Garbage Picker

Yes, I'm a garbage picker.... lol. This skirt was dumped into the garbage can for a nano-second and quickly pulled out, when it hit me... just tweak the skirt in the back and see what happens. Well I thumped upstairs with my almost garbage skirt and proceeded to tweak it. This is my second skirt from New Look Pattern 6569, but somewhere along the line the side seams ended up puckered (likely from trying to finish it with a cantankerous sewing machine...lol). On the wrong side of the skirt I creased it down the middle (front/back) making sure to match up the side seams so that I could create a back middle seam, then pinned 1/2" maybe less of the skirt from waistband down to the hem and then sewed it and tried it on again, which miraculously eliminated the puckering at the side seams... and presto... there you have it. (pardon the blurry pic - blame it on the camera phone:0)

Partially Completed Skirt

I'm finally admitting that I'm an Addict.....

I would like to introduce myself here today at BAA, my name is Sheila and I am a Blog Addict and thanks for welcoming me here to Blog Addicts Anonymous…lol

Blogging is a daily regimen for me, to the point that my cell phone had to have a web browsing feature, so that I can blog anytime, anywhere… can I say Addicted.

What attracts me to Blogs are various components, such as catchy titles, mix of subject matter, pictures, sense of humor, links, tutorials, lil bit about the person and most importantly their projects and progress.

Inquiring minds want to know what keeps you coming back to blogland…. Is it the design, photography, writing style, content, etc.

HGTV has Done it Again

I am an avid fan of HGTV and its assortment of home improvement shows. I really can't say if I favor one particular show, each show offers an insight into what can be done to a room and with that it allows me to take their techniques and be creative. For this project Small Spaces Big Style helped me realize that I can use large pieces in a room (I'm sure the show's host meant big and not Super Size (referring to my mirror, which nearly sits on top of the faucet to accommodate the large light fixture...lol). I've done a few renovations since owning my home and this one is the most dramatic (then again maybe not.. the basement went from dark and scary to light and comfy). Well the bathroom is nearing the finish line, with minor things left to be done. I opted not to purchase the marble back splash that matches the sink and instead purchased bronze tiles that compliments the faucet set. Since dh is too busy right now to set and grout the tiles to the wall, I took the liberty of placing them above the sink for visual purposes (also to remind him...lol). Also the mirror and sink can easily be moved away from the wall to set and grout the tile.. so I'll be patient. I purchased two sets of shower curtains and made one into window curtains... did I say I love my new sewing machine *giggling*. I am still in search of a GFI switch plate to match the dark wood and one more shelf needs to be installed and that will basically wrap up the makeover. The bathroom is so small... but here is a peak of the makeover.

BEFORE BATHROOM

AFTER BATHROOM

Crochet Bind-Off

An idea is marinating in my brain.... now its slowly simmering... and while I’m currently working on the Summertime Tunic my subconscious keep screaming… crochet!.... crochet!..... crochet!. I’ve done needle bind-off a couple of times and totally hate it. My stitches end up so tight and unsightly. So at 6:00am this morning I decided I needed to get my crochet on and did a crochet bind-off on my project. I capped off one of the circular needles and proceeded to single crochet each stitch off the other needle. My bind-off looks really neat. Now the question is, now that I’ve bind-off the stitches what will become of the top part…? Stay tuned…… or if you hear a gut wrenching scream in your neck of the woods... its Me!!!

Dear Abby... Letting go is hard.. Please Help!

Dear Abby:

Its often said that letting go can be the hardest thing in one's life... especially when you've put so much precious time into it... so I need your honest opinion on this situation, because I need to move on.

I finished a skirt (minus the hook & eye closure above the zipper) using New Look pattern 6569 again. In my haste to get it done, I sewed up the side seams with the old machine, which was experiencing some problems (like pms...lol). While sewing the side seams, the machine kept locking up.... I know I should've stopped at that point, but no... I kept at it with an end result of wonky seams

Here it is looking harmless wouldn't you say

The wonkiness is to the left of the zipper and its like that on both sides.

I used interfacing to give the hem weight to hang down and used hem tape as well... can I say neat looking...lol A closer look at the underside, I'm learning....

