Year of Ami, week 45, S is for Sushi!

Folks, I must tell you, this was difficult for me to commit to. I love the patterns, I'm sure I'll enjoy the end result, they just look a tad...involved from where I'm sitting right now.

BUT, they are not spherical, so there's that.

To crochet, Fish to Sushi from irkachan.

To knit, Sushi Fishy. (rav link)

Tip: don't work too tightly, or the finished piece will be difficult to turn.

*pics of my own creations added after-the-fact*

Diamond Kitty

The Roly Poly Kitty comes out sort of more 3D diamond-shaped than round. Not that that's a bad thing, necessarily, it's just not what I expected.

I think my placement was better this time.

I added a tail: 4 st i-cord, for about 20 rows, placed on the bump. 

Getting bored with making balls, spheres, and other such shapes. I want something really different now.

Yarns: Vanna in Terracotta and White, Wool-Ease in Black for facial features

A Pie for Everyone

...who had a crooked cat...

My Roly Poly Cat has some serious placement issues. I think I was just tired. I dunno. But I need to resew almost all of his parts.

Even his ears don't line up.

I thought I had the tail centered, until I turned him back right-side-up.

The eyes are nicely placed. Between Rnds 11 & 12, with 7-8 sts between them, in case you're wondering.

Geez, even his little face is crooked. And missing in the whisker department.
I hope the knitted one turns out better.

(BTW, I think, possibly, I would like him better if you didn't decrease on the feets. Maybe, when I take those off to reposition, I might just rip them back a round as well.)

Yarns: Vanna in Mustard and White, with a scrap of who-knows-what for his mouth/nose

The Cheeses

I had no trouble at all with the knitted cheese.

We all know how I feel about sewing these things up, but I didn't grumble (much) on this one. Though my mind is still working on how to make it seamless. Like maybe picking up stitches, and knitting the red edges in with the rows of yellow. Or somehow knitting it in the round, from the smaller end. Sure. Probably not worth the brain-power.

Anyway, just know that the stitches/rows are exactly matched up as you sew together. Do the right number of rows in the yellow, even if it looks too short to fit the red (mine did). I was tempted, but then I did the math, and saw that it would match up stitch for stitch. I left a super-long tail on the yellow, and used that to sew it up. Possibly red would have been better.

As previously mentioned, I had issues with the cheese slice.
I'm sorry, but, if you follow directions to the letter, like I do, you won't get this one to work out. I'm sure the pattern is just meant to be simple, a variation on a block or a baby blanket, one that many folks already know and could work in their sleep. But I, not having done this sort of square worked from one corner, in this texture, can only follow what's written.
First, I tried just going with replacing "sc" with "st" when working the first stitches of Row 3. That helps, but the count is still off. You have 5 stitches to work in from Row 2, but you're only working in 4. Not really working out for me. So, I tried going with a more intuitive approach. Work the (sc,dc) at the ends, and work dc in the sc, sc in the dc, and see how that goes.

After a few trials, including a sort of poufy piece badly in need of blocking,

I finally settled on this variation, which produced a nice flat square,

no blocking needed.

Worsted weight yarn, G hook

Row 1: Ch 2, (dc, sc, dc) in 2nd ch from hook, ch 1, turn

Row 2: (dc,sc) in first st, dc in next sc, (sc, dc) in last stitch, ch 1, turn

Row 3 and following inc rows: (dc, sc) in first st, (dc in next sc, sc in next dc) repeat until one st remains, (sc, dc) in last st, ch 1, turn

Repeat Row 3 until desired half-width

Decrease rows: pull up loop in first st and next st, work as for dc, (sc in next dc, dc in next sc) repeat until two st remain, work dc decrease as before, ch 1, turn

Repeat decreases until you have 3 st left. Pull up loop in each st, yo, pull through 3 loops, yo, pull through 2 loops, ch 1, turn.

Work 3 sc in corner, and continue around entire square, working 3 sc each in remaining corners, join to first sc, and finish off.

In case you're thinking that this could just be a case of different yarns, that my changes to the pattern didn't make that much difference, here's a start in the same yarn,  showing how it fans out at the edges, which leads to the curling as you try to make it square.

I know, I could be totally wrong in my corrections/changes. They may not have been necessary. I might just have terrible skills where this stitch pattern is concerned. But I do have a flat square, and I bet you can follow my directions, even if you don't have a clue what it's supposed to look like in the end.

Yarns: Vanna in Scarlet, Wool-Ease in Buttercup, and an old thrifted hank of Kentucky Yarn in Gold (which I'm sure is no longer available, but was a great color to use for cheese)

Year of Ami, week 44, R is for Roly Poly!

I almost did these ones for K (Kitty), but then realized I really had to finish the Katamari stuff for my boy, so I set these aside.

