Yarnvent Calendar 19-10 Days

19 Days

After our first good frost I decided a few statues were cold. As you will see George has frost on his previous ornament.

19 Days A

After my scarfs went up a friend of mine's mom works on the campus. She came home telling her daughter someone yarn bombed the statues and was excited to know the personal connection. 

19 Days B

18 Days

I came back to the Ant and gave her a bow. I was a bit nervous for this one since I was there the prior day and the entrance to the superior courthouse was to my right. I could see into court offices...

18 Days

(blog exclusive) This next post was during Yarnvent Calendar but I wanted to preface that the wreath was made specifically for all service men and women who have served. 09/11 started my senior year with a bang. Many of my classmates joined the armed services following graduation. This was for them on Pearl Harbor Remembrance day (12/07/12). What Pearl Harbor was for my grandparents generation 9//11 is for mine. I'm one to memorialize 9/11, I never have been. I choose not to remember tragedy. I choose to remember those who stepped up and served. I hold a place for them. This is for them. (Josh, Tyler, Nick, & Dustin (RIP) etc)

(non-yarnvent) Pearl Harbor Memorial Day

17 Days
The wreath had been removed which was sad. I made a decision to add a few elements in close succession until the final piece. I had a friend help wrap the fountain. My candy cane rope was too short.

17 Days A

 My new helper had made her own bomb. I was quite proud. She made the warm green scarf to the left and I made the orange and green as well as the blue ornament. I was pleased to see my red ornament still hanging from their hands. A few days later a knitted hat appeared on one of their heads as well as a pink glove shared by two girls.

17 Days B

16 Days
Was 15 feet un-stretched enough rope? Yes, it was sufficient. but I could have used more. This stage reminded me of winter green and peppermint candies and not a wreath. It still needed more!

16 Days

15 & 14 Days
Due to the weather and the fact the fountain still has a full mote of water I waited to combine my day to one cold afternoon. The white was to be placed on day 15 and star as the mid-yarnvent masterpiece. It was fracking cold this afternoon. The previous ropes will had ice crystals formed. I brought an entire ball of sparkles yarn and kept winding around and around. Before placing the star I quickly warmed my fingers in my pockets. Brrr. Attaching the star in the center while freezing was not easy task. I put a knot mid way on each point's ties and then adjusted after it was loosely secure. I am happy to say this lasted until 5 Days when "grinches" (as the kids called them) took it down. Part of me knew it would happen but hoped it would last.

15 & 14 Days

15 Days B (Bombed on day 13)

I totally forgot I had this one premade. The points are double thickness for heft. As you see I returned to an slightly bare statue. He is a star thus he was given a star. There is a cancer ribbon on his chest which hangs the star. On this day I decided his hat needed decoration.

15 Days B

13 Days
I  love the Braeburn Pear. I have bombed this twice before today: International Yarn Bomb Day, Making Strides for Breast Cancer. I had already made my final bomb and was waiting in a box. I didn't want to neglect it since all the other statues were getting love...So it got a little pink ribbon.

Lucky 13 Days

12 Days

No partridge and no pear, but a tree. This hangs in front of the Everett Public Library. I wondered around for 10 minutes looking for a good place. This was my plan B if no other was to be found. There was a chain fence that over hangs the stairs going to the parking garage but wasn't feasible to get the tree on it. Alas here it is at sunset.

12 Days

11 Days

George got an candy cane earring. I had wanted to make earmuffs but did not have sufficient time with my other obligations. The I-cord didnt turn out as well as I hoped. My twitter friend nightknitpixie had some nice ones. My intarsia in knitting needs more work.

11 Days

10 Days

I got brave and walked over the the City Hall offices and Police Department. The main police station is not housed here, I believe its administrative, but there were a few sheriff cars across the street by the courthouse. I had a rule of no bombing buildings for this calendar. I saw my opportunity on the light and took it. I did post on facebook "I bombed the police department." I know how it sounds and was deliberate in my choice in words.

10 Days A

(Blog exclusive photo) Around the corner is the flag another serviceman memorial. Each slab has each name of those who died serving for each battle. I left a stocking for the men who gave their lives. It didn't go in my Facebook album like how the other wreath didn't either.

