Dual Sided Spiral Scrubbie *With Tutorial*

Hey there ladies and gents!

I made this scrubbie over a one hour period this weekend and thought I would share.

It's great for exfoliation, taking off make up, dishes and household cleanings! Best part is, make a bunch then throw them in the wash and use them again! They don't take up a lot of yarn either so take out your yarn scraps and lets get going!

What you'll need:
Yarn.
Size 5 hook.
Stitch marker.
Scissors.
Yarn needle.
Optional: For a soft and courser side, use a softer yarn for the front or for a dual colour scrubbie use two different colours.

Row 1 - Chain 4 (optional: use colour one/softer yarn), slip stich into first chain from hook. (4)
Row 2 - Chain 8 into loop. Do Not Turn. (8)
Row 3 - Start spiral by single stitching into 1st chain of row 3. Single crochet twice in each stitch. Chain in front loop only. (16)
Row 4 - *Single crochet in next stitch then two single crochet in next stitch* repeat until start of row. (24)
Row 5 - *Single crochet in next two stitches then two single crochet in next stitch* repeat until start of row. (32)
Row 6 - Chain one. *half double crochet in next three stitches then two half double crochet in next stitch* repeat until start of row. (So make things easier, sew in beginning tail here.) (40) (optional: change to colour two/courser yarn)
Row 7 - Chain ten (or however long you want the "thumb" or hanging bit to be), connect to next available stitch with a half double crochet. Single crochet in each stitch (40) and over "thumb" loop (about 20 stitches or enough to cover whole "thumb"). (60)
Row 8 - Turn. Single crochet into last stitch of row 7. Working in back stitches, single stitch until center of spiral. (Approx 40) Slip stitch into sixth chain from hook. Finish by sewing in tail. Ta - da! Done!

I would love to see photos of anyone who tries it! Let me know if there are any mistakes or if you would like an in-depth photo tutorial, too! I made this after the fact and had to go by memory.

NOTE: Feel free to make these as gifts but do not claim this pattern as your own and please do not use this pattern to sell.

Keep Crafting!

Trying Something New...

Hello all,

For the past few days (weeks? Everything is blending together) I've been busy working away at my A Very Potter Musical Craft Swap so everything is all "hush hush" about what I'm doing.

My boyfriend is on board and he is helping in every way he can. WHICH IS FANTASTIC! - since I have no idea what I'm doing for this one aspect and he kinda does... Totally Awesome, no?

So, yeah. A five point swap which means either 1 medium (two points) or 1 large (three points) item with a whole bunch of smalls in between.

I have one small/medium item already done... which is great! I had fun doing it and I did something new.

I'm working on a medium/large item now - it's taking me forever!!!

And I have a whole lot more planned and I hope I have time to work on it. Here's hoping I have a few days off next week to relax and to get this stuff done!

Cheers,
Nessa

P.S. Keep Crafting!

Flash Your Stash!!

I was tagged by the lovely Lee from Totallee.net a while back to "flash my stash".

It's actually scary. I tried to get a photo of all of my stash but as I type this, my dad found a bunch of stashed yarn behind the sofa *sheepish grin*.

I have found places to hide things in this tiny house of mine I'm forgetting where I have them all. I am trying to organize and keep them (somewhat) clean...

Here goes: (Ye be warned: mess follows)

My main stash. Container full of other containers filled with beads, cross stitch, magnet and jewelery supplies, paint, clue, and other odds and ends. On the book shelf is my embroidery floss, markers and in the bag is fabric.

Top view of above.

Back/side view of the bead containers. Glue guns, cross stitch fabric, tissue paper, and more sewing supplies...

On the bookshelf rests a basket of craft swap supplies: Paper, ink, stamps, watercolour pencil crayons, wax crayons, frame, white/cork board, stickers...

All my sketch pads, note pads, beading books, cross stitch patters, crochet book and sewing books...

Current crochet project with more beads and glue and my crochet hooks in their hook roll (green flowers in bucket)... Stain glass window Afghan WIP.

My cork board with my pins and the place I put my handmade thumbtacks and my friends business cards...

