section, or however you want to find out about custom orders, or come see me either at the last Calgary West Country Market I'm doing (October 27, ~8-2), or the Crestmont Christmas Fair, November 2 and 3 (Google search to find)!
Type at you later!
Katie =^..^=
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
And Now, A Review! Cariboo Butterfly's "Little Hoot" Needle Felting Kit
On the Needles: Blankets
In the plans: Socks; shawl; sweater; felted goodness.
So, a couple months back (unfortunately! I've been slow on this process) I told Jen over at Cariboo Butterfly that I would review her new needle felting kit! I've been looking to learn how to needle felt 3-D objects, so this was a perfect opportunity for me, and Jen has been super patient in waiting for me to actually review her kit.
The kit was packaged up super cute, and it includes all the supplies you need for one owl, including a twig to perch him on when all's said and done!
I tried to take process pictures to show you folks what all is included in this kit, and how my owl turned out. The instructions included on the CD were super easy, with lots and lots of instructional pictures. Jen has done a really good job putting this kit together for everyone who has never needle felted before, or whoever wants to learn how to do more shapes and etc.
This kit is an excellent craft kit to do with older children. Because of the sharpness of the needles (I even poked myself a number of times, and it hurts!) I wouldn't suggest that young children participate in this craft. But that's OK. Older kids (and kids at heart) need crafts, too!
By the way, love the foam; I've 2-D needle felted purses before with a brush, but the foam is much more forgiving!
This is the fibre (which is 100% Corriedale wool). The main body colour was a gorgeous dark brown, and sooooo soft!
I just wanted to squish it all night. haha
Jen is awesome, and includes two felting needles! This is super important, since the needles can break easily; I broke one as I was finishing my owl body.
Fibre! There's just over an ounce included here. Which makes this little owl body:
Now, I was bad. I didn't follow Jen's instructions to the tee. I more took to heart her blessing to be creative with her kit. So, instead of a rounded owl that was pictured on her kits, I went with a more modern, squared off owl:
And this is the front of my finished owl:
If the kit isn't enough, then she also has a video tutorial.
Jen was very thorough in putting this kit together. I would recommend it for anyone and everyone (from older kids up) that wishes to learn how to 3-D needle felt. It taught me how to do it! And I have enough left over fibre that I'll be making a kitty-cat face and putting together a pussy-cat and owl mobile. Super excited about it, so keep your eyes open for pictures of that soon!
If this review has piqued your interest in needle felting, or Jen's other work (she makes amazing hand-felted soap!), check out here site here at Cariboo Butterfly.
Take care, everyone! And stay way from the tips of those felting needles! haha
Katie =^..^=
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Blanket Burnout
On the Needles: Change purses
In the Plans: Socks; more blankets
Miscellaneous Crafts in the Plans: Painted glass ornaments, button Christmas trees
In the Life Plans: Hiking and reading
Hey all!
So, it's been a long time, as you may have noticed. Life has been hectic around here. My boyfriend and I moved July 31/August 1, so we've been setting up and settling in. The new place is gorgeous, and I've actually got a craft/library room, which is awesome!
We're through the wedding craziness for this summer. They were both amazing! My boyfriend was in the wedding party for the wedding on the 11th, and I was in the wedding party for the wedding on the 18th. Both went off without a hitch, and both had amazing weather! (Particularly important for the outdoor wedding on the 18th!)
These weddings mean blankets, though, neither of which are finished. So that's what I've been working on to pass my time recently. The blanket for the 11th wedding is nearly finished! (So stoked!) And the other I'm going to have to finish sometime after they get back from their honeymoon. Oh well. It's been fairly warm recently, so there won't be much use for these blankets for about three weeks to a month! :) And I did try my hardest to get them finished beforehand. Once I'm finished these, though, I'm taking a break from blankets for awhile. haha
We officially booked vacation time for November, which I'm super excited for! Finally going out to Victoria! Which means I get to visit the Beehive Wool Shop! And I'm definitely taking a copy of the KnitMap for Victoria! I'm super excited to go see the coast; it's been 15 years since I was last out in Vancouver, although my family and I did spend about a week in Chilliwack in 2000.
In other news, I actually have a new full time job. I'm working for an online projector lamp company. It's been really good, and I'm happy to be on a way better schedule (well, actually on a schedule), compared to the Home Depot. Here now it's Monday to Friday, 9-5, which leaves me with time in the evenings and on the weekend to actually spend with my boyfriend, instead of having a shift until 10 the nights he comes home from his week on, and then being up again for a 9 or earlier shift the day afterwards. Much better for the control of my diabetes, too.
And, for a shop announcement, I have put the shop into vacation mode until the late fall/early winter. I need to focus on getting some new stock together for a Christmas fair November 2-3, and I want to revamp what I'm actually carrying at Nekozuki Yarns on Etsy. I think I'm going to shift more towards felted handbags and change purses, and some slippers, and then some regular knit things as well (scarves, mittens (felted and non-felted), etc.). I'm still going to carry baby blankets and I'm also going to add some newborn booties and hats, because I love making those. So, keep your eyes peeled for those changes coming! I'll post teaser pictures as I go here. And I will still be here, if there's something you absolutely want from my shop. Just contact me either through the blog here, Etsy, Facebook, or Twitter. The shop vacation is mostly so I don't feel bad that I don't have a full store front. :) When I come back, as well, my prices will likely be revamped. So if you know of something that you've had your eye on, feel free to talk to me beforehand, and we can work out a deal.
