Where did those four months go?

Seriously. Four months since I’ve been on here? Apparently that chemo cap took the life right out of me. Always hideously depressing to knit those things.

My sister set me the challenge of making a baby hat that matched one in a greeting card. Did a mashup of:

Bean Sprout Baby Hat

Petite Pixie Hat

The cuter version

Knit the hat twice, because the first time it just didn’t have the cuteness factor. It was a good thing I had to knit it twice, since I once again tried to do my civic duty. I knit furiously before and after I spoke to try to release the adrenaline. I hate speaking in public, have I mentioned that?

Went out to tell a bunch of officials (volunteer and elected) that they were messing up once again. Dealt with one bully, an embarrassing appearance on the city’s tv channel, a newspaper article, and they were forced to change their minds. Temporarily.

I really need a new windmill to tilt against, because I’m never going to defeat this one. They’re never going to get this one right, I guarantee it.

Current audiobook: Just finished The Collected Stories of Winnie-the-Pooh performed by Stephen Fry, Dame Judi Dench, and Jane Horrocks (Bubble from Absolutely Fabulous, and LV in Little Voice. If you haven’t seen Little Voice, it will absolutely blow you away.)

Currently Reading: Reading most of the past year of Frazz online. Cannot get over how much I enjoy that comic.

“I’m an idealist. I don’t know where I’m going, but I’m on my way.” – Carl Sandburg

Sale follow-up, winter Holidays approach

Results are in from the recent sale, and mostly the small things sold. Not sure if that means people don’t have the money to spend on bigger items, or if I’m just not making things that appeal to anyone but me! I’ve put in an application for a Yule sale at a local Unitarian church, so we’ll see how that goes.

I am amazed that it is already the middle of November. The tv is starting the run-up to Christmas and showing their holiday movies early. I admit it, I was suckered into November Christmas on Hallmark Channel. Why? Well:

1) Sam Elliott
2) John Corbett
3) Sam Elliott

Cannot tell a lie on that one; no matter how bad the movie is, if it has Sam Elliott, I’m going to watch. And in this movie (which isn’t all that stellar), he tears up a couple of times which means I’ll have to try to catch it again.

The movie featured a beautiful version of Wild Goose by Kate Rusby, performer of traditional English ballads. For the life of me, I cannot figure out what the song had to do with the scene in the movie, but it didn’t matter because it was so beautiful. I might end up ordering a couple of her CDs this year.

Currently reading (or trying to read): Rich People Things: Real-Life Secrets of the Predator Class by Chris Lehmann
One of those books that I think I *should* read, but also one that reminds me that I don’t read challenging things all that often. Probably need to have a dictionary at my side while I’m making my way through this one.

“Why is it you feel like a dope if you laugh alone, but that’s usually how you end up crying?” – Chuck Palahniuk

Winding up the Sale

At our local fiber arts sale, you volunteer time to reduce the percentage claimed by the Guild. Makes a lot of sense; just be sure to tell my sore muscles. I unloaded the trucks for set-up and can still feel it. I did a much less strenuous shift helping at check-out today.

I did a quick run-through when I arrived this morning, and maybe a third of what I submitted had sold. Hmm. Potentially two of the Scarves for Men sold and I witnessed a set of wrist-warmers being wrapped up. Overall the Guild has exceeded the goal for this year, but sales have been very, very slow. Once the tally is done at the end of the night, I’ll see for sure what’s left.

Trick is, handmade = pricey. And now is not the time for pricey things. I was hoping to have more luck with the recycled/upcycled items, but didn’t have a chance to see if they were still out on display. It may be that items like that need gallery or individual placement, and having time to do that isn’t in the calendar right now. (If I could find the calendar that is; my old-fashioned day timer went missing last week so who knows what I have time to do? I certainly don’t know!)

Current book: Still making my way through Abarat Absolute Midnight. Due tomorrow, so I’d better read faster.

Current audiobook: Building Social Business by Muhammad Yunus. Because I felt the need to be inspired.

