Rachel-Marie

More Occytober, Boots + Food Pron

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 18:00:53 GMT

Hello!

About time for a blog update! Sorry my entries are so long, but I can't blog too often. I make sure to update my facebook photo albums regularly and then compile my favorite things here on the blog when I get a moment.

In chronological order I will start here 10-8-2010, Octavian's little friend from the neighborhood, Maddy came over to play. I have a few really cute pictures of them both playing together, but this one of Maddy is just completely adorable.

(Pictured Above: Little Maddy)

This is one of my favorite pictures of Octavian, showing off his Occytober spirit! Again, completely adorable. Taken 10-14-10. You can view Octavian's second round of 365 days here on Facebook.

(Pictured Above: Occytober)

Now don't be jealous, but I got treated to 3 pair of new boots @ Bass + a totally cute pair of Jordans. Thanks Gregpa! Below are my favorite boots. Cowgirl boots inspired by my obsession with True Blood. Thanks Gregpa!!!!

(Pictured Above: New boots)

The kids aren't the only ones playing in our front yard. We've got critters too!

(Pictured Above: Squirrel)

Now it's time for the usual Food Pron! These cream cheese bars are delicious, but very very rich and sweet. Just one is more than enough.

(Pictured Above: Cream Cheese Bars)

(Pictured Above: Banana Oat Muffins)

I made mashed potatoes from scratch for the first time. TOTALLY worth the effort.

(Pictured Above: Mashed Potatoes)

Sugar cookies, absolutely PERFECT! Just make sure to bake them for only 5 minutes, and don't make them too thin.

(Pictured Above: Sugar Cookies with orange + vanilla icing)

Breakfast is a sacred meal at our house. The best yummiest foods ever!

(Pictured Above: Pumpkin Waffles)

We tried something a little different to use up extra bananas.

(Pictured Above: Banana Cream Pie Bars)

(Pictured Above: Gourmet Sweet Potato Classic)

(Pictured Above: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins)

(Pictured Above: Carrot Burgers)

(Pictured Above: My favorite apple pie filling + crust)

As far as my knitting + crafts, I've packaged some orders + knit a few rounds on Jerome's socks. I haven't had much time for it all, but I ordered a new spinning wheel motor + plan to fit more of it into my new lifestyle. I'm definitely inspired again to create arty things.

Keep it Knitty!

Rachel-Marie

Birthday + Hairdo

Sat, 09 Oct 2010 20:38:01 GMT

Hello!

How's it going? We're doing pretty good, makin the most of it. Octavian turned 3 years old. My baby boy. + I cut my dreadlocks off, now I feel like a grown up. About time, huh?

(Pictured Above: Mommy's new hairdo + Oc turned 3)

(Pictured Above: Octavian's Birthday Cupcakes)

"Mama Tuck's Squash - Carrot Cake" (I used 3 cups carrots + 1 cup squash) I used these 2 recipes as guides:
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Carrot-Cake/Detail.aspx
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cream-Cheese-Frosting-II-2/Detail.aspx

(Pictured Above: Cinnamon Buns)

I used this recipe, sans the raisins: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Heavenly-Cinnamon-Rolls/Detail.aspx#

(Pictured Above: Fresh Pumpkin Pie)

I used this recipe: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Homemade-Fresh-Pumpkin-Pie/Detail.aspx

(Pictured Above: Aftermath of the Pumpkin Pies)

(Pictured Above: More Aftermath)

I used this recipe: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Toasted-Pumpkin-Seeds-with-Sugar-and-Spice/Detail.aspx

(Pictured Above: Super yummy biscuits)

I used this recipe: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Buttermilk-Biscuits-I/Detail.aspx

(Pictured Above: Blueberry wheat waffles)

I used this recipe: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Waffles-I/Detail.aspx

(Pictured Above: Banana Muffins)

I used this recipe: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Banana-Crumb-Muffins/Detail.aspx#

Let me know if you try any of the recipes!
Keep it Knitty!
Rachel-Marie

Updatey + Bakey

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 18:44:43 GMT

Hello!

We have been keeping busy at the Tucker house. Octavian's been playing up a storm. Our neighbors have a lot of fun with him, and his friend Archer came to visit. Archer is super cute and welcome anytime!

(Pictured Above: Octavian playing guitar w/the neighbors)

(Pictured Above: Archer + Oc)

I've been spinning, dyeing, and knitting, nothing finished to report though! I've been knitting so slowly on Jerome's socks, shame on me. I've also been cooking, baking, and playing Peggle on XBox. Jerome has been fixing electronics, playing Peggle w/me, and eating my food!

(Pictured Above: My most recent shop update)

(Pictured Above: Strawberry Pie)

We've been penny pinching so I tried making some pies with frozen strawberries. They were only .89 at Amelia's. The pies were good but not near as good as the fresh strawberry pies I made over the summer. The crust saved them. You could put almost anything in homemade crust, top it with whipped cream and it would be yummy.

(Pictured Above: Overnight French Toast)

The french toast was AMAZING! My husband loved it so much. I used the syrup I made for the french toast on the ham.

(Pictured Above: Homemade Syrup Baked Ham)

I don't have a recipe for the ham. I just bought a super cheap, super duper frozen ham at Amelia's. I thawed it, poured the syrup and some brown sugar on top, and then slow baked it all day on low in my oven. Soooo yummy.