We had another busy but awesome weekend. We had a BBQ Saturday night, and then Sunday we drove out to Canmore, which was really nice. Gorgeous weather and everything! And I finally found a yarn guide, so I won't totally wear out my fingers on the rest of these two blankets.
Anyway, not much more is going on (although I think there's been enough)! My boyfriend is going to be starting the full time, week-on/week-off schedule on the 14th, so there will be some adjustment there. But it'll give me lots of alone time to craft! I have to get lots done so that I have stock for the Crestmont Christmas Fair! I'm super stoked for this one, because it always sells out, and seems like it draws a huge crowd. Look for lot of goodies there. I would love for people to come visit!
Now, off I go to try to conquer at least 1 out of the 2 blankets. And work.
Take care!
Katie =^..^=
In the Plans: Socks; more blankets
Miscellaneous Crafts in the Plans: Painted glass ornaments, button Christmas trees
In the Life Plans: Hiking and reading
Hey all!
So, it's been a long time, as you may have noticed. Life has been hectic around here. My boyfriend and I moved July 31/August 1, so we've been setting up and settling in. The new place is gorgeous, and I've actually got a craft/library room, which is awesome!
We're through the wedding craziness for this summer. They were both amazing! My boyfriend was in the wedding party for the wedding on the 11th, and I was in the wedding party for the wedding on the 18th. Both went off without a hitch, and both had amazing weather! (Particularly important for the outdoor wedding on the 18th!)
These weddings mean blankets, though, neither of which are finished. So that's what I've been working on to pass my time recently. The blanket for the 11th wedding is nearly finished! (So stoked!) And the other I'm going to have to finish sometime after they get back from their honeymoon. Oh well. It's been fairly warm recently, so there won't be much use for these blankets for about three weeks to a month! :) And I did try my hardest to get them finished beforehand. Once I'm finished these, though, I'm taking a break from blankets for awhile. haha
We officially booked vacation time for November, which I'm super excited for! Finally going out to Victoria! Which means I get to visit the Beehive Wool Shop! And I'm definitely taking a copy of the KnitMap for Victoria! I'm super excited to go see the coast; it's been 15 years since I was last out in Vancouver, although my family and I did spend about a week in Chilliwack in 2000.
In other news, I actually have a new full time job. I'm working for an online projector lamp company. It's been really good, and I'm happy to be on a way better schedule (well, actually on a schedule), compared to the Home Depot. Here now it's Monday to Friday, 9-5, which leaves me with time in the evenings and on the weekend to actually spend with my boyfriend, instead of having a shift until 10 the nights he comes home from his week on, and then being up again for a 9 or earlier shift the day afterwards. Much better for the control of my diabetes, too.
And, for a shop announcement, I have put the shop into vacation mode until the late fall/early winter. I need to focus on getting some new stock together for a Christmas fair November 2-3, and I want to revamp what I'm actually carrying at Nekozuki Yarns on Etsy. I think I'm going to shift more towards felted handbags and change purses, and some slippers, and then some regular knit things as well (scarves, mittens (felted and non-felted), etc.). I'm still going to carry baby blankets and I'm also going to add some newborn booties and hats, because I love making those. So, keep your eyes peeled for those changes coming! I'll post teaser pictures as I go here. And I will still be here, if there's something you absolutely want from my shop. Just contact me either through the blog here, Etsy, Facebook, or Twitter. The shop vacation is mostly so I don't feel bad that I don't have a full store front. :) When I come back, as well, my prices will likely be revamped. So if you know of something that you've had your eye on, feel free to talk to me beforehand, and we can work out a deal.
We had another busy but awesome weekend. We had a BBQ Saturday night, and then Sunday we drove out to Canmore, which was really nice. Gorgeous weather and everything! And I finally found a yarn guide, so I won't totally wear out my fingers on the rest of these two blankets.
Anyway, not much more is going on (although I think there's been enough)! My boyfriend is going to be starting the full time, week-on/week-off schedule on the 14th, so there will be some adjustment there. But it'll give me lots of alone time to craft! I have to get lots done so that I have stock for the Crestmont Christmas Fair! I'm super stoked for this one, because it always sells out, and seems like it draws a huge crowd. Look for lot of goodies there. I would love for people to come visit!
Now, off I go to try to conquer at least 1 out of the 2 blankets. And work.
Take care!
Katie =^..^=
Friday, June 8, 2012
Convocation!
On the needles: Mittens
In the works: Cabled Cowl, mug cozies
That's right, folks! I graduated! I am now officially a recipient of an Honours BA in English! And here's a picture to prove it (well, actually, a few. haha):
In the works: Cabled Cowl, mug cozies
That's right, folks! I graduated! I am now officially a recipient of an Honours BA in English! And here's a picture to prove it (well, actually, a few. haha):
In front of the Olympic Torch on campus
With my degree!
In my awesome Mickey ears and grad dress at the Calgary Tower.
It was an absolutely spectacular day. The ceremony was really good, and our dinner at the Calgary Tower was superb. I graduated with my honours group, before the rest of the English department, which was kind of cool. I don't remember much once I was up on stage. Mostly reminding myself not to fall, making sure that they pronounced my name right, smiling for the camera, and then walking to the side. The first person I shook hands with told me that graduating "looked good on me" (yay!), which I guess is true, seeing as how most of the people crossing the stage couldn't even muster up a smile. A lot of them looked downright disgruntled to even be going through the process. Anyway.
