.:: Dreamaginarius: The House of Spinning Mermaid Fiber Arts ::.

Today is the Day! Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Quilter's Blog Hop Party with Giveaways!

2012-03-16T11:37:00.000-07:00

Hi! And thank you for stopping by. I am so excited to be part of the Quilter's Blog Hop Party! hosted by Michelle Foster from Quilt Gallery. (Thank you Michelle for allowing me to be part of this event!)

While I am not a quilter my self, I definitely enjoy the fiber arts just as you do. For this reason, I want to share with you something I made for the occasion. I am giving away the Art Batt below with a spindle I hand painted to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day with you! The Batt has 100% Hand-dyed Merino and Angelina fiber for glitz. I am throwing also a dash of Angelina separately for your quilting projects as a gift :)

Now a bit of St Patrick on his day... There are many legends revolving St Patrick but, after some 1500 years, these legends have been inseparably combined with the facts. And together they have helped us know much about the Saint and the spirit behind celebration of the day.And the Irish has borne it as part of their national tradition in everywhere they populated and prospered.

The leprechaun, a Celtic fairy, has become entrenched as a chief symbol for this holiday, as is the shamrock, an ancient symbol for the triple goddess Brigit. It is fitting that this holiday should fall at the time of the year when the return of spring begins to seem at hand.

St. Patrick's Day--the shamrock, a pot of gold, and that impish fellow, the leprechaun.

Shamrocks. The shamrock is the symbol of Ireland. The petals of the three-leafed clover represent the Holy Trinity in this primarily Catholic nation. Shamrocks are said to be lucky.

Leprechaun. The leprechaun is a male faerie that comes from Irish mythology. He is typically depicted wearing green, with a top hat and big belt buckle. Leprechaun's are reputed to be very rich, having a pot or two of gold stashed away. They are benign, if somewhat impish, creatures.

Pot o' Gold. The wealth of the leprechauns, the pot o'gold is traditionally depicted as a black cauldron, filled with gold coins. According to Irish folklore, leprechauns store their pots o' gold at the end of the rainbow.

Few Fun Facts about the Holiday:

* The very first St. Patrick's Day parade was not in Ireland. It was in Boston in 1737.

* In Chicago, on St. Patrick's Day, the rivers are dyed green. Mayor Daley is also of Irish descent.

* Many young people dye their hair green for the special day. (Would you do this?!! I would if my hair was light colored!)

* In Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day, people traditionally wear a small bunch of shamrocks on their jackets or caps. Children wear orange, white and green badges, and women and girls wear green ribbons in their hair

* The phrase, "Drowning The Shamrock" is from the custom of floating the shamrock on the top of whiskey before drinking it. The Irish believe that if you keep the custom, then you will have a prosperous year.

* Legend says that each leaf of the clover means something: the first is for hope, the second for faith, the third for love and the fourth for luck.

* * *

Hope you liked your stay!

*** Now very quick.. for you to be entered into The Spindle, Fiber and Angelina Give-Away, very simple: ***

1.- Follow my blog
2.- And Like my Facebook Fan Page :) SpinningMermaid
3.- Make a comment with your contact email to enter you in the drawing :)

If you like to Like or enter me in your Etsy Circle, follow my Twitter or any of the other social media I would be grateful, but it is NOT required for the giveaway. I just want to make it easy and don't want to take too much time from you so you can visit other wonderful blogs! :)

The winner will be announced on Saturday March the 24th at my blog. So don't forget to come back :)

Thank you for visiting and Don't forget to jump to the other quilter's blogs for more giveaways!

Visit Them Now HERE and have FUN!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day to All!

Frozen at work.. The regrets of the dying... and fiber talk.

2012-03-13T12:54:00.000-07:00

I am frozen at work.. and it is not about the temperature. I just read something that left me dead cold. The Regrets of the Dying. I did not burst into tears because I had so much caffeine today.. I have not even evaluated every single one.. but just glancing through what I read I am just speechless. Like if by a magic trick my voice went far from my body. I cannot explain. My heart, mind and soul got together at once.

- I wish I had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected.
- I wish I hadn't work so hard.
- I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings
- I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends
- I wish that I had let my self be happier

I am not going into detail what each of these ones mean to me or who did I think when I read them. This is a solo job. You really need to sit and think about this while you can. As for what pertains to me.. I just have to say.. I am not sure what I am doing with my life. I am so blessed to have come across with the above. Just 5 sentences, but those I think are the beginning of a radical chance in my life. It is not only about the words, it is about the whole concept and idea of a person lying in their bed with their days counted.

