Costume:
In my last post I proudly proclaimed that I was going to make my own costume this year. . . well.  Maybe not.  I got it all cut out, and then I think I cut it out on the wrong side of the fabric.  Nice.
So I’ve deserted it for now, and maybe something will light a fire on my bum to get me going on it again, but probably won’t pick it up for a while.  I won’t even look at it yet.

Kool Aid Kids:
In other news, I taught a group of middle school kids to dye yarn using Kool Aid the other day!  It was my first time teaching a workshop, and I am surprised at how fun it was.  I mean, of course I love to teach people to dye yarn (who wouldn’t love dyeing yarn?!), but I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to attend to everyone’s needs during the process.  I was wrong, because there were other adult helpers, and it turned out to be a great project for everyone.
Here’s some of the yarn that was dyed, isn’t it great?!

Tree Planting:
Today my parents and I went and got a terrific deal on two Maple trees from Lowe’s.  They were only $29/each!
We planted one in the front yard, and will plant the second tree in the backyard tomorrow.  They are so beautiful and I hope they grow big and tall.
Below is one of my favorite shots of the day, and you can find more shots here.

Knitting:
I’ve finished a project as of today, but cannot show it on here because it’s going to Jessica.  And she can’t see it yet.  Sorry, chica!
Details soon, though!

Hooping:
I’ve been practicing regularly, and I think it’s paying off!  I can chest and shoulder hoop now.  Man, I love hooping.   Here’s my corny video:

Dress Form:
Since I’m on a mission of insanity to sew my own Halloween costume this year,  I felt it was time that I get a dress form.  The problem with that idea is that 1.) They’re a bit pricey, 2.) I’m not really sure which brand is better quality and 3.) I need a petite size, and those are kinda hard to find. . . if you have any suggestions let me know!
So, I took it upon myself (with my mom’s help!) to make my own using duct tape.  I went to a few different places to try and figure out the best way to approach this project, and here are a few links to some helpful instructions:

Threads Magazine
Mimi Goodwin’s Video (short version) – great for showing how to work around the curvy parts.
Wild Onion – I found this one after my dress form was made, and I highly recommend her version.

Here’s mine:

I think it came out okay, but there’s a lot less definition that my actual body. . . which is understandable.  Though, I think if I would have followed the Wild Onion instructions, things would have come out better.
For instance, we worked from the bottom to top – Wild Onion works from top to bottom; working from top to bottom would have kept the sleeves from getting stretched (and hard to work with) like they did from working bottom to top.  When we got to the bust area, we had to snip the top of my sleeves so that it wouldn’t alter the form, and then that made my arm and sleeve area hard to work around because we had to make sure my skin was covered to protect it from the duct tape.
Another thing Wild Onion does that would have made the process faster and simpler – she cut the shirt a little up the back so that she could form it to fit her body.  Since you’re supposed to use a shirt that’s big on you to begin with, her method helps get rid of a lot of unnecessary bulk.
Next time around I’ll use her method!

After we were done taping, it was time to do the stuffing.  I used fiber fill to stuff it, and I like it a lot because it’s really good at getting into the nooks and crannies.  However, as you can see from the photo, I didn’t do a great job stuffing the bust area!  Luckily, it’s still the same measurement as me, but this is one of the spots that I wish had more definition. . . meaning I don’t like how straight across the chest is.  There’s no rise and fall! lol

For the stand, I bought a microphone stand from Guitar Center, and it works great!  I cut out pieces of leftover illustration board I had to fit the neck and base of the form, then cut holes in the board to allow the stand to go through.  It’s adjustable and sturdy.

Now that it’s all done, I just need to start my costume!

Knitting:
As promised, I have finally gotten around to getting a photo of my finished cardigan.  It’s amazingly comfortable and perfect to wear in chilly air.
For this cardigan I knit the collar in plain stockinette because I wanted the rolled collar look, but I think next time (if there is a next time), I will opt for the ribbed collar.
Without further ado, I present the Caribbean Featherweight:

Details
Pattern: Featherweight Cardigan by Hannah Fetig
Yarn: Spinning Colors Merino Lace in Caribbean

More details on Ravelry.

That’s it for now!
I hope the dress form experience is helpful to those of you looking to make your own; hopefully I’ll get around to sewing something to show how much having a dress form can help anyone who wants to make their own clothes.

It’s been an interesting couple of weeks around my house lately – Monster goes to a museum for the first time, a couple days later he fractures his collar bone, and I got a tattoo!  Crazy combo, huh?

Museum:
I had to go to The Blanton Museum of Art for a class assignment, and realized that Monster hadn’t been to an art museum yet!  Since he loves to paint, I figured he would enjoy going with me – and he did. . . for about 30 minutes.   He really liked the modern paintings, and laughed at an ancient greek sculpture while proclaiming: “Ew! His butt!” lol.  We both had a lot of fun, and the trip was 10x better because he went with me.
While we were there he also participated in the Missao/Missoes [How to Build Cathedrals] installation by Clido Meireles. It’s a piece with A LOT of pennies on the ground that people move and swirl around. Good times.