The Friday before, Dallas and I finally went to see The Avengers, which was sooooo good! One of the best movies I've seen in about a year. Then, Saturday, we went for a drive all the way up to the Columbia Icefield/Athabasca Glacier, in Jasper National Park. I haven't been up there for about ten years, and it was a good day. We just kept missing the rain, so it was perfect.
Yay, Peyto Lake! (You can see the rain cloud in the upper right.)
Otherwise, I've been super bus. Started going to the gym, and I'm working close to a full 40 hour week. In crafting news, I have buttons on the way to start making bobby pins with, I'm going to start knitting some cabled mug cozies (I'll hopefully have a few for Saturday!), and I'm working with Kool-Aid to dye some more yarn.
Basically, keeping busy and out of trouble. Hope you are too, and I'll blog at you all later!
Katie =^..^=
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Bags, Bags, Bags!
On the needles: Felted Rose Bag from Knitting Today! August/September 2011
In the plans: More felted bags, couple of blankets.
So, another market, another set of knitted items up for sale. However, this style is going to stick around for awhile, in multiple variations, some due to colour, pattern, or decorative design. But you know what will keep them all together? The fact that they are felted! Here's the pictures:
These have kept me busy and out of trouble for the past few weeks, at least! I'm glad that I was able to spend the afternoon getting some pictures yesterday, and then was able to edit them last night in preparation to post! I have more in the plans, particularly the cat style one, which is a lighter fabric than the two other bright ones. The forthcoming cat ones, however, are going to be in Paton Yarns' Jade Heather (jade colour) and a kind of dark lavender colour, which is really pretty. I'm also going to make more of the change purses, and definitely some more of the bright coloured bags. I'm thinking that I really want to make a green one with lady bugs going across it, kind of like the paw prints.
Also in the works are some of the lighter felt that will have geekery symbols. Such as: Legend of Zelda Triforce, the Deathly Hallows symbol, Pi, and etc. I'm also thinking I might make a couple small change purses with moustaches, and maybe a bigger bag with a dinosaur that's saying "RAWR!" But we'll see. haha
I'm currently also starting work full-time as a cashier at the Home Depot. So I'm going to be a busy girl. Which is good; my boyfriend is starting his week-on/week-off schedule, so particularly when he's out of town, I like being busy. It also helps me not stay up until 2am constantly, although most of my days don't start until 12, which doesn't help the whole not staying up. haha But he'll be back tomorrow night, so all will be right in my little world again. And then there will be more knitting!
However, I do have a couple of projects under wraps right now; one for my supervisor, and then a couple of others. I need to get them finished. Oh, and an entry to the Calgary Stampede competition. My ideas have changed quite a bit for that, but I've settled on what I'm doing...I just have to actual knit it!
Anyway. Right now, I'm just staying out of trouble and hoping that these bags are somewhat popular. I am currently waiting on a custom order, so fingers crossed!
Take care, all!
Katie =^..^=
In the plans: More felted bags, couple of blankets.
So, another market, another set of knitted items up for sale. However, this style is going to stick around for awhile, in multiple variations, some due to colour, pattern, or decorative design. But you know what will keep them all together? The fact that they are felted! Here's the pictures:
These have kept me busy and out of trouble for the past few weeks, at least! I'm glad that I was able to spend the afternoon getting some pictures yesterday, and then was able to edit them last night in preparation to post! I have more in the plans, particularly the cat style one, which is a lighter fabric than the two other bright ones. The forthcoming cat ones, however, are going to be in Paton Yarns' Jade Heather (jade colour) and a kind of dark lavender colour, which is really pretty. I'm also going to make more of the change purses, and definitely some more of the bright coloured bags. I'm thinking that I really want to make a green one with lady bugs going across it, kind of like the paw prints.
Also in the works are some of the lighter felt that will have geekery symbols. Such as: Legend of Zelda Triforce, the Deathly Hallows symbol, Pi, and etc. I'm also thinking I might make a couple small change purses with moustaches, and maybe a bigger bag with a dinosaur that's saying "RAWR!" But we'll see. haha
I'm currently also starting work full-time as a cashier at the Home Depot. So I'm going to be a busy girl. Which is good; my boyfriend is starting his week-on/week-off schedule, so particularly when he's out of town, I like being busy. It also helps me not stay up until 2am constantly, although most of my days don't start until 12, which doesn't help the whole not staying up. haha But he'll be back tomorrow night, so all will be right in my little world again. And then there will be more knitting!
However, I do have a couple of projects under wraps right now; one for my supervisor, and then a couple of others. I need to get them finished. Oh, and an entry to the Calgary Stampede competition. My ideas have changed quite a bit for that, but I've settled on what I'm doing...I just have to actual knit it!
Anyway. Right now, I'm just staying out of trouble and hoping that these bags are somewhat popular. I am currently waiting on a custom order, so fingers crossed!
Take care, all!
Katie =^..^=
Thursday, May 3, 2012
My First Craft Market! :) (Warning: Picture Filled)
On the Needles: Bags to felt for May 12th.
In the plans: More felted bags, couple of blankets.
Hello, folks! So, I did my first market (ever) on April 28th. It went really well! So happy with he promotions that the lovely ladies did, and all of the traffic that came through! Lots of people stopping by to take a look, and etc. There were lots of vendors, which was awesome! The only downside was that it was a bit chilly, although the sun came out and life was good.
