All My Chickens, Week 5, Bantam Hen

A quick little knit (with a smidgen of crochet) for this week's chicken.

A sweet little palm-sized Bantam Chicken. (Rav link)

*pic of my own creation added after-the-fact*

what to do between projects

how about a tiny little sock for a keychain?

keychain and pattern available here

yarn leftovers from my dodecahedron

I totally intended to make this myself. I cast on, worked the ribbing, and then, while at FF, my BFFofFF was having trouble with her swatch of DNA cable, so I offered to let her work on the tiny sock. (I'm nice like that.) She knitted the rest of the leg and the heel that night.
I picked it up a couple times during the week, knit a few rounds, but didn't get far. Then, earlier this week, at FF again, she ran short of the yarn she was working with and was left empty-handed, so I let her finish the tiny sock. (I told you, I'm sweet like that.)

Adorable, no?

To: Tall, Dark, & Scruffy

I noticed you even before I entered the cafe.

As I walked by the window on my way in, my eyes were drawn immediately to you, though I was searching for other, more familiar, faces.

You continued to draw my attention as the night wore on. I know I laughed more, smiled more, because I hoped you were watching me. (Were you?)

When you walked out to wander among the stacks, I noticed that you first walked behind me (and the rest of the ladies) instead of taking the shorter route through the magazine racks. You came back the same way.
I caught sight of you as you wandered, and I tried to catch your eye, so I could smile at you.

(Should I have wandered out, too? Found some excuse to leave my group?)

Then.

Then you left. And your friend? the one with the hand-knit hat? (The hat was recognized by a few of us - we know the pattern.) He gestured to his hat, made hand-motions like he was knitting, and winked. (I think he winked. I didn't see it.) But you? you just walked away.

I'm there every Thursday. If you come again, I might be brave enough to talk to you. I might even give you my number.

I wish I'd been bold and spoken to you. (Would that have been too much?)

Come again? (Please?)

Signed: Sheepish at Barnes & Noble

DK Baby Boy Blues

Just wanted to show these off a bit. I'm feeling pretty good about how they turned out. The not-matching thing that happens there after the heel has to do with one ball of leftovers being wound from the beginnings of the other sock, from the part where it didn't match, which meant that it was in two pieces. I ran out of the first, well-matched, section just after the heel. I tried really hard to find a way to match them up again, but it just wasn't happening. Kind of disappointing.

My ribbing on the top seems a little loose. I know I was nervous while I was knitting, so I'm going to blame it on that.

I prefer, in general, to do toe-up socks, but I think I might like doing cuff-down better for dk. I could never stick my hands up in to make sure I hadn't crossed yarns; I had to pull one sock out of the other, which sort of gives the game away, for one, and also, I then had to settle it back in there so the lumps wouldn't bug me.
Not to mention the whole invisible sewn bind-off thing, which is not exactly looking it's best here. I can't prove it, because I can't find the sweater, but I swear my first attempt at sewn bind-off was practically perfect. If you look at these, you'll want to compliment me for the effort and tell me I'll get better with practice. And I'd have to agree with you, if I didn't know I'd already done better.

I only had one instance of crossed threads. Not even sure it was that, really. I think I must have knitted one of the outer sock stitches in with an inner sock stitch, because when I ran the column down to where they joined up, the other sock came free without me having to undo anything. It was in the heel section, with all the wrapped stitches and such, in the last round of the heel. Wasn't as hard as I anticipated to undo it and fix it.

I'm glad I tried the technique, but I'm not feeling inspired to cast on for another pair. Except, I think I should try cuff-down, and see if I like it any better. Maybe. Like, right after I finish my Welig gloves, my legwarmers, my car socks, and, um, whatever else I've got on the needles that strikes my fancy.

Secret Life

I started watching The Secret Life of the American Teenager.

I kept missing it when it was on TV for real, and finally remembered to look it up on Netflix a couple days ago, so now I get to watch all 5 "volumes" at home, on my Roku.

