So what's the story, Morning Glory?

Wow, it has been much too long, hasn't it? Much, much, much too long..

So much has happened in the last few months and, unfortunately, the shop has suffered a bit. I just put it on vaca until I can do some serious revamping (which it desperately needs) and then it will return! Shiny, new, and improved!

I've missed the shop, and having the free time to design things for it, but mostly, I've missed all of you. I hope to be around much more in the future as it is the camaraderie and the companionship with everyone I've met through my little business that make everything worthwhile.

I hope you'll all have a little patience with me just a bit longer and see the shop get a new life.

This is Halloween..

this is Halloween.. Halloween! Halloween!


Okay, well.. not yet. But the Halloween 09 Crochet Pattern Collection is now available in my Etsy Shop! Yay!

Here they are! From Left to Right: Creature from the Blue Lagoon and Baby, The Devil's Marshmallow, and Cute Bunnies Like Body Parts too.

So go! Check them out and tell all your friends!

Wow.. it has been a while, hasn't it?

I decided about three weeks ago after my first day of college that the whole experience is very much like buying tampons for the first time. Everyone remembers that first nerve-wracking trip to the drugstore - you feel like someone's ripping your uterus from your body and all you want to do is get in and out. Inevitably though, whoever you're purchasing them from has to go all 5 o'clock-after-school-special on you and make some inappropriate comment that embarasses you and send you out the door the color of a tomato. That's college, in a nutshell. Grinning and bearing it doesn't work.. and someone is always going to make that inappropriate comment.

My classes are fantastic and the opportunities are endless - I can only hope things will improve for me socially. I will admit, I'm having a bit of a hard time relating. I suppose that will come with time.

In crochet news: I received my Octopussy from SquidHead!!
Isn't it adorable?!?! ::squee::

I'm also almost finished with my Halloween crochet patterns - I'll have them posted this weekend! ;)

In swap news: I'm making serious progress for my partner.. I really think she's going to love her stuff and I can't wait to show all of you!! :D

College is insane but I'm going to try much harder to be around more often. It's no fun doing this alone.

It's all down hill.. er.. down river from here.

They're here.....

Or at least I am, for the moment. Vacation was fabulous and, surprisingly, hurricane-free (with the exception of Bill, of course, who we seemed to just miss.. funny how those things work out).

School begins for me in a week. I have an orientation on Saturday and one again on Monday which includes a picnic and alot of implied bonding time with my peers, who happen to be a year younger than me and, according to USA TODAY, completely oblivious to history and culture before MTV and the Internet (big suprise), but, I digress... Things are going to start getting crazy around here (yes, crazier than they already are) and I have alot to begin, finish, and fiddle around with in a very short period of time. The Tom Baker Season 12 Doctor Who Scarf, finished size: 10'10" long, 10 1/2 inches wide, has a due date in mid-October. My Swap Partner's multiple goodies all need to be birthed and sent by October 9th. Oh.. and did I mention I have yet to finish and type up the Halloween Patterns for my shop? The last one should be done, all ends tucked and snipped, by tonight, and then I'm hoping to get them all posted very, with a capital "Hurry Up!," soon. So many babies, so little time.

I wish I had pictures of the completed Kitschy Halloween projects to show you all, but I'll get them added to the post later. I will be running a "Purchase a Halloween Pattern, Get $1.00 Off Any Other Pattern" Sale so keep checking back here for dates. In the mean time, wish me luck, the seas are going to get choppy, there are pleanty of sharks in the water, and, here I am, trapped in a skiff without Starbucks. Oi.

By the way.. Who wants to buy this for me? ;)

I'm Actually Going on Vaca This Time!

Isn't it exciting?! Every year, for about 5 years now, my Father and I have driven down to Florida and spent a few days in Disney World. I always look forward to it, and it's always fun.. well, as much fun as anything can be when you stick two people who are too much alike in a car for 8 to 10 hours a day. The one saving grace of the whole trip is that the two of us have the same attitude about Disney World - there's no rush - which means when we get there (if we manage to get there without maiming each other) we take our time, go on the same rides a billion times because, really, it's impossible to go on Haunted Mansion too many times, and eat our way through each park. I'm about 5 pounds heavier by the time we get back, but, remarkably, not a bit tanner. ::shrug::

I'm leaving tomorrow and won't return until the 23rd of August. I will have a computer with me, but only for weather checking purposes and making sure I keep in touch with my Craftster Swap Partner - don't want her to think I disappeared on her, especially now that I actually have viable ideas! [I'll give you a hint: It has to do with this tutorial, a cryptozoological creature, and granny squares. I know, I know, it doesn't mean anything to you, but to me, it's a million dollar idea - Trust Me. ;) ] The only thing I regret about this trip is that I'm going to miss my daily Golden Girls fix. I suppose I'll have to start getting used to it, college stops for no Bea Arthur fan! Unfortunately..

It's Hot and Sticky Out and I don't approve.

It's Tuesday? Really.. Jeeze. Where does the time go? This last week seemed to slip right by me, which, I must admit, is mildly disturbing. I'm having lunch with a close friend of mine today, who I have lunch with every Tuesday, and it seems like I was just sitting across a table from him yesterday! I don't know, I guess I've been so busy, time just melted away.

It was my birthday on Sunday! Happy Birthday to me - I'm officially the ripe old age of 19! I went on a mini-shopping spree at Anthropologie and got a few beautiful, cuddly sweaters to pump up my winter wardrobe and went for lunch with my Father at this fantastic fish restaurant in Princeton. The day before, I spent with my Mother, watching old episodes of Hercules:The Legendary Journeys and drinking way too much punch. It was a fabulous birthday, and, frankly, I don't know how I got to be so lucky.

I also managed to get some crocheting done, shocking as that is. I finished the Whale I'm going to be swapping for one of SquidHead's Octopussys. So Cute right? ::squee:: I can't wait!

I also finished a Custom Order for CupcakeInferno. A Strawberry & French Vanilla Ice Cream Cone and a Strawberry Cupcake:It's hard to not love the two of them together - they're like a match made in crocheted dessert heaven.

And I'm not finished yet. I have a Doctor Who Scarf that needs to be done by Mid-October that's going to make me a good bit of money (Check out the one I made for myself here) and I'm also doing a Craftster Swap, a massive Craftster Swap, that ends October 9th. Did I also mention I have Halloween Crochet Patterns that need to be finished and tested so they can go in the shop soon? Oh. and College starts in less than a month. Why, yes, I did bite off more than I can chew. But that's why I'm a rockstar.

