my big, just gigantic drum kit, you know?

2012-01-15T20:02:00.001-08:00

2012-01-12T18:24:00.001-08:00

2012-01-11T17:31:00.000-08:00

Photos displayed on this site do not belong to me unless otherwise stated

2012-01-10T14:12:00.000-08:00

I have vowed to spread peace and inspiration this year. May this year be better than the last! So far I have found some fantastic inspiration!

Including but not limited to: Convoy, The American Legacy, Design*Sponge for visual inspiration! (thanks to Robinator for the first 2 :)
And for your earbuds? You ask, well to that I say: Earwolf, 8Tracks

2011-04-03T19:47:00.000-07:00

AFTER

Super Inspired!

2010-11-02T19:46:00.000-07:00

BEFORE

So I recently "re-found" Design*Sponge, if you don't know what it is I highly recommend giving it a look see. It's an awesome resource for decorating and design, chock full of ideas and inspiration! I've been inspired by their "Before and After" pictures where designers and artists make over bathrooms, bedrooms, chairs, dressers, guitars you name it, they've redone it! So I'm doing my own!

Some of my inspiration photos! (Maybe they'll inspire you to check out Design*Sponge.com!!)

I love the idea of organized chaos!

The mantel for my fireplace should be finished in a few day! STOKED!!!

To be Continued/After-ed...

So once again, it's been a little while!

2010-08-26T16:50:00.002-07:00

Here it is, AUGUST, and I haven't posted in months! Please forgive me, I've been working like a dog! But more importantly, I've moved! I have a gorgeous new place which I am super excited to decorate and share it with you guys in the crafty world. I've already employed my great uncles' blue rose vintage curtains in 2 rooms (risky I know but its a small place) and my grandmothers couch from the 50s is on the way!!

I thought I'd take a minute to share some of the cutsie stuff I'm working towards in the decorating department.

Liberty Of London for Target is one of my favorite cheap splurges! there stuff is so vintage-esque and cute!!

Anthropologie is what I want to be when I grow up! My mom always had a spoon catcher, and this one looks like it may be a replica of the one she had!

I love lanterns, they always make me think of a midsummer nights dream! So romantic! (Modcloth.com)

Cutsie clocks are the only way I would have a clock! I hate knowing what time it is, but why wouldn't you want to look at this baby! (Modcloth.com)

they got me with that dang bunny!

2010-04-01T20:06:00.000-07:00

So ravelry got me with their april fools evil bunny! well played ravelry! so i got six bites about jobs in the last 2 days! one is for working at WEBS!!! the holy grail of yarn stores! hummm, not sure what I'll do about that!

One things for sure tho, I have to make a pattern for my Angel Pillows because the Anthropologie KAL April 2010 list has it and theres no pattern for it! Let the fun begin! i guess thats what Ill work on tomorrow! ;)

Kagroo

2010-03-25T21:19:00.000-07:00

So my three year old niece came over to me as I was working on my brother in laws band tee shirt, which had been a challenge due to the fact that they hadn't picked a new band name yet, and asked if she could draw too. So she pulled up a chair, I got her a pencil and paper and got back to my work. About thirty seconds later, after some serious thought she looked at me and asked "what should I draw?" I thought about it long enough to see the unopened bottle of Yellow Tail wine on the table "draw that" I said. So she got to it, and I got back to mine. When I looked over again, she was finishing the tail and her mother had come over to watch us create. "K or C" she asked her mom. "K," she replied, "for Kangaroo...?" she asked incredulously. Then my niece got back to work as we watched her spell out "Kagroo" on the top of the page to label her sketch. Suddenly I felt my IQ drop. It was an interesting event in my day. I am constantly surprised by what these kids come up with. They also look like they were all carved out of cream cheese, to quote one of my favorite movies. But I guess in a way it's hopeful, the possibility that someday if I ever meet the guy from Chuck and we have a kid that it won't look like a SNL skit. However my dad's side of the family will most likely be the downfall. We shall see.

