Learned how to Weave..

Blanche lent me her loom.  I finished her scarf.  I'm now thinking way to hard about what to do next!

6 months in review

The next few pages are an attempt to update everyone.  I know some people only have this blog to know whats going on in my life (Sascha) and the lives of my kidlings.

The next few pics are of my eldest son and his sweet lovely Girlfriend Katie.  And, one of the ships he has worked on recently.   He's, as of this writing, being reassigned and we don't know where to yet.  Gotta love big companies..right.

Katie also works as a cook on another ship (not Jerico's)  She knits and crochets and has joined my knit group where she is constantly amazing me on how she just jumps in and learns things.

More happenings from late 2013

So, last summer at June Faire,  I introduced Marshall to a local gamer friend of mine.  Liz and I hadn't met up to this point but you can see she had an impact.

Marshall house on Thanksgiving

                                               with  Liz!  Was Awesome

                            All of Wyatt's kids had fun playing games on Marshall's BIG flat screen tv.
                                     Sorry no pic's of Wyatt.  He was taking the pictures.

                      Liz draws..alot.  She designed this dragon and I beaded it into a bag.

                                     Marshall and Liz on their way to the Seattle Steamcon

                      Liz cooking in the wok she asked for... for Christmas (at Marshall's house)

                          A peyote stitch bracelet I made for Jerico's Girlfriend Katie. My first Peyote                  stitch  project.  I did pretty well for not having a pattern..only a picture.. to go by.

                                Marshall's new couch..Venetian Red sectional is spectacular!!

                    Marshall and Liz's Valentine trip to Orcas Island.  Cute couple huh?

                                      

Knitting and Video games

Finally FFXIV is back and so is Pixxi

Sock Monkey Mania

Our long time friend had a baby boy a few days ago.  He and his brother who is nearly 3 both get new hats..thanks to the neighbor lady...me!

Tree of Life mural

Tiles set on a board and grouted this morning.  Looks Awesome

Sitting in its new home.

Mural I've been working on

Not fired yet so its really bright still.  It will tone down afterward.

Got a Celtic Tree of life sitting on the table to do now..Pics when finished with that

 HAD to take a break.....so far so good?

 

 one step further.. and I think the tree part is done.

 The borders.....by the way..the background looks beige but will be white.

Amulet bag

Seaview weavers guild had a beaded amulet bag class taught by Shirley Pauls.  This is the one I made.

New Project

Finally finished.  My friend, Shirley Pauls, convinced me to go to a Seedbeaders meeting and learn how to make beaded Cabochon bezels.  Hell, I can barely pronounce all that!  And, in Peyote stitch yet..something I've been seeking knowledge on for 10 years!  Who knew it would be so easy?
I can see this new craft getting out of hand ,quickly. 

Cherries Jubilee Scarf- Latest project

Got a job test knitting.  I love test knitting.  This is my latest pretty.  Made for Kenilworth house designs
Love it. 

Happy Valentines Day

Yarn Dyeing Tutorial

           Yarn Dyeing with Wilton Cake icing colorings

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$.6.98 at amazon.  I also found them at Hobby Lobby and Michaels craft stores.

Supplies: small glass bowl(I used custard cups), wilton icing coloring, something to stir with and small funnel that fits into the opening of your bottle. Squeeze bottle that holds about a 8 oz.

 Mixing:

1. In a small bowl add about 1/2 of small container of Wilton Cake icing coloring to about 1/4 cup of warm/hot water.  I use a craft stick or popscicle stick.  Elsa used coffee stirrers and mini whisk.

2.  Mix, gently, with the stick till it looks mostly melted.  It won't all melt right away.

3. Pour into a clean empty squeeze bottle with a small funnel. 

4. Add warm water to shoulder or about 1/4 of an inch from the top. Add white vinigar to the near top. Shake to mix and set aside for a few days. Shaking now and then to blend.  The extra time will make sure  unmixed dye melts into the water. 

NOTE: If pastels are more your thing you can use less coloring and more water.  You might have to play with it a bit. 
If you have Easter egg dyes(tablets) I use 1 to accomplish the same thing as 1/2 a container of Cake icing colors. You can also use food colorings mixed with water and vinegar.
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Dyeing:

I'm going to write this like your doing it at home. 
100% wool works best but can be used with 90%  I think silk would work also. And, as we saw, you can dye wool felted items.  It was suggested 100% wool clothing could be dyed in this way.  Tie Dye gone crazy.  Of course you can use this on roving as well.

