School's out for summer!

Today was Anthony's last day as a freshman. Boy, is he glad it's over. Still has to get through summer school though.

This reminded me that I needed to get a thank you gift done for Chris' first grade teacher, Mrs. Whinery. She has put up with a lot of his "kolohe" (mischievous in Hawaiian) behavior all year and has been really nice about it. I didn't want to do the usual apple theme so when I came across a really cute school themed print, I knew a tote bag was in order. Who can have too many tote bags anyway? It was so easy (sew easy?). I started with a premade canvas tote bag from Wal-Mart (less than $3.00) and 1/2 yard of this fabric (about $2.00) plus one magnetic closure (pack of 6 for $3.00 at Joann's).

Also, since I had the sewing machine out (no, I don't have a craft room) I decided to make that placemat purse I've been thinking about after seeing them on Craftster. I found this really cute ladybug placemat for $2.99 at Ross' and it told me it wanted to be a purse. Add in some black fabric that I bought as a remnant and 1/2 of a shoulder strap set from Joann's, et Voila! C'est facile! Je suis heureuse.

Here are the fruits of my labors:







Speaking of craft rooms, we know that knitting and crocheting can be done anywhere and anytime, but since I've been doing more sewing lately, I have been looking around my house for a spot to set up a permanent sewing station. Our upstairs loft has a little space near my computer desk that I can snag. Right now it is home to Chris' dome tent. Ha! I really want one of those armoires that open out to a sewing table, as right now, I'm using our dining room table and have to put everything away as soon as I'm done. Nothing wrong with cleaning up after myself, but sometimes I want to sew but am too lazy to take out all my stuff. Also, I've been looking at new sewing machines but I'm really confused about what kind and which features. I would eventually like to learn to quilt so that is a consideration as well. My friend, Michele, who is an avid quilter, told me that I'd probably never use most of the fancy stitches on this computerized 100+ stitch Brother sewing machine I've had my eye on. When I told Bernie he was going to buy me a new machine soon he just said, "oh shit!" and left the room. The Singer that we currently have is a very basic one with only 6 stitches but it does everything I need it to right now. It probably needs to be serviced as it sounds like it's complaining when I use it. I bought it for Bernie 17 years ago for Christmas, our first Christmas together. He showed his crafty gene way back then! I should have seen it coming!

Gotta run. We have a party to go to tonight and then I have to make that Amish Friendship Bread, for which I've had the starter fermenting for the past 10 days! It's really delicious when it's all done but what a pain in the ass to wait for.

Books I'm reading/listening to

Just finished listening to Second Sight and enjoyed it. Really enjoy Amanda Quick! Just finished reading Dreaming of You this morning and thought it was very touching. I cried. I know, I'm a sucker! Almost done listening to The Heir and am liking it so far, but then again, I've loved Johanna Lindsey since I was a teenager and my high school boyfriend's mom used to pass on her books to me. Liked her even more when I found out she lived in my hometown! Speaking of my ex-boyfriend's mom, she is no longer with us, due to a battle with breast cancer, but she really helped to foster my love of reading. She was an avid, voracious reader of trashy romance novels, which today are still my favorite kind. Can you imagine passing on Bertrice Small and Virginia Henley to your teenaged son's girlfriend? She was a very loving and open minded mom, but as a mom of a teenaged son myself, I couldn't see myself passing along anything more stimulating than Captain Underpants and the Wrath of the Wicked Wedgie Woman.

Another round ripple finished

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The black and blue/green one is the original one I started when joining the ripple along. It is now done and I immediately started the black, green and purple one to fill that void. These were colors left over from the multicolored ripple that I just finished. I'm more comfortable with this choice of colors rather than the wacky colored one. These colors remind me of pansies.

The last afghan is one that Bernie has just completed. I'm so proud of his work! The edges are really straight but I didn't pull them out fully when I took the picture. He's working on the red/black one for Anthony again since we got the red yarn from Joann.com a few days ago. Sophie just can't help herself! No matter what kind of blanket or afghan you put on the floor, she has to lie on top of it.

Brainstorming for new afghan colorway

Right now I'm leaning towards the purple and green set. The one with the pink, orange, blue and green is inspired by Heather Bailey's quilt fabric colorways. We'll see who wins. I might just have to swatch them to be sure.

On the knitting front, I started May socks for the SAM KAL3. They are being done 2 at once toe up. Picture will follow once I get past the toes. I'm using the Trekking XXL in an orange/peach color. Not really my color but it's growing on me. I'm trying to branch out and try new colors!

Got to feed the youngest child. Oldest went to the premier of Pirates of the Caribbean with his friends.