It's Monday and I think we all need a laugh

I leaf through a lot of crocheted toys, patterns, and the like so to see something that not only suprises me but makes me laugh, is as shocking as it is delightful. SquidHead runs an adorable little Etsy shop full of crocheted octopus plushies that I am completely in love with. And, perhaps because I have a bit of a screw loose myself, her Octopussy is, by far, my favorite. Now before you all run off screaming things like "That's so lewd!" and "I'm reporting you to the Better Business Bureau!" take a moment to appreciate not only the humor but the creative genius behind this little baby.I mean, c'mon, if that doesn't tickle your funny bone, you're either dead or a Televangelist.

So, in conclusion, I think you should all wander over to her Shop, check her out on Flickr, or just go buy something for Christ's sake because she's obviously fabulous.

[Update!: SquidHead and I have agreed to swap a custom Moby Pete plush for an Octopussy! ::squee:: I feel like a little kid on Christmas!]

I thought I made it very clear I was hiding in a corner this week.. hrumph!

Yay! It's officially Friday! Bring on the It's-a-fabulous-friday-let's-go-crazy, fruity, girly drinks and Golden Girls marathon that always accompany the end of the week bliss, or at least, should accompany said end of the week bliss, especially after a week like this one has been. No matter how hard I tried to hide under my desk underneath tons of wrinkly old blankets and eat my cookies and wallow in miserable Etsy failure in peace, something always seemed to come up, to require attention, or to bump up against me like a Shark trolling for food (okay, that last one was the cat). Now it's finally Friday and I can take really and truly take a deep breath.. or lots of shallow ones. Quantity over Quality really isn't as bad as people make it out to be.

I know I should be sleeping but I'm too busy now making a list of things to do tomorrow. I had the rather unfortunate luck of running into my own doorframe in my kitchen tonight and I'm now sporting a rather fashionable bruise on my right hand. Black and Blue is all the rage. Trust me, you heard it here first. I really should give my hand at least 4 days minimum before I jump back on the crocheting train but I know my head will simply explode with boredom in that time so I'm giving it till Saturday and then I'm picking up the next project. Period. Anyway, this entire round-about anecdote (eerily reminiscent of one of my Grandmother's lengthy, strung-out stories to the point that I'm almost uncomfortable) was to explain why I'm fervently list-making: I have a free day tomorrow to do all of the little things that have been piling up of late... I can organize my new index cards, clean my desk, pot some Spider plant babies, tend to a rather ornery Snake Plant [AN: I didn't realize until just now how many of my plants are named after creepy things in the Animal Kingdom and I don't think I want to really read too much into it], take a yarn inventory, mend some vintage blankets and, of course, watch some Golden Girls. Oh, and even though I'm poor, perhaps I'll splurge and treat myself to this shirt.. Crazy Dog Tshirts has it for a semi-reasonable price.. Then again.. maybe I'll just continue to oogle it for a while. You have to admit though, it's pretty damn snazzy. Ooo.. I can just see it under a Cardigan!
And, yes, I secretly am an old lady. That's why cats like me so much.

Maybe I'll make that shirt my treat when I complete my first custom crochet order.. which, (cross your fingers) if it works out, will be quite a substantial amount of work along with quite a substantial amount of money. That shirt can be my pie in the sky! Mmm. Pie.

Anyway, my list is done, my hand is iced, and I'm off to sleep. Happy Weekend Everyone!

Oh, and as an aside, if you do decide to check out Crazy Dog Tshirts, be sure to check out the Halloween Costume page. I hate to say it but, as usual, Jim Gaffigan is right, Halloween is just an excuse for grown women to dress like sluts.. I nearly choked on my water (yes, I'm off the DoubleShots) when I saw the Strawberry Shortcake costume.. Yikes! Holy Hooker, Batman! (and don't even get me started on Ghostbusters Girl...)

"I AM taking deep breaths.. I think.."

It seems like I'm not going to be able to get through this week without some serious multi-tasking. It's only Tuesday and my head is already spinning with patterns that need to be finished, corners that need to be cleaned and dusted, doctor's appointments and engagements I wish could be avoided.. I'm muttering mantras like "chain stitch, fasten off, need some lunch, call the doctor, check email, call doctor again, check email, chain stitch, cat puke!, take pictures, nap, check email, pimp self out on twitter, is it really 11 'o clock already?, chain stitch" under my breath while trying not to overdose on Starbucks DoubleShots and Snow Caps. Once again, my life is completely in the hands of someone else and their time schedule and wrapped up in their problems and I feel as if I'm hourly banging my head against a wall trying to motivate them to get their head out of their ass and it's more time-consuming then I can afford right now.

The one thing I did manage to get wrapped up today was the posting of a new pattern in the shop! Meet Moby Pete, the Great Off-White Whale, the lesser-known brother of Moby Dick. He's perfect for a new baby or make a set of them (one with a flower and one with a top hat) for a newly married couple!
You can find him nestled in the shop here and purchase him for only $4.00. So pop on over and check him out!

In other news, the Grand Prize Winner of my Excitable Embroidery Giveaway, Biologie, blogged about her winnings over the weekend in a post entitled "Hurray for Crochet." I would definitely recommend her blog; between the recipes and stories about her family, it's worth a read.

I'd love to stay and continue to chat, but I have a doctor's appointment in a few hours (big suprise) and I still have to try and fix the Toshiba I'm using so that CTRL+C actually works and brushing the touchpad doesn't send my pointer off into no-mans land. It's going to be a long day... so much for cutting back on the DoubleShots

xoxo

The Shop's Going on Vacation.. unfortunately, I'm not.

So the shop is going on vacation today until next Tuesday, July 28th... exciting, right? This is the part where you try to figure out what exotic place I'll be basking in for the next week, what unforgiving mountain side I'll be daring to climb, what untamed jungle I'll be battling my way through with nothing but a bottle of Pellegrino and a Machete... Ocean Grove, New Jersey, kids. (By the by, you can all breathe that collective sigh of relief now that you know no one was stupid enough to give me something sharper than a butter knife or leave me alone in a jungle)

The Ocean Grove Ladies Auxiliary Bazaar is this coming Friday and Saturday and I've been helping out since I was a wee little one, selling things at my own 5 and dime table. Now, I've been promoted to the uber-glamorous job of selling and packing dishes and will be spending my week setting the tables up, moving boxes (since I'm the only one there not eligible for an AARP card and therefore the only one that can move anything), selling, moving more boxes, battling rogue insects, and packing up people's purchases. It's a grueling week and by the time I get to Sunday, I always feel as if I've trekked up the side of Everest or just survived a bout of some exotic disease. Since an internet hub is a bit hard to track down in God's Square Mile (yes, that is Ocean Grove's nickname. And, yes, I know what you're thinking, I can't believe they haven't chased me out of town with pitchforks yet either) I've decided to put the shop on vaca, develop a few new patterns, and post them beginning next Tuesday when I'll be feeling a little bit less like I'm going to die.

So wish me luck, all.. I'm going to need it.