You really need to read this in depth: The Regrets of the Dying - by Bonnie Ware (an Australian Nurse)

************************************************************************************

Phew! My mind is blown! I will change topics very quick..

Good news, bad news...

*Bad news:
I will not have full Art Batts until the Summer

*Good news:
Store opens on the 25th and will have various Fibers and embellishments for the Adventurous and spontaneous spinner & Fiber Artist! I will offer quirky and tastefully decorated spindles among other crafty fiber related things. Oh! I will also have Louet products for sale! I might have from time to time small art batts that will be offered with the spindles.. so not all the fiber will be raw' :)

So how's that? Not bad huh?

Anyway, let me show you what I carded yesterday.. I think I am going to use this 3oz batt for core spinning. What do you think?

I included super soft Merino, Mulberry silk and Angelina fibers.

I will be having some fun tonight! Will show pics tomorrow or when ready :)

Happy Tuesday!

Once upon an Indigo..

2012-03-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Let me tell you a story.. Once upon a Fiber crazy gal bought and planted exactly a month ago some Indigo seeds. She, before planting the seeds documented herself. All over the net mentioned that would take 10 days for it to grow. 10 days, 2 weeks, 3 passed and nothing. She kept watering, covering and moving the soil around until the miracle happened...

So, yes people.. finally! I DO NOT have the Magical Green thumb.. I even have the feeling that every plant I touch I kill haha But here it is.. Indigo. Now, I planted indigo Polygonum first, then when I saw nothing happening .. I planted Indigofera Tinctoria. Who knows! But I don't mind. I am sooo happy now! I am hoping by the summer to have the plants grown and ready to dye!

Oh happy me! happy me!

Happy Friday!

-K

Sara Moli Newton Applebaum - Mind blowing fiber art

2012-03-08T11:14:00.002-08:00

Probably you have never heard of her.. she is a talented Californian artist who makes these crazy' - and I call them crazy as I would call them fabulous- fiber/knitted/quilted/crochet sculptures. Not sure if to call furniture covers, wall papers or what! But as you can see they are a series of wonderful granny squares mixed with other geometric forms cleverly inter-weaved to create the desired forms. How cool is that?!

It blows my mind just even thinking I could have such an exuberant rug in my bed room. I would totally roll around like a baby! (I mean it.. haha)

I am not quite sure where was the exposition below. But her work is truly fascinating for those of us who LOVE the fiber arts. Next step? a Knitted Portrait? There is always the option to 'yarn bomb' your own house or you bosses chair (-a classic epic one..

For more info on Sarah, visit her webpage for her latest work: http://www.sarahapplebaum.com

Anyway, just thought to share to lift the spirits!

Happy Thursday!

Sabotaging my self..

2012-03-08T09:30:00.001-08:00

I haven't been these days here.. I've been so anxious about my Etsy Store. And all the doubts and questions are eating me. What if I am not liked? What if my product is not good enough or nobody will like it? What if a bomb is sent to me and explodes ruining my merchandise? (haha well, a bit too much here..

Seriously, I am very afraid to the point that I am thinking of not continuing :( I have heard that the glory comes from the courage to begin. I started already, but what about if.. I don't have a visible style? All of these questions have been camping in my head and seems like they are determined to stay. But you know what my worst fear is? That for some reason by mistake or unconsciously (after seeing so many wonderful fiber mixes from fellow artists) I will replicate one without realizing and being called a COPY CAT!! That would devastate me! But despite that fact I will continue.. most likely when I open the store all will be good. Probably is just the feeling of a new unknown project.. after all it is still a business. So I guess it is acceptable to feel nervous about the whole idea. I truly love what I am doing, meaning the whole process and the fibers. I have this passion for it, and that is what I want to reflect. I think to my self.. what is the worst it could happen? Well, me to keep all the fiber to spin haha Which is not bad at all! But that is not the whole purpose of the work, although I will be keeping stuff for me :)

Anyway, I hope to see you soon! Have a good one ;)

8 Hours in the Fiber Dye-Lab

2012-03-06T10:15:00.002-08:00

You may think I crazy, or you probably understand me because you are as crazy as me! But yesterday I spent 8+ hours dyeing fibers. I was drained! All was by hand.. no immersion dyeing. From soaking, drying, curing, painting, wrapping, cleaning, etc I finished 1 kilo of fibers! 1000 grams!! I am definitely not done. These were just the accent colors. I need to work on my bases too. I am pending to receive some sari silk and other goodies for the Art Batts I am planning to have at my Etsy Store. Here is what I have drying now :) You cannot tell much (purposely hehe) but I fell in love with the green yellow you see there.. they all are gradients but will not be sold as rovings. They are actually to be taken apart to mix beautifully. I am so excited! I am not doing the batts yet until I finish all the dyeing. Plus, I am waiting to receive the bags on which I will put the batts at. We need to have them stored away in a secured place but not squished. I want to keep them springy and fluffy, exactly as they will ship.