Aloha,
Mik

Interior view of chess board

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Originally uploaded by mrhodes702.

He built this box, which serves as the base of the chess board and covered each section with felt so that the ceramic pieces would be absolutely protected within. I think he did a fabulous job! He has already started another board today. I think he's as obsessed with this as I was about my ripple afghans. Oh, speaking of afghans, he has now completed 3 crocheted afghans himself! He had to halt progress on the one for our son, Anthony, because I couldn't find more yarn in the color he needed. I finally ordered it from Joann.com and we're anxiously awaiting it. It has been so nice to sit side by side in the evening and crochet together. Isn't that every girl's dream? Get your man involved in your craft and then he can't complain about your yarn purchases because he is dying to raid your stash!

Chess board for auction

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Originally uploaded by mrhodes702.

Bernie made this chess board for an auction that happened on Saturday night to benefit a fellow firefighter who was injured. I can't wait to find out how much money it brought in. Since I'm blogging from Flickr, I can't post 2 pictures at once so the interior will come next. I'm so proud of his work. He put in a lot of effort to make this perfect. It couldn't have been easy working in his shop (our garage) while the weather was in excess of 100 degrees these past couple of weeks. I'm so glad I can enjoy my crafts in the A/C!

Finally done!

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Originally uploaded by mrhodes702.

Here is my finished round ripple afghan from my pattern Gentle Waves. I don't know exactly how big it is but in this picture I have it on my king sized bed for a size comparison. I'm now working on another that I started previously, which actually was the swatch for the pattern. No problem whatsoever with the center lying flat! Woohoo! I eventually want to start another one based on Heather Bailey's quilt fabric colorway #2, which is pink, green, yellow and turquoise. I love the photos on her blog:
http://heatherbailey.typepad.com/heather_bailey/

Promised pictures

Found this project on Craftster.org. Now the boys want one for each of their iPods. They have the 2nd gen nanos and I have the original gen. I hope theirs fit in the Altoids tins.

Also, here are pictures of the latest Fat Bottom Bag that I finished out of kitchen cotton. I lined it with a vintage style Hawaiian print and used a drawstring closure. I bought beads for the ribbon ties today but haven't put them on yet. I don't have to use the drawstring portion and can instead tuck it inside the purse. I'm almost done crocheting the body of another one now. Unfortunately, I'm easily sidetracked by other projects such as the 4 afghans I have in progress, something for my sister, project bags, and socks that are due at the end of the month. I really shouldn't be cruising Craftster because I see so many things I want to make, like these iPod tins or cozies that others have made. I don't think I've ever posted pictures of the crocheted ones I've made. Maybe soon.

Need to post pictures!

I've made more project bags, finished two new purses, and crocheted 3 hats for the boys.

I have also decided to remove the 8 point round ripple pattern from my blog because the center portion doesn't lie flat. It wasn't a problem for me in the beginning but has become one and I don't want anyone investing their time in it and not be happy with the outcome. I'm sorry if anyone tried it and was disappointed. I really hate it when something I want doesn't turn out the way it is supposed to. Golden Rule or Karma?

Pictures soon.

Iced coffee, FOs, and ripple progress

Saw this recipe on the back of an instant coffee bottle today and just had to try it.

Iced Coffee
5-6 cups boiling water
1 can sweetened condensed milk
3 Tbsp. instant coffee

Melt the condensed milk in the boiling water and add the instant coffee. Cool and serve over ice. Yum! The recipe also called for 12 whole cloves but I'm not that big a fan of cloves. I'd add cinnamon or even flavored syrups to change up the flavor but it's great as is.



I finished these socks for the Sock A Month 3 KAL with 10 minutes to spare. Talk about stress! This is one instance where knitting wasn't relaxing for me. I wore them to bed that night.



I think I'm about done with this ripple. Currently it is 62" in diameter and I'm thinking that around 70" will be good enough. As it is, it covers me while I'm in the recliner watching TV. As soon as I finish this one I will concentrate on getting the black/blue one done. I only have a few rounds of that one to go as well then I have two more waiting in the wings. Whew! I'm tired just thinking of all the work ahead of me.

Spring Green Fat Bottom Bag

Finished this one the other day. This time I was smart enough to put a cell phone pocket in the lining. These purses aren't large but they're roomy enough that I can't get to my cell phone fast enough. I also finished the lining of the Paton's SWS fat bottom bag. Not only is there a pocket for my cell phone but one for my iPod Nano as well. I got the fabric at JoAnn's at 40% off the other day. I think I paid 99 cents for 1/2 yard. I have enough left over for another project and I bought another print that is an eggplant purple with tan that I plan to line a tan bag. I'm not sure that it will be another fat bottom just yet.