I actually did topstitching... yeah!!!... I may not need your help after all... what if I walked around with my arms pasted to my side... uhummm sorry... but all in all , I'm having a hard time chucking this garment... why... because it took me 5 darn hours. Please advise on how to let go without any hangups....lol

Weekend In Review

Happy Monday all,

My weekend was sooo relaxing and funny. Saturday my mom & step dad came over (at 9:30am, which they call mid-morning runs…lol). But this Saturday morning we were experiencing Hornet problems. Of course, with parents from the South, insects are the least of their problems… but for a bonafide City Gurl… its a nightmare. Well.. they decided they’re going to hang out in the backyard and refused to come into the house (saying in their old age.. who hellz wants to sit up in somebody dayumm house), so I went ahead and provided them with their favorite cold drinks – Gatorade…lol and dh made them comfortable. We chatted up a storm laughing and just enjoying the morning, as they reclined in chairs in the backyard… and I kindly held court from the pantry window….LOL!!!

My lovely bob-the-builder finished building the radiator cover… we purchased the oak, mesh, stain and molding from Home Depot and he made the cover and I stained it…. (can I tell you molding is expensive as all get out). Now, if he only knew that we need at least 5 more of them...lol

Remember this, well I finally completed the hem on the skirt with the new machine, which I am so loving the needle threader and its smooth operation. I had initially completed the side seams on the old sewing machine before it went kaput. But the skirt is a bust, in my attempt to sew the skirt seams with the old machine sputtering and farting... I some how messed of the side seams, so after finishing up the hemming, I tried it on and the sides of the skirt look wonky….uggh!

Last Friday I went to Borders and picked up a couple of magazines... (I forgot to include the crochet today mag...but I got it) and enjoyed a quiet evening browsing through them.

I am so loving the sweater on the cover of Interweave Knits... its stunning.

How did you spend your weekend?

I Got Another Baby!

The time was approaching fast and as the contractions continued I knew it would only be a matter of time before I would be a proud mom again.

Second born to Sheila on 7/20/07 @ 7:00pm @ Sears General Hospital, weighing in at a hefty 21 lbs.....lol

Dh tried to make me understand that another one would be pushing it, there's not enough room for another one, and that also meant spending more money.... but my persistence paid off.





My sewing thrill was dampened b/c my sewing machine kept locking up. Tried several times to rectify the problem, but no success, which meant I needed another baby. DH said he would take the sewing machine to the shop and it would be like new, I was like ummm uh you do that dear, but in the mean time just take me to Sears puleeeze. I also knew I needed something with a bit more umph and I followed Carolyn's suggestion, that "if I liked my Kenmore...look at some that are a step up". With Carolyn's suggestion, I purchased the Kenmore Drop-In Bobbin Sewing Machine. It's like a Cadillac compared to my Toyota...lol. I tested it out and what blew me away was the built-in needle threader and the drop-in bobbin, which were a nuisance with my old machine. With the old machine to thread the needle I would take out the needle and thread it and then insert it back in and the bobbin venture was just a PITA. I also like the fact that it doesn't do a Chubby Checker... shaking and rattling all over the place... which is sweeeet. I sewed up some scrap and it was smooth sailing. There is also a serging feature, but I need to buy the twin needle kit and an automatic button hole foot, I still have more features to play with... but right now we are settling in and proud.

Crochet Fashion Magazine Debut

I would like to present Paula Bennet. Whose designs have been published several times in Crochet! magazine. Crochet Fashion Magazine will debut in November 2007, featuring 72 pages of Paula's favorite designs with Patterns. Check out Crochet Fashion and join me in making her proud.

Sporting & WIP

I'm enjoying my knit tote... its perfect for schelpping my fiber paraphernalia. As I'd mentioned in a previous post, I attempted to freestyle a knit top and it just didn't work out well and opted to turn it into a tote. Look at it just hanging out in front of my job.... checking out the scenery...lol.

Moving right along... I love my summertime tunic a/k/a something tunic. I sported it last weekend while food shopping and it was perfect for the weather, light and airy. So I decided another one was in order. I'm using 2 colors of Bernat Softee Baby Yarn, Dreamy Blue & Darling Blue. I've worked with this yarn before and enjoy how it works up and its machine washable and dryable. However, the summertime tunic can get a tad bit boring when working the next 11-1/2" of the pattern, so I'm itching to cast on for another top to break -up the monotony (although I should be working on my crochet projects... I'm a bad bad gurl...) and looking for another knit project. I checked out Tomato, which is intermediate, not sure I can handle the fair isle part of the pattern... so I'll keep looking.

Any suggestions...

I Love Cloudy Rainy days... Ahhhh!!!

With a population of 19,306,183, being a New Yorker your compelled to rush here, there and everywhere, forgetting all about thank you and please... b/c you just got to get there... wherever there is. Once you step out of your house and begin to manuver to wherever it is you're going... its time to get your rush on...lol. Do I regret living in New York.......Ohhhh nooooooooo, in some sinister way... I love that rush...lol. But at the end of the day I definitely look forward to returning home to my lil surburban neighborhood.. where you barely see your neighbors, you could probably run naked down the street and no one would notice and after 9:00pm you can barely hear a rat piss on cotton....lol.