He also got to view a piece done by one of my favorite artists, El Anatsui.  I have no idea why he posed like he did, but I think it’s hilarious. It was a great day.

Fracture:
Monster, Bobo and my dad were being boys and wrestling/rough housing one night – Monster was jumping from the couch to my dad’s back and then he would roll off onto the floor, except he rolled off and landed on his shoulder *justso* and it fractured his clavicle/collar bone.  It was an interesting night.  We took him to the hospital and he was giggly instead of in pain as most people would be; but he did hurt if we tried to lift him.
So we didn’t know if maybe he was really hurt, or just playing games. . . but luckily there is x-ray technology, and it clarified that yes, he has a fractured collar bone.  I’m guessing that his body was just in shock at first and that’s why he wasn’t in serious pain.
He’s doing fine now, and is quickly learning how to use his body without the use of that one arm.   Pretty cool, me thinks.
Here he is, hammin’ it up:

Tattoo:
I finally went and got a tattoo, much to the disapproval of my parents, and I think it looks great!  Mom called it trashy/Dad said “Idiota!” and asked if I was having another rebellious stage. . . no, I’m not.  I just wanted a tattoo.
It was done by the awesome Ben T. Fiedler at Resurrection Tattoo (in Austin).
Did it hurt? Yes.  It still does, but it’s okay, because I think it looks great.
Here’s the finished photo (it was just finished when this was taken), and if you’d like to see more, head on over to Amanda’s flickr set to get more photos of the event.  Thank you, Amanda for documenting it with your amazing skillz.

I’ve also finished my Featherweight Cardigan and the handspun shawl, but I’ll post about them later when I take some photos.

Also, my youngest son, Bobo, is still around!  He’s getting bigger by the day, and on his way to the terrible-three stage (my kids are still angels when they’re 2. . . )   At least he’s happy when watching the Disney channel!

This past weekend we took a little ride south of town to San Antonio to visit Sea World.  It has always been one of my favorite theme parks because I absolutely love dolphins and whales – in fact, I used to want to be a trainer and to this day I still think it’s one of the best careers ever.  Anyway, I digress.  The reason we planned this trip was for the kiddos; Monster kept talking about sharks and whales – so we decided to take a trip!

We were very lucky with the weather because it was cloudy all day; it was still hot, but at least the sun wasn’t frying us up.  We also had perfect timing on all of the shows, so there wasn’t any waiting around!  Here’s some photos of the day, and you can see more in the flickr set.

Shark & Coral Reef Exhibit

Shamu – Believe

Needless to say, I took a lot of photos of the Viva! costuming.  It’s one of my favorite shows due to the acrobatics, color and dolphins!

That was our big Labor Day Weekend event, and it was so much fun.  Can’t wait to go back!

I’ve been practicing with my hoop almost every day, and I’m pretty good but not great yet.  Either way – it’s SO FUN.  I spent all day yesterday outside (in the shade it was decent) with my hoop and my iPod.
And I bought another hoop.  I know. I don’t need it. . . but it’s pretty and limited and I wanted it.

Also, I’ve made my first hooping video and uploaded it to YouTube.  Next time I’ll record it outside because I feel too cramped in my living room.  (You’ll notice that I hit a chair towards the end of the video). lol
So anyway, it’s not the greatest video, but I have fun with it.

School:
Today was my first day of the Fall ‘09 semester, and I’m REALLY excited about my Fibers class!
I’m learning to weave this semester, and I’m so happy about it because not only do I get to go shopping for yarn as a part of a class, but I get to learn to weave on the floor loom!  Usually all beginning weavers start on a table loom, but we’re a little short supplied this semester, so I’ve been bumped to what I will name “The Biggen”.  More on weaving as my semester progresses.
Tomorrow I’ll be visiting The Old Oaks Ranch in Wimberley, Texas for the first time to collect some carpet warp for class.  I’ve heard great things about the yarn shop, and I’m finally going to see first hand what all the fuss is about.

My other classes are Art History (Modern) and Philosophy.  I don’t mind the discussions in either of these classes, in fact, I tend to enjoy talking about the subjects – but I’m not looking forward to the writing involved. . . it’s not a lot. . . but we have essays at the end of all the tests.  I don’t mind writing (too much), but I’ll admit I’m just lazy about it at times. lol  Nonetheless, I’ll give it my best.

Knitting:
I worked on my handspun shawl today.  That’s all I’ve got to tell you about knitting right now.

Crochet:
Working on a cool new project that I’m excited about – I don’t want to say much on it now, but it’s another fun, quick and easy project.