Our cacti are blooming. These flowers are so pretty. I wish I had taken a picture when they were new.

This is Sophie's favorite spot. She loves to watch the kids walk home from school every day. She's waiting for them now.

Paton's SWS Fat Bottom Bag

Started this one this morning and finished it early evening. Well, not quite done. It's unlined at the moment because I don't have a coordinating material right now. I'll check JoAnn's tomorrow. Hope their fat quarters are still on sale. They were 99 cents each the other day. Also, this one was much faster because of the way I did the handles. These were black plastic round purse handles from JoAnn's.

Speaking of handles, I went to Home Depot's plumbing section and bought some 1/2" diameter vinyl tubing. I bought two different kinds. One was black and medium firm @ 10 feet for $2.79, while the other was braided vinyl and is quite firm @ 10 feet for $4.99. I figured that I used 3 feet for both handles of the black purse, which would come out to $1.66 per purse for the braided vinyl and 93 cents per purse for the black vinyl. I can't wait to use them! Have already started a spring green colored one. Pictures to come when done.

Black Fat Bottom Bag

Can I just tell you that this is my favorite one so far? I have to thank Elaine for the most wonderful tutorials for making the FBB. She takes you from start to finish with 7 videos on YouTube that are awesome. Only thing is that unless you speak Portuguese, you'll have to grasp the concept with the wonderful visuals. I love the way she uses plastic tubing for the purse handles. I went to Wal-Mart's pet section and bought an aquarium vacuum kit for about $5 and some additional tubing in a smaller size for about $3. I can get 2 sets of handles from this. It's not much cheaper than buying ready made handles but I like the crochet covered handles, and that they don't slide around and are much more comfortable to hold. I will have to try Home Depot to see if I can find this tubing cheaper. I did wind up having to use some tape to close the gap but it's not noticeable at all. I also prefer her method of lining the bag after the handles are done. The tutorial linked to on Crochetville was great for my first couple of bags but I wasn't really satisfied with the result because I couldn't get the lining as close to the edges as I would have liked. Sure, having to sew the lining in by hand is much more tedious but produces a much better product, in my opinion. As you can see from the picture, the inside of the bag is just as pretty as the outside. The lining fits perfectly. I wanted to use a magnetic snap closure but wouldn't you know it, I couldn't find it. I didn't want to wait until tomorrow so I went ahead and used the crochet flap and button on the back. It works and isn't ugly.

I used the free pattern on the LionBrand site for the crocheted roses. I know these don't match the lining but I wanted to try them out. I had a few minutes to wait in the doctor's office this afternoon and they're super fast to make. I do have some matching lime green, orange and purple yarn that I can make flowers with, but just haven't done it yet. I sewed safety pins to the backs of the roses so that they're removable.

Also, I just got the most wonderful package from my sister, Gina. She sent me these great vintage inspired Hawaiian print fabrics. I originally intended to use them for more knitting project bags but now I see FBB lining whenever I look at any fabric! It takes just a smidge less than a fat quarter to line one of these beauties. The most I've spent so far to make one is about $11.00. This black one cost me about $8.00. If I can get the tubing cheaper, it might just take the cost down to $5.00. We'll see. I'm using Red Heart Super Saver acrylic for the body of the bag and an I sized hook. I used almost the whole skein since I covered the handles with crochet. I bought a pack of fat quarters at Joann Crafts for about $1 each piece. The only other expense would be matching thread if it's a color I don't already have. That's why I like black! I wonder if I could machine sew the liner in if I used a zipper foot? Although, it really wasn't that bad to hand sew it in.

I'm now trying to decide which color to do next. I think I'll do a green to match the pineapple print fabric that Gina sent me. Susan, if you're reading this, I think the original pattern was written for cotton yarn and I think a deep green would be beautiful! Since I still have yet to see the actual pattern, I don't know much more about it.

On to check out my yarn stash!

Brown Fat Bottom Bag

Here's the latest finished FBB. Only after I finished it did my husband remind me to put in a magnetic snap closure. Too late! So I just made a buttonhole closure for the backside. I lined it in a cute coffee print and used the remnant for a rosette on the front. I am now in the process of making a black one. I think I'm going to try a new type of handle on this one. Pics to follow when done.









I just couldn't resist buying this firefighter print and making a knitting bag out of it. I lined it in a flame print fabric. Bernie thought it was too corny! Of course, when the little one saw the fabric, he asked me to make him a little bag to hold his Star Wars figures. Being the good mommy that I am, I complied. However, he asked that the flame fabric is on the front. I explained that it is reversible but I don't think he cares. You know, this fabric (either one) would make a cool FBB lining! I'll have to add it to my list of future projects, #1,000,000,001.

