Domestic Geek

I found these great fabrics today in a collection from Michael Miller Fabrics called "Knitmare on Elm Street." I particularly want the brown fabric with the pink skulls and knitting needle crossbones (it's called Knit Pirate). --> Of course, I can't find this particular fabric at any of my local quilting stores, even the ones listed on the Michael Miller website. I'll have to keep a lookout for these online at a reasonable price. It figures I missed the eBay auctions I was watching while I was at dinner where a yard of this went for less than $2. Oh, well. The main fabric is really cute, though I seriously can't think of what I'd actually do with it. The book by the skeleton's feet reads "Quick and Easy Knitting Projects." PRICELESS!



He also has a really funny collection called That's Sew Wrong that has a scissors and skulls complimentary fabric called Quilt Pirates. I think the combination of the two would make excellent sock project bags.

In other fabric notes, I found a cute panel at the store today. It's based on the old Rosie the Riveter from WWII. It's called Rosie the Quilter and she's got a rotary cutter! Once again, not really sure what I'll do with it, but I knew I'd regret it if I passed it up.


As far as WIPs, I've got way too many projects started. I resolved today that I am not buying anything for new projects until I complete some things first. I stopped by Purls of Wisdom down in Parker yesterday for some help in interpreting the crocheted sunhat pattern that I'm doing. That should be my next finished project to share. I got stuck while on vacation and hadn't touched it since. I did buy a book called Getting Started Knitting Socks while I was there and am starting my goal of learning to knit socks. I need to do my Boobie Socks and use the cool sock yarn I purchased in Kansas City. I am determined to have a first sock to show The Yarn Harlot the next time I see her! I've got a couple of dishcloths, a couple of bags, my alpaca scarf...the projects started are too many to list! That doesn't even include the books I have to read, the cross stitch projects, the quilting projects...Man, I'm going to be a busy woman!

So, I finished the seams on my clogs while on the road to Clarksville, TN last week. I felted them on Sunday, but after several trips through the washer, they were just too darned long. I gave it another go today and while they were in the wash, the string I had tying the pillowcase closed broke and when I went to check the progress, I saw a hint of purple in the basin. Dang it, one of the clogs escaped the bag!

Just as I feared, it was waaaaay smaller than the other one, which was still too long. I put the other one back in the bag and ran another cycle while I put the small one on my foot and worked it until it finally was big enough to fit. The other one finally shunk and I think I finally have a somewhat matching set of felted clogs. I'll let them dry a couple of days and they'll be ready to wear!


I finally got photographic evidence that I met Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (aka The Yarn Harlot) at the book signing in Indianapolis, IN. She was just as funny the 2nd time around and so nice, even after several hours of signing (I arrived a little late and was one of the last dozen or so in line). She even remembered having met me Denver. She's the best!


I found a cool site advertised on Ravelry called Kanine Knits. In addition to selling a yarn that is part Samoyed, there is a pattern for an Alaskan Malamute sweater that I want to get.

I've finally knit up the felted clogs I started weeks ago. All that's left to do is to actually felt them. Huzzah! I may try to squeeze in time to do it tomorrow, but with packing and getting ready to leave for Tennessee early Monday morning, I don't know if I can. I was really hoping to have them done so that I could take them on the trip, but alas, that was apparently not meant to be. I had also intended to have a crochet sun hat I'm working on completed, but like I said, not a whole lot of crafting lately.

A happy note:
Our travels this week will take us to Indiana. While inquiring on a Ravelry board as to a good area yarn shop to visit, I learned that the Yarn Harlot will be speaking in Indianapolis on Tuesday. Marcus agreed to accompany me and I get a 2nd chance to not only meet her, but perhaps even have photographic evidence, as well. Yay!

I've been wanting to make some t-shirt designs, but don't really want to invest in the materials to silk screen right now. I was reminded of a technique that I should use instead when I read the Stencils Anonymous post at Crafty Daisies. Freezer paper makes a wonderful t-shirt stencil. Must put freezer paper on this weekend's shopping list.