Woooo!

Have a few updates on the Christmas list. I am adding a number 16 to the list for a gift swap. Should be pretty simple though.

Number 9 was already listed as done. But here is a picture. Tracey, don't let Steve see.

Number 3 is now finished. Woooo. Mom don't let Brian see. But now you can match them.

Number 10 has gone from 0% to about 70% in a matter of moments. I found something hanging out in my UFO tote that will work perfectly. Only have about 1.5 more repeats to go. Sexy.

And since I never actually posted the picture when it was finished. Here is a picture of my finished dumpling bag. This was a great pattern. And the yarn was very nice. My only issue was that it turned very, very fuzzy when felted. I had to shave it. Literally. With a razor. I got a cheap disposable one. Once it was shaved, you could actually see the color changes.

And I am about halfway through my Versatility. I don't think I will be able to do the full 8 repeats it calls for. I'm thinking more like 6. Cause I've done three and it really is at the halfway point. Even though I said I wouldn't be working on any projects besides Christmas projects. Apparently I lied.

I am also taking part in a swap on one of my groups. Since my person doesn't know who is sending to them, I can post some pics here. Yay. I actually only have a couple more items to go.

A Trip to Athens (Ohio)

So for Halloween every year, Zach and I go to visit his brother and SIL in Athens, Ohio and take part in their annual Halloween block party. It is always a lot of fun. We mostly just go to hang out, see the costumes and listen to the bands (if they are any good). Mostly we just enjoy visiting. I failed miserably at getting good pictures this year. I didn't think to get any before we went out, well except for this one of Cain.















Doesn't he look thrilled to be wearing part of my costume. That wig is freakin huge. It was actually really warm this year. I thought this would lead to a lot more near-nakedness but it didn't really. The past couple years, I just remember being all huddled in my HP costume (with robe and gloves and scarf) and wondering how these people are walking around in clothing that covers less than a bathing suit and not freezing to death. But here is a fun crowd shot. I am unfortunately way to short to try to take these kinds of pictures. But this is one small street corner of the whole thing.


While were were in Athens, Lauren took me to The Tatting Corner. It is a little craft store that has quite a variety of stuff. Lots of quilting and sewing patterns. But as you can tell from the name, the owner is a tatter. So she had a nice variety of tatting threads. No needles, but she did have lots of bobbins. I have to say that now I've done needle tatting, I am very very very tempted to try it with a bobbin. My only hesitation is that I don't have someone to show me how and you can't take out your mistakes. Two things that could lead quickly to some mighty strong frustration.

I've been doing a lot of tatting. I love the look of the snowflakes and Haley let me borrow a book of celtic tatting designs so I am quite enamored. I have to thank Haley immensly for her help. You can learn stuff online, but there are things that they leave out or different people do different ways. Like, I wasn't pulling my tail all the way through my loops and chains so it was making my stitches to big and uneven and she pointed that out. She also helped me fix my "Reverse Works". Nothing I read mentioned that you needed to tie a knot after finishing each chain or loop or whatnot. Yeah that has helped immensly. So snaps for Haley! (I was watching Legally Blonde 2 last night)

Time has come to work mostly on Christmas presents. But as long as I keep tatting I'll have pictures to post. I might have a few things, but for the most part, I will have to keep them all secret. Maybe I can do teaser pics and only show like a couple inches or a real close up pic of it.

What I did last week

So a little update on what I have been crafting. For the most part, I have been working on Halloween costumes. I made Smurfette's dress and hat. Sewing and crochet respectively
















Then of course I have been working on my costume. Though if it doesn't warm up by this weekend, I might have to fall back on the old Gryffindor costume. But I am pretty sure this one turned out great. I got a lot of compliments on it. Most of the outfit was aquired from Goodwill, but I sewed the apron and crocheted myself a cat. Mostly cause I couldn't find a stuffed cat that fit in my budget. I have included a picture of the Crazy Cat Lady for reference.















I decided to learn how to needle tat. I have been interested for a while (ever since I saw Haley do it), but I couldn't find the needles. I finally did and I spent quite a bit of time on the internet looking stuff up. I think I've been doing stuff wrong. I am going to practice a bit more and see if I can figure out how to fix it. But if not, Haley said she would teach me on Thursday. I should probably wait until then, cause I have other things I should be working on. But here is an example of my first attempt.











I had Fiber guild last night. Look at all those spinners. I actually got a lot done. I finished up half of my Loop batts, so I took that off the spindle and started the other half. Hopefully I'll have that done soon so I can ply it up. That stuff is gorgeous. And I borrowed Judy's hand cards so I got some more of my Llama combed out. I didn't think about it until I got there, but I should have sent a message to the group asking someone to bring their drum carder and I could have gotten it all done while I was there. Oh well. I will probably be working more on my Loop spinning anyway.











And on a side note, the salted caramel hot chocolate from Starbucks is fan-freakin-tastic.