I didn't get any pictures of other vendors, but I got some of my set-up. I love how my banner (from Vistaprint.ca) came out! It's awesome. And my tables look good. Although I think I'm going to leave the coat rack at home next time; no one really saw it, because it was behind me. 
I need to do a couple things to what my tables look like; I'm going to shift the custom order binder and the business cards to the front where people are always walking by. I'm also going to keep a few of my "extra" knitted pieces (i.e. duplicates) under the table unless they sell, so that there's more space so that people can actually see all the individual pieces. I really like how the hair accessories look, though! :)
Anyway, I'm super excited for the next market that I'm in, same place, but May 12th. Now, most people won't know this, but May 12th is actually a pretty significant day for me, especially this year. It's significant (not particularly special), because May 12th was the day that I was diagnosed with diabetes, and this year is the 10-year anniversary of that diagnosis. As such, I am donating 10% of all sales at the Market to the Canadian Diabetes Association. Any sales on Etsy from May 11-13 will also be included. So, make sure to come out and support a great foundation! You can actually RSVP for the event on Facebook:
Now, I'm actually going to go work on some bags that I'm going to full next week and have ready for the Market. I'll try to have a sneak peek available for you all by next Wednesday/Thursday. Also, keep in mind for father's day: I'm going to be making fulled (felted) ties, too~! (Hopefully! haha)
Take Care!
Katie =^..^=
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Getting Ready for Saturday~!
Calgary West Country Market Booth: April 28th, 8:30 am - 1 pm, D79
On the Needles: Felted Rose Bags
In the plans: needle felt mittens, felted bags, ribbon scarf
That's right! The countdown is on. I'm all done school, and now my living room looks like a craft explosion has occurred, since almost every available surface is covered in craft goodies! Between making more things and packaging/pricing, I am a very busy girl. I also have two job interview coming up, so we'll see how that goes. I wish I could just stay home and craft, but right now I need to help pay off some debt from my schooling.
Speaking of which, I did awesome on my final honours project (the 40-page paper): I got an A! Whoot! Other grades are coming in for other classes as well, and they look pretty positive as well. Convocation date is all set for June 5, and I'm super excited!
This Saturday is the Calgary West Country Market! Super stoked. Especially since I have my table placement for this weekend. I'll be at Table D79. I'll post a map to the "Pages" tab for all future use! I hope that you can come join me! The event runs from 8:30 am - 1 pm.
All right, now I'm going to run off and work on the last of the pricing and try this whole needle felting thing to see how it goes.
Take care, and I hope to see you all at the market!
Katie =^..^=
On the Needles: Felted Rose Bags
In the plans: needle felt mittens, felted bags, ribbon scarf
That's right! The countdown is on. I'm all done school, and now my living room looks like a craft explosion has occurred, since almost every available surface is covered in craft goodies! Between making more things and packaging/pricing, I am a very busy girl. I also have two job interview coming up, so we'll see how that goes. I wish I could just stay home and craft, but right now I need to help pay off some debt from my schooling.
Speaking of which, I did awesome on my final honours project (the 40-page paper): I got an A! Whoot! Other grades are coming in for other classes as well, and they look pretty positive as well. Convocation date is all set for June 5, and I'm super excited!
This Saturday is the Calgary West Country Market! Super stoked. Especially since I have my table placement for this weekend. I'll be at Table D79. I'll post a map to the "Pages" tab for all future use! I hope that you can come join me! The event runs from 8:30 am - 1 pm.
All right, now I'm going to run off and work on the last of the pricing and try this whole needle felting thing to see how it goes.
Take care, and I hope to see you all at the market!
Katie =^..^=
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Fulling - AKA Wet Felted Mitten
On the needles: Untalkative Bunny scarf, blanket
In the plans: Mitten, needle felting mitten, and wet felted items of all kinds!
Here's the felted mitten~! So cool. It was MASSIVE before I put it in the wash. I was kind of scared that it was going to still be too big. But, no! It turned out as the perfect size, in this gorgeous magenta/fuchsia colour. I'll make sure to take before pictures next time.
This hasn't been blocked yet, which I'll need to do once it's finished to get all the edges nice for the colour blocks and so that it doesn't curl too much. But I'm really happy with how it's turning out! And I'm really glad that I'm finally able to finish this project.
Other than that, this is the final push for my undergrad. I'll be finished by the latest of April 23. And then it's the last few days to get together my things for the market! Fingers crossed that I sell enough to recoup my table cost! Which means, all Calgary peeps, you should come visit me! My appearance schedule is under the tab for "schedule at Calgary West Country Market." Check it out! On the grand opening day, they're planning a shoot out and everything! So excited.
I made a checklist for all the things I need to do, and I think I'm just about set. One more 12 page paper to research and write, and I just need to finish my honours paper! (Which means four more intense edits in just over a week. Eep!)
Anyway, I wanted to share what I've been up to! I'll make sure to put pictures of the finished scarf once I have it done.
Happy Easter, by the way!
Katie =^..^=
In the plans: Mitten, needle felting mitten, and wet felted items of all kinds!
Here's the felted mitten~! So cool. It was MASSIVE before I put it in the wash. I was kind of scared that it was going to still be too big. But, no! It turned out as the perfect size, in this gorgeous magenta/fuchsia colour. I'll make sure to take before pictures next time.