10 Days B

Yarnvent Calendar 24-20 Days

I had been thinking of yarn bombing a bit for Christmas. When I first heard of Yarnvent Calendar from @Nightknitpixie it was the answer to my idea. At first I thought it was quite the undertaking but as the month unfolded I got bigger ideas. It evolved with some undertones of the "12 Days of Christmas". Watch it unfold with me.

24 Days Until Christmas

24: I chose to start as a count down until Christmas. The challenge was counting backwards without skipping days luckily there is an app for my pixie phone. You can slightly read "Days" and @pixie_bomber. I purposely chose the "Along Colby" statues due to high foot traffic from Starbucks. With 3 little girls it gave me a great canvas to add to.

23 Days

23: I bombed this last summer while it was still operating and got a bit drippy. I was pleased to see it off for my bombing. A friend helped me hang the wreath inside the fountain at a busy intersection (Colby/Hewitt). I had a dream of a wreath within a wreath, but this little fellla was removed a few days later. 

22 Days

22:  The story is he was a dance instructor to decades to the families in Everett. Below he is holding a chair. I was told his name is Mike Johnson.This statue has been bombed once by me already and will be bombed more this month. It reminded me of  "Holiday Inn" so I made him a bell for a white Christmas.


21: Below is a series of photos from 21 days until Christmas. I decided to make 21 bombs for 21 days in theme of my calendar. i posted on Facebook that I needed help one evening and was blessed to have my friend from earlier return and a mother with 3 children. Kids make yarn bombing so much fun. I made the mistake of mentioning a cop was near and the youngest seemed stated that we might get arrested. So we split the adults and kids, divided the street and conquered it.

21 Days (Cassie)

21 Days (Jake) Sheri made the scarf

21 Days (team photo)

Jake, Sheri, Nick, Cassie, & Joel under the steam statue (yarn bomb tree)

21 Days

 I didn't know there was a squirrel statue. Joel found him and gave him a wreath.

He became my favorite for the day.

20 Days

20: I got brave and decided to put a few bombs in Snohomish County campus which houses the government offices (background) and Court House (off photo on right). I was prepared to step away from the knitting. This here is an interpretation on Curious George. He got a bra once for Making Strides for Breast Cancer. I must say his bra was his best look. His ornament is one of the few that denote the purpose of the yarn bomb. It was my attempt at education/awareness.

Boobie Bombs for The Big Breast

All yarn bombs were placed during

"Making Strides Against Breast Cancer"

Tree in front of Cancer Center
Honor of my Aunt

Hospital Intersection

Pear in front of Pave (fav bombing place)
In Honor of Dori

Tree in front of hospital
in Honor of Sharon

Kevin the dancing man (fav bombing place)
Coincidentally in front of our church

Curious George in Sno Co Campus
Walk Starting Point

The 7th Bomb was placed by a fellow knitter on the hospital entrance

Gapless Star Crochet Pattern

Gapless Star

Rnd 1: Ch 3, make 14 dc in 3^rd ch from hook. Join.

Rnd 2: Sc, *[sc, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc, sc] all in next st, sc in next 2 sts*. Rep from * 3 more times, to make final point [sc, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc, sc] all in next st.

                For a smaller star: Sl st in next st. Finish off.

Rnd 3: *Sc 2tog, skip next sc, sc, [sc, hdc] in dc from prior round, [dc, tr, dc] in tr (point) from prior round, [sc, hd] in dc, sc, skip next sc.* Rep for each point ending with sl st and finish off.

Running Tutu

Bottom Layer: 2 pieces at attached on center to make 4 layers. Gathered to size.

Mid Layer: 1 piece sewn to a much longer (gathered) giving a fuller effect. These are slightly longer than the bottom layer. Gathered at seam and sewn at seam with fuller layer on top.

Upper: 1 piece with ribbon sewn to bottom. Gathered.

Each is sewn to fabric at .25 inch intervals to stack them. The top layer sit just below the elastic band. The tutu barely slips over my hips and sets snugly on my hip bones. I wanted it snug so when I run it doesn't move around and irritate me.