Rain... when it rains... oh... I am in heaven... everything comes to a crawl. People actually slow down and you hear murmurs of Excuse Me, May I, Oh Thank You, Please. I am known for being a lil quirky... for loving cloudy days, rainy days and a combination of both. It gives me a chance to reflect on any and everything.

As I head into work... I enjoy the beautiful sight of rain...

I'm on the Road againn....

Getting a lil knitting in...

Exiting the train station....

Finally at my destination.. taking a nano-second to take in the beauty of it all...

Do you like Cloudy Rainy days... and if so... what things do you enjoy doing...

I love my summer commute...

Man-o-Man, when the kids get out of school for the summer.. I have the train darn near to myself, its quiet, clean and icy cold.....wawhoweee!.. I could actually lay down and take a nap... but maybe mistaken for a derelict..lol. Instead... I plug in my earphones and sing out-loud.... La la la... laaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Tricks are for Kids

I got the medicine cabinet.... wooohoo!!!, but my bob-the-builders played a nasty trick on me. Although they were out working, I called them and told them that we need to pick up the cabinet no later than 5pm today. Dh & Db were like yeah, so what, we are working... now you know that pissed me off and I hung up the phone... cursing and vowing I wouldn't cook or speak to them. Well around 4:30 they pulled into the driveway and came into house and says lets go... NOW!!! I jump up with a quickness, stop the washing machine and we get into the truck and we drive off... silently I'm praying we get there in time (and simultaneously envisioning them putting the cabinet up TODAY!!!). Abruptly they make a u-turn and say forget it... I'm too tired to go. I damn near needed to be tranquilized as I gawked at them in total bewilderment... as we drove back to the house.

As we pull into the driveway they are like you are so bent on getting that damn cabinet - you didn't see that big azz box in the back of the truck... dummy!!!.

In the back of the truck was the box with the medicine cabinet....*sheepishly grinning* but yet I looked at the both of them and wanted to kill them. Don't they know tricks are for kids.....lol

1/2 hour later I started whining that I wanted the cabinet installed today... well they ventured to the bathroom and while I was downstairs... Dh started yelling at the top of his lungs... cursing up a storm... I'm talking some intense expletives.... the light fixture is too low, which means the cabinet can't fit. Mind you Dh told me we should wait for the cabinet before installing the light fixture... of course I threw a hissy fit and he installed the light... so we go from this...

to this......... uggh!!!

Knitting on the Go!!!!!

Although I have been experiencing bathroom challenges...lol, I did manage to get a tidbit of knitting in. Do you remember this....

Well I attempted to do a tank top, which I worked in the round using size 7 needles and used Lion Brand Cotton Ease yarn in Terracotta and Taupe only to realize it wasn't going too well and considered ditching it, but Ms. Tentative UFO was stalking me to keep at, and well her persistence paid off....

I used wooden handles that I caught at a good price ($2.99). The handles had gold rings at each end and I spent a good 5 minutes tugging and yanking at the rings to remove them and after taking a closer look all I needed to do was unscrew it.... *Duh*

As for the lining I used some black stretch material I had lying around and HeatnBond Iron-on Adhesive to put in the lining, and I did a whip stitch along the opening. I had to use pliers to pull the needle through the layers of material. Once you iron on that HeatnBond its a wrap. Getting a needle through that is hard and requires thimbles and pliers. Also I'm a fan of Fray Check, I used it to secure thread ends.

The bag is perfect for schlepping my crochet/knit paraphernalia....

Bathroom Woes....

The bathroom is still a work in progress, I've been doing a mock trial... placing items in there to determine what will work and what won't. I decided on oil rubbed bronze accessories to compliment the vanity set, it's darker, but it'll work. I also need to take back some items (buying stuff I really didn't need...lol), now thinking I should've purchased the marble back splash... uggh!!! need to get a basket to house the washcloths, indecisive about changing the toilet seat, do I really need to change the shower head to Oil-Rubbed-Bronze-Bath-Tub-Valve-Shower-Head-Set (which you can't see initially because of the shower curtain), radiator cover still needs to be assembled, need to get a switch plate to accomodate a GFI switch.... double ugghh!!. On top of that WHYYYYYY!!! am I still waiting for the darn medicine cabinet... the owner is alleging it will be in TODAY... I'm trying to be patient... but its going into the 6th week of waiting. He keeps telling me oh... the piece is coming from overseas and once it gets to the port the cargo has to be inspected and ... blah d blah blah..... if he only knew that its been a PITA using the bathroom downstairs. I actually lugged a basket with all my crap in it, b/c I found myself going up & down the stairs because I kept forgetting stuff....*eyes rolling*. Here are some pics of what's going on....