Oh.. and did I mention that all members of the Ladies Auxiliary are required to wear the official red Ladies Auxiliary shirts - at all times? Oh yes.

Thank you for being a friend..

Friday night and here I am watching the Golden Girls (and loving it). Why, yes, I am a raunchy 80 year old woman trapped in a younger body - issues? Nope, didn't think so..

This week I've been featured on two fabulous blogs by two incredibly fabulous people (who I absolutely adore).

First, Michele from By Your Side asked me to do an interview. You can read it, and all of the lovely comments that were left, here. Her blog is great, filled with her new fabric purchases and pictures of the purses she designs and creates herself. You really should go and check it out, especially if you're on the hunt for the perfect bag.

And then today, as if this week wasn't filled with enough uber-flattering moments, EveryEskimo, easily my favorite felt plushie creator, featured my little crocheted sperm on her blog. Her "Tee vs. Dress" posts are insightful and always showcase clothes that have me drooling, and her softies are macabre, hilarious, ironic, and, really, everything you could ever want.

So go! Check them out! Drool, Oogle, and all that jazz - and support them, because they're amazing.

Woosh.. it's Monday AGAIN!

So much has happened this week.. First of all the Mortal Plush exhibit opened this past Saturday and here's Ginger!
Ahh! I still can't believe she's there looking all fabulous.. ::sigh:: I hope she sells.

In other fabulous news, I got my eyeballs from EnamiEyes in the mail and finished the poor, eviscerated Kracken - which I named Honeydew..

I told you the eyes are perfect! It was definitely worth the wait - and I never say that, being the most impatient person on the planet.

I also posted a new pattern in the shop today..

"Strawberry and French Vanilla Ice Cream Cone" - another zero-calorie crocheted summer dessert! You can purchase (or oogle) it here.

In the best, and most fabulous news, Michele from By Your Side wanted me to do an interview for her blog. She is such a sweetheart and it was absolutely flattering to be asked, how could I say no? You can read (and check out her fabulous blog) right here.

Hopefully, this week will be just as successful (maybe I'll actually sell something!) and jam-packed. Keep your fingers crossed..

xoxo

It is Monday, right?

I swear, days have been running together lately.. I hardly know whether I'm coming or going!

Ginger was delivered last Thursday to the Art Whino gallery along with her consignment form. I believe I made the right decision as far as the price is concerned so we'll see if she has any takers!

I also finished a new crochet pattern over the weekend that will be posted in the shop tomorrow!

"Peanut Butter" Get it? I know it's corny, but in a "Wow, that's totally adorable and I need it!" kind of way. I also have a couple of other patterns in the works.. and that's always fun!

We'll see where the rest of the week leads.

xoxo

Grr.. a Snafoo!

I don't think I've ever used that word before in my life, but I think this instance officially qualifies. Remember that picture a few posts back of all those legs and the mouth part (you know, the crocheted kracken that was supposed to be my follow-up Mortal Plush submission that I never finished and we're not talking about?) We'll I picked it back up again yesterday and managed to make a pretty damn good dent in it.

The head is going to be built back (you can see it starting to form on the top of the photo) and I was seriously on a roll when I realized the safety eyes I had lying around that I figured would be big and menacing enough... weren't. Ugh. I know. Trust me, I know.

So, in a fit of panic/rage I ordered these which are absolutely perfect from EnamiEyes. (I'm totally plugging her shop because her selection is fabulous! Go check it out, you know, if you happen to be making any oversized sea beasties that need eyeballs in the near future...)

In a way I'm happy the ones I had didn't fit because the new eyes are too uber-fab for words, but I really want to finish the damn thing.. I feel bad having left it practically eviscerated for so long.

For now, I suppose, I'll just have to keep bouncing along onto another project.. I'm definitely going to do a free pattern in July in honor of Bastille Day and I have a pretty good idea of what it's going to be.. I'll leave you with that.. ;)

Carry On My Wayward Son..

Before you all say anything, I won't accept any flack for the Kansas-inspired title of this entry so get over it.. and if you're really having issues with it, just think about it this way, I could have used "Dust in the Wind"..... Yeah. Now don't you love my title? ;)

This last week has been a busy and totally exciting one. Of course there were moments when all I could think about was the loss of my friend, but that's the way it goes. His memorial service was the weekend before last and seeing all the people that were such a huge part of his life and reminiscing with them made him seem so alive, as if he was going to just walk through the door any minute and call us all "dumb fucks" for actually buying into his ridiculous prank. It's the moments when I remind myself that he's never going to walk through that door again that are the hardest to get through, but that's when you put your nose to the grindstone and crochet through it. And, remember, I did say it was an exciting week, so bear with me here.

Tuesday I found out Ginger (my tri-headed hydra plush toy) had been accepted into the Mortal Plush show! I'll be sending her out tomorrow as soon as I decide on a price.. I have two consignment forms sitting here with two different prices, we'll see which one I end up sending.

And, in more super exciting news, there are three new crochet patterns for sale in the shop:

Siamese Cherries, double the trouble

Mr. & Mrs. Mushroom Secret Keepers

Cinnamon Bun with Extra Frosting

You can find them here in my Etsy shop! Aren't they adorable? I absolutely love selling patterns.. if only because I get to keep whatever I make. (I know it's awful, but I'm terribly greedy when it comes to adorable crocheted food)

I got my shipment of 200 9mm safety eyes in today so that means a chance for 100 new crocheted babies!... Hmm.. Now that I acctually see that number on paper, I think I'm going to need some more shelves... Oh dear. I'm going to go have some oatmeal, that always makes me feel better.

Uncle Sam Firecracker

Who doesn't want to crochet up something adorable for 4th of July? I know I did, which is how the Uncle Sam Firecracker was born! I've decided to share this pattern and I hope you all enjoy making it as much as I did!
The finished product measures about 4 1/2 inches high from its bottom to the top of its hat. You can access the PDF pattern here.

Enjoy! [and tell all your friends ;) ]

To all of my Readers and Friends..

I'm just going to come out and say it - these last few weeks have brought about some trying times. The shop seems to be failing and I'm barely squeezing out new ideas... I've been trying to bring new life into this blog by starting the "Fab Finds Friday" entries, but I honestly can't do it anymore. A few months ago a very dear friend of my family was diagnosed with Cancer. The doctors said it was curable, that they could save his life. He received the best treatment and the most qualified specialists.. and it did absolutely nothing. The Cancer migrated to his brain and took up home there, growing until he couldn't even recognize his husband, the man that had loved and cared for him for many years. He died last Thursday.

I want to keep the shop up and running, but the gimmicks have to go. No more "Fab Finds Friday," no more spending hours a day on Twitter - I'll be around, but for the next few weeks, until I can get my head in a better place, I won't be living on the computer. In the next few days, I'll be posting some new patterns for sale in the shop and I hope that does the trick, if not, honestly, life is way too short to worry about it.