Unicorn Hat (partial pattern)

The hat is crochet with a basic hat pattern with ear-flaps.


The horn is crochet with a needle 1 size smaller than recommended on the yarn instructions. Inside there are 2 additional filler cones to give a firmer support than batting or fill. I chose to use the hat color for the fills.


The ears are crochet with a varied pattern used in the horn and 1 smaller cone inside for moderate support. I added the pink inner after the outer cone was crocheted.


The mane is attached single row around the horn. From the rear of the horn the the back of the hat is 3 rows slowly tapered to a less full mane.


The ties are traditionally braided with one pink, purple, & glitter. I did crochet a cover on the inside of the hat to protect the wearer from the attached strings.


Cone Pattern(useful for dino spikes, animal ears, & unicorn horn)

Mark the first stitch in each round. You're crocheting in a spiral, so don't join your rounds.

Round 1: Make a magic loop/ring, and do 6 single crochets in the loop. Pull tight. (6 sc)

Round 2: Single crochet around (6 sc)

Round 3: 2 single crochet in first stitch, 1 sc in next stitch - repeat around (9 sc)

Round 4: Single crochet in each stitch (9 sc)

Round 5: 2 single crochet in first stitch, 1 sc in next stitch - repeat around (14 sc)

Round 6: Single crochet around (14 sc)

Round 7: Single crochet around (14 sc)

Round 8: Single crochet in 1st and 2nd stitches, 2 single crochet in third - repeat around  (18 sc)

Round 9: Single crochet around (18 sc)

Round 10: Single crochet around (18 sc)

Round 11: Single crochet around (18 sc)

Fasten off, leaving at least a foot or so of yarn to sew to the top of your hat.

The more single crochet rows you do the leaner it will become without getting too wide. I adjusted to fit the needs of the horn, ears, and fills.

Injury Preventing Crochet & Iron-On Lettering

(Concept Hat)

A should injury from kids' camp last week is causing ulnar nerve issues. This means I have tingling in the right pinkie and partial ring finger. Because of the position I hold my arms and use of my fingers it prevents me from working on my unicorn hat. I went to a chiropractor today and plan again Friday with a message so the unicorn hat should be complete soon. I'm hoping to complete, except the mane, Saturday while being a test passenger for Boeing flight simulator. I'm going to sit for 6 hours taking a few surveys.


I did buy iron-on letters and decorate my cancer T-shirt. I'm participating in a 5k walk/run later this month to benefit a team's 3-day fundraising. The shirt says "I <3 Boobies" on the front so I added "I walk for Donna & Brandy" on the back. While Brandy does not have breast cancer she has been kicking cancer's ass for the last few years and worthy for me to run on behalf of. I had a 1.5 beers by the time I started ironing and my "B" got placed upside down. I laughed and heated it up to remove it and replaced it with a new letter. While beer/wine and knitting/crochet has never been a problem before, applying letters correctly seemed humorously incorrect.

0 to 13.1 in 3:23:51

I’ve had the privilege to walk/run my first ½ marathon this past Saturday. I was one of 20.6k contestants at the Seattle Rock’n’Roll Marathon & ½ Marathon. Completing a ½ marathon is a huge accomplishment for most. For some this race qualifies them for the New York marathon and for others, I soon realized, it’s not just any walk. Below are highlights including three people of inspiration that I took their walk with me as I went on my own physical feat.

Enlisted Serviceman

I was placed in corral 39 (final wave) based on my estimated finish time, which I simply underestimated not knowing my ability at the time of registration. I was proud of holding up the back. Also in my corral were other walkers and late arrival contestants. I moved about the corral stretching and talking to different people. I saw an Army serviceman in combat pants, jacket, and his father was helping him place a pack on his back. Intrigued I walked over and asked the purpose of walking with a pack. He explained it’s a 40lb weighted pack and he’s carrying it for his friends overseas. I saw in awe of his dedication that I couldn’t find the words so I said something to the effect of being fantastic. He took carrying a burden for others to a different level. Later, as I walked through a mile stretch dedicated to fallen soldiers this man’s walk became heavy for me. I slowed down from a run and looked at the different photos of each service person and the long row of American Flags. I’m not one to be all super-patriotic but during this ¼-1/2 mile stretch I felt proud and thankful for their sacrifice. I saw an event photographer and told her of this serviceman 15-20 minutes behind me.