Can I say Stalker!!!

I spent the better part of my vacation crafting up a storm, and totally enjoyed every bit of it, which brings me to trying to revamp my bathroom in 2 days!!! So the plan was I would clean and paint the bathroom and my bob-the-builders would install the vanity, cabinet and make a radiator cover and with that I decided that the freestyle knit project would become a UFO and left it at that. Well I got my mind set to clean and paint the bathroom walls... tell me... why in the world did I decide to start my revamp on a hot day....? In the process of removing a fixture from the wall I ended up pulling a layer of sheetrock up... oh boy... more work... *sigh*

Pulled out my MH spackle, tape and tool to repair my blunder... Well everything was going smoothly, but at the same time... I felt I was being watched.... then again it could've been the heat getting to me... geez... so early in the project... oh boy.

I managed to get the wall cleaned and scrapped and managed to repair my blunder... perfect time for a break would you say.... *giggling*... I returned to the project at hand and while adding another layer of spackle... guess who appears... whining... please... please... I don't want to be a UFO... oh-boy... what now!!!! well I managed to finish spackling although Ms. UFO refused to budge... so what does a gal do... work around her....lol

I had to speed up the prep work because it was getting too hot in the bathroom and moved on to finishing up my prep work... again.... Ms. UFO... was making herself seen... but being a diligent one I refused to let her stop me... Whew!!! I finished my prep... can I say break time.

.. and left Ms. UFO hanging... if that's what she wants to do... fine by me.... and had a tasty lunch. Finally I can move all my cleaning gadgets and begin painting.... LEAVE ME ALONE!!!! she kept getting in my darn way... when I moved she moved......Dayummmm!!! can't you see I'm busy... listen Ms. UFO... I meant well, I thought you could become my dream project... but its not happening... so please vacate......

After all was said and done.... I

caved in..... but I was able to get most of the bathroom done... now where in the world are my bob-the-builders....

Ouch!!!

I decided to cast on doing a freestyle knit project. I couldn't help myself.... *giggle* (I need not laugh... this may come back to bite me... :{ ) Well I have the Hip to Knit book and decided I'd use a schematic from there. I selected the Ribbed Ribbon Tank, which is all about ribbing and subtle shaping. So I substituted the yarn for LB cotton ease and started tinkering with the rib technique. Here is the first 5", in which I cast on for 156 sts on circular needles, instead of the suggested 78 (large) for the front panel and the pattern require you to work 2x2 rib for 3". Instead I did 4x4 rib (k4, p4) for 5". So far all is working well... (and in the process learned how to use the lifeline technique.. so I can try on as I go.)

After the 5" I decided I wanted to break the rib look and knitted for several rows and then resumed the 4x4 rib and sort of off-set the alignment of the rib row below... (please stop me this is getting convoluted...)

After playing around with the rib technique... I was like uhmmmm.. I don't want to do that anymore... let's see.... so I decided to the change the yarn color... and proceeded to do some funky rib jiggamaboo in the center of it and began decreasing for waist shaping to a size medium (I'm learning that cotton/acrylic is too giving)... I tried it on and I'm like mmmmmmmm.... sorta, kinda, ok... As for the life expectancy of this project... it remains unknown... OUCH!!!...did something just bite me....

After fugging this project... I literally have a blister... I need to find some finger protectors.... OUCH!!


Well can I at least give my review of Hip to Knit since I've totally fugged my project:

Its a great book to use my new-found skill and the patterns are presented in an easy format. It also addresses many questions and provide detail explanations on techniques that can be confusing for a new knitter. There are some good projects that I would love to make, like the Ribbed Ribbon Tank, Must-Have Cardigan and a Stepping-Out Coat.

With my fugged project I say adieu.

Day out with Mom & Sewing

All I wanted to do was finish a skirt to wear out with my mom on our shopping excursion yesterday. This is what I should've been wearing... but unable to because of malfunctions....urghh!... So Ms. Mannequin had the pleasure of wearing it.. she better hope it doesn't fall off her *smirking*. Anyways... I ended up settling for a tank and jeans and had a fabulous day with my mom, shopping, eating, and just enjoying the day. She is a small version of Madea, funny as all get out and will cuss you out if you piss her off. I actually had to break-up an almost beat down between my mom and an elderly man.