(Pictured Above: Ham and Potato Soup)

Then I used some of that ham in this potato soup! It's super filling and hearty, got rave reviews on allrecipes. I added farmer's cheese to the butter mixture, and then onion powder, parsley, garden fresh sage, and garlic to the stock.

(Pictured Above: Zucchini Cake)

The zucchini cake was BANGIN. The frosting is super yum.

(Pictured Above: Cherry tomatoes from my garden)

Oh and I briefly spotted a baby bunny in the garden! It hopped away somewhere but I enjoyed the flash of cute while it lasted!

That's all! Keep it Knitty!
Rachel-Marie

Updatey

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 02:36:48 GMT

Hello!

How are you? I'm swell. =) I sent a lot of you out there invitations to join my newsletter e mail list via Facebook. Everyone has been so nice, and I've gotten a lot of new members! (Thank You!!) I'm going to be focusing the newsletter on shop updates. This past weekend I listed some new fiber batts + new sock yarn.

I can't wait until the next shop update. I already have some really beautiful handspun finished for it, but I hope to have lots more! Spinning yarn has been such a comfort this week.

I guess I've taken a little knitting break, only because I've gotten so much zen from spinning. I have a lot of knitting WIPs though, and I'm not going to let them turn into UFOs!!! Especially not Papa Tuck's socks living in my pink leather Bass purse.

(Pictured Above: Papa Tuck's socks)

Today had beautiful weather. I got to wear Leisl for the first time this year, that felt good - especially because I'm about 20 lbs lighter than I was in it last year haha.

I had an interview at Verizon today that seemed promising so please wish me luck! I really think this one is a good match for me, but only time will tell... it was encouraging either way.

Well I'm going to spin a while + then watch a movie with Papa Tuck. Love you all!

Keep it Knitty,

Rachel-Marie

PONIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 05:10:59 GMT

Hello Everyone!

I hope you're all doing well. I had a really good last week, and off to a good start on August as well. Tonight's farm jog was super extra magical, one of the farms had PONIES out in their pasture. Yes! Little precious PONIES!!! And the cicadas were deafening. I heard nothing but cars, and then turned a corner and found myself in the middle of a cicada jam band.

I don't have pony photography, but I caught the fluffy sheep mingling on film last week.

(Pictured Above: "Wait up guys!")

(Pictured Above: "Save some for me, sheesh!!)

That sheepy better get it together! Survival of the fittest, ya know?!?!?!?!

I wish I could live or work on a farm... in the meantime I treasure my little garden! I discovered my first ripened tomato which Octavian called dibs on, and I harvested some carrots.

(Pictured Above: First tomato)

(Pictured Above: Home grown carrots)

I put myself back on a low-ish fat diet. Trying to avoid as much sugar and fat as possible so I can stay in my clothes! Since I lost 30 lbs I had to buy all new clothes, and I plan on sticking with the new threads. My baking obsession has got to smarten up, and this is the start:

(Pictured Above: Low Fat Blueberry Bran Muffins)

Everyone LOVED the muffs, and the whole two batches were gone in a weekend! I was surprised, my husband didn't even consent to butter offered to his muffins! I highly recommend the recipe.

The KDG shop is on a roll. I think it's looking very pretty these days. I just love the newly listed cardigan, mostly because it's so comfy.

(Pictured Above: Knitty Kitty Cardy)

*Looks around* This place is so drab!! How about I hang up a happy yellow wreath to beautify things a bit. This wreath is fresh and new, part of a series of wreaths I'm building this season. I hope it can find a good home!

(Pictured Above: "Enchanted Autumn Stroll" Wreath)

Thanks for tuning in! Until next time,
Keep it Knitty!

Rachel-Marie

6 Apple Pies!

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:46:41 GMT

Hello! How are you?

I'm still doing really well. Trying to appreciate life and make the most of every new day no matter what. This morning I started off with a run through Amish country, corn + ducks + horses + Amish buggies, blues sky, and nice weather (wasn't too hot at 7:30 in the morning). Octavian has been enjoying summer too. Here he is playing out back on our patio. He had a bowl of water and some old shampoo he used to give his smurf a bath... and my door.

(Pictured Above: Octavian washing my door)

I made more zucchini + carrot muffins, also filled up my beloved heart baking dishes. I brought muffins into Nike, I hope everyone liked them!

(Pictured Above: More zucchini and carrot muffins)

I've been doing a lot of fiber work. I'm also knitting my Ishbel shawl, and looking forward to making a triloom with Jerome. Below are batts for a sock yarn that I'm currently plying.

(Pictured Above: Sparkling Pink Lemonade Twice Carded Batts)

I also have a new handspun sock yarn in my etsy shop and I dyed a new line of sock yarn sets, tea themed. I really love the new sock yarn sets I hope they take off.

(Pictured Above: Orange Spice Tea)

Today I made 6 apple pies! I didn't expect to get so many little pies out of one bag of apples! I followed Betty Crocker for the filling, and my usual crust. The nutmeg smells BANGIN, makes me crave Autumn so badly.

(Pictured Above: Apple Pies)

(Pictured Above: Octavian's slice)

Lastly, here's a photo showing off my cammo smile (my teeth are still broken) and my 1 year 5 month old dreadlocks.