Meghan

There were tons of people running/walking in honor of others from the American Cancer Society (sponsor) or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society plus some other groups. One particular team caught my attention. A mom and daughter had decorated t-shirts with “I walk in honor of ____” on the back. The mom’s said “Meghan” and the little girl’s said “ME!” I got the biggest smile and quickened my pace to walk along side of them to chat. Another contestant was doing the same. I came to learn she is 12 and has practiced walking over 12 miles a few weekends ago. I was touched that at 12 not only has she beaten cancer but she’s walking a ½ marathon. In conversation I told her I saw other kids walking/running and think it’s great she doing the whole thing.

Bob

Around mile 2 I was making time passing some walkers. Crossing over I5 I saw an old man with “Bob D” written on the back of his shirt. As I passed him I noted he was rather elderly.  When working at a health clinic and admitting patients for x-rays and other radiology exams I saw a lot of elderly patients. Based on my previous experiences I was able to estimate he was in his early 80s or looked quite old for late 70s. I never had a conversation with him; yet, he became an inspiration for me to remain active regardless of my age.  While looking up my results I did a quick search for contestants in an age category over discovered he was 81 and the oldest contestant was behind Bob at 87.

Chasing a Banana

Upon arriving at the start village I was a bit upset I hadn’t made a tutu, sparkly running skirt, or worn something more festive. I’m not much of a blendy personality. During staging I saw a girl in the corral in-front of me wearing a banana costume with 2 friends. As we walked the first 3 miles I noticed we had about the same pace. After I got back on course from my first porta-potty visit I saw they were a bit ahead of me so I knew where I should be in the course. Every 3 or 4 miles I took a potty stop and would chase after the banana. I would lose her in the crowd and periodically find her and her friends. To me it was a chase but I’m sure she never noticed. After I crossed the finish line I told my boyfriend to take a picture for me of the banana girl. She had to be warm in that thing.

Stadium Love

Bands played every mile

Coming out of the I-90 express lanes I could see the stadiums in perfect view. In my iPod was playing “Stadium Love” by Metric. I couldn’t have planned this timing if I had wanted to. Travelers on Eastbound I-90 were honking and waving. People were stopping and taking photos of the view. Seeing Quest Field was a blessing a curse. I had 2-2.5 miles left and knew where the finish line was nowhere near being done. I wound around to the Alaskan Way viaduct felling the worst mile of my life. Those high school miles don’t compare to the emotional and physical toll your body endures at this point. I felt a small blister forming on the bottom of my heel and at this point I didn’t want anything getting in my way. I came into the final stretch knowing the end is near. Supporters lined the streets with posters and pom-poms. It was one of the moments where it felt like a movie. During this stretch I decided to try to find another ½ marathon to compete in.

my first metal medal

The End is Near

I started running down towards the stadiums; again, knowing it’s the last .3 miles. I saw the marathon sign marking 26 and got excited knowing then than a quarter of a mile was left. I turned up my music and pushed all that was left into a run. I tunneled into the finish line and didn’t even see my family holding a poster.

I crossed under my projected finish time and before the banana.

International Yarn Bomb Day June 11

Just a few of my favorite bombs in North Everett, WA

EvCC Parking Lot

Hewitt & Colby Ave

2800 Colby Ave

2600 Colby Ave

Grand Ave Park

2800 Colby Ave (near dog)

Me & my fav

Sock Monkey Hat

I saw this pattern for sale on Ravelry and quickly realized I could create the patterns myself. I used a basic crochet hat with earflap pattern adjusting the features to make up the hat.

Baby: $10
Child: $15
Adult: $20

Pink Flower French Press Slippers

camera phone photo in the snow

It took me some time to hand stitch the flowers onto the straps and then the straps to the shoe. I have to say they are quite comfortable. The pattern I posted on an earlier blog is easy to follow. It's been requested for me to make some for other people. The challenge I find is these are shrink to fit. As I felted mine I placed them on my feet to ensure a fit and as they dried I wore them to mold to my feet.