I have three things to say about this show:

Do teenagers really talk about it this much? Really? All the time? (Yes, I know teenage boys think about it pretty much all the time, but I don't recall hearing whole conversations (with statistics no less) so much as baudy jokes. Just me?)

Is this really how the rest of the world sees "Christians"?

Bo Duke (because, all I could see, when I saw him sitting there at the dinner table, father of the blond (Christian) goddess of USG High, was the General Lee flying over that ravine)

I think I like this show. I know I wished I'd tried harder to watch it when it was actually on TV, but that was just a guess. And the whole Molly Ringwald thing. I mean, I did spend my teenage years in the 80's, so, you know. (I loved her in Tempest.)

Teal Giraffe

Whipped up another Melly & Me Giraffe.

This one was made by request, with the idea of matching the mom's choice of colors for the new nursery. The polka-dot is a tad more towards teal than her colors, but it blends pretty well.

I'd forgotten, until I was already into it, just how much hand-work this pattern requires.
The main parts are all machine sewn, but each one is left open for stuffing, requiring you to hand-stitch the openings shut. Five of those, people. And that's just the larger parts.
Then the horns are hand-stitched on the head.
Followed by hand-gathering the ears and stitching those to the head.
The eyes have to be sewn together, add the little x, and then sewn on - all by hand.
The legs, four of them (yeah, duh, but somehow it seems a lot when you make this fella) are attached to the body using heavy-duty thread, doubled & waxed, threaded into long soft-sculpture needles, sewn through buttons. This means he's jointed and pose-able, though the options are a tad limited.
Finally, you get to hand-knot each part of the mane (and tail) as you stitch lengths of floss into the seam.

I adore the finished product, but it sure takes a lot more time than you'd think. (Especially when you can't find your brown felt because you didn't put it away properly after the last time you used it.)

I have yet to find a gift bag that is tall enough to tuck him into without his cute head sticking out.

('scuz the rustic background on the pics, please. it was raining, my options were limited.)

All My Chickens, Week 4, Cherry Chicken

uh, okay, I was sorta looking for something cherry-related (and thus Washington-related), as we'd already done the log-cabin (and thus Lincoln-related) chicken, but I guess, somewhere in my mind, I figured there'd be something that somehow combined cherries with chickens in a crafty sense, not in an edible sense, but then, I found this recipe, and it sounded good, and, frankly, I need to step up my cooking a notch (or several notches), so, I decided, what the heck?

So, even though I completely failed in my attempts to grocery shop all of last week (seriously - just never got there, though every day I planned to) I do intend to buy the ingredients for this and throw it together.

Hopefully, my picky eaters won't turn up their noses at fruity chicken. (I could be eating left-overs for lunch all week if they do.)
If you try it, be sure to let me know what you think of it.

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

Log Cabin Chicken sans pins

I can't seem to make myself stick pins in this. And I only stuffed it with regular stuffing, so it's squishable, like a toy. 

Turned out pretty cute, in the end, but you should have seen what I ended up with when I made the blocks. I was using the same exact 1" strips, which I cut myself, and sewing both blocks at the same time, but one of them ended up about 1/4" smaller all around. I must not have cut very accurately, or maybe it was the sewing. I decided to center them (mostly) and then sew up the three sides. You can kinda tell my strips aren't uniform, but only if you stare at it.

I did something totally different for the beak and comb. I meant to do what they said, but then, I was sewing, and I couldn't find the directions, and I didn't want to waste a lot of time searching for them. (Physically, I mean, because it would have been easy to find the link here on the blog - but my Twins are always on the computers and I'd have had to kick one of them off, and, it just seemed easier to press on from memory.) So as I was sewing along (having sewn the sides before remembering I was supposed to insert the beak and comb first), I couldn't quite recall what the pattern called for, except that the comb was a felt piece. I was thinking about how to do a beak, and came up with the folded fabric triangle (not my original idea - it was on a similar pattern for a slightly fancier version of what is basically the same pin cushion), which made me want to not use felt for the comb. So this is what I ended up doing - the folded triangle beak, and a gathered rectangle for the comb.