(Click me to see me in a sexy zoom form' )

While the dyeing was a delight.. I am definitely changing the dyeing routine as I cannot be taking days off from the '8to5' that often. Although, I have to say I am very revitalized today at work. I am also waiting for the wool locks for my Doll Artist friends! Those will not be offered until April as I want to make sure I take ultra mega special care for those. After all, they will become hair for dolls and I want to offer a wide range of hair colors.

Anyway, just stopped to say Hi and let you know what was currently going on. I also spun some yarn but I did not save the picture in my portable drive to share. Will do so tomorrow. In the meantime, please have a fantastic Tuesday!!

Here comes the sun (doo doo doo doo)

2012-03-02T16:49:00.000-08:00

I have enjoyed my day off so much that I found my self smiling while taking a nap. The weather was perfect, like an eternal Spring. What else can I ask for?

I am very happy today but specially very grateful. My brother was ran over (literally) yesterday night from his motorcycle. He is a very tall and strong guy. The car passed through his legs, no bones broken. I just don't want to think. All I can say on my knees is THANK YOU GOD, Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.

Changing topics.. I skeined' my hand-dyed and hand-spun yarns.. they came out pretty nice.

You can see the sun shining through my window here :)

I also spun my Tropical Piña colada fiber, but it is still setting in the niddy noddy

It is a true delight working with fibers. I am so lucky, it was such a happy coincidence that I ended spinning fiber that I am so grateful for it. Maybe it was meant to be :)

Before I leave, I want to share one of my favorite songs from a great man, George Harrison

Let the sun come!

Enjoy your Friday

Spinning Mermaid Fiber Studio: And the spinning fibers are dried now

2012-03-01T08:08:00.001-08:00

Spinning Mermaid Fiber Studio: And the spinning fibers are dried now: Merino in 'Tropical Piña Colada' Colorway Also, 'Pastel Clouds' Alpaca and 'Fiesta Silk' Not the best picture...

Spinning fibers coming this March 25th at my Etsy Store: SpinningMermaid

xo,Karla

"Colleen's Sunshine Yellow" Fiber

2012-02-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hi! I am soooooo excited! I just finished working on this batt. One of my lovely customers bought my Ashford carder and I promised some fiber so I asked her what color did she want. She just said "send me the warmth of California in a yellow!" So this is what I came up with:

Delicious Merino with fluffy Alpaca and sumptuous silk!

It is so tempting.. I am so glad that is going to a very nice person, that is why I am calling it the "Colleen's Sunshine Yellow". It is official :)

Also, just want to share that the picture has not been manipulated. The color is as bright and lively as it appears, like the warm days of Southern California.

More of these fibers to come to my Etsy Store: www.spinningmermaid.etsy.com

Happy Tuesday!

Fiesta, Red Heart and Piña Colada happened this weekend

2012-02-27T13:46:00.000-08:00

This is what happened over the weekend at home. I am calling it Fiesta colorway. It is Mulberry Silk in the most beautiful rainbow colors overlapping each other to complement! I think as this is my test' batch I will keep :) But of course.. I will replicate to sell at my Etsy Store.

I also dyed some Merino.. it is so funny because I showed the picture to a friend who just saw the thumbnail of it and he mentioned that I looked like a nurse holding an organ! haha It thought it was fantastic! Now, for that reason I am calling this color from now on 'Red Heart'. It is so saturated that it came out wonderfully!

So now I am a fiber nurse! ;) That will be about the only time I will be called a nurse as I am a wimp' when it comes to open wounds etc. I also worked on another colorway called "Piña Colada". I don't have a picture of it but I promise you will want to drink it when you see it!

Anyway, I have to go back to work the 8-5 now but will see you tomorrow!

xo,
Karla

What has been happenning lately!