Work in Progress | French Press Slippers

I found this patterns on Ravelry and loved it! I kept looking for slippers that were as cute as my extensive shoe collection. While shopping with a friend we found this amazing yarn at Apple Yarns in Bellingham. The yarn is Sulka by Mirasol. Its 60% Merino Wool, 20% Alpaca, & 20% Silk. Despite it being only 60% wool, after some time and foot shaping it managed to felt nicely. The picture you see is the pieces set together. I was unsure about the flower and after many votes on Facebook decided to go with "flower power". Once they are dry and sewn together I will post better pictures.


http://frenchpressknits.blogspot.com/2009/10/happy-slipper-day.html

Baking: Black Forest Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 1 (18.25-ounce) box devil's food cake mix
• 1 1/3 cups cherry soda
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 eggs
• 1 container cream cheese frosting
• 2 tablespoons cherry syrup
• 5 to 6 drops pink food coloring
• 24 (10 oz jar) whole maraschino cherries

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 (12-cup) muffin tins with paper liners.

In a large bowl combine cake mix, soda, vegetable oil and eggs. Using a hand mixer combine all ingredients, batter will still be somewhat lumpy. Pour batter into muffin cups. Bake 19 to 22 minutes, turning the pans halfway through baking. Remove to a rack and allow to cool completely.

In a large bowl combine frosting, extract and pink food coloring. Add powder sugar is too liquidy. When cupcakes are cool ice with pink cherry frosting and top each with maraschino cherry

Review
I have baked with soda before and find it quite fun. The carbonation aids in the rising process creating a lighter cupcake. I personally found it light in the cherry flavor. Others seem to find it sweet but still can taste the cherry soda. Next time I plan to sub 1/3 cup soda for cherry liquor.

knitting for infinity

I decided to keep a project casted-on. I had a skein and a half of a dusty blue Vanna's Choice yarn. With no pattern, I grabbed size 11 needles (which are too big) and cast-on 25 stitches. I have been continuing a garter stich. Its great. I have a project I can pick up and put down whenever without worry. Its quite portable too. One day I will connect the ends and make an infinity scarf.

Rice Bag Neck Heat Pack

After having some sore muscles which I think are attributed to the Kinect, I decided to make a rice heat pack. Luckily for me I had some flannel left over from a project I made a few months back. The only lower part was not having flaxseed which makes for a longer lasting heat.

(It wont rotate)

Materials:
Rice, beans, or flaxseed (not instant rice)
Scrap material (cotton, flannel, towels, fleece, or other similar material that wont stretch)
Thread
Sewing machine or by hand


Instructions:
1. Decide how big/small you want you heat pack. I wanted one I could wrap around my neck and run the length of my spine (5x18). Measure for length and double for width plus seam allowances (10x20). My scrap was limited to 10inches in width.
2. Fold right sides together & secure.
3. I tend to be over cautious and used a double seam. I seamed 3 sides at 3/8-1/2 inch. Then I turned it right sides out and pinned the seams together again. I set my machine to a fine stitch and made my double seam close to the edge while still sewing over the turned in fabric. (See on bottom of bag)
4. Add rice. At this point you can add oils. You dont want to add too much rice that it wont mold to the body. I added 4 cups, held the open end shut and wrapped it around my neck. It was still too light so I added 1 more cup and decided that it was sufficient.
5. Make sure all rice is at the bottom and out of your way. Secure the opening. Sew & trim the edge near the stitch line. Push the seam inward creating the illusion of the other seams by having a turned in edge. I worked in small 1/2 increments and used a pin to push in as I pinched the folded fabric and pinned to secure. Sew final top stitch seam.
6. Shake to make sure all is secure. Top stitch any holes.
7. Toss in microwave for 2-3 minutes.

Knitting Loom Failure

I can make a founded statement saying loom knitting is not for this pixie knitter. I gave it a good try with different yarns on a rectangular loom. I prefer the creative repetition on bamboo kneedles. On my quest I did come across this resource...

http://isela.typepad.com/loomknitting/

She has great pdf instructions of different cast-on and knit/purl techniques achievable on a knitting loom. I was unaware of the potential that the loom is capable to create.