Friday already? Really? Oh well.. Lets see some Fleamarket Finds!

Sheesh.. how can it be Friday already? It's been one of those odd weeks where I've been trying to get alot accomplished but I seem to be moving in slow motion, like I'm stuck in Jell-o. It's very frustrating. I have a few new patterns I'm going to be posting in the shop by the end of next week which I'm hoping will bring in some sales.

On a happier note, last Saturday was the Spring Fleamarket in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. For those of you who may not know (which is probably everyone) Ocean Grove is a small historic district on the coast of New Jersey between Asbury Park and Bradley Beach. My Grandparents have one of the historic tent-houses and I've spent my summers there from the time I was a wee little one. There are two fleamarkets during the season, one in the spring and one in the fall, and they are both absolutely fab. Here are the highlights of my purchases:

A super old bread box that is currently holding my panties (odd, yes. practical, yes again)

Vintage DMC and Coats & Clark Embroidery books.. all the pages are still there, including the transfer patterns.. Can you believe DMC acctually has a pattern for you to cross stitch a zebra?

Some Tunisian Crochet hooks (which I was so excited about! I can't find any in my local craft stores) and wooden knitting needles.

How is this chenille blanket not the most beautiful thing you've ever seen? It's double bed sized and has that great ruffle around the bottom. It's so kitschy and completely irresistable! I simply couldn't leave it there.

It was a really wonderful day.. I only hope this weekend will be just as nice (although judging by the weather, I don't think there's a snowball's chance in hell of that).

Fab Finds Friday - Star Trek Edition

I've decided to start a new series on my blog entitled "Fab Finds" Friday. Every other Friday I'll be posting a few items from Etsy sellers that fit in with a particular theme.

In honor of the fact that I'll be going to see Star Trek this weekend for a third time, I wanted to post my favorite Star Trek-inspired finds!

So.. here we go!

Hilarious (and totally true) card from Able and Game

Adorable Tribbles (that you don't have to feed... or do you?) from Shut Up Robot

Handcarved Communicator stamp from The Nerd Nook (There isn't a Trekkie alive who hasn't wanted to stamp a communicator on everything they own.. don't lie!)




And, by far, the coolest hat I have ever seen, the Wonderland Andorian Hat from Wonderland Creations (Also make sure to check out the Klingon hat - it's equally as snazzy!)
Enjoy!

Drum Roll Please.. We Have Our Winners!

Attention! Because I have not heard back from one of our runner-up prize winners with an e-mail address, I have just picked a new winner (again, using Random.org to generate a new number.) Congratulations Erin!

Now, before I get around to announcing the winners, I just want to take a moment to thank everyone who participated - the response was incredible, to say the least. It’s hard sometimes, as a crafter, to make things that other people enjoy as much as you do.. especially when you get into the realm of raunchy needlework! I can’t tell you how relieved I am that I wasn’t chased off of Blogger with pitchforks and phasers, but, alas, I digress..

::Ahem:: Moving on.. As I mentioned in the rules, I used Random.org to generate three numbers which then corresponded to the order in which comments were left (the first person to leave a comment was assigned the number 1 and so on and so forth). If there are any questions regarding how the winners were picked, feel free to ask. :)

And so, without any further ado.. Our First Prize Winner is:
--> Biologie

Our First and Second Runners-up are:
--> Erin
--> Marysgranddaughter


Congratulations Everyone! I’ll be e-mailing you tomorrow (or, later on today, as it were) so I can send you your prizes!

[Author’s Note: I want to apologize for not getting this post out closer to midnight, but my computer was determined to make me look completely incompetent tonight.. :) ]

Excitable Embroidery - Free Giveaway!

Attention! The deadline for the giveaway has been extended until Monday, May 25!

To celebrate the launch of my new embroidery line entitled "Excitable Embroidery" I'm going to be doing a free give-away here on my blog! Here is the piece along with an adorable crocheted sperm:

As you may have noticed, it's not your Grandmother's embroidery.. ;) The piece is set in a 5 inch hoop and is finished in the back.

All of the pieces in this line are intended as novelty items and not to be offensive in any way, if you're interested (and it's as amusing to you as it is to me), just follow these 2 simple steps to enter the contest:

1) Sign up to become a follower of my blog.

2) Leave a comment on this post with your name and e-mail address.

[If you already follow my blog and want to enter, only do Step 2. :)]

Now.. on to the prizes!
First Prize: The above piece of embroidery plus ONE adorable crocheted sperm (also shown in the picture.)

First and Second Runners Up: Will be sent TWO sperm EACH.

That's a total of SIX prizes and THREE Winners!

How the Winners will be chosen:
On Monday, May 25 at midnight I will be using Random.org to figure out the winners. Everyone who comments will be assigned a number corresponding to the order their comment was left. For example, the first person to leave a comment on this post will be assigned the number 1 and so on and so forth. After the winners are announced, I will e-mail you so you can send me your address and I can send you your prize!

If there are any questions, let me know!
And, as always, remember to check out the shop at: http://www.etsy.com/tilliellie

Author's Note: To answer a question I seem to have neglected in the original rules, the giveaway IS open internationally. Hope that helps!

Woosh.. Star Trek

What a long and totally uninspiring week.

I started and stopped and restarted my follow-up Mortal Plush submission three times, I sketched and resketched my next Craftster challenge entry twice, AND I managed to come up with no (yes, I just said "no") new ideas. I hate weeks like that - they feel like such a waste! Lump on top of that the fact I haven't sold anything in nearly a month and I was just about ready to drown my sorrows in bags and bags of Reese's Pieces.

However! Thanks to copious amounts of Stargate:Atlantis, the release of Star Trek (which I went to see twice in a period of three days and wore my Captain Kirk shirt both times because I am, indeed, a total nerd), and way too many chocolate covered strawberries - I got my groove back. The plush is 1/3 finished, the challenge entry is designed and begun, AND, be prepared, because I will be doing a give-away this week.

More details to follow.. I may even amend this post later to include photos of the first stages of my new plush..

Look! Tentacles! and Mouth-Parts!

Of Mondays and Birthdays

So today was my Father's birthday... [Author's Note: For me that's sort of a loaded statement full of possible directions; I could talk about how his brothers and mother don't support him and how every holiday is a stark reminder of that, or how much fun we had walking around Kohls with a bunch of wierdos waiting for the restaurant we wanted to eat at to open, or how no matter how hard I try to make his birthday as special as possible, I never quite feel like I make it because his mind seems to always be on his aforementioned relatives. See? loaded.] I think that's all I'll say.