What's silly about this, though, is that I may not be able to wear these until next fall/winter! But, knowing the weather around here, that's actually probably too optimistic. I still need to decorate this one (I'm going to experiment with needle felting) and make the next one.
The other project I'm finally getting finished is the custom order Untalkative Bunny scarf, pictured here:
Other than that, this is the final push for my undergrad. I'll be finished by the latest of April 23. And then it's the last few days to get together my things for the market! Fingers crossed that I sell enough to recoup my table cost! Which means, all Calgary peeps, you should come visit me! My appearance schedule is under the tab for "schedule at Calgary West Country Market." Check it out! On the grand opening day, they're planning a shoot out and everything! So excited.
I made a checklist for all the things I need to do, and I think I'm just about set. One more 12 page paper to research and write, and I just need to finish my honours paper! (Which means four more intense edits in just over a week. Eep!)
Anyway, I wanted to share what I've been up to! I'll make sure to put pictures of the finished scarf once I have it done.
Happy Easter, by the way!
Katie =^..^=
Monday, March 26, 2012
One Thing Down, One Bajillion to Go
On the Needles: "Untalkative Bunny" scarf, garter stitch scarf, cabled scarf
In the plans: Things. haha Mostly craft sale items. Maybe a Legend of Zelda Link hat...
Well, not quite one bajillion. Although, there are three papers (including the 40 page honours; one due April 3/5; April 12; and honours April 16), a presentation (on Wednesday), a proposal (for Thursday) one final exam (April 19), and one take home (due by April 23). But, I survived my 20 min presentation, so there is definitely some progress! Needless to say (but I will anyway), I'm going to be super busy over the next few weeks. This week is kind of a breather week, but I need to start work on my paper due next week (mostly because I haven't finished Wuthering Heights yet, which is what I'm writing on).
However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. For example, the fact that these are the last papers, proposals, and presentations for awhile! And the other light at the end of the tunnel? The fact that I got accepted to the Calgary West Country Market! I'm only a casual vendor, so my appearance dates are listed on the blog: http://neko-nekoyarns.blogspot.ca/p/my-schedule-for-calgary-west-country.html For those familiar with the Calgary area, this is taking place beside Calaway Park, just west of Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway (the #1).
This means that I'm knitting up a storm. Although I'm taking a break to try fulling a pair of mittens for myself, which are the experiment pair (I'll likely try felting a design onto them, too, which means I'm going to need to invest in a felting kit...)!
This weekend was our anniversary! Three whole years, and he stuck with me through Japan. He's awesome. Particularly so since he not only took me to the mountains (we went to Lake Minnewanka and Canmore), we went to Knit n' Caboodle in Canmore! And, he even bought me yarn...And a pin that says "I knit so I don't kill people" (to true?)! (This is how I got the yarn for felting...And since he bought it, I have to make at least one thing for myself, so it may as well be an experiment piece.) They yarn is the gorgeous "Cascade Yarn Eco+," a 100% Peruvian Highland Wool. I can't wait to see how it fulls! Apparently, he also got some birthday/Christmas gift ideas, too. Vwee hee hee!
Also, the lady that was behind the counter was amazing! Very friendly, and some of the best customer service I've received in a long time. She even had my best interests at heart, telling me that the yardage on the ball was probably enough for the two mittens (which I figured, but I also like having excess, since then if I screw up, I have more in the same lot). So, instead, I got a second colour! My boyfriend is awesome. If you ever get a chance, definitely visit Knit n' Caboodle in Canmore, too! They are amazing.
In the plans, after this last few crazy weeks are done (only three until I have my last class in my undergrad degree): I'm taking May off, unless I get a super awesome job offer. These means that I can craft, building up my stock for the craft fair and Etsy. It also means I can take that time to look for a job and interview, and relax in general from the five years I've spent in school. haha Taking the whole month off seems too luxurious, though, so I'm going to still pick up some shifts at the theatres. Although it does also mean that we can hopefully make it out to Victoria. Which means, another yarn shop trip to Beehive Wool Shop! hehe I've already warned by boyfriend that anywhere we travel means visiting craft and yarn shops. When I told him that, he was like, yeah, I figured as much. Hehe
Anyway. Instead of procrastinating on the blog, I should actually be working on my proposal. haha
Just think of this, though: once I'm finished classes, I'll have more time to craft and post things on Etsy and post blog posts, so I'll be way more active, and you can look forward to more work-in-progress information.
Take care, all!
Katie =^..^=
In the plans: Things. haha Mostly craft sale items. Maybe a Legend of Zelda Link hat...
Well, not quite one bajillion. Although, there are three papers (including the 40 page honours; one due April 3/5; April 12; and honours April 16), a presentation (on Wednesday), a proposal (for Thursday) one final exam (April 19), and one take home (due by April 23). But, I survived my 20 min presentation, so there is definitely some progress! Needless to say (but I will anyway), I'm going to be super busy over the next few weeks. This week is kind of a breather week, but I need to start work on my paper due next week (mostly because I haven't finished Wuthering Heights yet, which is what I'm writing on).
However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. For example, the fact that these are the last papers, proposals, and presentations for awhile! And the other light at the end of the tunnel? The fact that I got accepted to the Calgary West Country Market! I'm only a casual vendor, so my appearance dates are listed on the blog: http://neko-nekoyarns.blogspot.ca/p/my-schedule-for-calgary-west-country.html For those familiar with the Calgary area, this is taking place beside Calaway Park, just west of Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway (the #1).