For the beak: I used a 1" square of yellow fabric. Fold it on the diagonal twice. With right sides facing (the block - the beak is all right-sides after folding), place raw edges of triangle even with raw edges of one log cabin block, about 3/8" down from what will be the top corner of the chicken, with the open part of the fold facing down towards what will be the bottom. (Similar to how they show you here, though I've no idea why their illustration is upside-down.) What you want is to place it so it will look like this when it's done:

The beak will be sewn into this seam when you sew the three sides. Make sense?

For the comb: cut a 1 1/2" square of red fabric, fold it in half, wrong sides together (so the pretty is still showing), and stitch like so:

starting and ending at the folded edge, with the curve nearest the raw edges. Leave your thread tails. Knot thread at one end, and pull up one thread from the other end to gather. This will give you the curved folded edge shown on my chicken. Knot the threads to keep the gathers together, and pin the comb to the adjacent edge of the same log cabin block you placed the beak on, again about 3/8" back from the corner. You want the gathering stitching to be 1/4" in from the raw edge, and the curved folded edge facing into the center of the block. (Again their illustration, though upside-down, and showing the felt piece, is still correct for this placement. Except, this piece will have a bunch of fabric at the raw edge - no need to trim, it'll be inside the chicken.) You can baste these in place to make it easier to sew the blocks together, or just pin and hope for the best. (Which may involve the seam-ripper later, but, hey, live on the edge. I did.)

From there, I basically followed the rest of the directions. I forgot to do two pieces for the tail, so mine lacks that dimension. I decided to machine-stitch the tail piece to the top edge of the final seam, centering it, and then I hand-stitched the seam closed after stuffing.

I didn't put eyes on it. I kinda like it that way.

Loads of Love

A little peak at some of my <3-Day decor.

Because sometimes, I need to show off. A little.

The little pillow, with the x-stitched center, I bought that as a kit, worked on it when I felt inspired, and now, it's finally finished.

I do that a lot.

The copyright date on the pattern from the kit is 2002. Sounds about right.

Potential

I bought this adorable red print fabric a few weeks back.

Four yards, so there's plenty to work with, enough for a dress, even. Trouble is, I've really got no idea what I want it to become.

I just know I like it.

I love the big flowers, with their polka-dot centers.

But can I really wear this? Top and bottom? Top only? Maybe something with white accents?

It's a summer-weight cotton, so I'm thinking something simple. With this large print, (flowers are about 2" across) I don't want a lot of small bits and pieces, either.

What about pants? I used to like making and wearing big floral prints as pants. This might look good in clam-digger style. Or that might be way too much. And you're sort of limited on where you can wear red pants with huge black and white flowers on them. Not very work-worthy or sophisticated.

A simple blouse, though, with a white collar, I could see that at work. Something like this, maybe?

Or a dress like this one, with the jacket in white or black.

What would you do?

Project Progress

I've not blogged much about some of my recent projects, but I've got plenty in progress at the moment.
I mean, there are always lots of UFO's at my place, but I wanted to throw out some pics of my progress on a few that are actually still considered current, as opposed to being tucked away, awaiting renewed interest.

My DK baby boy blues are coming along nicely. I did my short row heels, and I'm on to the leg of the sock. I notice my short-row wraps are not as snug as I might like, but in the interest of not going nuts with the DK stuff, I'm letting them stand. My next pair will be much better, I'm sure.

I'm finally back to where I was on my legwarmers before I had to rip them back. I should have considered the size of my muscular calves in the first place, but I got caught up in the whole business of following the instructions instead. Serves me right, having to rip back 12" and re-knit it with added stitches to accommodate my actual legs. Or maybe it's a misprint, and I'm not the only victim. See, you start at the bottom (ankle) and it says to work the pattern as established, no increases, for 18". Even if you've got bird-legs, I bet you want a little more room in there for your calf than you have for your ankle. Maybe it should be something more like 8"? In any case, I had to do all the increases already, and I'm only at 17". I may need to do more increases when I get to the knees as well. If you're looking at your legs right now, and thinking that 18" is much longer than the distance from your ankle to your knee, you're right. But these aren't meant to be super snug - they should be allowed to sort of relax and rest comfortably.