Nick Drake makes me sad. Not just because the music is so sad but the whole story. It's like Jeff Buckley too; a sad man is born, he lives a sad life, making sad art, then dies at a sad age in a sad way. Tell me that's not sad! I guess it makes you appreciate what you have to be happy about. Like the Blind Side. I forget sometimes that I have a loving family that warms me up inside. I have a car, I have money, I have health. Everything I could possibly have, and i have the ability to see it, which, if Nick Drake and Jeff Buckley teach us nothing else, is the most important part.

I did 8 generations of my family tree today. Man oh man, I'm Irish! I also learned that today is my great grandfathers birthday! So, happy birthday Thomas Joseph Shaughnessy! Where ever you happen to be right now! Also we got some crazy names in our family here! Ovide, Leocadee, Esford, Ect. and that's just my dads side!

So I haven't been keeping up with my 365 because I'm an artist, and we can't usually remember what day it is! but that doesn't mean I haven't been crafting, just the opposite, I keep forgetting to post because I'm right in the middle of a project usually! Also this whole moving thing has put me into hyper drive so my unfinished projects pile is gone now! so i guess soon I'll do a master post of all the stuff I've finished! Yay!

Day 39

2010-02-09T17:09:00.001-08:00

So there are totally weirder things to be addicted to... right?

Day 38

2010-02-07T18:28:00.000-08:00

Crazy cute felted bird pillow!

Day 37

2010-02-07T18:23:00.001-08:00

While baby sitting I managed to finish a smurf doughnut, with sprinkles!!!

or a pincushion...

Day 36

2010-02-05T22:12:00.000-08:00

Dealt with an idiot all morning and still managed to make a pillow!

Day 35

2010-02-04T16:51:00.000-08:00

Holy Crap it's done!!! I can't believe it! YAY Its super soft and means I have one less bag of yarn! Yay getting rid of stuff and finishing projects!

Day 34

2010-02-04T16:49:00.001-08:00

this bag is way more than half empty!

Day 33

2010-02-04T16:44:00.001-08:00

super duper close!

Day 32

2010-02-01T14:56:00.001-08:00

Pride and prejudice inspired sweater... what I finished while watching P&P, then i remembered that clothes from that era look best on preggos! (luckily I happen to know a couple!)

Day 31

2010-02-01T14:54:00.000-08:00

Organize organize organize!

Day 30

2010-02-01T14:48:00.000-08:00

I know this is more being "anti" crafty but I found a new home for all my chimney decorations!

Day 29

2010-01-29T16:18:00.000-08:00

Yay! for projects that only take 2 days! (granted it is part of a larger longer project... a small victory, but I'll take it!)

Day 28

2010-01-28T19:15:00.000-08:00

All you need is love... or a love themed quilt!

I will be so glad to be done with all these projects I've been working on for YEARS!!!

Day 27

2010-01-28T19:13:00.000-08:00

"Holy Messy Apartment Gay Man!" yup, reducing my stuff, weeding out whatever isn't worthy of Philly! :)

Day 26

2010-01-28T19:10:00.001-08:00

There was a hamper full of scraps, but this is all that's left!

ALMOST DONE!!!!!

There was a hamper full of scraps, but this is all that's left!
ALMOST DONE!!!

There was a hamper full of scraps but this is all that's left!
ALMOST DONE!!!!

Day 25

2010-01-28T19:06:00.001-08:00

It's getting really big! "That's what she said!"

Day 24

2010-01-28T19:04:00.000-08:00

Played tourist

Day 23

2010-01-26T19:26:00.001-08:00

He found a delicious vegetarian restaurant for me! Yay! Heart healthy Philly cheese 'steak'

Day 22

2010-01-26T19:23:00.001-08:00

Drove through Mianus CT on the way to Philly. Remembering the good times Tim and I had in Mianus.
Not a lot of time for crafting while driving, But lots of scheming and list making...
5 Quilts
2 Necklaces
1 Chandelier
2 Pillows

Day 21

2010-01-26T19:18:00.000-08:00

Totally focused on coffee...

Day 20

2010-01-20T21:45:00.001-08:00

Charlie turns 6 tomorrow!! OMG! and I got to make the cake...

Day 19

2010-01-20T21:44:00.000-08:00

Less specific... less blurry...