(Pictured Above: me)

Keep it Knitty!
Rachel-Marie

Very Satisfying Day

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 03:45:45 GMT

Hello!

I had a very satisfying day! I made potato salad, slow cooker chicken, and a strawberry pie. Nom nom nom.

(Pictured Above: My Old Fashioned Strawberry Pie)

Octavian is so cute!! Look at him enjoying his dessert.

(Pictured Above: nom nom nom Save room for pie!)

We had a beautiful summer rain. Oc was napping so I got to fully enjoy the peaceful moment.

(Above Video: A summer rain)

After a lot of cleaning + laundry + my pilates video, I finished my first fiber dyeing session in months! Fresh green.

(Pictured Above: Fresh green wool + alpaca)

Tomorrow is a brand new day. I work @ Nike, and I feel very refreshed and ready to start my little work week. Hopefully I can bring in some carrot muffins to share? Yum!

(Pictured Above: Octavian + me, today)

Keep it Knitty!
Rachel-Marie

Gardens, Needles, Ovens

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 06:37:03 GMT

Hello!

Where to begin? I guess I'll start at the zucchini. I had one successful zucchini growth in my garden so far, and I used it wisely! I put half into some muffins (click for recipe), and the other half I put into a garden grown mint chicken pasta salad. So. Yum.

(Pictured Above: Shredded freshly picked zucchini)

(Pictured Above: Zucchini Carrot Muffins)

I've also been keeping up on my spinning and knitting! I finished two more yarns since I last blogged, and I'm knitting daily on my Ishbel. I want to mention that Laila's Tour de Fleece team has really helped push me back into spinning, I'm so thankful for that! Did you know I didn't spin or knit for about 6 months? 2009 really... erm... kicked my ass, and then the ass kicking continued into 2010. Although, ever since I fell on my face I've been doing a lot better haha. I guess I figured now or never, and found a way to pull myself together finally.

As a side note, I'll just update everyone who doesn't know: My teeth are getting work done on Sept 1st, and then I'll be able to get an appointment for caps which will be at least another month out. So I'll be stuck with this Sookie smile for a while. I'll try to put on a happy face and snap a pic with my cammo-grin (I can hide the yucky parts when I try lol). I don't look so bad when I put on a ton of makeup (to cover up the bright pink scar) and focus on cammo-grinning. I've actually been really depressed about my pirate face, and thus have been slacking on my work outs. But I think I've come to terms with the whole thing, and I plan on getting back into my exercise routine again tomorrow. Either way I'm still in the best shape of my life. Those pilates videos gave me abs + biceps! Even when I'm a lazy fatso I still seem to keep a decent figure. Now I know why people exercise. haha

(Pictured Above: Tranquility)

(Pictured Above: Strawberry Peach Cobbler)

I'm really excited for Fall... imagine that?! It's only the perfect season for a yarn girl like myself! Plus it's little Octavian's birthday month in October. I felt like my door needed a little sprucing up, so I made a new Autumn-cheersome wreath. I know I still have a month or two, but I want to be ultra prepared for this year's brisk - bright colored leafy season. I want to savor every moment I can get, and that includes prep!

(Pictured Above: Autumn cheersome!)

Wreath is made with organic cotton from Holly of MissHawklet + handspun brown wool yarn from FroggyFibers + my own hand dyed farm wool + garden twine.

I'm really looking forward to tomorrow! I plan on baking a strawberry pie, making potato salad, and a slow cooker chicken recipe just for starters. Well take care everyone. May your gardens grow, your needles knit, and your ovens bake!

Keep it Knitty,
Rachel-Marie

Not dead yet.

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 15:12:45 GMT

Hello Everybody! =)

I'm finally feeling alive again. I'm not dead yet. It was so hard getting over everything that's been holding me back this year (yes since New Year's Eve). Random road blocks one after another... chipped away at me until I totally lost my sanity. After I smashed my face I knew I had to pick up the pieces now or never. So I tried REALLY REALLY REALLY hard this past week, and even though I have a busted grill + scabby mouth I feel like a new woman.

I finished a new yarn, and am getting back to my fiber roots. Enchanted Forest handspun.

(Pictured Above: Enchanted Forest handspun)

I'm really inspired to pick up the pieces and move on from the 2009 knit drama. Get rid of the painful memories and start fresh. I'm hoping to get together a virtual knitting group since most of you aren't in my area. Let me know if you're interested, and what your availability would be. We'd use some sort of video chat program. I've used Google video chat for one on one chats, and a few other programs. I'm thinking skype? I'm sure there's a way to do it on Skype.

I'm posting here again, in one of Laila's fiber groups! (They're the most fun.)

I couldn't have gotten my mental health back without my cheerful little garden! We had a heat wave, and then a massive storm, which produced lots of exciting green nooks and crannies!

(Pictured Above: Some little pom pom type flowers that I grew from seed)

I was so delighted to see some zucchini + tomatoes start to pop up! Carrots are growing steadily as well.
You can see more pictures of my garden here on Facebook.

I just love the charming little turtle I found at a yard sale for .10 I don't regret taking him home one bit!

(Pictured Above: Front of my herb garden)

Thanks to everyone who sent me zucchini recipes on Facebook. They're all so inspiring. I'm going to make some sort of baked bread or cake with the first one. I want to do a pasta dish as well. If any of you - my blog readers have any suggestions, please leave a comment with a recipe for either carrots, zucchini, or tomatoes.

