Free Pattern: Teapot cozy

Cozy for the IKEA Riklig Teapot (0.6 l)

Cozy for the IKEA Riklig Teapot (0.6 l)

Yarn: worsted weight (I used Patons Canadiana for the grey)

Hook: 4mm

Notions: 2 buttons, IKEA Riklig Teapot (0.6 l)

Sizing: IKEA Riklig Teapot (0.6 l)

magic circle
1: 10 hdc, join, ch 2
2: 2hdc* (20) join, ch 2
3: hdc, 2hdc* (30) join, ch 2
4: hdc 2, 2hdc* (40) join, ch 2
5: hdc 3, 2hdc* (50) join, ch 2
6: hdc 3, 2hdc, hdc* (60) join, ch 2
7-9: hdc* join, ch 2
10: hdc 58, turn, ch 2
11-13: hdc* turn, ch 2
14: hdc 18, hdc2tog*, hdc 18 (56) turn, ch 2
15-16: hdc* turn, ch 2
17: hdc 26, sc 4, hdc 26, turn, ch 2
18: hdc 25, sc 2, sc2tog, sc 2, hdc 25 (55) turn, ch 2
19: hdc 25, sc 5, hdc 25, turn, ch
20: sc 54, (sc, ch 12, sk 6 sl st 6, sc) in last stitch of r. 20, working down the side, sc 7, ch 12, sk 6, sl st 6, sc 7, sc 2 in r 9, working evenly along the other side, sc 14, join
21: slst around entire edge*
finish off, sew in end

sew on two buttons, one between rows 20-21 and one between rows 14-15

optional: I added some extra colour by adding some rows of slip stitches

Pre-Animartime Freak Out

So Animaritime is in less than 2 days and I do NOT feel ready! I'm off work tomorrow, but this is my current do to list before leaving Friday at 7:30am to drop off Java at my parent's for the weekend then driving to Fredericton:

• finish 2 dolls
• make 2 hats
• make 4 other dolls --- HA! THAT'S NOT HAPPENING
• paint my nails
• pack my clothes
• take Java to get his nails cut
• take Java to the park so he wont be totally wired all weekend
• bring Java's kennel to my parents
•  shave my legs

I know I'm forgetting something but I am so thankful for J because he helps a ton! He's tagged and  packed all my stock and I would just be way farther behind if it wasn't for him. Last event I went into totally calm, and it feels weird to be going into this one stressed :( hopefully it'll be a good event :)

Hello Kitty Cosplays!

I was getting bored making plain Hello Kitties so I decided to play around with some Hello Kitty in cosplay! I've finished my 11th Doctor one, and I have a Twilight Sparkle one in the works, and I kind of want to make tons more, but until I know if they'll sell or not... it's a risk...

Plus HOLY CRAP my next con is 25 days away and I DO NOT feel ready... lots more to make and this day job and the sunshine are really cutting into my crocheting

Podcast Addict

I LOVE PODCASTS! I listen to tons of random podcasts and it makes me the happiest person ever! I listen to them in the morning while I get ready for work, at work, and even while trying to sleep. Ironically I don't listen to them often while crocheting, I do on occasion, but crocheting means tv to me... maybe I'll do a post about that sometime (spoiler I watch a lot of MASH, Murder, She Wrote and Dr. Phil... I'm secretly an old lady)


After looking at my list of podcasts I decided not to post about all the ones I subscribe to, partially just because some of them I only listen to on occasion, but here's a list of my top 20 in alphabetical order because I'm weird like that

The Adventure Zone -- This is a D&D podcast... I don't understand D&D, nor am I a fan of fantasy or Sci-Fi, but I LOVE this podcast! It's the McElroy brothers (you'll hear about them again later in this post) and their dad who do it and I just love the dynamics of the four of them.

The Black List -- I recently started listening to this new podcast, and I'm still a bit undecided on it. A bunch of actors read out a script (kind of like old school radio plays). I'm not sure if my issue is with the current script, it turned out really raunchy, so I'm going to have to sit through the next script to see if this one stays on the list of not... I really enjoyed the first few episodes, so we'll see.

Bunker Buddies -- This podcast is fun. One of the McElroy brothers does this one with an actress and comedian Andie Bolt. It's an apocalypse  prepper podcast, but somehow still hasn't succeeded at ALL in getting me to plan ahead, but I do laugh a lot.