In the meantime, I got to thinking about doing Robots, or Rockets, or Robins, but when I looked at these cute little fellas again, I just couldn't resist them.

I hope you agree.

To knit, Roly Poly Kitty, by Karen's Knittin' Crap (have you seen her shark?!?)

To crochet, Roly Poly Cats, by Puchitomato.

*Pics of my own creations added after-the-fact*

HP7P1

 Went to the 3:50am showing of Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows.

Going to attempt a full work day today anyway.

Wish me luck.

Oh, and, yes, it's worth the lack of sleep.

Totally.

cheesy deception

I tried, more than once, to start in on the deceptively simple cheese slice.

It can't be done.

At least, not how it's written. I'm trying lots of variations, trying to figure out how to make it work like it sounds like it should.

Anyone else tried it? Having any luck?

Customer Service

Last week, I stayed a little late at the office to pay some bills. I stopped at the post office on the way home, and, since this was Wed, and the next day was Veterans Day, I didn't just leave my mail in the drive-thru boxes, I went in. To be sure they got out with the mail asap, whether that was later that evening, or early Friday. I just wanted to be sure it went out sooner rather than later.

Friday evening, I came home from work, well after 5pm, to find that, even though I'd properly addressed and stamped my mortgage payment, which would be late after Monday, the post office had somehow managed to deliver it to me instead of sending it on to the recipient.

Lovely.

Promptly the next morning, I took the payment (and my knitting) to the Orem post office to wait in line and see what they would do for me. Not a very long wait later (only a couple of rounds on my socks), the nice postal worker was looking at my envelope and blinking in a baffled way. "Ummm," he says, "gosh, I have no idea...let me just..." and wanders off to the back to see if anyone else might know what went wrong.
Seems that their optical reader must have really liked my address better than the mortgage company, leading it to print my zip on it, which got it delivered to me.
The very nice postal worker proceeded to do it up to go overnight, so it could arrive by Monday, at no cost to me. Which I thought was about right.

On to the next errand, a little fabric shopping with mom.

Home Fabrics went well, even if a little more time-consuming than we'd intended. But at JoAnn, we caused a little trouble. First, the flannel was on sale, which I didn't know before, but we did need some (Christmas pyjama making and all), so, what with one thing and another, a little more spent than I'd planned. While checking out, I jokingly said, as I swiped my card, "gee, wouldn't 10% off be nice?" Our checker, Shay, flipped my mailer open to show me that there was a coupon for exactly that, which she'd be happy to scan.

Except.

Except I'd already swiped my card, it was just waiting for my signature. The only way to get me the 10% now, would be to finish the transaction, refund the whole thing, and start over.
She didn't even flinch - just went ahead and did it, with a smile.
Meanwhile, mom discovers some pricey pillow forms weren't actually on sale, and says if she'd known, she wouldn't have bought them. Shay is happy to return those as well, just as soon as she's done returning all my stuff. We discover we've got two 40% off coupons, both of which we can use for the pillows, so Shay, happy as ever, does the return for mom, refunds the cash, and rings her up again, this time using the coupons, saving mom over $30.
(I'm telling you, next time you're in Orem, at JoAnns, ask for Shay - she's awesome! And then tell Joan, her manager (who is also awesome) how great Shay is.)

Last stop, Lowes, for a drill bit so dad can install the gate, so the dog doesn't have to stay in the house. Dad had to borrow my drill, which is really their old drill, because he can't find theirs. We took the drill with, just to be sure the new bit fit like it should. As we walk in, helpful guy in a red vest, obviously headed elsewhere, asks if we need help. We say yes, because we're thinking it'll be faster that way, and off we go to the drill bits. After finding us what we need, he looks at the drill, and notices the sad state of the cord. It's casing is torn in many places, and it doesn't look safe to use. We're looking at a new cord ($25) and he's telling us how to put it in, when another guy walks up, takes one look at the drill, and, with real concern on his face, points out that a new drill would only cost about $30, so unless we're determined to fix the one we have, that might be the better way to go.
First fella (I'm sorry, I totally missed name tags there - but he's blond, really tall, and has a slight stutter) helps us find a drill most like the one we have (not cordless, and with a level), and we're on our way.

I'm telling you, I think if mom and I had set out with the intention of causing trouble, we couldn't have done any worse. And every time, those awesome, capable, helpful folks came through for us.

After a day like that, the world looks pretty good, you know?

The Other Popcorn

I think I went a little overboard with my popcorns on the top of this one. Designer said she used 17 on hers, and I think I have more like 27 on mine.

Pattern was great. I of course wanted some other way to join up the side and bottom and everything besides sewing it, but, no joy.

I decided to tack the corners of the bottom against the sides, just to be sure it wouldn't want to pop back out when someone played with it.