GIANT TOTE IN CLOSET FILLED WITH YARN, FABRIC AND FELT!!!!

Under my "clothes dump" director chair: Pillow form, My Tucan and Sam needlepoint project and another WIP lap blanket...

Other side of closet: Purses, fabric, bags, blank shirts for printing/altering, finished crochet projects...

Above closet: Magazines, photo books, hats and costume supplies...

Basement storage: fabric tote (note the blue satin bow from the unfinished Sailor Venus costume), All bags filled with fabric and tulle and lace or fake flowers. Cutting board/ironing board in front.

Box filled with feathers, fabric, paper supplies. Underneath rests my two totes filled with neckties.

Sewing corner (note Arnold my sewing machine is not present since I lent him to my great aunt visiting from Italy). My sewing box named Burt on top of muslin and in the H&M bag is my vinyl.

Well, that's it... for my dad's house. I have a lot more at my moms and hiding around the house.

My boyfriend promises me a craft room once we get our own place. I better get one!!!!

Keep Crafting (and stay clean and organized!!!)
-Nessa

Firefly/Serenity Fruity Oaty Bars

Last summer I got into a felt craft faze where I tried to create a bunch of felt stuffies. I only have one that I was happy enough to continue making. I based it off Firefly/Serenity's Fruity Oaty Bars commercial. I loved it. I made my own version since I didn't know how to master the octopus head just yet so it has more of a squid look to it. Ah well, I love him.

This red and black stuffie was made for my sister.

Ooooh.

They are about 9" long from head to tentacle.

Taking a ride on my daddy's head.

This is Oaty. I sometimes use him as a pin cushion. He doesn't mind.

I don't know if these are good enough to sell on Etsy. As pincushions and the like. If not, I'll post a tutorial since I documented everything while making Oaty.


I planned on making a seahorse one in the future... Any other ideas for stuffie pin cushions?

Keep Crafting,
Nessa

Newbie Swap Finished!

That's right! I've finished making all the swap items for my partner! Instead of the two smalls, one medium that was required, I ended up making four smalls, two mediums and threw in a whole bunch of craft goodies!

I can't post anything just yet as I am waiting for my partner to finish up her items for me and only after we meet up (since we live about twenty minutes apart - sweet! Saving on postage!) and swap packages can I post. Of course, I'll only post after she opens it. I'm excited to see what her reaction will be. I can, however show a little spoiler... what's on the box only! :P

As you can see, she's a huge fan of GIR and Invader Zim. I had no idea what that show was so I watched a few episodes and stalked websites and forums for information. I think she'll like it very much!

I promise to post everything once we swap!



In other news:
I have not been crafting my Hogwarts Crest lately as my recovery has been steady but slow :( I spent this week finishing up a smaller cross stitch piece for my swap partner only. This week will be crazy for me as well as last week's job interview has been rescheduled for this week and my boyfriend has finally convinced me to go take my driver's test. I will hopefully jump back into full swing come Wednesday night.

Let's go!
-Nessa

Week Three Hogwarts Crest

Cross Stitch:

Week Three - February 7 - February 13

Sorry for the very late post. This past week has been extra crazy and I only had a few days to work on this project. Tuesday I went bowling with momma, her boyfriend, his son and my boy. Wednesday was a mad dash to the dentist (whom told me I have to get a root canal) who sent me to an Endodontist (root canal specialist)... basically it took all day for someone relying on transit. 

Thursday was spent in major pain from all the poking and prodding from the dentists and I didn't eat anything all day due to the constant pain. I spent Thrusday crocheting as my mind doesn't have to work too hard thinking pattern-wise and on a few other mindless craft projects for my Craftster swap. Friday was basically the same.

Saturday was my Valentine's day with boy. He made me heart shaped cookies decorated with smarties. I also got a lottery ticket, a HMV gift card and a bag of cinnamon hearts (which I will enjoy for a while after the surgery).