Otherwise I've been keeping fit with the lovely Ellen Barrett. I've done the same video about 15 times (at least!) and I love it. I can finally jump around without feeling like a complete klutz. Here is the one I like. It really does work!

Be sure to keep up on the new True Bloods! I'm so thankful that Bill is finally showing some depth. He's so irritating in the books, and they make him out to be so bangin in the TV series.

I'll leave you with a picture of my little darling playing with his friend Junior. Octavian is so big, unbelievable.

(Pictured Above: Junior + Octavian yesterday)

Oh! I still have a ton of Nike Outlet friends + family coupons, if you're local and would like one - leave me a comment. They're 30% off your purchase at the end of July.

Keep it Knitty!
Rachel-Marie

KVIZA

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:15:38 GMT

So, doods. I think I have to pay to upgrade my livejournal AND I have a bill to pay for my website... until I can get that all together (I have a really sweet links page on my KDG .com site) Please take a looksy at my friend Jonathan's band.

http://myspace.com/kviza

Or here on Facebook.... Kviza on Facebook

Thanks to all who have been thinking of me. I'm doing better.

Love you guys!
Rachel-Marie

Not okay, But trying, Silver Linings.

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 17:02:07 GMT

I keep thinking I'm okay, that it's over. Or I'm going to be okay soon. But I'm not not not.

Anyway... here are the silver linings. Forcing myself to post. Like I've been pushing myself at everything else.

(Pictured Above: Yarn I'm working on)

(Pictured Above: Shoes I got for free)

(Pictured Above: Shoes I got for almost-free)

(Pictured Above: Octavian and Baba yesterday)

(Pictured Above: My gardens)

See the whole photo journal here on my facebook, most pictures taken yesterday.

Okay, well Keep on keepin on, since I haven't been knitty at all.
Rachel-Marie

I'm back doods.

Sun, 30 May 2010 20:02:09 GMT

Hello! It's been a long time... been getting myself together. Spent a few days in the hospital (depression, losing 33 lbs in a month...) and just couldn't handle very much. Then I felt so overwhelmed... hopeless... guilty... didn't know where to start since I've been "gone" so long. Gone from a lot of things.

I'll just give you a bit of an update... the good stuff, because for my blog's sake that's all that really matters.

Octavian let Edgar go (I don't even want to talk about it) So we bought these cute little parakeets, that we can actually play with! Caesar and Claudine (after the Sookie Stackhouse book's fairy).
I love them bunches and bunches.

(Pictured Above: Our new birds, Caesar is in the front)

Next, the front of our rented townhouse. First time I have been able to garden, I have a rock-herb garden in the front, and a veggie garden in the back. I used logs and moss instead of a fence, and I made the wreath.

(Pictured Above: My first real garden)

I just recently got ready to start KDG again. But in the meantime, I've been making gifts still. I made my friend Abbey these shoes and a wreath. The shoes have a lion (her second choice) and some Nikes on the rug, because we're both in the "Nike fam".

(Pictured Above: Abbey's birthday shoes)

Lastly, I'll leave you with Folk the Park. I went to this all evening show yesterday with Octavian and had the best time!

(Pictured Above: Octavian and me @ Folk the Park)

If you have ever seen me working at the Nike outlet you know I like to "shake it girl". So I wasn't shy at Folk the park!

(Pictured Above: Dancey Dance.)

To see more about Folk the Park, there's like 10003973 pictures... go here or Jonathan's site: here

Okay. Otherwise, I'm proud to say I'm a steady 105 lbs. sometimes... 103... but I have been exercising every day. I do 80 crunches, run for 5 minutes, and then a few sets of arm pully things. I have netflix all ready to go, for some DANCE DANCE videos. I can't wait to bust a move. I know my biggest issue is my self esteem, I need to tuffin up. Fake it til I make it. and I am trying.... I'm also trying to be happy being alone by myself, not being so needy. Not being vulnerable. and trying to think more clearly before I act.

I hope you're all setting and working on your own goals. I'll try to keep up on my blog and artwork like I used to from here on in... Thank you for sticking by me, and for all of your support. (Thank you Rachel of ontheround!!!)

Keep it Knitty,
Rachel-Marie

Cheer up Butter Cup

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:28:40 GMT

Hello Everyone!

Gosh. Well, let's see. I don't even know what to tell you KDG blog readers. My life is so jacked up right now... but it seems like being negative or sad doesn't help anything. So I've been trying to enjoy myself as much as possible, and not let anyone get me down. Such a hard task, but it works for me. I'm staying confident in myself. I usually say I'm a "weird" person, but no. I'm unique. I am unique, and I'm good at sales, talented in most creative visual arts, and I'm so lucky to have a family no matter how bad things get.

Every day I wake up and try my best. Every day is a new day. Fresh as a daisy.

I am accepting people for who they are, and am trying to make smart choices, and good friends.