Fat Bottom Bags

I first saw these last week. It has since become an obsession. I was just cruising someone's blog and saw one. I don't even remember which blog it was on, but I wanted one. I Googled until I came across the CAL at Crochetville and I spent two days looking at all of them. My local library showed that they had the book, Stitch N Bitch Happy Hooker by Debbie Stoller, on the shelf so I rushed right over, only to find that it was gone. The librarian said that it hadn't even been checked out, "just grew legs". I was heartbroken. I placed my name on the waiting list and went back home to drool at the pictures again. I looked at them for so long that I came to the conclusion that I could probably "wing it" and the cream colored bag was the result. I tried to make it a little bit bigger and the blue one was the result of that. I think they look pretty much like the other FBBs out there. They're even lined, thanks to the tutorial that was on C'ville. I still haven't seen the pattern, but want to, just to see how close I got. I must go to Joann's to find more handles tomorrow. I like the blue bag but hate the handles on it. I think it's like the cane in wicker furniture. Not attractive at all. I'm currently working on a chocolate brown version that I'm going to line in a coffee print fabric I bought at Michael's. I started it at knit nite tonight and I'm almost done with the body of the bag already. Stupid me, I ran out of the house without my knitting project. Good thing I had the crochet hook and yarn in my other project bag. I'm going to experiment with a different way of lining tomorrow. I'm not going to line it until the handles are done and see how much more difficult it is. I won't cut the yarn, just in case, so I can rip the handles out and re-do the lining if I have to. Am I asking for trouble? BTW, the most beautiful FBBs I have seen so far have come from some talented crocheters in Portugal and Brazil, like this one. Gorgeous!

Slow ripple progress and a quick FO!

Gentle Waves Round Ripple (top picture) 8-Point Wavy Ripple (middle picture)








See the crochet hook on my smaller afghan? Bernie made that for me. I was complaining that since I've been doing so much crocheting lately, the end of my hook was digging into the meaty flesh below my pinkie finger and it was bothering me. I bought some cushions but the hole was so small and I couldn't get it on my hook. He has since made me four more. I'm not sure but I think this one is maple and two of the other ones are ebony. I told him that I love the ebony ones, A LOT!

**I have been reading posts regarding some round ripple afghans on Crochetville. Some people have mentioned that their ripples do not lie flat. I don't have a problem with my Gentle Waves Ripple lying flat at all. However, the 8-Point Wavy Ripple does "ripple" a little bit at the very center but as the afghan grows, the rest of it lies flat. I'm wondering if using a smaller hook exacerbates the rippling effect in the middle of round ripples. I am using worsted weight yarn (Red Heart) and a size I (5.5 mm) hook and I think the larger hook helps in the drape of the fabric.**

After seeing so many crocheted baseball style caps (also newsboy style) everywhere, I decided, at 2 a.m., that I just had to have one of my very own. I wanted it to be in Chris' baseball team colors, which is navy blue and orange for the Detroit Tigers. I didn't want to go looking in my stash at 2 a.m. so I pulled out a skein of royal blue that I decided didn't belong in any of my ripples and got started. Now that I know how easy and fast it was, I will now make one in some navy yarn I found after the fact. Picture to come.

Knitting bags

Yesterday I had lunch with my friend, Pat, who generously offered to make me some sock knitting bags from the My Leetle Bag pattern. I was expecting just one or two but she made me six! They're all lined in coordinating fabrics and are just too cute. I felt like it was Christmas! She totally inspired me to go home and see if I could do it. I do not sew. At all. The sewing machine scares me. In fact, the one sewing machine that we own actually belongs to my husband. I bought it for him for our first Christmas together since he told me he could sew and I knew he didn't have one.

I cut out my pattern pieces and started sewing on a scrap piece just to get used to the machine. Something was wrong. I was done before I even started. I went pouting into his office and told him something didn't look right. DUH! I didn't have it threaded right. After that I was off and running. My first bag didn't look half as nice as Pat's. But it was my first one and I love it anyway. I went searching for any scraps of fabric lying around the house from my previous lame attempts. I found a colorful Hawaiian print and an equally colorful Japanese Sakura print and this is what I made. The last one (standing up in the picture) was perfect except that I didn't have any more matching ribbon. I'll have to fix that.



Pat and I also discussed other uses for these bags and I thought of one last night. When I pack for a trip, I usually put my shoes into plastic shopping bags. Wouldn't these make great shoe bags?