Day 18

2010-01-20T21:42:00.000-08:00

I seriously got to get a new camera..

Day 17

2010-01-20T21:41:00.000-08:00

More blurry progress

Day 16

2010-01-20T21:38:00.000-08:00

Blurry progress

Day 15

2010-01-15T20:29:00.001-08:00

Oops, I made a hat when I was supposed to be cleaning...

Day 14

2010-01-14T20:24:00.000-08:00

When you've been knitting as long as I have, you tend to collect some scraps!! This is my "Holy Crap, Scrap" blanket. I'm half way done... ish...

Day 13

2010-01-13T15:52:00.000-08:00

baby steps

Day 12

2010-01-12T22:45:00.000-08:00

Went to stitch and bitch, started and finished Tim's new hat!

Day 11

2010-01-12T16:54:00.000-08:00

Using up the film... at Target...

Day 10

2010-01-12T16:52:00.001-08:00

us in philly...

Day 9

2010-01-12T16:48:00.001-08:00

Tim's room... college dorm-y

Day 8

2010-01-12T16:45:00.001-08:00

Just enough room to see out the back! worked on my sweater, almost finished! 6 hr drive and what not!

2010-01-12T16:44:00.002-08:00

Day 7

2010-01-12T16:44:00.001-08:00

Day 6

2010-01-07T11:04:00.000-08:00

Tim's U Arts Gloves

Day 5

2010-01-07T10:59:00.001-08:00

Stitch n Bitch at Amy's!

Joce-y cakes sideways to hide her identity

365 Day 4

2010-01-04T12:40:00.000-08:00

today my attentions are somewhat divided between coffee and sleeves

365 Day 3

2010-01-04T10:43:00.001-08:00

SLEEVES!

365 Day 2

2010-01-04T10:42:00.000-08:00

This man stole day 2 before i could photograph it! the nerve of some people!

photo coming soon

365 Day 1

2010-01-02T10:16:00.001-08:00

Fishing Island Hat

2009-08-23T13:20:00.000-07:00

Not really an origional hat, but the name "unorigional hat" was already taken...

C0 70 sts using a sz 8 16 in circular needle

K1 P1 for approx 12 rows depending on your taste

stockinette stitch for approx 6 inches

*K8 k2tog* for one row

K 1 row

*K7 k2tog* for one row

K1 row

Continue this way until you have k2tog for a whole row or there are approx 6 sts remaining.

Pull yarn through all sts and break. Pull through to inside of hat and tie off. Weave in ends

2009-08-23T12:33:00.000-07:00

So it's been a little while since I last posted, I know but I've been a bit busy.... I had a great model, too! This is only a few of the dozens of hats and scarves and other fun projects I've been wokrin on to sell this winter. I'm super excited!

Sunday Morning Skull Cap

2009-07-21T12:58:00.001-07:00

Materials:

Sz 9 16 inch circ needle
Sz 9 DPN
Red Heart Collage in Landscape Green

CO 68 or 72 (larger size)

*K2, P2* for 2 rows
K3, *P2, K2* for 2 rows
When you get to the beginning of the row, continue the pattern Ignoring the K3 at the beginning.
*P2, K2* for 2 rows
K1 *P2, K2* for 2 rows

Continue to repeat this pattern for approximatly 6 inches.

After compleating the last repeat of the pattern, keep the "k2 p2" pattern going, *K (or Purl) 6 K2tog*
until end. whatever the sts are supposed to be before and after the K2tog, keep them as they are. Same with the next row, K all K sts and P all P sts.
Next row
*K (or P)5, K2tog*

K1 row (purl when needed)

*K (or P) 4, K2tog*

K1 row (purl when needed)

*K (or P)3, K2tog*

K1 row (purl when needed)

*K (or P)2, K2tog*

K1 row (purl when needed)

*K (or P)1, K2tog*

K1 row (purl when needed)

*K2tog* for whole row

Pull Yarn through all sts and tie off

Bird and the Bee Lazy Hat

2009-07-21T12:48:00.000-07:00

Materials

Sz 9 16 inch Circ Needle
Sz 9 DPNs
Bernat "Cotton Tots" in Dollhouse

CO 70
PM at beginning of row
*K2 P2* for 12 rows
K for approx. 11 inches from bottom

