The effects of the flu and a sinus infection on a college student

That's right, I have one on top of the other. Not fun. I wish I had batteries for my camera so I could show you what that does to my dorm room. It's not pretty. That and my mother decided she needs to come over and take care of me, so she will see the squalor when she gets here tomorrow.

I feel like a slacker because I have energy and am awake when I'm in bed (which I do all day) but the instant I set foot out of bed and try to do something, I'm exhausted. I tried to write updates on my wing's markerboard today and barely was able to finish. Granted, I did have to stand en-pointe to get some of the info up there. I hate being short sometimes.

Yesterday I had trouble staying coherent while I drove to two doctor appointments (in retrospect I should have asked someone to take me), on Tuesday I had trouble making it through a test and should not have gone to work, but did. I hope the kids don't get sick.

That being said, I've spent today watching tv and surfing the net. But then I also learned to do something I've been afraid to do since I started knitting: I learned entrelac! This obviously isn't my project, image courtesy of twistedpdx.com. I seriously thought that each square was attached individually. Not my cup of tea, friends. Thankfully, it's so much easier and gives a really neat effect. Anyone want to get me some beautiful earthtones, jewel tones, or variegated yarn to start a project? Thought not. I think a bag out of this would be fun. Google Entrelac for some really creative uses of this pattern.
In light of my recently acquired knowledge, I am going to use leftover yarn (seen in the rabbit) to make something I've never seen the use for until I started wearing things without pockets: an ipod case. Definitely not a necessity right now, especially since Borracio (my kitty) chewed up my headphones last summer and I haven't gotten new ones yet.

Dear Cozumel: I miss you.

Taken after graduation 2005. I miss it and want to go back. That handsome boy you'll see is my brother (now 17, closer to the age I was when these were taken than I am to 18, which is crazy) and my mom is the woman other than me of course. Dad took the pictures of course which is why he isn't in any. I couldn't have asked for a better vacation, though I wish I could go back. I think I would appreciate it more and take more pictures (I'm notorious for taking like two pictures of an entire outing whereas my dad takes millions of the same thing). Maybe I will be able to convince my husband (whenever I have one of those) to take me there on our honeymoon. Such a special place to me.

Update on Rose Window Locket

So after about five hours of sawing, I finally got the locket cut out!

It looks great but unfortunately I didn't cut it in a complete circle (in hindsight, measuring would have been a good idea...). Since I saved extra class periods by working extra on Thursday, I was able to bend it into the dome shape, which lent itself to other problems. Again, it's not circular, so the edges aren't flush. So I'm spending hour upon hour bending the edges to meet. I also got to pick out my glass and shape it on the lapidary (frightening thing, I'll tell you that!). I'm such a beginner on this, the glass is chipped on the edges. My professor said it looks neat that way, I'm still waffling. A lot of the edge will be covered in silver though so I guess I don't need to worry about it. This is how it will eventually look (sort of). I really love this piece but I need to finish it quickly! I'm running out of time to make my other pieces!

Work in Progress

I'm currently working on my Rose Window Locket.
It is based on this window, but not exactly. I don't know why I love rose windows so much, but there's something about them.



This is a mock-up sketch. The locket will have colored class in between and all will have a clasp.

Right now I'm still cutting the brass. I spent about 40 minutes in class on it today, and my arm is incredibly sore! Hopefully it will all pay off! Will keep updated!

Cranberries and Cheese!

Hey everyone! This is new to me, but basically I am using this spot for musings, showing off (and if you want, selling) my knitted and crocheted items. More things will be added continually. A word about selling my knitted and crocheted items: I really firmly believe in making things for the person who ordered it, custom. As such, the customer has a lot of say in what is done. My vision for this is to have people who are interested contact me, and then we will collaborate on what the best piece for them will be, what the best price will be, etc. Price includes: yarn, extra materials (which may include necessary needles/hooks for the project, fabric, sewing notions for linings, etc, all of which will be detailed in discussing the price), and labor.
Here are a few things I have made:
This is a pig I made for a secret santa gift. I did not use a pattern. The pig has a curly-q tail as well. I am willing to try my hand at making nearly any animal.










This bunny pattern I found somewhere online. Would give proper credit but I cannot find them. I feel horrible about it.












This blanket was crocheted out of Lion Suede, and connected by "braiding" single crochet chains. Due to the expensive nature of Lion Suede, I would suggest using a different yarn. It took 2 skeins of each color and 3 of the brown.







This is a custom purse. My friend Robyn found the yarn and a fabric she liked, and this was the result. Again, these can be any shape, size, whatever and made to your specifications.

I would show more about the lining and stuff, but you get the idea.








Well I think that's all for now, I know I must seem boring right now, but things will begin to change! Grad school is just around the corner.