As for the two All My Chickens projects I should have already finished, I've hit a little snag with the first one. I finally got the whole thing cut, and it's lovely, but I failed to consider that if you have something that goes nearly to the edges of an 8 1/2" x 11" piece of paper, you will not be able to then frame the finished item in an 8" x 10" frame.

Duh.

Apparently, I didn't run to 11" x 14" in my past history of frame-buying, so I've now got to go on a frame hunt. I feel a bit stupid about that, as it would have been very easy to shrink the pattern down just a smidgen. I like how it looks, though, so the framing expedition should be worthwhile, when I can finally find the time.
(The second one, I hope to be showing off soon. I think. So no spoilers yet.)

I managed to finish Twin2's PJ top that matches the bottoms sewn for Christmas 2008. He hasn't worn it yet, but I expect he will. Either way, it's no longer in the sewing room, so that's something.

I pulled out another long-time UFO (cut out sometime in the 90's, but not a stitch sewn until now), and I've made some reasonable progress there. It's a knee-length jumper (meaning a sleeveless dress with deep armholes, not a pullover sweater, though I have had some of those in knee-length, too (it was an 80's thing)) cut out in a lovely deep mustard/gold colored wide wale corduroy. Not even sure corduroy comes in such a bulky wide wale anymore. It was popular at the time. Construction was initially delayed by the need to find a matching lighter-weight fabric to make the facings, as the corduroy itself was far too bulky to behave well in that capacity. As the well-matched cotton was neatly tucked away with the rest of it, I have no clue why I ignored it this long. I suspect that I may find it's desperately out of style, and may not get worn once it's done, but I still feel a need to finish it. I remember I was pretty excited about it at the time, so who knows.

I also finally finished a sweet little pink owlie sleep sack. I want to make the matching hat, so I guess the project as a whole is not actually complete. However, were I to receive a last-minute baby shower invite, I'd be okay with giving just the sleep sack without the hat, if I had to.

That's all for now, progress-wise. I have several other things I wish I could say I'd made progress on, but as they're all just exactly as they were back in January, this is all I can brag on today.

All My Chickens, Week 3, Quilt Block Pincushion

Specifically, a log cabin quilt block pincushion. In the shape of a chicken, or there'd be no point to it.

Working within a President's Day holiday sort of theme, a log cabin block seems appropriate.

Plus, this is just one of the coolest useful chickens around.

(be sure you click through to the "patterns & illustrations" page, or you might get lost)



back view

To make the log cabin block as shown, start with a red 1" square, use 1" strips of whatever fabric you've got handy, and sew with 1/4" seams. This will result in each section/strip 1/2" finished width, so when the block is done, it will measure 4" square. For more on log cabin block construction, go here.
Or, just use whatever you have, if you already have some orphan blocks. The chicken details can easily be adjusted for size, but it's not actually necessary if the blocks are within an inch or two of 4". Just use your best judgement - if the beak and comb look comically small or large (and not in a good way) size the pattern on a copy machine, or just free-hand it. (Or, do something else entirely.)

I defy you to not have an entire flock of these cuties by the end of the week. Log Cabin block or plain, they're addicting.

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

Me Made March 2011

I, Bookette, sign up as a participant of Me Made March '11. I endeavor to wear at least one handmade item of clothing every day for the duration of March 2011.

(hectic work schedule and fewer cold-weather hand-mades are keeping me from pledging 2 items a day, though I'm sure there will be days I manage it anyway.)

Self-Stitched September was a lot of fun, so I am excited to join in with this one, too.

Except...I probably have some serious sewing to do if I really want to do it right.

I have a new shirt!

I finished this last night (early this morning?), and I'm so pleased to have another finished item to add to my FO list and my wardrobe. I really like this one.

It goes with, well, everything.

I cut it out, oh, I have no idea. At least a couple years ago. I think. Doesn't matter.