Scenario: I'm standing on line preparing to purchase my items @ RiteAid... when an elderly man behind me goes...

Elderly man: Loudly...you should pay attention... Miss your next...

Me: Uhhh... excuse me you need to be patient... the cashier is having problems with the cash register.. so he's not ready for me...

Elderly man: Grumbling...

Me: I turned around and gave him that don't start no sh*t look....

Elderly man: Heyyyyyy You.... (he's shuffling over to the second cashier shaking and pointing his cane) your jumping the line lady... you can't do that get off the line... I'm next...

Me: In that nano-second I realized my mom had went to the second cashier... and I immediately noticed that look on her face as she's looking at the guy like what *!@*!#!!!...

I did a Jackie Joyner Kersee move to get to the second cashier as my mom raises her cane and

Mom: loudly said bring your Azz on over here and I'll give you Southern Azz Wupping!!

...mind you the customer behind the two are doing a duck & move manuever....lol

Me: I actually had to stand between two samurai wielding canes... to keep my mom from giving the ol' man an Azz Wupping ...

I rushed to pay for our stuff (mind you she had 2 cans of sardines...lol) and got the dickens out of there before the security guard could get into it mix.

I laughed darn near the rest of the day after that... my mom just kept saying if he only knew... I had 5 dayummm kids... and I can wup some azz.... he don't know who he !@*%! with....lol

On another note, I can't figure out for the life of me whats wrong with my sewing machine. I've had the sewing machine for 6 years, which is a standard Kenmore model.. no bells or whistles. Everything was going fine as I sewed the side seams...and then the needle broke, only to realize my presser foot was off kilter... I had to move the needle postion selector between settings 1 and 2 to keep it from hitting the edge of the presser foot. Ok, got past that... continued sewing in the zipper of my skirt... next the machine locks... had to remove the needle in order to get the shuttle hook and bobbin case out... what the *!#$* is going on!!! 5 minutes later the needle brakes... I ended up braking 3 needles and the machine locked again. I gave up. Now wondering could the malfunctioning machine be telling something.... *eyebrows are twitching*(new machine... new machine....lol). I will give the machine one more try and if the problem persist send it for servicing.... urggh!, which means I will be without a machine.... see where I going with this...*giggling*. Any suggestions on purchasing a back-up machine...?

Something Tunic 'Finale'

I love... can I say it again... love this project, perfect for a new knitter. Although I started off rocky... the 3rd time was a charm with my designer touches. I love the ribbon and opted out of the bead embellishment.. but may try it on the next go round. I chose LB Baby Soft yarn since I worked with it before and its perfect for washing and even drying if you like. For a minute it was touch and go when I had to work with 2 sets of needles... but got past that and moved on and finished off the edges with single crochet.

Had to emulate del ... loved the window pic.....lol

Yarn: Lion Brand Baby Soft

Color: Spring Green

Pattern: Summertime Tunic, by Katie Himmelberg (Interweave Knit 2007)

Needles: US sizes 4 & 6

Knitting Cables

Feeling a tad bit more comfortable with knitting, I would love to do a garment with cables. It's something about the serpentine like cables that make them a coveted design element. But the scary part is working with a third needle, which I'm sure for all new knitters would likely keep us from tackling a challenging endeavor. In my search on how to tackle cables, I came across Lori Knits. She has a Knitting DVD that teaches a knitter how to cable without the cable needle.... CN... (heyyy, I'm learning already...lol). Well I ordered the DVD and can't wait to get it. I am envisioning something like this or this

or this...

or something simple....

Has anyone tried knitting cables... and if so, do tell.

Love My Blogger Buddies

With all the assurances and compliments on my new knitting venture from my Blogger Buddies... it has allowed me to forge ahead with my Something Tunic.... not Summertime Tunic...lol. There are still some kinks I need to figure out, but at the same time I am subsconsciously following Pajnstl's mantra.... "Mistakes a/k/a Designer Touches"... Lov It!!! The Summertime Tunic is definitely a perfect pattern for a new knitter. I'm sure the next time around... I will get it right. Christie suggested I heat block it and she was right, it flattened the puckering. Lov it!!! But for right now... here's a looksy at what I've done so far... and note the Designer Touches...lol

Front:


Back:

I would like to give a Sunday Shout-0ut to my Blogger Buddies for giving me the confidence to keep it going!!!
Kamika
gold
Pajnstl
Christie
Madelyn
anna
Adrienne
Valerie
Knitaholictoo
Andrea
Liz
Cas...
Deneen
Virtuous
April
NikkiJ
Judy
Lily
del
kimberlys korner
Yarn It
toya