The Complete Guide to Everything -- This is one of the first podcasts I started listening to, and I still love it. Tim and Tom are funny, argue like a married couple sometimes, and nicely go in between facts and ridiculous scenarios. Go back a few years and find the segment "Tom explains 50 Shades of Grey to Tim" it's ridiculous, and I'm so sad they didn't finish the book, because it just got too weird

The Cracked Podcast -- I enjoy the Cracked website, but if I had to choose between the website and the podcast, the podcast would win. While I'm still thrown off by the random rap music during the show, I enjoy the episodes and the writers who come on to speak. It's another fun listen, but it's also an intellectual one.

Doug Loves Movies -- Aside from when they get way too pot talk heavy, I enjoy this podcast. I love the games (that I can never win even at home) and it's introduced me to a ton of new comedians, actors and podcasts.

FEaB -- Though rarely updated I still for FEaB. Matt Mira and Scott Mosier are so smart and funny and well awkward. This podcast goes from being really intellectual, to very foodie, to totally ridiculous, like their character of the Canadian Sniper "Sorry Eh"

How Did This Get Made? -- This is my favourite bad movie podcast! Paul, Jason and June are amazing and it gets even better because of their great guests! I've listened to every podcast and frankly haven't seen most of the movies, but it doesn't matter, they do such a great and entertaining way of discussing the the movies, that I honestly think seeing some of them now would be a let down.

James Bonding -- I've never seen a James Bond movie, nor do I feel like I need or want to, I just love Matt Mira and Matt Gourley. It's really interesting to hear about how the character of James Bond has evolved and the movies themselves. This is one of my favourites for sure! I just wish they posted more often, but since there is a finite number of movies, I understand why they don't.

M*A*S*H 4077 Podcast -- OMG there's been a MASH podcast since 2011 and I just found out this week! So I'm only a few episodes into this podcast, but so far it seems great, I like that the three hosts seem to have a REAL love and interest and knowledge about the show, which is something I've found is kind of lacking the Murder, She Wrote podcasts...

Murder, She Podcast &  Murder, We Spoke -- Recently these two podcasts have just started up, and I'm not far enough in yet to decide what to think. I LOVE Murder, She Wrote... but I'm having a hardtime with the fact that I know more about the series, characters, actor etc than the hosts. I'll stick them both out for a while longer, because I do love the show so much, but I just don't know yet, and honestly there haven't even been enough posts that I can talk about each separately.

My Brother, My Brother and Me -- The McElroy brothers again... this is an advice podcast, though to be honest, I don't think I would ever follow any of their advice :) but they are funny and they are just so good together I can't stop listening to it.

On No Ross & Carrie -- I love science and psychology and religion and this is perfect. Ross and Carrie either try random products or they join religions or groups and talk about it. It's a really interesting listen, and gives me a look into things I would NEVER do.

Pop Everything -- This is another Tim & Tom podcast. It's recently restarted with a new premisses, and so far I'm loving it. Tim or Tom or a friend of theirs, tries to convince the others to love or at least learn something pop culture related that they don't have much knowledge of. So far they've learnt about Arnold Schwarzenegger, Randy Newman and Bruce Lee, and I'm enjoying learning about things I know NOTHING about.

Remake with Josiah & Rob -- This is another movie podcast, but they go about it differently than others I've listened to. After they and a guest sum up and talk about a movie, they each then discuss how they would remake the movie. Remakes are sometimes an attempt at improving the movie, other times its just a crazy new version of a ridiculous film. They've discussed two of my favourite movies Blackfish and Clue, so they automatically rule. Audio quality is a bit rough, but these guys aren't professionals, I do find this one easier to listen to with headphones then outloud.

Sawbones -- This podcast is my favourite. I love medicine and history and medical history is my favourite topic ever! I even took a course in it in University because I couldn't resist the chance :) This is Justin McElroy and his wife Dr. Sydnee and they are fun and I love the history lessons! I wish the episodes were longer, but I can't really fault them for that.

Stuff Your Mom Never Told You -- I want to love this podcast... I keep trying to love this podcast, but I don't always. They are sometimes awesome and feministic and other times, it just seems like something is missing. They do discuss topics that are very near and dear to my heart, which is why I do keep coming back.