Simplicity 4878, view E, but with the little tie like view F. It's a lovely soft knit. (why, yes, my fabric does look remarkably similar. totally coincidental.)

It called out to me from my stash this week, so I pulled it out and started sewing.
Tuesday, I sewed and hemmed the sleeves.
Wednesday, I sewed up the bodice.
Last night, I hemmed the bodice, sewed in the sleeves, sewed and attached the collar, and decided I wanted the little tie. I stayed up just a little longer, so I could cut and sew up the tie and be truly done with it. I could have worn it without, but I wanted to put away the scraps and pattern.

I'm totally rockin' the knit fabrics right now. Ever since braving that blue/brown print slinky knit dress, I'm no longer afraid of messing up or just plain not having any give in my seams. I don't want you looking too closely at the hems on this one - I see all kinds of wonkiness there in the light of day - but since I chose my thread well, nobody will notice unless I point it out.

I love how that little bow looks.

(oh! wardrobe item the first for 2011!)

Here's your Faith in God

On Saturday morning, I attended my eldest nephew's baptism. As luck would have it, he was the only kid in his ward getting baptized that morning, so we had the whole event to ourselves as a family.
His mom's sister played the piano, my mom led the music.
My dad gave a talk. A rather intellectual talk, possibly beyond an 8-yr-old boys' understanding. A talk about water, and fonts, and living water. We love dad.
My nephew was baptized in the usual (LDS) manner.
We filed down the hall to another room so another group could use the room with the font.
After a few minutes, my nephew and my brother came in, freshly dressed in white shirts and ties, and slightly damp behind the ears.
His grandma shared some thoughts about the Holy Ghost, and talked about why we follow promptings.
My brother, along with other Priesthood holders, confirmed my nephew as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
And then, a member of his Primary Presidency presented him with a sort of book, which he could use to write his feelings about that day. There were places for pictures, too. She talked about how things will be different in Primary for him now that he's been baptized. She brought out a little booklet called Faith in God, which the kids his age use to track their progress toward an award of the same name. It's a nice little booklet, with lots of ideas and challenges to help a child of 8 or so build their testimony.
Then, she said something that sort of stuck in my head. Almost struck me as funny, though I was able to refrain from laughing at the time.
As she handed him that little booklet, she said "Here's your Faith in God".
And I thought, oh, how easy!
Except, it isn't.
Because you have to find that yourself. Over and over again, though it gets easier the more you do it.
But, no matter how hard you try, you can't give that gift to another person.
Everyone has to find their own faith, work at their own testimony, from within.
Because, if someone else just handed that to you, I don't think it would stay for very long, or get deep enough into your heart.

My nephew has a good heart. And he's a deep thinker, too. He has the support and love of two terrific parents. I'm pretty sure he'll find his own faith and testimony without too much trouble.

And how many 8-yr-old boys can you say that about?

All My Chickens, Week 2, Chicken Scratch Heart

In preparation for Valentines Day next Monday, I figured this was a good time to touch on this related-in-name-only craft.

Chicken Scratch is sort of like cross-stitch, but you stitch on gingham, not Aida cloth, using a few basic stitches.

Our chosen pattern, buried at the tail-end of a general how-to from About(dot)com, happens to be a heart, hence the Valentine-theme connection. (You'll want the how-to as well, though, unless you're already conversant with chicken-scratch.)

Do with it what you will - frame it, make a pillow, or stitch in the corner of an apron. Just make sure you've accurately counted your squares and given yourself enough room to stitch before cutting into anything.

*pic of my own creation added after-the-fact*

A Yarny Fish Tale

Carrot shopping bag

A few weeks back, I mentioned a free pattern I'd found for making a cute reusable shopping bag, but at the time, I couldn't find the link. Well, I finally found it again! Go here for the pattern/directions.

(I was searching for a carrot, and she'd done it as a strawberry - so that explains my problem.)

Burdastyle has lots of free patterns for you, even clothing! So be sure to check out the rest of the site sometime, too.