*K8 K2 tog* for 1 row
K 1 row
*K7 K2 tog* for 1 row
K 1 row
*K6 K2 tog* for 1 row
K 1 row
*K5 K2 tog* for 1 row
K 1 row
*K4 K2 tog* for 1 row
K 1 row
*K3 K2 tog* for 1 row
K 1 row
*K2 K2 tog* for 1 row
K 1 row
*K1 K2 tog* for 1 row
K 1 row
*K2tog for row then pull yarn through all sts

Use remaining yarn to make a pom-pom if desired
There is a great tutorial at http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2006/03/pompom_tutorial.html

"Still Wanna Be Me?"

2009-07-20T18:09:00.000-07:00

Materials:

Size 9 16 inch circular needles

Size 9 DPN

1 skein Caron Country

CO 75

K for 10 Inches

*K 4 K2tog*

K1 row

*K 3 K2tog*
K1 row

*K 2 K2tog*
K1 row

*K 1K2tog*
K1 row

*K2tog*

Pull yarn through all Sts and BO

Mint Oatmeal Shaving Cream Slouch

2009-07-20T17:53:00.000-07:00

Materials:

Size 9 DPN

Size 9 16 inch Circular needles

1 Skein Red Heart Collage in Landscape Green

CO 72 with circular needle

*K2, P2* for 4 rows

K 1 Row

Pattern;

K but before pulling through, wrap the yarn 3 times. Continue this way for whole row.

Next row, unwrap 6 stitches onto the right hand needle, cross the first three that you undid over the second three so that all sts are on the left hand needle and knit all sts

K2 rows

Next row, *K2, yo* for row.

Repeat pattern five times

Next row *K2, K2tog*

Repeat pattern once

Switch to DPN

K 1 row

*K2 K2tog* whole row

K 1 row

*K3 K2tog* whole row

K1 row

*K 2 K2tog*

K 1 row

*K1 K2tog* whole row

K 1 Row

* K2tog*

Pull yarn through all sts to BO

Lady Scarf

2009-07-14T21:57:00.000-07:00

1 set size 9
1 Skein Patons Classic Wool I used "Rosewood"
Leftovers

CO4
Always end with a K stitch not a yo skip a K2tog and just k if you have to
*K1, yo*
K
*K1, yo*
K
K1 *K2tog yo*

K

K1, yo, K1 yo, *K2tog, yo* till last 3 sts, K1, yo,K1, yo, K1
K
Repeat last two rows until desired length is achieved

2009-07-14T20:11:00.000-07:00

The Holda Slouch

The Holda Slouch is a super comfortable, wool, slouchy baret with a lace themed pattern giving it warmth while at the same time letting it breathe. Using my favorite color combination, the yarn is soft and snuggly, making me very excited for fall...(it's July).

Materials:

1 16 inch circular needle size 9
1 set DPNs size 9
1 Skein Patons Classic Wool
I used "Rosewood"
1 Crochet needle (to tuck in ends)

CO 76
Join round placing marker at beginning and being careful not to twist yarn
*K2, P2* for 4 rounds
K 1 round
K3 *yo, K2, K2tog, K2* to end of round
K1 round
K5 *K2tog, K2, yo, K2* to end
K1 round
Continue this way until there is a total of 10 rows starting at the end of the ribbed edge

Increase round: *K2, yo*

K 1 round
K3 *yo, K2, K2tog, K2* to end of round
K1 round
K5 *K2tog, K2, yo, K2* to end
K1 round
Continue this way until there are 20 rows frim the increase round

Decrease:
*K15, K2tog* knit the last repeat to the last 8 sts then K2tog, K2tog (two decreased sts)
*K17, K2tog, yo, K2tog* knit the last two stitches together
K 1 round
*K16, K2tog, yo, K2tog*
K 1 round
*K15, K2tog, yo, K2tog*
K 1 round
*K14, K2tog, yo, K2tog*
K 1 round
*K5, K2tog, yo, K2tog*
K 1 round
*K4, K2tog, yo, K2tog*
K 1 round
*K3, K2tog, yo, K2tog*
K 1 round
*K2, K2tog, yo, K2tog*
K 1 round
*K1, K2tog, yo, K2tog*
Switch to DPNs
K 1 round
*K2tog, yo, K2tog*
K 1 round
K1, *yo, K1, K2tog*
K1 round
K1, yo, *K2tog, K2tog, yo*
K 1 round
*K2tog* K1
K 1 round
*K2tog* K1
Cut 5 inch tail and thread through remaining sts. Weave in ends.