2012-02-23T12:07:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have been absent for this while.. but I have been busssssssy! Did I tell you I am finally starting my Etsy store? YES, It is happening (March 25th). This time my store is about Spinning Fibers hence the name SpinningMermaid. I have always been a big Little Mermaid fan, yes... I paid my VHS movie back in 1989 (VHS!! 'am old..) Anyway, I bought it in Ensenada Mexico (Baja) from a video store, so my vid was used but I did not care.. I loved the movie so much! I remember I used to sign all the songs by heart but not understand a word! At that time I did not know how to speak English. In fact I learnt how to speak it until I was 18, that was because the company I worked for sponsored me :) Yes, I started working when 18 as I could not go to University (could not afford.. due to family illness but that is another story). Thank God I turned out to be a decent person -allow me to say haha!- and a very VERY hardworking one. Although I wish I went to school earlier, I don't regret.. my time and place has been at every minute I have lived and I thank God for it :)

Aaaaanyway... so I have been dyeing fiber like crazy (<< my style for sure... and loving it!). Now, something very sad happened.. maybe not that sad to the world but to me. My mom's Great Dane.. played his worst trick to me. Yes, he ruined all my fiber while drying outdoors!! My husband did not tell me until I got home, and of course I broke in tears. Come on! I spent my whole Sunday dyeing with the biggest illusion in the world for my store and my merchandise is lost. I could clean it but I would never sell it to anyone, it is matter of QC to me.. it is just a standard business practice in my philosophy. Thank God I let to dry the silk indoors.. this is one of the little samples: Mulberry Silk with Angelina in a mute turquoise (can you tell is my favorite color?)

I have also been working on my Etsy Store Banner and my new blog. I am definitely using Dreamaginarius as my personal blog and SpinningMermaid blog will be mostly for store updates. I am very fond to you and to this blog for some reason. Or.. I am just silly and cannot let go.. hehe

While I do my online work.. I cannot help to wander around online! It is just part of my gemini personality to be all over the place haha . And while that was happening I came across this website SlaughterHouseVixen, a DevianArt user who did a post about Mary Blair and featured her work desk! How cool is that?

I am so inlove with Mary Blair and her work, I just have to be reminded of it by looking at her amazing work. I just cannot believe I even considered selling my MB illustration collection! I guess it was the need ($$). I feel so guilty by not going to visit her Gallery at Disneyland.. I am just two hours away! Shame on me :( I promised my self I will go on my birthday (June 1st) and treat me with a big Disney doze of whim, oh yes..

One of her concept projects that never ceases to amaze me if Peter Pan. I love the colors.

(I apologize I cannot give the proper credit of the above image but 1000% sure it is Mrs Blair's)

Here is another one, that one that I would LOVE to replicate for my own collection (no profit involved). That when I have more time.. I am still pending to even do my Harry Potter sweater as planned!

(This one comes from this blog: One1more2time3, although the artist is Mary Blair)

More Mary Blair Images HERE and other Favorite Blog HERE

I wish there was more time in the day (like Elvis said..) so I could do all I want and wish to do!
but for now.. I will work with what I have..

...One last thing.. while under the 'mermaid' influence I found these gorgeous shoes. That is my quirky taste. They are from Irregular Choice, Mermaid model. Love and soo want!!

Well, that is all for now.. I have to get back to my 8-5 job. Just popped to say Hi! and don't forget to visit my other blog www.spinningmermaid.com!

Happy Thursday!

xoxo,

Karla

First fiber samples!

2012-02-19T15:39:00.000-08:00

Working on dye for my fibers!

2012-02-18T21:40:00.000-08:00

Today was a very intense day. I spent good 7 hours working on the dyes. It is a tedious work but at the same time exciting when I got to see the colors I was mixing. It is a lot of physical work in the sense of mixing, getting the water, making sure the temperature is right and there are no granules left in the solution.

This picture is after I finished. It is the napkin I used to clean the mixing bowl. It came out beautifully! Tomorrow, I will start dyeing the merino, alpaca and silk! Now, that is the exciting part! But for now, I am off today as I will have a busy day.

Have a great night!

(concurrently posting at my business blog: http://spinningmermaid.blogspot.com/ Keeping this one as my personal one :)

SOLD: Selling my Ashford Wild Carder $355.00 - Brand New - PRICED TO GO!

2012-02-08T08:01:00.000-08:00

I am selling my Ashford Wild Carder for only $390.00. It is currently retailing at $470!

I only used 3 times so it is in New Condition. comes with all you see in the picture (stock picture)

My husband is building me a custom one and I thought I could give this one a new home while it is new.