Did not even bother trimming my ends on the backside of the top piece after tying on all the popcorns. I figured it made for good stuffing here, and, what else was I going to do with it?

Nothing, that's what.

I've used up the entire ball of Daisy Ombre making these popcorns. I did 8 of the crochet version, and then all the rest of that ball of yarn went into making the base and popcorns on the top of the knitted version.

cute, though.

("pattern" for the pretzel shown is here)

Yarns: Peaches & Cream in White, Red, Daisy Ombre, Warm Brown

Year of Ami, week 43, Q is for Queso!

I know, I know. But Q is tricky. I briefly considered doing some crowns (for Queen...), but I have no desire or need for play crowns at my house. That I know of.

Funnily enough, play food is always in demand.

So, to knit, from Knitvana, Mouse Cheese. (Scroll all the way down the page, there are links to pdf's at the bottom.)

To crochet, from Hook, Yarn, and Needles the Old Stuff, this cheese slice may seem a little dinky, but really, knowing how to crochet a nice square is important.*

Be sure to check out all the other food patterns while you're there. You can build a nice cheeseburger or BLT, complete with veggies on the side. I've personally made the chicken drumstick, and I think it's awesome.

*revised cheese slice pattern pictured - I couldn't make this pattern work, but this is what it's supposed to look like

*pics of my own creations added after-the-fact*

Popcorn 'n' Pretzel(s)

Pattern is really super easy. It just takes a while to make enough popcorn. I've only got 6 so far, and other projects calling my name, so this may have to be it for now.
I used a variegated yarn for the buttery popcorns. I think I like that better than one solid color.

Pretzel is bigger than I'd thought it would be. Easy, though. Instead of sewing up the long sides, I slip-stitched it together. I just hate having to guess how long a tail of yarn to leave, possibly running out, when stitching such a long skinny thing. So this one looks different on the other side.

If you like the pretzel, and wish there was one to knit, I wrote up a sorta pattern a while back. But really it's just icord until you've had enough (I did one with 4 stitches, 6 or 8 will give you something chunkier), twist it, tack the ends. Voila.

Yarns: Peaches N Cream in Warm Brown, White, Red, and Daisy Ombre

Georgie the Socktopus

Not sure I'll actually stick with the name Georgie, but for now, it seems to suit.

Had a lot of fun choosing "socks" to put on this fellow. I think my favorite is still the athletic sock. There's something just so real about it.

Pattern is pretty much perfect. I did pick up two stitches in between legs when I picked up to knit his underbelly, just so I'd be sure to not have any holes. I knitted those together on the next round, and then followed her instructions after that to finish him up.

Used 12mm safety eyes on mine. I just really like those things.

How about that cute little pink sock? I put a lacey ruffle on it, like those sweet little socks baby girls wear. I did a purl round so I'd have some bumps to pick up in, and used crochet cotton to give it a little frill.

Fun project!

Yarns: Vanna in Charcoal, and lots and lots of leftover bits and scraps. This is a great stash busting project!

It's an uncertain universe out there

after spending at least a week or so telling people I was the answer (when asked my age, in relation to my recent birthday), when confronted with my gifts from Twin2 and his girlfriend, I actually was confused as to why my son would buy me a towel.

duh.

And, what could be better than chocolate monkeys?

(also, did you notice? not only am I 42, my year-long ami challenge is in week 42 this week. how cool is that?)

worth seeing

It's a little silly, definitely funny,

and totally clean.

Your whole family will enjoy it.

Get tickets and more info here.

(Twin1 plays a number of parts, including Robbert the Wizard. You'll love the duel.)

Exciting news

Fab Fibers is featured in the Daily Herald! No idea how they heard about us, but we were interviewed and had pictures taken.
We got to talk about what we do, and why, and whatever.

I'm not pictured in any of the chosen photos, but I was there, and she was there, clicking away at a rapid pace, zooming in close while I knitted my "weekend blues" socks.

I am quoted, though. And it's one of my favorite things to say about this yarn habit I have, so it's nice to see it in print.

Year of Ami, week 42, P is for Popcorn!

To crochet, Movie Munchies from Beansprout Creations. There's always room in my collection for more fiber foods!

To knit, Popcorn from Taxigirl. I couldn't say why this appeals to me, except it's just so cute and happy.

If you're starting to think along the lines of Christmas and a Popcorn Garland for your tree, you can do that, too. (Beansprout's kernels can be used that way as is.)

*pics of my own creations added after-the-fact*

Happy Birthday to me!

Half a Socktopus

I'm working on the Socktopus, but it's a bit slow*. Not because knitting those legs takes forever, but, choosing the "socks" takes a little time. It's hard, really. So many options and ideas...