Other than that, not much going on.  Hope everyone has a great weekend!

I’ve been neglecting my crafts lately due to my current vampire obsession, but I did manage to finish a project that I will offer as a class next month.

I’m really happy with the way this Daisy Scrubbie came out; it’s super quick and easy, and a great way to use up some scrap yarn.

When I went to deliver the scrubbie to The Knitting Nest, I also got sucked in to all the new stuff Stacy has stocked!

The green Ravelry bag  isn’t available in the store, but the rest of it is (thank you, Stacy!!).  The cotton by Nashua Handknits will probably be made into potholders or washcloths. . . not sure yet. lol.  I am also super stoked about the Sheep sock bag that she’s stocked; there are also bags with an illustration of a yarn ball on them.  Among other new stuff are: gift tags, card & envelope sets and some Cascade Arcadia (a cotton/angora blend).

So next up is to finish my Featherweight Cardigan.  I have one sleeve and the front border left to do, and then it’s done!

It’s been a while, so let’s get down to it, shall we?

School:
It’s about time for school to start back up again – and just like I am before every semester begins, I have mixed emotions about it.  I’m happy because I get to start a fresh semester of Fibers (and I’m learning to weave this semester!!!), but I’m anxious as hell that I’m going to be bored to tears in my art history and philosophy course.  Not so much because I’m uninterested in the subjects, but more because I can’t stand lectures.  And since I have two lecture classes and only one studio course, I have a feeling it’s going to be a loooong semester.  We’ll see.
I do know that I will be busy with the AFA (Association of Fiber Artists) this semester since we have a pretty full calendar of meetings and events coming up, so I’m pretty excited about that!

Store:
I recently decided to start selling all spinning fiber in 5 oz bundles!  Mainly because I find that 4 oz doesn’t give me enough yardage for most knitting projects, and I’m sure there are other spinners who feel the same way.
I’ve also got a new colorway called “Gothic Rose”, and I’m in love with it.  As I type this there is 5 oz of superwash merino fiber waiting to be spun up by someone!  Check it out!

There will be an update of sock yarn within the next couple weeks, so if you’ve got a request, just let me know.

Books:
Since finishing the Twilight series I’ve been searching for another vampire series that I could dive into, and thanks to Jessica I have finally found it.  It’s called the Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward and in my opinion is a great read for anyone who is into vampires.  It makes me realize what my mother sees in all those romance novels she reads. . .

Knitting:
The Featherweight Cardigan is still in progress because I had to wait for some needles to arrive to start the sleeves.  I’m thisclose to finishing sleeve #1, so I think within a week it should be off the needles for good!
While I was waiting for the above-said needles, I started on a Simple Yet Effective shawl by Laura Chau with some of my handspun, and I adore it.  Not only do I love the pattern, but it’s the perfect project for the yarn I chose to knit it with; I love it when that happens.

Other than that, I’ve been enjoying my time off with the kiddos and have been hooping like a crazy person, but I’ll save that for another post when I’ve got something to show for it, lol.

So, I’ve not been the greatest blogger lately – but honestly – I’m very surprised that I’ve kept a blog for as long as I have! I thought that summer was going to bring me a lot of extra time to get things done, but I’m still overwhelmed with things to do.  How is that?!?

So, here’s some updates on all fronts.

Store
I’ve moved Spinning Colors back on over to Etsy.com for quite a few reasons, and just to let you know the web address (spinningcolors.com) will still work just fine.  I’m really pleased with my decision to do this, and I hope it doesn’t cause any confusion for anyone.
Along with the move, I’ve stocked a lot of yarn and fiber – and lots more to come next month.  Check it out!

Crochet
Next month is toy month at The Knitting Nest, and we’ve got some really cute stuff lined up for classes.  Staci has some great knitted toys that you should be sure to check out, and I’m working on some of my own.

Knitting
I’ve been longing for a quick project to use with my handspun, so I whipped up this Button-Up Neck Warmer from the Summer issue of Spin-Off.  I love it, and I can’t wait for cool weather to get here!
Ravelry details

Next up – I finished a pair of socks.  In a week. Yes, a PAIR.  This is a record, folks!
Ravelry details

And I’m currently working on the Featherweight Cardigan again, but I’ve abandoned the yellow Malabrigo for now to use my own Merino Lace yarn, project photos will come when it’s all done, of course – but for now, here’s the yarn:

That’s it for now!  I hope everyone is having a great summer.

For those of you going to Sock Summit 2009, please swing by the Cherry Tree Hill Yarn booth and pick up some of these beauties!

This yarn is going to be exclusive to the Sock Summit, and can be stashed on Ravelry under Spinning Colors Summit Special.

For those of you not going to Sock Summit this year, I will have some new lace up in the store soon!