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 =^..^=
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
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 =^..^=
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