What's your favorite so far? I really liked the red & white striped, but then I liked the next stripey one (done with a variegated yarn, so that's self-striped), and then, I did the "legwarmer", and it's all soft and fuzzy. Next, I did the athletic sock, and I really really really like that one, too.

I'm tempted to start all the rest of legs, get them to the sock-starting point, and then go back and finish up the base of the body, so I can stuff it and give it a personality. And then I'd finish the other 4 legs.

Tempting...

*The fact that I worked on my own legwarmers last night at Fab Fibers has absolutely nothing to do with how little I've gotten done on the Socktopus. Nothing at all.

Weekend Blues

I finished my socks!

I'm not sure about the ribbing at the top - I think I might have liked 1x1 ribbing better. But it's good enough.

Next pair might be a bit different. It's interesting making up your own sock pattern...

A note about stuffing

From time to time, I am asked how it is that I stuff my little toys so evenly, and yet they remain squishable. I realize, being readers in blogland, some of you may not have a first-hand acquaintance with the squishableness of my creations, but take my word for it, my stuff isn't lumpy or overstuffed. (Some may look overstuffed, but they are still soft, not ever rock-hard.)

That was not always the case. I have, somewhere in the attic (at least, I'm pretty sure they're still up there) one of my earlier attempts at doll-making. These were small dolls, sewn from fabric, and they were stuffed so firmly, I think they could be fairly effective weapons. And lumpy? If they aren't, it's only because there wasn't any room for lumps when I was done. Since then, I've learned a few things.

First, don't skimp on the stuffing. Get the good stuff. It's only stuffing, so even the "supreme" quality isn't expensive. We're talking maybe $6 instead of $2. I know what it's like to have no money, and I understand that even $4 might feel like too much sometimes. Thing is, if it's a good quality stuffing, you need less for each piece, so it lasts longer, making it cheaper in the long run.

My hands-down favorite is Polydown by Hobbs. However, this is seldom available in the stores near me, and I haven't had much luck finding it online, either (unless you count the almost $100 case of the stuff...). (You can't order direct from Hobbs unless you're a store.) Possibly, if your local shops carry Hobbs batting, you may be able to get them to order in the stuffing as well, if you ask nice.

Having tried several other kinds, I have recently settled on Fairfield's Soft Touch Poly-fil Supreme. My local stores don't always have this one in stock, so sometimes I do have to order it online. I've ordered it from Fabric Depot, who sells it by the bag. To make the shipping worthwhile, I tend to order however many bags it takes to get me right under the first price-break for shipping.

When looking at stuffing in your local shops, look for the words "down-like" and "silky" in the description. If in doubt, skip it. The "popular" variety tends not to be the best. Crafter's Choice would be my last choice, because, like it says in the description, it will "result in a firmer feeling finished product". In other words, not squishable at all.

With any stuffing, it helps if you separate fibers, and use small portions. Even if you're stuffing something huge, like the X, don't grab out half the bag and try to force it in there. Tuck some in the smallest parts, using the eraser end of a pencil (or the tip, if it's really small), and keep adding more until you're satisfied with it. I wish I could say different, but you'll never get that squishy feel from bargain stuffing, no matter how much you separate fibers beforehand.

One more tip: if I'm sewing something, I will often add a layer of batting, especially if it's a large object. You just cut out your pieces in batting, same as you did for fabric, and sew it as one with the fabric. This prevents any lumps showing and gives the item a smooth look overall. Not something I generally do with knit or crocheted stuff, but helpful when making a pillow or sewn stuffed item.

(Not So) Adorable Acorn Accents

Not overfond of how these turned out. Not even sure if making a smaller cap would help on either of them.

They look more like little heads with hats on.

I couldn't find my J hook, so I made the caps with an H hook. And still, they're way too big, even the "small" version.

Maybe I should have done these cute little ami acorns from Planet June instead.

Yarns: Vanna in Mustard & Dusty Green, Elann Peruvian Highland Wool in Brown

Year of Ami, week 41, O is for Octopus!

Okay, I've been working on my own rendition of an octopus for a while, tweaking the pattern each time I remake it, hoping to make it make more sense. I think I've got it now.

My own crocheted version is a lot like the kitschy ones from my childhood. You know, the ones that you could buy at a church bazaar or school fundraising event, back in the 70's? Now, it seems, kitsch is cute. Or, at least, I think it is, in this case.

To knit, gosh, there are a lot of them out there, but the one I keep coming back to, the one I really want to hold in my hands, is Socktopus, from Knit For Your Life (whose Floofy Cupcakes I adore).

In case you're not excited about knitting that much in the round, there's Aristotle the Octopus from Haun' Knittit, who happens to be knit flat. I like his flat little tentacles and mis-matched eyes.

*Pics of my own creations added after-the-fact*