In other news, which is simultaneously annoying and exciting, the Mortal Plush deadline has been extended.. which means I can not only submit another entry but I can also have heart palpitations until June 22 when the official decision will be made.. So.. yes, it's exciting.. and, yes, totally terrifying as well. ::sigh:: At least I have some ideas.

In Lucy news, the voting begins on the 6th! As for the next challenge, I have some ideas for that as well... so we shall see. Glad it's only the beginning of the week - there's so much to be done!

Finished... sort of.

SO! The Mortal Plush submission went in yesterday and today I posted my Eggcellent Upcycling challenge entry... Here she is, Lucy, my sugar skull made from a plastic Easter egg..

Logically, I knew I didn't have a chance in hell of winning but there's always that little subversive voice in the back of your head going "You know, maybe you have a shot..."

That little voice shut up rather quickly once I saw that someone had made a 3 foot tall Dalek using the Easter eggs as the bumps. ::sigh:: Oh well, at least she's still fabulous. Can you believe she used to be an egg?!? Hell, I still can't.

And now we play the waiting game.. waiting to see if anyone is going to vote for Lucy and if I'm going to get into the Mortal Plush exhibit. The waiting is the worst part because there's absolutely nothing I can do but sit here and blog about it. And embroider.. at least that's taking my mind off of things. It's all too raunchy and scandelous for words. I should be posting the first of them tomorrow... I think I'm calling it "Excitable Embroidery." I'm also thinking of doing a give-away next week.. We'll see how neurotic I get over the aforementioned waiting and how much of a distraction I need. Again - ::sigh::

Contests.

I must be a glutton for punishment. The only thing I've ever won in my life was an afghan in a Chinese Auction when I was eight - nothing before that, nothing since - and this month, I've decided to dive head-first not only into the "Eggcellent Upcycling" challenge on Craftster but to throw my work, my Ginger, out there to be considered for the Mortal Plush exhibit (read more about that here: http://www.mortalplush.blogspot.com/). It's all so completely nerve-wracking.

I took another set of pictures of her today (making that the third). Here she is scouting for her next meal..

I hope she gets accepted. I think I may be crushed if she doesn't even though I know there are far more talented artists vying for the same slot I am. The only consolation I have is there isn't a set number of entries they're accepting.. I think it gives me a better shot. Or maybe I'm just telling myself that so I'll sleep tonight.

On top of that, I have my Eggcellent Upcycling challenge entry to finish tomorrow. The idea of the challenge is to take one of those dinky plastic Easter eggs and turn them into something fab. I think my entry's quite imaginative and cute - but, again, I haven't won anything since the afghan and I'm not holding out much hope that those Craftster people will like it. I've posted both Ginger and an homage to Tom Baker on there and I can count all the comments I've gotten on them on my two hands.. clearly they weren't very popular. And then, I look at some of the things that are popular with pages and pages of people saying things like "I'm hitting 'This Rocks' all over this project" and "You're super!" and I go "Really? Because I can't quite see it.." Maybe I'm just too far off. Either way, my entry is almost finished and I can't back out now even though I'm not sure which is more devastating - being too much of a coward to enter or going through with it and not getting a single vote.

I suppose what it comes down to is that I've never been a coward.. and I don't intend to start now.

Swine Flu.. ::sigh::

The next person that says they can't eat bacon because they might get swine flu from it is getting my foot up their ass... I mean, seriously people.. YOU CAN'T GET SWINE FLU FROM EATING MEAT - IT ISN'T MAD COW!! Gosh.

Ugh. Okay. Oddly, that acctually made me feel better.

In other news that isn't nearly as infuriating, I have some babies to post tomorrow on Etsy! I finished a new Kitschy Owl tonight and, just in time for Mother's Day, some crocheted sperm. Now before you all navigate away muttering things like "Ick" and "How vulgar!" lets all try to grow up a bit. It's a novelty gift - something to make you chuckle and blush - don't all pick up your pitchforks at once.

Look! They have little smiles! How could you possibly hate that? Look for them to be posted tomorrow - you get a group of three for $9.00.

I also have some raunchy embroidered items that should be posted later in the week. I seem to be on a kick lately - first closet kitsch, now sperm, next.. witty embroidery. Hopefully it will generate some sales as I seem to have hit a dry spell. ::sigh:: I need all the help I can get!

Success Stories....

So the bread pudding yesterday - a success, the baked potatoes today - not so much. The yam got so hot it turned into goo and melted through the holes I punched in the foil.. only to burn itself to the bottom of the oven. Yum. It didn't taste bad, in fact, just the opposite, but the apartment is going to smell like yams forever now. Ick ick ick.

Should have just had pudding for dinner.

Wee Hours of the Morning.. well.. not yet.

Hopefully I won't be up that long, but sleep seems to be illuding me of late... and I mean more than it does usually, which is really saying something. The weekend was a success - it was a great opportunity to relax even though I was plagued by Jelly Babies, which, thankfully, I've made a decision regarding. I'm going to attempt to have one of each color sitting around along with back up body parts in every color, I'm keeping them crochet to order, and I've raised the price by $1 - which may not seem like a lot but I'm hoping it will help me sleep at night. They're also getting around a bit, in addition to being posted in a forum on Indiepublic, I posted the Jelly Babies in a Tom Baker as Doctor Who homage today along with the replica of his scarf I crocheted a while back.. check it out here: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=301884.msg3447858#msg3447858

In other news, I've been given an adorable little Napoleon to add to my collection of all things French Revolution. I seem to have an obsession with that time period and with the wee little general himself.

Isn't he adorable?!? Just look at the way he lords over everything with such authority!

He's a part of Harmony Kingdom's 2001 collection. I could never afford him but this weekend (while on vaca) I helped the people I was staying with move some furniture around and they wanted to repay me (which was TOTALLY unnecessary, but I digress).. what better way than with Napoleon? I certainly can't think of anything more fabulous.

I have one more Jelly Baby to crochet tomorrow - an Orange one.. and then I'm going to begin on my backups. I'm also going to attempt some Bread Pudding, Martha Stewart's recipe of course. We'll see how that turns out.. I hope well since I am seriously craving some. And I mean.. seriously craving.

Closet Kitsch

So! I posted the Closet Kitsch yesterday - they're risque and hilarious and I can't get over them... Check them out here: http://tilliellie.etsy.com/

I also received a ton of orders for the Jelly Babies... well, not a ton, 4 actually, but when they're crochet to order, it seems like a ton. I think after I get this batch finished and sent to their new homes I'm going to rethink their crochet to order status.. cause it's a nightmare. Literally. I'm having nightmares about gelatinous babies following me into dark alleys - not a good sign.

Speaking of signs, I posted my first custom order yesterday as well with my new "custom listing" picture and, might I say, it's very snazzy.

I also managed to finish that Christmas present I was working on and, for once, it came out on the first try. I just hope they enjoy it.