Wish I’d read this quote years ago and taken the message to heart:

“Don’t spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door.” – Coco Chanel

Tactile Art Show Deadline

Louisville Art Association (Colorado) is hosting their 19th Tactile Show and the Art Challenged Show. Pieces will be handled and experienced by touch. Can you make something that is just as appealing to the touch as it is to the eye? Can you convey the same meaning or theme through touch as to the eye? If you’re up for trying, the deadline to have your entry form mailed in is May 11th.

Current Audiobooks: The Hands Off Manager; Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard; Charmed Life by Diana Wynne Jones.

“It is a terrible thing to see and have no vision.” – Helen Keller

Royal Wedding 2011

I admit it, I have already made two Royal Wedding Groom’s Biscuit Cakes and taken them to meetings. A huge confection of butter cookies and melted chocolate – how really was I supposed to resist. I have not, however, attempted to knit my own royal wedding.

I am going to attempt to get up in the middle of the night and watch. I will not be attending the Lamb Shoppe Royal Wedding Watch and 5th Anniversary sale, but anybody else in the area is welcome to go!

“Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Alpacas on the Rocks

Quick reminder, Alpacas on the Rocks is this weekend. Fancy becoming an Alapaca rancher? Want to learn to spin Alpaca fiber? Then this may be the place for you.

Because wouldn’t we all like to eventually hang out all day playing with fiber?

“I have a farm and I love it there. There’s really nothing to do, but even watching the chickens, its fun.” – Salma Hayek

Reminder – Labor Day Sales today

Just a quick reminder that fabric and craft stores are having big sales today. You may not think they are worth your while, but be sure to check the ads to make sure. For instance, Joann Fabrics has:
– All sewing notions 50% off
– Yarn 25% off
– Quilting books 30% off
TIP: Remember to write down what size needles and type of lightbulb your sewing machine takes. And remember to take that piece of paper (and any paper coupons) with you to the sale!

“The further through life I drift the more obvious it becomes that I am lacking in thrift.” – Ogden Nash

Bead Show in Denver This Weekend

“Not on one strand are all life’s jewels strung.” – William Morris

The Rocky Mountain Bead Society is holding their 2010 Bead Bazaar this weekend (April 24 and 25) at the Denver Merchandise Mart. http://rockybeads.org/Bazaar2010/2010bazaar.htm

Denver Merchandise Mart, Expo Building
452 E. 58th Avenue (I-25 at 58th Avenue)
Saturday 10-6, Sunday 10-5

Loads of bead and supply vendors, about a dozen classes, and plenty of free parking. Check the website now to see what classes are still open for registration.

Sometimes at the end of a bead show, we’ll get home with big bags of beads, maybe have a receipt and maybe don’t, and don’t have record of what things cost or where to get more. The vendors don’t all have business cards, or they don’t have enough to go around. If you don’t record the price, when you start to make your jewelry, you won’t have the slightest idea what to charge to recoup your initial investment.

Tip 1: Be proactive and logical – record the info yourself. If you’ve got room, bring along small ziplock bags, a sheet of computer mailing labels, and a pencil. Once you’ve purchased something, write the vendor name AND price you paid on the mailing label, wrap the sticky mailing label around the bead string – securing the label to itself. Then put the labeled bead string into the ziplock. It takes a little time, but it is worth it at the end of the day.

Tip 2: Before you head to the show, spend 15 minutes making a reference string of beads. Go through your bead supplies and put together one long string – one of each type bead you have. Use something strong (like fishing line), that won’t break under the weight. For some of you, the string might be pretty long! Now you have a reference string-o-beads telling you what you have, what you might need, and more importantly what you don’t need to buy.

“The rarest things in the world, next to a spirit of discernment, are diamonds and pearls.” – Jean de la Bruyere

Sisters in Crime

One of the best things about having a sister is that you have a built-in playmate. Someone who can share your love of creating, and egg you on to get things done.  Here we’ll be sharing what we’re working on, what we’ve learned, and other things that strike our fancy.  We work with fibers, metals, and whatever reclaimed materials we can find. Follow along to see what happens.

“Having a sister is like having a best friend you can’t get rid of.  You know whatever you do, they’ll still be there.”  ~Amy Li