This means that I'm knitting up a storm. Although I'm taking a break to try fulling a pair of mittens for myself, which are the experiment pair (I'll likely try felting a design onto them, too, which means I'm going to need to invest in a felting kit...)!
This weekend was our anniversary! Three whole years, and he stuck with me through Japan. He's awesome. Particularly so since he not only took me to the mountains (we went to Lake Minnewanka and Canmore), we went to Knit n' Caboodle in Canmore! And, he even bought me yarn...And a pin that says "I knit so I don't kill people" (to true?)! (This is how I got the yarn for felting...And since he bought it, I have to make at least one thing for myself, so it may as well be an experiment piece.) They yarn is the gorgeous "Cascade Yarn Eco+," a 100% Peruvian Highland Wool. I can't wait to see how it fulls! Apparently, he also got some birthday/Christmas gift ideas, too. Vwee hee hee!
Also, the lady that was behind the counter was amazing! Very friendly, and some of the best customer service I've received in a long time. She even had my best interests at heart, telling me that the yardage on the ball was probably enough for the two mittens (which I figured, but I also like having excess, since then if I screw up, I have more in the same lot). So, instead, I got a second colour! My boyfriend is awesome. If you ever get a chance, definitely visit Knit n' Caboodle in Canmore, too! They are amazing.
In the plans, after this last few crazy weeks are done (only three until I have my last class in my undergrad degree): I'm taking May off, unless I get a super awesome job offer. These means that I can craft, building up my stock for the craft fair and Etsy. It also means I can take that time to look for a job and interview, and relax in general from the five years I've spent in school. haha Taking the whole month off seems too luxurious, though, so I'm going to still pick up some shifts at the theatres. Although it does also mean that we can hopefully make it out to Victoria. Which means, another yarn shop trip to Beehive Wool Shop! hehe I've already warned by boyfriend that anywhere we travel means visiting craft and yarn shops. When I told him that, he was like, yeah, I figured as much. Hehe
Anyway. Instead of procrastinating on the blog, I should actually be working on my proposal. haha
Just think of this, though: once I'm finished classes, I'll have more time to craft and post things on Etsy and post blog posts, so I'll be way more active, and you can look forward to more work-in-progress information.
Take care, all!
Katie =^..^=
Sunday, March 4, 2012
And Now, for Something Completely Different!
On the Needles: "Untalkative Bunny" Scarf
So, you're wondering...What is this "completely different" thing that you're talking about?
Well, my 3rd year anniversary with my boyfriend is March 24 (approx. 3 weeks), and to help celebrate, I am doing a trivia game giveaway!
Here's the low down:
How to enter: "Like" my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/NekozukiYarns.
Answer the trivia question: What does Nekozuki Yarns mean, and what language is it from? Post all answers as a comment to this post. (I'll provide links on it as I post more.)
The answer is somewhere in my sites!
Everyone who enters the contest will be put into a hat on March 25, and I will draw a winner from there! Only one correct entry per person is valid.
When the contest is over, I will contact the individual with my e-mail address for shipping information. No purchase necessary
So, what's the prize, you may now be wondering. Well, it's this awesomely pink crocheted scarf:
Good? Ready? Go! :)
Take care,
Katie =^..^=
So, you're wondering...What is this "completely different" thing that you're talking about?
Well, my 3rd year anniversary with my boyfriend is March 24 (approx. 3 weeks), and to help celebrate, I am doing a trivia game giveaway!
Here's the low down:
How to enter: "Like" my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/NekozukiYarns.
Answer the trivia question: What does Nekozuki Yarns mean, and what language is it from? Post all answers as a comment to this post. (I'll provide links on it as I post more.)
The answer is somewhere in my sites!
Everyone who enters the contest will be put into a hat on March 25, and I will draw a winner from there! Only one correct entry per person is valid.
When the contest is over, I will contact the individual with my e-mail address for shipping information. No purchase necessary
So, what's the prize, you may now be wondering. Well, it's this awesomely pink crocheted scarf:
Take care,
Katie =^..^=
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Honours Symposium, Crafting, and Light Box, Oh My!
On the Needles: "Untalkative Bunny" scarf
To knit this week: Above scarf and a pair of baby booties!
So, we're gearing up for our Honours symposium for March 16 and 17th! The title is (Re)Scriptae, and the blog is here: http://ucalgaryenglishhonours.blogspot.com/ We'll be adding more information as we get it, like posters, and there might be individual paper information going up. We're just trying to get everything sorted out.
It's going to be awesome, though, no matter what!
It's now reading week, which means that I need to get a 40 page draft of my paper done by next Thursday/Friday. My boyfriend and I were supposed to go to Victoria this week, but excitingly, he got an interview with Husky! So, we're staying in town. Which will work out better, considering the fact that I have a a group presentation the week after the break, and I have more work to do than normal. Still somewhat disappointing. Coincidentally, my horoscope two days later said that I would be invited to something wonderful, but something marvelous might have to be cancelled. Which is what happened!
But, staying home, also lets me do a lot of work on the Etsy shop, which is fun, too. And we'll go out to Banff/Lake Louise on Tuesday for (as my boyfriend's termed it) "Valentine's and a Half." hehe Which also means, we're going to go "Knit 'n Caboodle" in Canmore, which I'm excited for. I haven't been there before, but it looks awesome!