Now, this upcoming week will be just as bad. I will be getting my root canal Wednesday and I have a job interview Tuesday (I hope the meds don't upset my stomach and have to cancel. I can't think of anything more embarrassing than having diarrhea while on a job interview!!! I have always been sensitive to antibiotics since I am allergic to penicillin - ugh) and today was spent running around (with a lot of bad luck) to fill my prescription.

I do hope to get back into full swing in the next two weeks. You can't see, but I've gotten a scroll style x-stitch holder (valentine's gift from mom)! I like that I have more room to work with but I don't like that the tension can't always be controlled. It keeps unraveling and there is no horizontal tension.

I may be on hiatus until next week. Gook luck on your projects!

Keep crafting,

Nessa

Week Two Hogwarts Crest

Cross Stitch:

Week Two - January 31 to February 6

Everything is going swimmingly! Although I spent most of the week removing stitches or working on something else, I believe it is coming out quite well. 

I did have to go out and get more floss. I had to go to two Micheals stores since one ran out of Black. I was shocked since they have about six tubs for black and they were all out! But I eventually got what I needed. And my boyfriend didn't even mind! I think he enjoys going to the arts store just as much as me! He wanders around and drags me to different sections looking at everything. He's adorable. He's like a kid in a candy store!

In Other News:

I have signed up for my first official craft swap on Craftster! It's a newbie swap since it is my first and I am very excited to start! I have some ideas on what I want to try but will tailor it to my swap partner. I have until March 11th to send out my package so I will have to organize my time wisely to still work on my projects as well as this one. OOOH! I can just see the possibilities! 

I love the idea of craft swaps!

Keep crafting,

-Nessa

Harry Potter Craft Madness!

Crochet:
I finally had a chance to upload my pics from Christmas of the Harry Potter House Scarves I made for my little cousins. Sadly, I didn't have enough time to finish sewing the tails in (there were 124 in total) for Christmas Eve, but was able to finish it for the munchkins in time for New Years Day. They were really excited and were jumping for joy at the sight of them! Glad my hard work paid off! They both asked for specific houses.

When asked why they chose their houses, the youngest said that Gryffindor was the best house because Harry Potter was in it and that it's the "good" house. The oldest said that she liked the colour green. Personally, I think the oldest didn't want to look like her little sister and what better way than to be in the opposite house. Silly monkeys!

Modeling the Slytherin Scarf

The yarn was really thick so instead of making it in single crochet (which would make it super thick and hard for the girls to move their heads), I decided to make it half-double crochet. Truthfully, I am falling in love with the hdc stitch.

I also designed the pattern myself. It wasn't that hard. I just looked up children's scarf lengths and got to it. If you would like the pattern, I'd be happy to post it.


Cross Stitch:
As for my cross stitch project, I've picked up a Hogwart's School Crest from the Leaky Cauldron's craft website (Link: here). My boyfriend and I went to the local Michael's for the floss and they had every colour except one. Slightly put out, we left with all but that one thinking we'd go to another one on the weekend.

Instead of spending too much time looking for DMC's 415 Pearl Grey, I decided I could wait to go to my mother's house and steal from her stash. That was easier said then done.

First off, my mom hasn't taken out her supplies in about eleven years and so the supplies were packed away in the basement. Second, she just re-arranged the storage space and had no idea where the totes were. Third, after going through the entire basement storage space (and getting caught in many spider webs and many scrapes and missing many avalanche close calls) we ended up finding her supplies in the first tote we looked in. Thankfully she had the colour and also gave me a lot of her bulk canvas (yay saving money).

Week One - January 23 to January 30

I have to admit, I haven't cross stitched anything since I was about fourteen. I've also messed up the pattern a few times already but I'm glad the mistakes aren't noticeable. What has helped a lot is that my mom came across a cross stitch stand for $2 at a garage sale. I've been wanting one for a while and have been saving up but since they cost about $60 it's taken me a while. Best thing is about this one is that it holds both the scroll style holders and the hoops. Thanks mom!


On Another Note:
Also, go check out Totallee's crochet webpage. She makes amazing work using a "crochet-by-numbers" technique. She's also a geek and loves Harry Potter. Check out her Harry Potter Bunch blanket. Beautiful work!