Stuff You Missed in History Class -- Again I love history, and these woman discuss tons of different topics and have introduced me to many stories I never would have heard about otherwise. They cover world history from every era and every topic imaginable, I can't see anyone not finding a dozen episodes at least that really interest them.

The X-Files Files -- I love Kumail which is why I can't stop listening to this podcast, he honestly loves this show. I did watch X-Files as a child, but haven't seen it in years, but I do enjoy hearing his and his guests talk about episodes, it's really interesting when he gets writers of the episodes on to discuss them.

Well here's my crazy ass list of podcasts I love... As you can see they are totally random and vary greatly in topic,  but hopefully some of them might appeal to you. :)

Leave me a comment if you can think of a podcasts I might like

ECCE #3 Wrap-Up

 I'm a few days later than I would like posting thing wrap-up but here it is finally!

 

I look asleep :(

My favourite part of ECCE was: I think this is always the same, I love seeing people walk by my table, do a double take and give it a huge smile. Even if the people don't stop to actually look, just seeing them smile as they see my colourful and squishy things makes me happy.

My least favourite part of ECCE was: It was so cold! The Con was in a hockey rink and it was just frigid, it finally warmed up a bit near the end of Saturday, but it was just chilly which made me really sleepy and frigidity.

What surprised me the most about ECCE was: that I was asked to be on a podcast... I love podcasts (post about those coming up) and J and I frequently joke that we need a podcast, but to be asked by a stranger that I should come on theirs and talk about my crocheting was really weird. I'm still undecided if I should do it, I'm scared to look like an idiot...

What I learnt at ECCE was: the same thing I learn EVERY TIME that you just never know what people are going to want or not want!

The next step for me is: Animartime in Fredericton June 26-28. Come check me out! I actually have a TON of work to do for this Con, ECCE went better than I expected which means I have a lot of work to do in the next 6 weeks...

ECCE #3 this weekend!

So I fail at blogging but OMG the East Coast Comic Expo is this weekend and I am psyched and I've made some AWESOME stuff for it!!!

I'll have many of the same items I had last year, but here's some new ones!!!!

Mini Ponies!!!! source of pattern: NerdyKnitter
I also have 3 LARGE ponies and a spike doll!

I made some mini-villains this year too!!!
There's also a cute mini Mystique!

Doctor Who inspired fingerless mitts

SO MANY KEYCHAINS!!! $4 each!

I have a full series of Sailor moon fingerless mitts this year too!

And the cutest helper when I was working on my Star Wars stuff...

He mostly just supervises...

I hope to see everyone there! It's going to be a good time (like always) and I'll try and be good and update post ECCE like I usually do with the highlights of the event :)

STORE UPDATE!

I think I need to come to terms with the fact that I am not a good blogger... I just don't think anything interesting goes on when I'm working that I want to share... I just updated my store, so that's exciting! You can visit it at www.yarrhooked.storenvy.com

 I've also updated my banner on the store and website (which you can see here) it matches better with my overall style :)

My favourite part about the site is that you can order custom hats, you can choose the colours you want, and I'll make it to match your coat, sweater whatever! I love it! Right now there's options for 4 hats, a cowl and a scarf! I have 6 other designs in the works to be available for customs as well!

I'll try to blog more... I make no promises though...

Crocheting for my Craftroom 2

Forever ago I blogged about the crocheting I was doing for my craftroom, well my lapghan is done!!!



I chose a square from Edie Eckman's book Beyond the Square Crochet Motifs, I love this book. It's my go to when I'm making a blanket, or pot holder, I've even converted one into a hat! It's just a great book, and it's so pretty that J doesn't even mind (too much) when I leave it sitting around. But back to my afghan, as is my prerogative the overall plan changes slightly from the original design, I still used 7 balls of yarn, but I swapped out Waverly Fresh Petals for Vanna's Choice Magenta (Fresh Petals was too pale). It also morphed from being a square 7 x 7 afghan to 6 x 8 squares - which perfectly covers my lap and legs! Now I just need to actually buy a sitting chair for my craftroom so I can use it!