Yesterdah, I made a light box. So, my photos are going to be coming out a lot better, and it means that I can also take pictures at night, which is a big advantage for me! Not that I won't take natural light photos, especially of my knitting projects, but there's a big (good) difference between the two:
The one on the left is the edited version of natural light; the one on the right is the "point and click" version from my light box.
It's going to be lots of work, but fun, to replace all the listings that I have already.
Other than that, just trying to keep afloat with school work!
And now, I run away~! (I'll post after Banff. I'm sure I'll have more yarn to add to my stash and to show you guys!)
Take care!
Katie =^..^=
To knit this week: Above scarf and a pair of baby booties!
So, we're gearing up for our Honours symposium for March 16 and 17th! The title is (Re)Scriptae, and the blog is here: http://ucalgaryenglishhonours.blogspot.com/ We'll be adding more information as we get it, like posters, and there might be individual paper information going up. We're just trying to get everything sorted out.
It's going to be awesome, though, no matter what!
It's now reading week, which means that I need to get a 40 page draft of my paper done by next Thursday/Friday. My boyfriend and I were supposed to go to Victoria this week, but excitingly, he got an interview with Husky! So, we're staying in town. Which will work out better, considering the fact that I have a a group presentation the week after the break, and I have more work to do than normal. Still somewhat disappointing. Coincidentally, my horoscope two days later said that I would be invited to something wonderful, but something marvelous might have to be cancelled. Which is what happened!
But, staying home, also lets me do a lot of work on the Etsy shop, which is fun, too. And we'll go out to Banff/Lake Louise on Tuesday for (as my boyfriend's termed it) "Valentine's and a Half." hehe Which also means, we're going to go "Knit 'n Caboodle" in Canmore, which I'm excited for. I haven't been there before, but it looks awesome!
Yesterdah, I made a light box. So, my photos are going to be coming out a lot better, and it means that I can also take pictures at night, which is a big advantage for me! Not that I won't take natural light photos, especially of my knitting projects, but there's a big (good) difference between the two:
It's going to be lots of work, but fun, to replace all the listings that I have already.
Other than that, just trying to keep afloat with school work!
And now, I run away~! (I'll post after Banff. I'm sure I'll have more yarn to add to my stash and to show you guys!)
Take care!
Katie =^..^=
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Clever Photos are Clever
On the Needles: "Untalkative Bunny" Scarf; Sashay scarf in Salsa
In the Plans: Knit cat from the logo; cabled scarf
Oh yes, I'm quite proud of this picture, actually:
I was having a very creative moment, and ended up being able to take this picture.
And this was an experiment to try out the "Changes" yarn by Red Heart.
And this is another chunky knit hand muff! I love how this one turned out. I have done one before, in a faux fur sort of yarn, but I like how this one is curled at each end!
Otherwise, just plugging through school. Super happy that I have less than four months left! Then time for the terrifying job search.
All right! Just a quick update, and now of to study again!
Katie =^..^=
Friday, January 13, 2012
And the Super Busy Time Begins Again
On the Needles: Seafoam Stitch Shawl
Waiting: "Untalkative Bunny" scarf; felted rose bag
Planning: Mittens; shrug/bolero (for myself)
That's right! I'm now officially back at school. Which means that the crazy reading and paper writing schedule resumes after a (fairly) leisurely winter break! Well, who am I kidding? The last two weeks of Christmas break were just as crazy as term work, except that the craziness that ensued with my Honours research and writing is now spread over three classes AND Honours. (Oh, Joy.) And, if it sounds like I'm sarcastically excited, I am. This term is going to leave me with hardly any time to pursue anything outside of school or my job at the theatres. And that includes time with my boyfriend.
However, there are some very exciting things about this term! First, I get to go present a portion of my Honours paper at a conference in Edmonton in the first part of February. Second, I get to present a longer portion of my Honours paper to students, friends, family professors, and community members, at the University of Calgary, as part of my Honours work. And then, June 5, I will graduate and be a proud holder of an Honours BA in English. That is going to be the best day that I can foresee this term. haha And my boyfriend and I are going to go on a vacation to Victoria (also in February!), which I am also super excited for.
(It may sound glamorous and exciting right now, but all of it has me swamped. haha)
Once we get back from that vacation, though, it'll be full steam ahead for the rest of term. (Note to self: make sure to pick up cold medication for exam week/week after exams.) And I'll be looking for a job at that point, which is terrifyingly exciting.
At the same time that I'm really glad I'll be graduating, I'm also kind of sad. I've been so immersed in student life for the past five years that it's going to be very strange to hold a full time job . . . year-round! But, I can't wait. I'm ready to start doing other things (i.e. travelling). Although the plan for this summer is to work, buy a hammock, and have my stack of books beside me so that all I do when I get home is eat and then lay on the hammock and read and/or craft. Hopefully the weather is nicer in Calgary than last summer!
Other than that, not much has changed in the last week. haha I got my paper draft into my professor, and we've discussed what I need to edit/change about it. I finally got a thesis statement, so I should be able to get away from the phrases that keep annoying my supervisor. :)
And right now, I'm enjoying the view out of the new library on campus, because from the fifth floor on the west side, you can sit by the windows and look straight out to the Rocky Mountains. Best view I've found on campus.
Now, after all that complaining, I will say something about Etsy. I've made two sales in the past week to people that I don't know! One item is currently making it's way to Michigan, and one item will be in the mail today to Australia! What I think I'm going to start doing is take the map my brother gave me for Christmas and put a pin in the places that I send orders, as I get them. (hint, hint! Order from me, and I can put a pin in a different place! hehe) I have lots of new items that I will post here soon (in fact, some of them are in draft stage as we speak, so I should be able to post a few over the weekend), and I have lost more to make!