I've been so upside down lately. With any free time I use it to fix up our new apartment. So, now I'll at least show you some pretty pictures of our new place! There's definitely a lot more we want to do with our space but so far so cute! (I stayed up late last night sanding the coffee table, and I have to stain or spray a few pieces of furniture)

(Pictured Above: Living Room, Pre sanded coffee table)

The couches we got on craigslist for $50 and they are in perfect retro condition. The quilts and misc. pillows I thrifted. Two of the pillows were made by http://happysilence.etsy.com

(Pictured Above: Another angle of the first floor)

(Pictured above: Just another look at the first floor, Edgar by the window)

There is room for a big piece of art above our dining table. Our set of 4 Ikea chairs we bought on craigslist for $50 by the way! We're looking forward to shopping at the Art Star Bazaar together for art and other things. It's near my birthday anyway.

(Pictured Above: Awesome sarcastic photography above our couch)

(Pictured Above: Relaxing view from my bed in the master bedroom)

(Pictured Above: One of my arty closets, this one is most precious to me)

(Pictured Above: Just showing off my new

6.OMGs with hopes of learning how to skate)

I also filled up my Nike notebook, (a little moleskine I use for my schedule or whatever) It says "Hello! Have a good day!" "Rachel-Marie is awesome!" and "Who said that?" I keep this notebook, and a few other things with me all day, like pictures of Octavian, at work no matter where or what I am doing. It's a little emergency happy kit I use to keep my chin up when I get down.

(Pictured Above: My new Nike notes)

Well, Thanks for still reading. Right now I don't have many shoulders to cry on that I trust so I really appreciate you all. Love you!

Keep it Knitty + Just do it.
Rachel-Marie

Lost 26 lbs, hairdo, and moving April 9th!

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 03:29:12 GMT

Hello!

Sorry!! I'm still not back to my crafty self yet because we're moving on the 9th and everything is packed up, yayyyyy! But in the meantime here is some weight loss pimp. I was in a size 10/12 and now my size 4s are a little big! Wooooooot. I lost 26 lbs so now I just need to start toning up. I'm. So. Happy. I finally started losing that weight though! Sheesh!!

(Pictured Above: A smaller me)

I got my ends trimmed because I don't want them to roll under, I'm going to condition them a lot to keep them fluffy and pretty. They're all trimmed up. Less bulky and easier to wear down.

(Pictured Above: 1 year 1 mo old dreads)

I got the pretty pixie bangs and some color from Wavelengths in Lancaster by the talented Mindy.

Can't wait to move...

(Pictured Above: My boys in the new place)

Okay well, Keep it Knitty,
Hope to get back on my "track" soon, thanks for stickin by me. Lover you!!!
Rachel-Marie

Townhouse, Ava Kitty, Silly Kitty

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:56:44 GMT

Hello!

How are you?? Today I found out, we got approved to move into a townhouse community. Our townhouse is two stories, two bedrooms, dining room, kitchen, washer-dryer, and heat is included in the rent. =) The community has a pool, tennis courts, and two parks. So we should have a nice summer after all! Little Octavian can play and ride his bike outside. It's also near my Nike job so that will make things easier on me.

I hope to show you pictures soon! I made some gift baskets for some Nike coworkers to give tomorrow (birthdays, and a new baby) I took pictures of them but I have since added a few things haha. Anyway, wish me luck I'm kind of nervous.

I have some new shoes (and a cute little t shirt!) in the shop... check them out. Right now I'm really into drawing on shoes and shirts, it's fun for me, and easy to do while I'm packing and sorting for the move. I have to squeeze a whole studio of stuff into a walk in bedroom closet so I've been doing a lot of destashing. Our move in date is April 9th!

(Pictured Above: Little Ava modeling my kitty T)

Ava is such a sweet little girl. I just love her,

and her Daddy Eric of http://studioweit.com

and below is just one of the many new pair of shoes listed in my shop! =)

(Pictured Above: Silly Kitty shoes)

Thanks for reading, and for all of your support! =) I get to see the apartment tomorrow and then I'll be over at Nike.

Hope you all have a good week!

Keep it Knitty + Just do it.
Rachel-Marie

Edgar in a strawberry box.

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:53:06 GMT

Hello Everyone!

I finally got a job! =) I'm an "athlete" at the Tanger Nike Outlet in Lancaster, PA. I hope you can all come and see it there, such a cool store. Anyway I LOVE my job. I'm getting settled into my new routine, and have been studying a lot of Nike things in my free time. But once I get settled I'm sure I'll get a new crafty routine down too.

It makes me feel good to be apart of something big again, to talk to people and be cheery at work. I try to bring my own little flair to their Nike store, I try to be confident in my individuality and way of retail. Also, can't wait for some paychecks.

That's all I really want to go into tonight, it's been overwhelming lately. I'll leave you with this picture of Edgar, I think he likes his new strawberry box! I'm glad because I just ADORE him.

(Pictured Above: Edgar in a strawberry box)

Keep it Knitty, Just do it!
Rachel-Marie

Ice, T Shirt, DIY Card Tutorial

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:57:11 GMT

Hello!

I hope all of you East Coasters are warm and cozy inside spending time with your families or getting lots of things done! And to all who are without power I know how crappy that is, and I hope you are all safe, you're in my thoughts. ( I know if you are without power you can't even read anything online, but I'm just sending that energy out there on the interwebs. )

Personally, I've really enjoyed the storm. The excitement and creepy parts, and the silent relaxing parts. Here is a video of the snow from my attic window. (Facebook friends: sorry you can't see the video click here instead) There is also another video from my other attic window here.

(Above Video: Blizzardpocalypse 2010)

The ice on my balcony is gorgeous.