Well, I'm off to New York everyone to make Jelly Babies all weekend... not exactly the relaxing vaca I was looking forward too, but, really, is it ever?

Of Presents and Networking..

Woosh - it's been a long day. So long I acctually just used the word "woosh".... that's pretty damn long. Closet Kitsch is finished! And will be photographed and listed in all of its explicitness tomorrow... Frederick will also be finished tomorrow and listed. And in the midst of all of this I have a Christmas present to finish. Yes, hold the phone, I did just say Christmas. I'm headed to upstate New York this weekend to visit some friends who are almost impossible to buy for; I've been contemplating for months what to get them and (because I work incredibly well under pressure but not too well when I have all the time in the world) it suddenly hit me last night! I finished half of it today and I'm leaving the other half for tomorrow. I think tomorrow is going to be a long day as well.. Although I don't think I'm going to say "woosh" again.. I'm already regretting that.

I've also spent most of the day attempting to reach out to more of the online artistic community. I think it's an important thing to do if I'm going to expand my business and get myself out there. It's also fabulously fun meeting new people - it's one of the upsides to being in this business, there are so many talented, wonderful artists out there and it's a joy to be able to meet even a few of them.

I think it's going to be a long night tonight. I haven't been sleeping so well, I figure I might as well try and get some stuff done and give myself a bit of a break tomorrow. Besides, it gives me an excuse to watch some late night Boston Legal - who doesn't love that?

Okie Dokie..

Enough with the moaning. Easter's over (thank god) and I've managed to be quite productive in the last two days. Monday I spent getting most of the custom order sock monkey done - who is to be named Fredrick, in case anyone was wondering - and baking a batch of unquestionably good cookies. Today, I listed the Jelly Babies in my Etsy shop...(I told you they were adorable!!)
... posted Ginger, the three-headed hydra that graced the pages of this blog about a month ago, on Craftster (check her out http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=301064.0), and worked on my entry for the Craftster Eggcellent Upcycling challenge which is making some serious progress.

Overall, I'd have to say I'm doing a fine job putting this Easter thing behind me and moving forward. There's alot of work to be done.. I just hope I have enough Caffine to do it...

Easter. Oh Dear...

Easter and I haven't gotten along very well the last few years. I lost someone in my family who I loved desperately a week before Easter not too long ago and it's been hell ever since. I can't concentrate, I'm moody, clumsy, and I hardly sleep at all. I spend the entire week chanting to myself that I need to keep moving, keep busy, and I can make it through.... although, it never seems to work out that way. Inevitably something goes wrong and I turn into a complete mess of mush, I snap at people when I don't really mean to, and I always forget something.
......Like, for example, an Easter present for my Mother who goes through the trouble of hiding eggs for me every year just so we can laugh at my crappy egg detecting skills. So now here I am, 10:30 on the night before Easter crocheting her a multi-colored penis with fuzzy, multi-colored testicles. Yes, she'll love it.

I did manage to finish all of the Jelly Baby colors this week and added a new color - Mint Green. They are so cute, I could just eat them up - no pun intended, really. I'm going to post them and their overwhelming adorableness on Monday. Also, a customer (a real customer!) saw my grin in the Treasury and purchased it! And I have a custom order sock monkey in the works.. Closet Kitsch is, thankfully, well underway since it's the most fun I've had developing a pattern in a long time. It gives me the opportunity to let out my deviant side.. and she doesn't get out to play very much.

From that previous paragraph one would think I would be on cloud 9, but, frankly, I'm in a funk. I hate thinking about holidays and the way things used to be and how much I miss the good old days. It's all so depressing. I had an early Easter dinner at my one Grandmother's house today and, while walking out the door, I almost burst into tears thinking about how fragile relationships are and how easily people can just disappear from your life. I know, really cheery stuff. Tomorrow I spend Easter with my Father - one of the only people I know who has a harder time with Easter than I do. But we'll talk, we'll watch American Idol and eat pie and exchange gifts and we'll pretend we're not lonely and wishing things hadn't turned out like this. All I want to do is curl up in a huge blanket on the couch and watch Stargate episodes until my brain melts out of my ears.. it has to be better than this.

As much as I would like to stay and continue to depress everyone, I have a penis to make and the first season of Boston Legal to watch, for the fourth time... Hey, at least it's funny. Something should be.

Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting, Part Two

Time to rejoice, people, the coral branches have officially been handed over to their new owner - and no, there isn't a trace of empty nest syndrom in sight in case any of you were wondering.. which I know you weren't because I'm way to scary to have any of you ask me a stupid question like that. Michael, the owner, loves loves loves them and is planning to set them up in his new display case dripping in jewelry within the next few weeks. So for all you Jersey residents, head down to Bodega in Asbury Park in a couple of weeks to see my beautiful work - and yes, they are beautiful.

As for the shop, it took me like 3 hours tuesday night to upload those pictures of the rings, but, according to Google Analytics (which I'm still not sure I'm reading correctly, but, I digress) they created alot of foot traffic which is the whole point. Also, I got a convo today from another Etsy seller telling me she included one of my Built In Grins in her Treasury.. woah. if that's not a compliment, I don't know what is. I'm hoping to get the sales back up though.. I just finished a new pattern for a Jelly Baby that I'm planning to make in Red, Orange, and Yellow. Those won't get posted until a prototype has been made for all three. So far I only have Red... but trust me, he's nothing to sneeze at. He will slay you with his cuteness.

AND in browsing through the craft books in my local Barnes & Noble, I had a brainstorm which, although I'm not totally comfortable talking about right now because I'm hugely paranoid and a complete basket case when it comes to talking about ideas before they're fully baked, I think is going to really sky-rocket the business..

Oh, and if it doesn't, I do have a fall back plan... I'm calling it "Closet Kitsch"
And the rest, guys and gals, I'm leaving to your imagination.

Has anyone ever been impressed by pillows?

So if there was anyone who thought that Jim Gaffigan's next Comedy Central special, King Baby, wouldn't be funny.. they should be taken out behind a barn and shot. I don't think there's another man alive who could so totally sum up the woes of camping and throw pillows like he does. Besides, he was just on an episode of Flight of the Conchords.. and that gives him immense street cred - which I'm sure he totally cares about.

I've also decided that miniature Pellegrinos are god's gift to mankind.

Now, on to things that are actually important...
I got my shipment of ringbacks in last night and spent quite a bit of time creating new and exciting rings.. of which I'm only keeping two. That's a new low record for me and I'm very proud of myself. Of course, when I went to take pictures of them and the new Creamsicle popsicle I made yesterday, the camera crapped out and started blinking that irritating low battery symbol. Like I have time to sit around and wait for it to charge. Please, people.