Send me a message (email me) or through my Etsy or FB >>>>>>>

Happy Carding!

xo,

Karla

Planting Polygonum Tinctorium or better known as Indigo

2012-02-07T15:25:00.000-08:00

Polygonum Tinctorium, Persicaria Tinctoria or just Indigo

I told you last week that I was waiting for my Indigo seeds. Well they finally arrived yesterday. I did a whole lot of reading and research about how to plant them but there wasn't a step by step guide on how to do it. So with the guidelines I know, I planted them my own way. I did save half of the seeds from each seller, just in case...

I bought this kit from Home Depot (that of course cannot remember the name..) where you have the tray with little slots and the soil comes prepared already. You just have to add water, remove the net and sow the seeds. Which is exactly what I did.

I went ahead an planted 3 seeds per each disc' and covered with the same mulch/soil mix. The cool part is that the kit comes with a clear lead to make a little greenhouse effect. I am totally new to this so I do get super excited lol! Apparently I have to wait 10 days-2 weeks for it to grow then replant. Once bigger keep replanting until is good enough to be planted on the land. I think I will only wait for it to grow around 8-10" and then transplant to soil. I have plenty of time for that, plus I need to work on the area I will be planting it.

There is a lot of cleaning and chicken-wiring" to be done since I have 2 beautiful crazy dogs... who would not mind at all running over my precious Indigo plants!

Do you see the old wood just laying there? Well, I plan to make some recycled planters of it. Also, there is this plant that has been growing called Fatsia Japonica. To be quite honest we hate it! But we haven't been able to eradicate it. It has been propagating too much. Anyway, I will be preparing the soil for planting other seeds of plants that yield fiber dye. yay! I have order the seeds online already, the only one I am planting from the pot directly will be Black Hollyhock.

Well, that is the story for now.. I will see you tomorrow! xo, Karla

Spinning Wheel at my Store & Fiber I spun on the weekend!

2012-02-06T11:15:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about this for the last few months and I finally decided to allow my self to open my Etsy store. Now I am back with Spinning Equipment. I am happily saying I just listed my very first item: A Wonderful Louet Julia!

I am hoping to offer more of these great wheels for the fiber lovers. If you are interested or know anyone looking for great spinning equipment, please share the love and send them to my newly open store!

I am giving Free Shipping and fiber with the purchase. Also, I note that the Lazy Kate COMES with the wheel. It is not optional but you get it with it! On a final note LAYAWAY available, just send me a message through my Etsy.

Changing a bit ... this weekend I spun some 2-ply yarn. It was so much fun! I carded some Polwarth with Silk.. It was a bit difficult due to the finesse of the silk but it ended working out. This is how it ended:

It is a thick and thin yarn. The second fiber plied was Tussah Silk which made the yarn look gorgeous! You may wonder.. why are you spinning on an Ashford while you sell Louet's!? Well, this was my first spinning wheel and you know that first love hehe.. Anyway, I still have to set the fiber and wash it.. but happens to be that it was balanced pretty good so I think I will dye it and in the process do the washing. Why would I do it twice you know..

I managed to spin a good 4oz skein. Now, I am debating whether dye it turquoise or yellow. I recently purchase a book about how to dye naturally your fibers and it gave several options. Specially for those of us who live in California.

Did you know that Hollyhock flower can dye a wonderful greenish blue??

Or Coreopsis a wonderful Yellow?

You see what I am saying? Isn't it hard to decide? both are gorgeous colors! I will have to spin more fiber so I can have both :)

Here is a close-up of the yarn. I think it is not bad at all ;)

Got to go now.. but

Hope you have a Fantastic Week!

xo,

Karla

My purple yarn, Mini Spinning Wheel and My little Grace

2012-02-03T09:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday!!

So, I finished plying my knitpicks yarn.. (which I did not really like and will not use) yesterday and freed up my Country Wheel for new fiber. I decided to give it the last twist to my purple yarn in the opposite direction so loosen up the twist a bit and make it a bit more balanced. I left it sitting in the Niddy-Noddy overnight, however I think I should I left it longer. I will go back and do that tonight or maybe just hanging with a water gallon for weight. But for now, this is what I got:

I have the feeling that it felted a bit after the wash. It did not come up horrible, but not exactly as I was imagining it would end up being. The colors are beautiful (sorry this picture is horrible). Well, but cannot complain as this is my 5th skein for now.