(Pictured Above: Blizzardpocalypse Ice)

Here is my own personal photoset of the blizzard. Here is my city's website where you can view updates on our Snow Emergency.

I've been drawing on shoes and shirts while being snowed in. Below is a Kitty T that I like a lot. I can't wait until my new shipment of shoes gets here so I can draw on bigger sizes. Sadly, I don't have anymore adult shirts at the moment, when I have money to buy more I will buy bigger sizes. I have plenty of kids shirts that I plan on working on today. So check my shop sometime tomorrow if you'd like to see them. Maybe even tonight!

(Pictured Above: A Kitty T Shirt for sale in my Etsy shop)

I was in charge of my sister in law's baby shower invitations. I decided to make them using what I had at home. It's for a girl and the theme is "pretty in pink".

DIY Cheap, Quick, Thoughtful, and Easy

Handmade Greeting Cards for Knitters + Spinners

Tutorial

I had to make 15 so I did them in assembly line style (doing each step 15 times, before going on to the next step) in this order:

# 1 I traced an envelope onto some nice paper I had in my stash, and then cut on the inside of the trace line with scalloped edged scissors.

# 2 I punched holes at the top with a hole punch.

# 4 I stamped a flower stamp that I already had in my stash on each card. You can pick a stamp that has a big graphic that you could color. The key here is to keep it simple, only one graphic to color in the stamp so you can get all of your cards finished in a timely manner.

# 5 I colored the petals in pink with markers I had. (cheap set of markers that I bought on amazon previously. I love them and they work really well)

# 6 I wrote the invitation text on the backs of the cards. This step should be done before step 7 so that the card will lay completely flat while you are writing on it.

# 7 I selected yarn from my stash that was the right color, and related to the event in some way. (in this case it was hand dyed yarn that I am using to knit a blanket for the new baby) and then cut pieces of the yarn and tied the bows at the top!

(Pictured Above: DIY Greeting Cards or Invitations)

Nice chatting with you!
Keep it Knitty!

Rachel-Marie

P.S. I love the new Knitty Surprise sock pattern! Beautiful!

Blizzardpocalypse + Shoes

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:07:28 GMT

Hello!

I hope you're all thawed out by now. We've been nice and cozy inside through the whole blizzardpocalypse. We're used to being stuck inside and have been having a good time.

(Pictured Above: Our backyard)

Poor Jerome looked like a snowman after digging the car out, and Octavian didn't last very long at all. What cute snowbunnies!

(Pictured Above: Blizzardpocalypse)

Octavian was working out a survival plan on the fridge with his letter magnets.

(Pictured Above: Octavian playing with magnets)

I have a new sock yarn in my etsy shop! The colorway consists of reds and dark browns and blacks.

(Pictured Above: Volcanic Rock)

I have been making more shoes, they have been selling well but right now there are 3 pair in my shop. I also decided it was time to take the plunge and order a case of shoes. I have 72 pair in white sizes US women 7-11 on their way to my house! I'll tea dye them and start listing as soon as possible. Below is my favorite pair I made this week, "Skein Yarn Flower Kitty Lover" shoes in size US 7.5 - 8 women.

(Pictured Above: New Shoes)

Nice chatting with you!
Keep it Knitty!

Rachel-Marie

Glasses, Baby Blankey

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:18:00 GMT

Hello!

Well here I am in my new glasses! I got two new pair and these are the cute fun ones I hope to wear often!

(Pictured Above: New Glasses)

I've been knitting at a good pace on my sister in law's baby blanket. It has to be finished by the end of Feb. in time for her shower. I have the urge to finally cast on my ishbel, but I don't know how that will be able to happen considering I am on such a sweater schedule (So far I have knit 2/12 sweaters in 2010)! I'll get through this blanket and come up with a plan of attack after that.

(Pictured Above: Baby Blankey)

I have a hope that I may show up on Saturday's new Lime and Violet episode so make sure to listen! =)

Keep it Knitty,
Rachel-Marie

Liesl FO

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:50:23 GMT

Hello!

Good Morning! I'm excited to pick up my new glasses today, yippy skippy! Also excited to wear my Liesl. Fresh off the needles, Liesl is my second completed sweater of 2010. 10 more to go!

(Pictured Above: Finished Liesl, and almost 1 year old dreads)

(Pictured Above: Finished Liesl, and almost 1 year old dreads)

Liesl was super quick and easy knit, and I only used one skein on my own hand dyed yarn! I cast on a baby blanket for my niece to be born in the spring. The baby shower is the end of February so I have my work cut out for me! But it should be very enjoyable since the lace pattern is pulled from Elizabeth Zimmerman's baby sweater (Feb Lady). Knitting Elizabeth Zimmerman patterns always makes me happy.

Well have a good day!
Keep it Knitty!
Rachel-Marie

Crangrape Handspun Sock Yarn and a Few from my Queue

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 02:16:02 GMT

Hello!

I just listed a new handspun sock yarn in my etsy shop. A very special skein that took 10 hours to make! Hope you likey.

(Pictured Above: Crangrape available in my Etsy shop)

I've added a TON of excellent patterns to my Ravelry Queue. I'm picking out a few to show you tonight. Let me know what you think! In no particular order...

Treeline Striped Cardigan Free on Purlbee Blog -
A very cute snuggley cardi.