I've also joined a really cool Team, called the Handmade Circle! You can find them here: http://www.etsy.com/teams/11451/handmade-circle They are who I got my second sale through! :) Super friendly and awesome team. ^^ You can find them on Facebook, too, if that's more your style.
Anyway, I should head out. It's almost class time, and I kind of want coffee. haha
Take care!
Katie =^..^=
Waiting: "Untalkative Bunny" scarf; felted rose bag
Planning: Mittens; shrug/bolero (for myself)
That's right! I'm now officially back at school. Which means that the crazy reading and paper writing schedule resumes after a (fairly) leisurely winter break! Well, who am I kidding? The last two weeks of Christmas break were just as crazy as term work, except that the craziness that ensued with my Honours research and writing is now spread over three classes AND Honours. (Oh, Joy.) And, if it sounds like I'm sarcastically excited, I am. This term is going to leave me with hardly any time to pursue anything outside of school or my job at the theatres. And that includes time with my boyfriend.
However, there are some very exciting things about this term! First, I get to go present a portion of my Honours paper at a conference in Edmonton in the first part of February. Second, I get to present a longer portion of my Honours paper to students, friends, family professors, and community members, at the University of Calgary, as part of my Honours work. And then, June 5, I will graduate and be a proud holder of an Honours BA in English. That is going to be the best day that I can foresee this term. haha And my boyfriend and I are going to go on a vacation to Victoria (also in February!), which I am also super excited for.
(It may sound glamorous and exciting right now, but all of it has me swamped. haha)
Once we get back from that vacation, though, it'll be full steam ahead for the rest of term. (Note to self: make sure to pick up cold medication for exam week/week after exams.) And I'll be looking for a job at that point, which is terrifyingly exciting.
At the same time that I'm really glad I'll be graduating, I'm also kind of sad. I've been so immersed in student life for the past five years that it's going to be very strange to hold a full time job . . . year-round! But, I can't wait. I'm ready to start doing other things (i.e. travelling). Although the plan for this summer is to work, buy a hammock, and have my stack of books beside me so that all I do when I get home is eat and then lay on the hammock and read and/or craft. Hopefully the weather is nicer in Calgary than last summer!
Other than that, not much has changed in the last week. haha I got my paper draft into my professor, and we've discussed what I need to edit/change about it. I finally got a thesis statement, so I should be able to get away from the phrases that keep annoying my supervisor. :)
And right now, I'm enjoying the view out of the new library on campus, because from the fifth floor on the west side, you can sit by the windows and look straight out to the Rocky Mountains. Best view I've found on campus.
Now, after all that complaining, I will say something about Etsy. I've made two sales in the past week to people that I don't know! One item is currently making it's way to Michigan, and one item will be in the mail today to Australia! What I think I'm going to start doing is take the map my brother gave me for Christmas and put a pin in the places that I send orders, as I get them. (hint, hint! Order from me, and I can put a pin in a different place! hehe) I have lots of new items that I will post here soon (in fact, some of them are in draft stage as we speak, so I should be able to post a few over the weekend), and I have lost more to make!
I've also joined a really cool Team, called the Handmade Circle! You can find them here: http://www.etsy.com/teams/11451/handmade-circle They are who I got my second sale through! :) Super friendly and awesome team. ^^ You can find them on Facebook, too, if that's more your style.
Anyway, I should head out. It's almost class time, and I kind of want coffee. haha
Take care!
Katie =^..^=
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Christmas Time Review!
On the needles: Custom "Untalkative Bunny" double knit scarf
Planning: mitten, hat, and scarf set, plus a kitten stuffy! :)
So, to start out December, my boyfriend and I went out with some of his friends to get a Christmas tree!
After Christmas tree hunting (and school was finished), I made yummy chewy ginger cookies!
Don't they look yummy? This is them in the bowl:
And the finished project! They stayed chewy for quite a few days. I was really happy with them!
My boyfriend was highly amused by this set of twisted yarns. He was very puzzled that that pile could turn out into this scarf:
Yay, intarsia! How I love that I finally learnt you. I'm really happy with how this turned out, especially considering that it was a special order, and it was my first time working intarsia!
It's been a ridiculously busy Christmas break! Not only have a I been working on custom orders, I've also been doing that baking and working on my honours paper. But that parts almost done.
My boyfriend and I have also been watching InuYasha, which is just as good as the first time that I saw it!
Although I'm kind of disappointed that the final season hasn't been released yet. Oh well. Soon enough. It only ended about two years ago (when I was still in Japan, lucky me)!
I didn't end up getting to my casual reading list, but that's OK. I actually bought myself The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern and 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami when they were on sale at Coles. They're on my bookshelf waiting to be read now.
I did read most of the texts I was planning for my paper, though. There's really only one left that I need to read.
But my plan now is once I've graduated and got a couple pay cheques under my belt, I'm going to go buy a hammock and then start the stack of books waiting for me. This summer will mostly be spent reading and crafting. My "resolution" (if that's what it can be called) is to read and craft and get a good tan. haha
All right. This post has taken a really long time to write, so I'm going to leave it here and I'll write another soon! I promise. haha
Take care and Happy New Year!
Katie =^..^=
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