Until next week,
Nessa

Needlepoint and Nerdiness

Good morning Neverland! Well, afternoon, actually.

I've been busy crafting since my last post. After a four month long crochet binge my arms and fingers needed some much needed rest. I felt myself getting into a cross stitch/needlepoint mode with no supplies. I ended up digging through my craft supplies and found an old project and picked it up.

When I was about twelve (since I was still in my old house at the time) I picked up a really tacky needlepoint kit at a garage sale for 50 cents. It had two parrots on it surrounded in leaves. I ended up working on it for about a day or two and then was forgotten and misplaced during the move. I finally found it about twelve years later. (Man, I'm old.) Moving on...

PROGRESS PICS

I took pictures of my progress and I am glad to say I only have a small corner of the background to finish (yay)! I have no idea what to do with it since I think it is utterly tacky. I may turn it into pillows since as you know by now I have a very odd obsession with pillows. I LOVE THEM. I am currently using (and not for decoration) six pillows on my bed.

I have many pillows planned for my own place and most are geeky ones. I am not ashamed to say that I am majorly geeky and I am proud to show it off!

-Nessa xoxo

Crochet Pillow Cases

Hello all! I hope you all had an amazing holiday and that 2011 brings you many great things.

For Christmas I made a few crocheted pillow cases for my boyfriends mom and my two young cousins. I already have orders for more from other family members. I plan on making some superhero (Batman and Superman) and some Star Wars pillows for when I get my own place.

I may put up a tutorial if I get around to it and if anyone else would like one.


Below are some photos:

Quarter Life Crisis.

So. It's been a long time since I posted last and a lot has changed. I have changed my mind on what I want to be and am still searching for it. I am no longer interested in going to Dalhousie (as you can see, I'm still on the big T.O. with nothing to do not even a job).

It's hard to find out what one wants to do in life and as I have been catering to what my family and friends wanted of me since I was young, I have realized that what they hoped for me was not what I wanted in life and wouldn't be happy if I continued on the route I was on. Rather than have their dreams come true, I put everything aside on a useless journey of self discovery. Since April I have been searching within myself to find what I enjoy on life or find interesting to turn into a career. I was tired with holding dead end retail jobs so I joined with a temp agency. Although nothing has come of it yet but one three day job, I hope that something will hit my brain like lightening and I will suddenly know which direction to take and finally start my life.

There are a few constant things in my life that I can be thankful for. For one, my other half (Alex) whom I met in November of last year has been a pillar of constant support and love. He encourages me to be myself and to go for my dreams (whatever they may be once I figure it out) and to never give up. The second, my best friend who, like my boyfriend Alex, puts up with my constant crazy and my changing my mind. In a way she is my costuming/crafting mentor and in another she is a role model. Not only has she found what she wants to do in life, she has grabbed it by the horns and is now in Halifax studying costuming. And finally the last is my creativity. It comes in leaps and bounds and there it never seems to dry up. My hands are constantly itching for new projects to try and things to get dirty. These three things have kept me sane the past few months and will keep me going onwards.

I have many dreams and ideas in life on what I wish to accomplish. Many will stay that way. But for others I hope they become a reality.

To open a shop with all my hand made items.
To work in/open a candy shop.
To work with computers either in graphics or IT.
To become a teacher.
To create and sell my work.
To become an actress.
To get my license.
To hold a job with health care.
To get married.
To have kids and dress them up as the justice league for Halloween.
To find a job I am content and satisfied with.

As you can see, I have no idea what path in life I want to take. If being a stay at home mom and running my own business from home was a job where I could have a stable income, I would. I know I'm not cubicle material. I truly consider myself someone who will always be off the beaten path and is a little more... original (crazy, outgoing, quirky?) and wish to find a job that represents me as well. It's unrealistic, I know, but as a dreamer and a crafter, I know it in my soul that I was meant to do something unique with my life.

So, this blog will be a way for me to post crafts and updates from my social life to keep me sane and a way for myself to reflect over my life and where it leads.

-Nessa