Hanne Vest Free on Knitty.com -

If you decide on this one please browse the other Hanne projects for tips, I've seen a lot of badly fitting Hannes.

Eskimo Bag Free on garnstudio.com -

Cute bobble handbag with a nice shape.

Snicket Socks Free Download -
Gorgeous, adorable honeycomb like pattern. Check out all of the pretty Snickets! It's another pattern that I would like to try in handspun someday.

Pine Forest Baby Blanket Free Download -
Awh, so cute. It's the lace pattern from the famous Elizabeth Zimmerman baby cardi (February Lady Sweater). I'm actually casting on this pattern very soon for my niece arriving in April.

Feather and Fan Comfort Shawl Free from Knitting-and.com
This pick is inspired by my so far lovely experience knitting Liesl. Looks GORGEOUS in handspun, and super quick to knit.

Monday Morning Cardigan $6.50 download -
Looks like it will flatter the figure.

Wood Hollow Vest $6.00 Download -
Just released, one of my favorites. I've been looking forward to this one! She looks SO CUTE in this vest it kills me.

Chevron Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts -

Check out all of the beautiful Chevron Scarf projects, gorgeous

Slip Stitch Rib Socks from Easy Knitted Socks -

Hand dyed yarns look GORGEOUS with slipped stitch. I want to try this pattern with some handspun sock yarn.

Farmers Market Cardigan from Interweave Knits Magazine Fall 09 -
It's just so cute. Me want.

Keep It Knitty!
Rachel-Marie

Silver Linings

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:50:41 GMT

Hello!

What's new with you? Lots of silver linings over here while I put one foot in front of the other. I'm still job hunting and interviewing every week, collecting rejection letters and trying to keep my head up! I've been going to the gym, knitting, cleaning, destashing, spinning... packaging... I have been keeping busy and trying to be my best self. There were some chocolate chip casualties during my lowest point, but I feel like I'm surviving anyway.

I finished a Baby Surprise Jacket in my own hand dyed yarn for my hubby's boss who just welcomed his son into the world, Aidan. It's my first completed sweater of 2010. My goal of completing 12 sweaters this year is still on track! If you don't have the BSJ pattern and are considering knitting it, you should buy The Opinionated Knitter, it's an inspirational Elizabath Zimmerman book with modern versions and presentations of her patterns. Please check out the Baby Surprise Jacket window display someone posted in the forum! It made me smile from ear to ear. EZ would be proud.

(Pictured Above: My latest BSJ)

I have a good pace going on my Liesl and am confident I will complete it on schedule or sooner. The yarn is dyed by myself, with details in my Ravelry notebook. I love this pattern, it has inspired me to try more lace. I dislike how it looks knit in cotton, I think cotton is too heavy for a feather and fan sweater, it looks like it stretches too much from the weight. To get the full spectrum of this knit, you need to browse all of the finished Liesl projects on Ravelry.

(Pictured Above: My Liesl)

I am very proud of my Wandering Jew plant. It has responded really well to pruning, and it is now draping over my table. The glossy green and white leaves make me feel good whenever I walk by. This is a great plant to create new plants from, roots very quickly in water.

(Pictured Above: My beloved Wandering Jew)

Like I said earlier, I have been trying to be healthier. I have been making fruit smoothies. Usually consists of: frozen strawberries, blueberries, banana, Grape Nuts cereal, yogurt, and orange juice. My hubby + toddler just love them!

(Pictured Above: Smoothie Time!)

Lastly, my biggest silver lining of them all! Pretty nails! I finally tried Revlon nail polish after years of frustration with my Avon polish. I have been told that my nails are oily, which is why most enamel won't stay on longer than 1 day. Pictured below is proof of my success with Revlon, going on day #4 with a perfect mani. =) I'm thrilled. You can buy Revlon nail polish at almost any store, and also on Amazon.com .

(Pictured Above: My Revlon Silver Lining)

Keep in Knitty!
Rachel-Marie

Out with the old

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 17:17:02 GMT

Hello!

How are you? I'm fine. It's raining today and I am enjoying it. I wanted to stay inside today, relax and get things done so the pitter patter on the roof is welcomed.

I've been going on interviews! So the job searching process is going really well. I'm going to keep at it until I find what I want. I bought another interview outfit that I adore! I love paisley and the shiney dressy material works well. The cardy is great too. So far I have two more interviews scheduled for next week, and a few companies I'm hoping to hear back from to schedule interviews with. Wish me luck!

(Pictured Above: Interview Outfit #2)

Cardy + Dress: HM
Shoes: crocs
Earrings: cindyart98,etsy.com

Jerome and I bought a car! It's a 2008 Chevy Cobalt that looks brand new. We love it. It all worked out in the end.

I'm still organizing and destashing my life. My goal is to have all of my fibers and yarns in my Ravelry Stash and to get rid of anything not worthy. My etsy shop is temporarily open with some of this stuff in it. It's going really well too so I think I'll be listing more! I feel like I have experimented in so many different areas of fiber arts. At least for the next year I know what I want to focus on. (Spinning + dyeing sock yarns, and hobby knitting) I want to do it in a fresh studio, or in a pretty apartment. I will definitely reopen KDG when I am ready!