"Lost in the Woods" hoodie

2009-04-23T09:09:00.000-07:00

This sweatshirt, named for it's red hooded inspiration, is super comfortable, and perfect for chilly mornings or early evenings. The simple ribbing gives it a flattering fitted look with really no actual fitting at all! The romantic hood and buttons add whimsy as well as function!
Though I'm not very good with sizing, the pattern is so simple that changing the size should be relatively easy as well! Please feel free to contact me with any questions about sizing or the pattern itself and I would be happy to try and answer them!

Materials:
3 skeins of TLC Essentials (you should have a bit of yarn left over, I began with some leftovers so my calculations of how much is needed is off a bit.) In "Barn Red"
Size 10 1/2 (6.5 mm) Straight needles (optional)
Size 10 1/2 (6.5 mm) 24 inch circular needle
Set of size 10 1/2 (6.5 mm) double pointed needles
Stitch markers
Small crochet hook
Tapestry needle
Measuring tape
Red sewing thread
10 buttons (2 medium and 8 small)
Stitch holder or scrap yarn

(Hood)
CO 75 sts onto straight needles (or Circular without joining)
Knit in Stockinette stitch for 15 inches
on a RS row, K16, SSK, K15, (SSK) twice, K1, (K2tog) twice, K15, K2tog, K16
Next row (WS) P34, P2tog, P to end of row

(Body)
Switch to circular needles but do not join yet
Next row (RS) At this row, begin K2, P2 ribbing Pattern, K13, PM, K9, PM, K25, PM, K9, PM, K12
Next row (WS/Inside) K (Keeping the rib pattern) to marker, M1, SlM, M1, continue this way to the end of the row
Next row, K/P to added stitch making the added stitch the continuation of the pattern headed towards the marker, SlM, make the new stitch the next in the pattern towards the marker, continue this way to end of row.
Next row, this and every fourth row, the first and last two stitches of the row are to be switched, meaning if they are knit, now purl them, leave the rest of the pattern in tact (even if there are two purls next to each other or vice versa) this will make a nice edge for the neck buttons. This row (and every other) M1 on either side of the markers.
Continue this way for 6 inches

Two sts before the end of a RS/Outside row, spread sts to join but before joining slip last two sts onto stitch holder, join the sides by knitting the first two sts , then put the two extra sts back onto the L needle and knit continuing the row.

Continue the M1 on either side of marker every other row pattern until the armhole's )which began with 9 stst) consists of approx. 46 stitches. The best way to know for sure what size you need is to put it all on scrap yarn and try it on, that way you will get a custom fit.

Put sleeve sts onto stitch holders or scrap yarn. Place 1 stitch marker under armpit where joined to signify beginning of row. Continue knitting in the pattern (add or decrease a stitch as needed to complete pattern under arms) until piece measures 10 inches from armpit. At this point, change to basket weeve stitch. Do this by Keeping the K2, P2, but switch it every 4th row, meaning begin the row by K (or P) the last two before marker, SlM, do the same for next two sts as the last two and continue, making a back and forth pattern every three rows. Keep this pattern for five or six inches (depending on your preference).

BO all sts.

(Sleeves)
Using DPS, go back and pick up sleeve stitches. Add eight stitches under arm (keeping with the K2, P2, pattern) Sts can be added by making the sts from the body, or can be added to needles and sewn in later. PM between the 8 added sts, with 1 k stitch on either side.

Knit in this pattern for 6 inches. K2tog on either side of marker. Continue for 1 inch, then K2tog on either side of marker. Continue for 1 inch, then K2tog on either side of marker. Continue for 1 inch, then K2tog on either side of marker. 8 sts decreased in total.