So here I am, in limbo, unable to post anything until the camera battery decides it acctually wants to contribute - which could take some time. I think it may be feeling a bit underppreciated lately and now it's trying to get back at me. Or I could just be making that up in an attempt to give myself a reason for it's inability to work so I don't throw it out my bedroom window. Either way, I have time to kill.. back to Gaffigan I go.

Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting

Running an Etsy shop requires vigilance, a constant stream of new ideas, a comprehensive Excel spreadsheet, and a 28 hour day... I'm still working on the last one.

This last week has been a hot trannie mess and I have to admit, I've loved every minute of it. Developing new patterns, restocking the shop when things sell - it's all fantastically stressful. There's nothing better than being able to sit in my room doing what I love all day while listening to Billy Joel records and eating ice cream.

And now it's Saturday, and things haven't slowed up. I got an order last night with two crochet-to-order items, I have a few things to make so I can re list them, there's a custom order I need to finish, and I developed a new pattern last night for a Desk Monster that's cute and creepy all at once and has so many possibilities for variety. Oh yeah, I'm back in the saddle, people. Watch out.

At least I have things to fill the time between now and September when I start Mason Gross. The future is bright, for once. I'm almost waiting for the other shoe to drop - almost. I'm planning a trip down the shore for next weekend to bring the coral branches to their intended home. (Why, yes, they are finished. I said it was a busy week.) I'll also be doing some tye-dying next Saturday...

As for tonight, I'm looking forward to another night in spent watching Stargate and crocheting. And you know, it never gets old.

Mondays...

So today's the day I jump back in the saddle. After breakfast, I'll be picking those coral branches back up and showing them who's boss. I'm excited to get started again - I have a good feeling about them this time.

Speaking of good feelings, I sold another item this morning on Etsy - one of my whales with a crown. Looks like I'll be making another one of those later. This whole thing is too exciting for words. I'm printing the new business cards today, as well.. and that's exciting in and of itself.

Part of me wishes I could sit here all day blogging and zoning out and eating peanut butter cups... but the rest of me knows I'm a girl trying to make her way in the world, and that takes work. Though, the peanut butter cups can stay.

To The Moon...

And so it seems this Etsy thing is taking off. I've already sold 5 items including both sock monkeys (who knew?) and one of the made-to-order peas in a pod. This thing might actually work - knock on wood. I developed two more new patterns in the last few days... I seem to be on a pattern writing roll. One is for some rather adorable popsicles that I've already listed:

Look - he has a real popsicle stick!
His adorableness is actually overwhelming at times. It's turning me into a bit of a sap really. Just looking at him, I feel myself melting into butter and fighting the urge to squeal. Sad - I know.

The other pattern is for a crocheted owl. It seems, as I've looked around Etsy, that every self-respecting amigurumi seller has an owl or an owl pattern listed. I've had the urge to make one for some time but wanted to do something completely different and completely me. As such, I've paired a unique shape with with some kitschy colors and ::poof:: my perfect owl is born. I made a bit of a flock of them today and I should be posting them tomorrow.

Now that I got my shipment of 50 pairs of safety eyes in, there's nothing holding me back. I feel like a woman on a mission, determined to make the best go of this as I possibly can, not to be held back by disappointing business cards and sleep deprivation... seriously, don't get me started on the business cards, they're a nightmare.. but we're moving on.

In more personal news, I'm going to be taking a hiatus from people for the next week - I've turned my cell off and I'm not checking my facebook. This is a crucial time for me... I have a shop to stock up and coral branches to finish and I don't have time to let people rain all over my creative process parade. Which means, in a nutshell, that seven days of intense sewing, crocheting, and Boston Legal watching are in my future.. and, frankly, I'm really looking forward to it. I could use a break from the drama for a few days.

Eat Your Vegetables.

So it seems I've sold my first item - Alice, one of my sock monkeys. She's headed off this Saturday to her new home and is quite excited about it. Not as excited as I am to have sold something, but we can't all be as jolly as me, can we?

In other news, I developed a new idea and a new pattern yesterday. It's a peapod with three peas and the one in the middle is a wee bit different than the other two.

Not only is it absolutely adorable, but it's a gentile reminder that it's okay to be different in a world full of mundane assholes. Besides, who doesn't love a good mohawk?

I have another idea I'm going to try out tonight that I think will work out well. I'm going to attempt to list at least one new item a day. I hope it helps to keep the sales coming.

Next Monday I have to start the coral branches back up and I can honestly say that I'm ready for them and their angst-ridden issues this time. Like I said before, at least they don't talk back.

TilliEllie's Carnival of Kitsch is Officially Open for Business!

Click on the title to check out my brand new Etsy shop!

Something New Everyday...

You know, I realized something today - I work extremely well under pressure. I keep my cool, I'm level-headed, I make quick decisions, I don't second guess myself, and at the end of the day, whatever I'm working on comes out famously. So in the case of the coral branches that are waking nightmares at this point, I'm going to use that to my advantage. As of this morning, I've put them in a plastic bag not to be looked at again until 1 week before they're to be sent off. I do better when I have alot of work to do and a little time to do it, I don't agonize over every little decision, I don't continually undo and redo things, because there isn't time for that. My creative brain seems to thrive under constraints and I'm going to give it the opportunity to do so...

Now that we've got that update out of the way.. here's Ginger, the newest addition to my plush toy family, enjoying the morning sun among the plants.

She's such an adorable mythical, three-headed beast, don't you think?

And, as promised, some teasers from my soon-to-be Etsy shop:

Is this a joke?

I seem to be asking myself that a lot in the last few days.

The first incident occurred around 4pm yesterday while I was watching a Stargate:Atlantis episode I had recorded from earlier in the day. The whole episode, entitled "Sunday," started out so innocent and funny with Col. Sheppard trying to teach Ronon to golf and Dr. Weir going on a date and just when you think it couldn't get any better.... they go and kill off Dr. Beckett. Pan camera left and there I am standing with my mouth open crying like a baby and trying to convince myself that yes, this is real and no, you're never going to see Carson's amazing faux-hawk again. And, yes, it was amazing. Granted the show was a re-run and I "knew" he died, I didn't think it would be in such a senseless, unnecessary way. Ugh.

The most recent incident occurred only a few minutes ago (I mean it people.. this is like the Oscars - live, but with about a 5 minute delay) when I realized that my "Everyone my own age that I meet either wants to date me or be me" theory isn't just egotistical nonsense and does have some basis in fact. I wish I could go into more detail but I'm afraid if I do I'll end up being edited for content by the network - you're just going to have to trust me on this one. It's a shame certain people couldn't have an original idea if it beat them senseless over the head with a sign that says "Hey, fucko, I'm an original idea."

And you know, it amazes even me that while putting aside the loss that is Carson Beckett, I managed to get everything done that I wanted to including finishing the illusive Hydra plush toy.