I'm thrilled that Wendy sold one of my super spendy handspun sock yarns! The skein cost $140! Which further confirms my plan of sock yarn spinning in 2010. =) It's an 8 hour process using some of the most luxurious fibers available to me, but well worth it, and there are people out there who want it! Most of all I enjoy spinning it more than any other kind of yarn. Sorry I don't have pictures of the skein that sold but there are fibers in my Ravelry Stash that will be turned into sock yarn, you can see the colorways at least.

(Pictured Above: Hand Dyed Yarn for Shalom)

The yarn above is Mill Creek local millspun farm wool, Hand dyed, Bulky (I recently overdyed it to colors I like better) Planning on using it for my Sweater Challenge with some handspun from MissHawklet ! Love Holly! Below is the skein Holly is sending me. It's over 200 yards and I think it will go nicely with the cranberry. Maybe I'll use it in the yoke? Not sure yet.

(Pictured Above: my MissHawklet yarn)

My friend Mary Kay came over and we traded various things like artsy friends do. =) She brought me a knitting stitch a day calendar! and I made her breakfast + gave her herbs from my aero garden. I sent her home with a bunch of art supplies too haha. If you're a local I'm sure you know her + love her too. What a dear friend.

(Pictured Above: Mary Kay + Me)

I'll leave you with this: "The less you have the less you have to clean", my new motto.
Keep it Knitty!

Rachel-Marie

Coloring, Stash yarn, Plastic Bag Warmth, Ravelry

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 13:13:56 GMT

Good Morning!

Hello! How are you?? We're all well over here. Since we last spoke, I got approved for unemployment, a TON of job leads + interview(s) lined up, and I finally cleared out my voice mail with messages dating back to 2008, haha! Not to mention all of the housework I've gotten done!

Octavian has been an angel since we got him into a new routine. He's been spending the winter days inside with me, coloring. His first full coloring book should be filled up soon, I'm going to label it with his name + age + the year, and come up with a special way to store them. He loves coloring, thank goodness because it keeps him busy during cabin fever.

(Pictured Above: Octavian coloring)

It's been so cold and wintery like I said, and my kitchen door is very drafty... yesterday I decided to try plugging up the windy cracks with plastic bags. It was a free immediate solution and worked very well! All you have to do is take a butter knife and jam the bags into the cracks. It looks ridiculous but we're a lot more comfortable. =)

(Pictured Above: a funny way to keep warm)

I cast on a last minute baby surprise jacket for my husband's supervisor who is having a baby this week! I hope a BSJ will count for the sweater challenge. (As far as I am concerned it does!) hehe. Otherwise I have two batches of my hand dyed yarn ready to cast on. I'm knitting Liesl with the below yarn. I think all of the different colors will travel well in the feather and fan pattern.

(Pictured Above: Liesl yarn)

(Pictured Above: Liesl yarn)

I have a total girl crush on ontheround at the moment. She is the one who inspired me to do the 12 sweater challenge, and I think I'll be knitting Shalom like she is too. We're all on the edge of our seats waiting for her to release this pattern which would be perfect for my body type.

I uploaded some of my most serious stash yarns at the moment to my Ravelry stash, feels good to be on track to stash organization. I am so thankful for Ravelry. I have my Ravelry autographs on my fridge can you find them?

(Pictured Above: side of my fridge)

Okay, I have to go fix myself a cup of coffee now. Have a wonderful day!
Keep it Knitty!

Rachel-Marie

Mitten + Sweater Challenge

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:13:51 GMT

Hello!

I had a great job searching day, and tomorrow I'm trying my luck at an exciting place downtown. I still have money in my pocket and the random trickle of disasters has stopped (knock on wood). So even though I'm unemployed I'm actually feeling quite good!!!

I'm in Laila's new Knit Along, because I own this adorable deck of cards... and figure might as well use up some stash yarn.

Knit Along: http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/i-heart-rawfish-yarns/941477/1-25#12
Book: Hats, Mittens, and Scarves by Andrea Tung

(Pictured Above: Octavian's first mitten)

(Pictured Above: Some of Andrea Tung's patterns)

(I'm so frustrated with my stash right now). I want to get rid of all of my KnittyDirtyGirl (well, sell it), problem is most of it needs reskeining yet. And the other yarn I have grown out of! I'm not into bright teeny bopper colors so much these days. I want to be more simple and stylish, less hobo + homeless person. And I'd like to wean myself off of pink for a while. Act my age. I'll have to overdye most of it, if I'm ever going to knit with it.

If I don't do something about my stash soon I'll be in trouble! Because I want to do the sweater a month challenge, and that means buying new yarn. I realize I may not get all 12 sweaters done, but somehow this goal feels right. I need to beef up my Ravelry notebook and my personal knitting skills...... Beefing up our wardrobes would be nice too! Knitting 12 sweaters for myself + family would feel so good. Self love time. I know a lot of you think it's a ridiculous challenge and you definitely think I can't do it... but somehow that doesn't matter to me. I just want to have something to try for. I'm lacking specific goals so much right now, this feels like a productive thing to shoot for. I'm definitely including baby + kids sweaters, and I'm not going to beat myself up if I fall behind. I figure it might take me a few tries... and this is my first.

Sweater a Month Challenge Forum: http://www.ravelry.com/groups/knit-a-sweater-a-month-challenge

Thanks for tuning in! Keep it Knitty!
Rachel-Marie