Knit until sleve is 16 inches from armpit, then switch to basket weeve stitch once more. decide where you would like to have the buttons for your sleeve (I made mine 12 sts towards the back or outside from the marker) and start opening. Knit to the break in the pattern, turn and knit back to it on the other side. Continue this until basket weave pattern has repeated 5 times.
Bo all sts.

Go back and do the same for opposite sleeve.

(Finishing)

Use tapestry needle to sew up the top of the hood. Fold hood in half with the WS out, and begin sewing at the opening. Use crochet hook to tuck in extra yarn.
Tuck in yarn at bottom of body and sleeves.

Using red thread and sewing needle, sew four buttons on the outside of either sleeve. Since the knitting needles are so big you shouldn't need to make button holes (something to pay attention to when buying buttons.)
Then sew two on the 6 inch basket weave border around neck (these are mostly decoration.)

Abbreviations:

K-Knit
P-Purl
M1-Make one
K2tog- knit 2 together
P2tog- purl 2 together
SSK -Slip slip knit
PM- place marker
SlM - slip marker
WS- wrong side
RS- right side

Hammock Underbelly

2009-03-31T13:55:00.000-07:00

I just played the nickname generator at psych.com and if I was working a case with Shawn Spencer he would say "Hi I'm Shawn Spencer with the S.B.P.D. and this is my partner Hammock Underbelly.." and for that very reason I hope that I someday get to work a case with Shawn Spencer... Well it's day 7293785 of my "Behemoth Baja" extravaganza. I've got one sleeve left, so any day now, the family of ten can move in... or I'll give it to Leebert. I'm excited to start Joe's tho because it will go fast. He is small. So this weekend, my sister and mother are coming into town for a baby party... which means that if I'm gonna give her anything this is the time! Also it's her birthday so... I'm a slacker. We'll see. I've had a mostly awesome day, except for the fact that I'm wrestling with my inner-self about making plans for the future and trying to "Secret" wonderful things into my life with a bad attitude. Other than that, it rocked... but now I need some 'cecream.

Sepia Lovin'

2009-03-27T15:55:00.000-07:00

So I'm definitely going through a sepia phase. Everything looks so much more romantic in sepia. I had a more mellow day than I was expecting so adding some romance was completely necessary. I was supposed to be making a TV show with HBO peeps, but needless to say, that didn't happen. I did the anxious anticipation in front of the computer all day dance.. thus breaking all my rules about being in the now. So I went out with Charlie after finishing Mollys' shrug, (I'll post a picture of that and the directions latro ;) we had a photo shoot and took a ride in the boat, it was adorable. The five year old was driving me around in a motorboat. I introduced the baby to a little M. Ward today, he liked it, and he also picked out a calorimetry for me to make him. (he's in touch with his feminine side) So right now, my goal is to finish the "Behemoth Baja" ( It's not actually a Baja, it's a similar feel but its really just a huge raglan with a hood) for Behemoth Leebert. I'll post directions for that too laterz... I've got a couple of ideas I'm excited to share too but I wont until they're fully formed and in pattern format! ;)

Today

2009-03-26T18:30:00.000-07:00

So today, I was sitting at my pseudo desk, thinking maybe its time I join the blogging revolution? Then I wondered if I did join, would anyone care? It was one of those tree in the forest moments, where I realized that maybe the internet is just too big these days! Maybe were all just wandering aimlessly around in the technology jungle.. forest. Maybe it's time we all put the cell phones down, walk away from our computers and start living real lives again. And then I thought, I live in an attic, and I want a blog. Mostly 'cuz it kinda makes me feel like Carrie Bradshaw, but with less designer clothes... Anywho. So my mission statement for this blog? yeah don't have one, I may post random tid-bits, or knitting patterns or other Martha Stewart-y things, it's really hard to say right now. Alls I can tell ya is that right now I have to finish my sisters Shrug for her par-tay tomorrow, while drinking my delicious tangerine orange zinger (for which I will make a cozie someday, you mark my words!) and watch the rest of Psych, so as my good friend SmelLee would say "Ta ta for now!"