I've also made a gorgeous rug for my room!!! I wanted something that made a statement, and I think this --" bubblegum pink doily does just that! It was made with 4 balls of Red Heart With Love yarn, two strands held together and a 6.5mm hook using the Mantilla Doily free pattern from Coats and Clark. It wasn't a hugely difficult project, but you definitely need to pay attention because it's easy to get confused. As I went on as well each row felt like it was taking FOREVER! That became slightly frustrating, but since I'm thrilled with the final results it was worth it.



My stash is all out and gorgeous!!! I have rearranged it a bit since taking this photo to even out the yarn a bit, but you get the idea.

I was planning on painting it, but I haven't gotten around to buying paint yet, and I'm oddly liking the plain pale greyness... I still think it'll eventually end up pale yellow and bright pink like I had originally planned though. I love colour!

East Coast Comic Expo 2014 Wrap-Up

 

My Table!!! Check out the pretty banner J got me!

 My favourite part of ECCE was: having some awesome discussions with people about crocheting and oddly enough prep for it. I injured my back on some black ice back in March, and was stuck with very limited mobility for 2.5 weeks, which cost me dearly in prep time. So I was in a huge rush to get together some items for this Con and I really enjoyed the challenge! It's stressful sometimes, it causes blisters and sore hands and wrists but it's fun. I'm glad I got that love back, I think I was losing it a bit recently which was heartbreaking.

My least favourite part of ECCE was: that it died down massively after about 2pm. The day started off strong, I made a sale before the doors even opened for the VIP,  and then around 2pm, the crowds stopped and it lead to a very long few hours.

What surprised me the most about ECCE was: that things I had made based on feedback from people last year, went unsold. I had had requests for Finn hats, and I don't know if it was just my version people didn't like, or if the craze is now over, but they unfortunately didn't sell, neither did 3 of my My Little Pony's nor my large Aquaman or Captain America.

What I learnt at ECCE was: that you just never know what people are going to want or not want!

The next step for me is: working on building up stock and starting to blog again. ECCE is looking like the only Convention we are doing this year, so I want to try to get an online store up and running again and work on keeping a quantity of stock, that way I wont have as much of a panic before the next Con.

----

This year was really fun though, I took 2 days off before the Con, which were spent frantically crocheting and sewing. I was up until 1am Friday gluing Shrinky Dink hearts to hair bows. After the Con I took us out for Italian food and then I did something crazy and bought myself a tablet! I've wanted one for a while, and lately my inability to read books (allergic to something in the paper) has been bothering me. So I'm hoping this will help me start reading again!

And because I don't post enough about Java on here...

Here's Java in his new bed with some partially finished ponies
The little guy will pose the instant you hold up your phone...
it's cute and kind ridiculous

Here he is at his first trip to the beach on Sunday! He spent
the first little bit barking at some birds and then at the waves
but then he jumped in and enjoyed the water a bit.

Overwhelmed by life

Well it's been forever since I've blogged! December was full of travel, Christmas activities and last minute commissions, then on Christmas a cough started... that turned into a ridiculously horrible cold/flu/plague for 2 weeks, and then downgraded back to a cough, WHICH I STILL HAVE!!! Over a month later... So I've been sick and exhausted forever it seems...

On top of that I've been battling pretty severe depression ever since my last miscarriage in September, which became much worse over Christmas as attempts to get pregnant again seem to be failing... I'm doing a lot better now, but it's hard. I've had some positive things though over the past few weeks that have helped me a lot.

I'm doing some commissions again, I'm currently doing a set of bomber hats for a couple (they aren't matching colours, which might be for the best, that could be a bit overwhelming... which will finished this week) and I'm starting on stock for East Coast Comic Expo!!! It's happening May 17 in Moncton and everyone should come. DO IT! 

And last week I BOUGHT A PUPPY! My little Java is 3/4 dachshund and 1/4 Jack Russell terrier. He's a total cuddly sweetheart, who has insane overwhelming energy for like 20 minutes, then crashes for a few  hours. The worst part is, that because he's so tiny and gets frozen really fast here in New Brunswick's -20 to -40 C weather... he needs clothes, so he currently has a Nightmare Before Christmas t-shirt, a Ramones t-shirt and two sweaters with skulls on them! I'm also excited to finish up those bomber hats so I can be selfish and whip him up a crocheted sweater from me :)

And here is Java versus his shark toy... He loves a giant toy