Dainty Kitty

Swap Softly - Frankie

I was a day late in sending out my Swap Softly package but I think she was worth the tardiness.  Frankie is the epitome of Thinking Green (the theme for this year) - not only is she the color green but, seeing as how she's Frankenstein's monster's daughter, she's also made of recycled parts. 

This was really a pretty hard project for me.  I procrastinated much more than I should, thinking that grand ideas are always executed right the first time and without a single broken sewing machine needle (I managed to break three).  Not the case!  There were many failed prototypes, stitches ripped, horrid finished dolls flung across the dining room and crochet creatures ripped or left incomplete.   

I guess that makes me that mad scientist.  Rather apropos. 

The fact that this is one day late is just an example of how I feel.  Late.  Running behind.  Lots of blogs to catch up on, emails to send, housework to do, about four loads of laundry and a nearly empty underthings drawer.  Luckily, I can throw on a headscarf and my iPod and play catch up.  I'm adding the headscarf to my cleaning repertoire because Squeezleknits has taught me that a headscarf - tied in the front - and a vivid imagination can make cleaning fun.  That's a theory I'm willing to try out....

Note: I did not knit the sweater.  It was recycled from a thrifted rabbit.  I'm thrifty, not crazy!

2005: A Retrospective

I spent a little bit of time organzing some files on my office computer this morning and came across a slew of photos I'd kind of forgotten about.  They're from when I was digital camera-less and borrowing a co-worker's to sneak (really lousy) shots.  I had my hands in all kinds of crafts then.  I was sewing more and had just learned to knit.  I can't believe I've only been knitting for three years.

I'll start my little retrospective with my very first scarf.  I must have picked up a dozen extra stitches by the time I got to the end of it!  I think I wore it twice but, even though it's pretty hideous, I'll never get rid of it.

A couple of scarves later I made this for Debbie's dog Roxanne for Valentine's Day.  She couldn't wear it until it lost the scent of me because I, for some reason, really excited her. 

For the same Valentine's Day I made a bunch of little Sculpey devils named Boris and sold them to a coworker.  My first real sale!  I hated making the same thing over and over so I really haven't made anything to sell since (except for some bunnies for the same coworker).

2005 was the only time I participated in A Month of Softies (that's the old school, non-Flickr link).  It was a Self Portrait of the Artist as a Child theme.  The tiny fingers were a bitch to turn.

I'm quite a bit happier with this doll I made for Mom that same year.  I think this is one of my very favorite projects and I've been meaning to make one for myself ever since. 

Before I get into more sewing, here's a matchbox shrine I made to, ahem, Elvis Costello.  Can't you see I could be, I could be your spooky girlfriend?

That lyric still stands true for me!

Here are a couple of bags I made.  I still carry both of them once in awhile.  I made a few of the Dainty Kitty ones to sell at a jewelry show at a friend's house.  I didn't sell even one at the show but she bought all three after.  I had big aspirations for that show - I even bought a display trunk - and was going to make several sized bags as well as some embroidered buttons (because I was into that craft,too) but...I got bored. 

I especially love the Strawberry Bag but it got snagged on something last year and I'm going to need to do some repair work before I can use it again.  That's the business card Big gave me when we very first met peeking out of the pocket.  It showed off the pockets of several projects around that time even though moving to Columbus was partially to get away from memories of him.  Believe it or not, I still have that freaking card.  It's in the drawer of a little spice cabinet which was packed up last night.  Kind of sad but...the memory of the night he gave me the card is still a very sweet one. 

And I'm a sentimental pack rat. 

2005 was also the very first round of Back Tack.  It looks like it's been a defunt project for a little over a year now but it was a lot of fun and I'm glad I got to play the first time around.  It's particularly special to me because it's how I met my friend Delly.  You sent fabric and other notions to one partipant who then made a sewing case (at least) for another participant.  Delly sent me the goodies I used to make these as well as the sewing case that I never really got a good photo of. 

So anyway, that's a little glimpse of Dainty Kitty three years ago.  It was kind of fun to recall some of those projects.  :-)

Zakka Style Owl Pennant

I found this via craftzine.com and I think it's my favorite Christmasy tutorial this year.  A beautiful Zakka Style Owl Pennant by Moonstitches.  I love the colors she used - especially the green - and the buttons on the letter E are wonderful.  My granny used to collect owls and she's terribly hard to buy for so I usually get her and her husband a gift certificate and sugar free chocolates (he's diabetic) as well as something handmade.  I think I've found my something handmade!

Quilt Kit

For almost two years I've wanted to learn to quilt.  For Christmas of 2006 I asked for a gift certificate from my grandma so that I could stock up on quilting supplies.  My mom, who's a quilter, went with me to pick things out.  I was set.

Never ever started a quilt.

Today I came across this quilt kit by Urban Chiks.  The fabric choices are beautiful and it's only $24...it may have to be my next "I Really Don't Need to Buy This" purchase. 

Speaking of spending money, I'm feverishly awaiting the call to let me know my amigurumi book is in....

Pillowcase Sack

I've never had so much trouble taking a picture.  Fifty-seven photos I took and not one of them post worthy!  I'll have to have Jake take a photo when we get together next time.  I made one of these this past weekend out of a fabulous pillowcase I found in Charleston. 

And here's the best photo I could get - until I can get a better one you'll just have to use your imagination....

I got my Ravelry invite last week - it's awesome!  If you're on, add me.  I'll give you one guess what my username is and the first doesn't count....

A Treasure Trove of Buttons

This is the giant tub of buttons that my granny got at a garage sale for two bucks - talked down from three!

Frankenberries

So last night I finished my tea towel for the Crafty Daisies Tea Towel Swap.  It was such a refreshing project.  My current financial status is forcing me into a mode of Use What You Have but I found the perfect white material and a large scrap of strawberry fabric.  It was so nice to do two things I haven't done in quite a while: get out the sewing machine and embroider.  Oddly enough, I spotted a couple of other towels out there with a strawberry theme.  I'm a bit Pandora-ish and, even though this is a blind swap, this morning I did some lurking through the comments.  I can't help it.

There's no picture yet - it was dark when I finished last night but I'll take one when I get home.

And if you really want to have some crazy dreams, fall asleep to Young Frankenstein.  That's what I did last night and, even though I can't remember any specifics, I do remember being somewhat shaken when I woke up at one, turned off the tv and wandered off to bed. 

Riding on the Metro

I realized last night that I hadn't sat in front of my sewing machine in a long time.  I don't know why I thought making an apron was a good idea - I never wear them - but it was easy and fun.