Cotton Dischlothes

I used some leftover natural cotton I got from Mom to create some washcloths for gifts. The first was a basket weave stitch with a single crochet edge. The second is a trinity stitch with a crochet ruffle border. I then wrapped them around some nice rose scented body wash from Bath and Beauty Works. I really like the trinity stitch for a bath cloth. It has nice ridges to make bubbles. I want to make some for myself.

Last FOs for 2006

Here are some last minute FO's from 2006 the first is the finished purses for the girls. I made these are mini versions of the cable purse for Jazzy (3) and Amelia (9) They are lined in pink flannel and have a crochet flower pin with both. Beanie loves her purse and has made it her day to day purse. If you know Beanie and her love of purses you will know this is a huge compliment. My sis loves her purse.

The second is the Christmas Donuts! I made these for my pirate pollyanna. I put two donuts in a box with a giftcard to Dunkin. (Beloved snack place of the Hathaways) I also made a powder donut and a purple sprinkle donut for Jazzy. Oh you don't even need to ask it is RH Super Saver.

Since I got so much flak for making poor J.R. model my knitting I made the boys do it this time. Alex and Nate both love the donuts. P.S. I am loving the labels. They really appeal to my cataloging nature.

Pimp my cart contest 2007

We entered the Pimp my cart contest from Unshelved the library themed cartoon strip. Elsa said we could do what ever we wanted to one of the black carts so we did. To enter the contest you had to take a working library cart and pimp it out with customizations. We decided to go with a gangster theme and a tribute to old school rappers. Chris painted the cart a pimp purple and Ashley, Marianne and I went to work with the markers and felt to do it up.

The cart has working lights, gang tats, a shitload of leopard, a custom plate, pimp clock on a platinum style chain and of course a working steering wheel.

The contest will be judged after the ALA conference so I will keep you posted on the progress.

So without further adieu here is the Othmer Library Pimp Cart 2007!

Back to school and stash suitcase

Well yesterday was the first day of the Winter Quarter at Drexel. I am taking two classes this time around. Hang on to your hats these classes will set your panties a blaze for sure. The first is INFO503 Introduction to Information Systems Analysis which as it says in the syllabus and I quote "Systems analysis is fun and exciting and... A systems analyst improves things. " Sounds fun! The second is INFO511 Information Resources and Services 2. Just as great as one only more fabulous kinda like the second sock!

I have to say I am more relaxed this time around maybe I am aclimated to the whole mess. Talk to me in three weeks and see if that changes! I am looking for something to post graphic wise to spice up the post. Here's something until I download the christmas pictures! Here is the great suitcase I bought at the thrift shop for my yarn stash. I got it for a buck. It is a vinylized fabric with a big metal lock. The inside is fabric lined and has two removable pockets that is great for needles, hooks and stuff. Sure beats a cardboard box and the Hot Topic drawstring bags I steal from Nate! Also now when I take it out to get yarn I can say I am running away and taking my yarn. Charlie of course yells take the dog and kid with you.

Zen and the Art of Knitting

I have been reading Zen and the Art of Knitting by Bernadette Murphy. I received a copy of the book from Nate for Christmas this year (nice son, nice boy) It is a nice book to read and thought provoking I really like the book. It has really made me think about how I really feel about knitting. One of the things she takes about how knitting is a process. I dig knitting because it appeals to my logical side. I like to count things and organize things (cataloger) and knitting lets me see the pattern in things. I also like the actual physical act of knitting and don't worry so much about the finished product. My phobia of wearing my handicrafts should be a post in and of itself. But the process of knitting now that is fun. Maybe that is why I like to make cables so much.

One other thing she talks about is the act of concentrating on the person you are knitting for when your working. I have been doing this along even when crocheting. When I make a blanket for someone I think about them, what they are like and why I care for them. I only make blankets for people that move me in some way and I like to think that they like the blanket or what I knit for them because they can sense that I worked the stitches with them on my mind.
I have been thinking about moving towards a more spiritiual centered life (not a religious life) and I see my love of knitting as a progression towards this goal.

As for the sweater vest 12 inches and counting. It has gotten to be a community project people on the bus check it out and people ask how is the vest? My friend at work's mother recently passed away. I have been thinking about her and my friend while knitting. He always wears the most elaborate and well knitted aran vests and sweater I have ever seen his mother was a fantastic knitter. I was envious of his vests and that became the basis for the vest.