First place warm water in your sink and lay yarn(s) in for about 10min. While thats soaking-

Use cookie sheet or something with sides to lay out plastic wrap.  You can overlap 2 layers side by side if the skeins are on the large side.

Remove yarn from sink squeezing the water out gently.  You can lightly ring it but think "gentle". Superwash yarn won't shrink but others will. It should NOT be dripping.

Put on rubber gloves. Hair Dye gloves are good as are kitchen gloves. You might want an apron.

Lay the yarn to be dyed on the plastic wrap and gently squeeze your dye(s) onto the yarn.  The wet yarn will allow the colors to expand into the surrounding area.  You can use your gloved hand to move the dye into surrounding areas, also.  Use several colors to make it more fun. Drip the colors here and there...experiment.

When done fold the long sides of the plastic over the yarn and then roll from the short end to make a small package.  If you didn't use TO MUCH dye it shouldn't drip.  Place in the microwave for about 2 min.  If its really a large skein you might need more time.  If small less time.  Leave in microwave to cool or put into a container to cool.  Be aware its going to be scalding hot. I would use tongs. So protect your hands.  Be aware that if the dye gets on pot holders it may dye them.

Let your yarn cool naturally.  You can open your little plastic package..avoid steam burns!! 

Put enough warm water in your sink to cover your yarn.  When the yarn is comfortable for you to pick up. Place yarn in sink do not agitate.  It could shrink your yarn (felt).  If water stays clear.. YEAH!  You've done it.  Gently squeeze out water so it won't drip threw the house and loop it over the hook of a hanger that you will hang in your shower or someplace it can drip without damaging anything.  I put them outside hanging from the rain gutters or planter hooks in the summer time.

NOTE: When rinsing, if color seems to be coming out, pour about 1/4 cup of white vinegar into the rinse water and let sit for 10 or 15 min.  Drain sink if you only have the one and refill and rinse again.
The rinsing is mostly to make sure the dye has taken. It was mentioned it also rinses out the excess vinegar.

a few similar tutorials I found are :

http://keeponknittinginthefreeworld.blogspot.com/2006/11/wiltons-icing-gel-dying-tutorial.html
http://www.pieknits.com/blog/2006/02/dyeing_with_wiltons_icing_dye.html

A good source for the yarns and sock blanks is

I has the sads!

My brother died yesterday.  All I can say about it.

Christmas 2012

Christmas Party at Elsa and Rays

Lots of good food and friends.....I even had most of A beer.  Very unlike me..Loads of fun

November

Not everyone is in this Picture that Katie(Jericos girlfriend)took.  But, Left and around are Marshall, Mike(My brother), Wyatt(missing) Trysten,Jayda,Bryce(background), Me, Bill.. Empty chair is Katies..lol.  Sneaky girl.
Ton of food.. lots of laughs.

Jerico has been on his ship in the Arctic.  To cold up there!! We missed Jerico, who was stuck up in Alaska waiting out a storm so, they could proceed to Steward. Where they are now.  Hope he's home soon for Christmas.

In knitting I'm making Alpaca pink and green fingerless gloves.  One pink..one green.  I'm thinking of doing a pattern up the body of them but am still on the cuffs.  Pictures when done.

R.I.P. Mitzie.. November 1, 2012

We originally called her Mystic but it gradually went to Mitzie.  She was 14 yr old and developed cancer and gradually declined over the last year.. the last 4 days were the worst.  We had the funeral for her today.

Photo from the Steampunk convention

Marshall in his new Coat

In my kitchen.. Best light on a rainy day.  He's off to the Seattle Steam punk convention.  Ya I know his sleeves are a little short but he's wearing leather bracers over them anyway.  I guess, he decided not to wear a hat and I made him take down his ponytail.  Really needs to be brushed out.  But, ain't he a cutie??  Hope he has a wonderful time!!

Latest Task

Marshall bought a plain black wool coat... turned out to be 2 sizes to small.  He says,"Mom, can you fix it?"  and I say, "Sure!"  duh
Well, after a month.....many headaches and several trial and errors here it is!  People want pictures now so I won't wait till he tries it on.  Bill already did and it looks great!
Pleather inserts in the sleeves and Tapestry on the shoulders and back make it fit better.  The Giant clasp on the back was Marshalls to begin with.  12 silver buttons.. OH my fingers!! Alot of handwork!
This is for a Steam punk convention...Vampire hunter costume.  Pictures of it on him by Halloween. I promise!!