I also finished all of my Etsy stock. Yes, I said all of it ladies and gents. Prepare to be amazed... like tomorrow or Saturday. Right now I need some sleep.. well, first I need to stop being completely enraged by everything, then I can try sleeping... Pictures of the Hydra to follow tomorrow along with some tantalizing snapshots of Etsy items before they're posted... until then, here's a picture of my beloved Carson to hold you over.

::sigh::

Vacation? I think so.

So the Philly flower show was this past weekend; I drove down there Friday with my Mother and Grandmother, in an attempt to do some intergenerational bonding, and stayed over until Saturday afternoon. I wouldn't say the exhibits were fantastic this year, but the vendors were, and it was exactly what I needed to get away from all of the crap for a few days. I think it put everything back in perspective a bit, and if it didn't, being kidnapped by one of my closest friends Saturday night certainly did. It's nice to be reminded that people care about you and friendships aren't just one-sided.. which seemed to have been the theme last week.

On the up-side, I got quite a bit done yesterday, now that I can acctually focus on what's important, including taking pictures of everything I've made for Etsy (excluding the plush toys) and finishing the 4" coral branches. I started the 7" yesterday as well, had a minor meltdown, but pressed on, determined not to over-think it again. I'm so gun-shy about the boutique owner not liking them, it's fucking with my entire creative process, which is causing me to eat copious amounts of Nutter Butters. Starting tomorrow, I'm going to have to do yoga everyday if I want to continue to fit in my size 4 jeans without a muffin top.

It's like a Circus Sometimes....

Who knew the whales would turn out to be such a good idea - it seems my attachment to the tiny coral collections is acctually a blessing in disguise. The finished products fit it much better with the rest of the items in the store, it's much more cohesive now. Over the weekend I picked up the last few things I need to take pictures of the items and tonight I'm headed to Staples to get tags and a hole punch. It all seems to be coming together so quickly...

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I'm working on the red coral branches that need to be finished by the end of this month. The order is for one 10", two 7", and three 4" branches. I have two out of the three 4" ones completed and am almost finished with the last one. It's more difficult than I thought it would be to create variety and uniqueness between the lot of them and they're an unruly bunch in the base case with something always seeming to go wrong - I keep losing hooks, pictures are disappearing, and the cat keeps trying to wander off with them no matter how many bags I put them in or where I try to hide them. This hasn't been an easy comission from the get go but I'm not one to give up. On the upside, at least they don't talk back.

Real life doesn't seem to be going quite as swimmingly either. I went to see Taken over the weekend and was thoroughly disappointed - I wish someone would have taken him and spared us all an hour and a half. That, coupled with the fact that it never seems to get warm around here, the people I'm dealing with and their problems, and the abhorrent grilled cheese sandwich I had today for lunch, left me starved for satisfaction. I need a vacation from bullshit, from people that think I need coddling even though I seem to be the only one that has it together, from disappointing food, from re-runs of shows that are supposed to be new, and from my cat and her incessant need to play with her god damned stuffed spider.....
sometimes a person just needs to be left alone for a couple of days or buy excessive amounts of Nutter Butters.

The Complications of Coral

So, as I predicted, the red coral branches worked themselves out but there seems to be another minor snag - I can't sell the coral collections. I've only made two so far but I've fallen completely and utterly in love with them which is the most depressing thing ever. I think they would be big sellers if I could manage to get them past the end of my desk...

...which is turning out to be an extremely daunting task. They're perfection. I suppose I'll just have to make kitschy whales for the Etsy shop and keep these for myself like the selfish crafter that I am.

Although I am attempting to do some volunteering with an organization called Soldiers Angels crocheting lap blankets and wheelchair bags for the Veterans. I'm waiting to hear back from their Crochet & Craft team - which will hopefully be in the next 24 to 48 hours. Until then I suppose I'll have to occupy my time trying to crochet whales cute enough to replace the grandeur that is contained in the above pictures.

Progress..

So there seems to be a technical snag with the coral branches and their birth is progressing slowly - I know in my gut it will all work out, it may just take some time. My Grandmother's scarf, on the other hand, didn't take any time at all and is finished.. with an adorable flower applique as the icing on the cake. I'm totally in love with it and want to call her and tell her however I would also have to tell her I got into Mason Gross which, with her tendency to ask the most inane questions, is a conversation that will last for much longer than I can afford it to and will probably end in me wanting to kill her but simply keeping the scarf for myself instead.

Needless to say, I'm putting the call off for as long as possible.

As for the Etsy shop - well, I feel like a total rockstar. I've gotten much more done in the last few days than I thought I would and I really think this thing is progressing nicely. I have a few more things I want to do, some last finishing touches, but like I said, I think it should be up in the next week or two. I even had a new brainstorm yesterday and am putting my new obsession with everything coral reefs to good use. While I think it's totally tackalicious to sell the red coral branches on my Etsy shop, there's nothing at all stopping me from selling what I'm going to call "miniature coral collections." I finished the first one last night and it's beautiful. I'll have to post some pictures in between cooing over it. I swear, these things are going to have some serious superiority complexes by the time they get to their new homes - which is fine by me, people need things with attitude.

Art School.

So.. Mama's goin to art school, kids, to become a Costume Tech.. which means I did manage to convince someone to let me make clothes for a living. Honestly, it's a huge weight off of my shoulders; now I can take a deep breath and concentrate on Etsy and those coral branches...

Speaking of Etsy, I picked up the last few things I needed at the craft store today and depending on how motivated I am and how much sleep I can manage to cut out, the store should actually be up in the next week or two. I would start immediately, but I have a birthday present to make for a friend today, which means more crocheting, more tiny hooks, and more callouses.

Singles Awareness Day? Are you people kidding me?

Whoever came up with the idea of "Singles Awareness Day" should be taken out behind the barn and shot. I mean, c'mon people, yes, its Valentines Day and you're all single and miserable but grow a pair and find a way to deal with it without hiding behind some witty catchphrase! I mean, I'm single (which is shocking I know, but if I've proved anything in the last few months it's that you can't meet someone that looks like Adrian Paul sitting on your couch) but I'm not sitting around today feeling sorry for myself! I'm watching one of my favorite shows and eating chocolate covered strawberries, one of my favorite things, and I refuse to have my day ruined simply because I don't have a date. It's a waste of a perfectly good Saturday.

And now I'll get off my soapbox and back to the point.

I finished that damn coral branch. And to answer your next question, no, it doesn't look like a heart valve - it's perfect, blissfully perfect.

My fingers are all swollen, I have a piercing headache behind my left eye from staring at the tiny stitches for so long (even with my glasses), and my back feels like I'm developing a hump but it's all completely worth it. I'm such a proud mama. The man I'm making them for loves this first one and hopefully it will be the start of something great