Here is another take of the whole skein:

Of course you cannot do a real weight estimate next to my mini spinning wheel! haha

Isn't that wheel the cutest? It actually works! but obviously I do not make it do any jobs as I want it to last for a long long time. :) I got it on Etsy from a Canadian seller early last year. I originally bought it as a doll prop while I was attempting to make paper clay dolls. Was fun while it lasted ;)

And talking about spinning wheels, I just got a response to be entered in the wait list for a gorgeous Little Grace Spinning wheel! I am so excited!! These wheels have a very nice story behind them and they are made to order by Mr Keeves in New Zealand. I have secured my space in the queue. I am truly hoping to make of this wheel a heirloom for my future generations. Take a look at the wheel:

(the above wheel is Interweave's artist Cary Bush)

And the story about these gorgeous wheels is this one :)

Mike Keeves writes "In 1976 when Maggie was expecting our first born she learned to spin in order to make a cot blanket. I learned too." On a borrowed wheel he discovered the difficulties of tension, warped wheels, stiff mechanism and other imperfections. Having served an apprenticeship as a joiner in England, worked in Sweden as a pattern maker and in Germany in building and engineering, he thought he should be able to make a wheel for them to use.

After many hours of trial and error he got the mechanical and aesthetic aspects as he wanted. The drive wheel was made of marine grade plywood which holds its shape, and the heart-shaped cutouts near the centre of the wheel are to remove excess weight: the heart motif is a European folk art influence.

He had not intended to make wheels commercially, but spinners wanted them. "One person remarked that it was a graceful looking wheel, and as Grace was my mother's name it seemed a good choice" he remembers "so it became the Grace wheel."

If you want to read the entire history behind this gorgeous wheel please visit THIS LINK or If you want to know more about Mr Keeves, please visit this interview with him HERE

I will post again about my Grace Wheel in 6-8 months once my wheel is completed!
Have a Fantastic Weekend!

Waiting for Seeds, Yarns and Roving in the Mail

2012-02-02T11:51:00.000-08:00

I promised yesterday I was going to post about Woolen and Worsted spinning. I haven't had the time to make a proper post with all the information I want to include and the proper credits (because I need to do that too). I will be working on that this weekend to make a good post sometime next week. I also have this project for my recently created Ravelry Group: Spinning Workshops Directory in which I am planning on doing an extensive research about all the classes/courses/workshops in each US State for the benefit of all the Spinning community ;) I opened the group yesterday and we already have 24 members! yay!

Did I tell you I ordered yarn from KnitPicks for my Harry Potter sweater project? Well, It shipped this Saturday and It has not arrived yet. I am quite anxious (with no reason...) but I cannot wait to get it!! I am also waiting for roving, the one I posted about a few days ago. I did get yesterday my Magic Bottle Necklace from PaintDropJewelry and I love it! (wearing it now :)

I tend to be very impatient, although that has been changing little by little...

Changing topics... I will be planting sometime next week so Indigo seeds so I can harvest the leaves for dye. It will be my first kind of homesteading experience. I do not have plenty of fiber to dye but I plan on buying a lot by the summer. Actually, I will have it for sale too. You can tell how much I love blue as I always end up buying, decorating and having somehow blue in my life. I hope to share the whole 'cultivating indigo' experience with you :)

For now, I will sit tight at work while the mail people arrives.

Have a great Thursday!

Good news and a new felted family member!

2012-02-01T09:51:00.000-08:00

Hi All! You may not remember but last week I was talking about how frustrated I was with all the problems we were having. From the huge 15K medical bill my husband got because of the bites he got from a dog, which translated into rabies treatment and also, the problem with our roommates and they leaving without paying all the dues. Well, I have to say we have been blessed by God, Karma or however you want to call it. We got the bill from the ER just to find out that of the 3k bill we had to pay only $1300. That is still a lot but hey! I will not complain. We set up payment plans already so we are good for now. We are still waiting for the rabies shots bill (12k), but we will work something out. We are hoping that the money we pay will be earnt back once we finish the case in court with the dog owner and her insurance. God knows... But for now, I will not hold my breath as my mental health and peace is worth way more than that.

Now, on the other hand.. my roommates situation (they left without paying the whole break lease fee which caused us all to be liable for the whole lease).. So, this Monday I got some paperwork from the company we leased the apartment from and apparently I got a credit of $800 and something. I was very confused so I called them. For my surprise (very very pleasant one), they told me they managed to rent the place so we were not liable for the lease. And not only that, but we were getting a refund. Horraay!!! I apologized to all the girls in the office. It was a relief to hear them say that they knew it wasn't us (my husband and I) and that they were glad we got out of that bad situation. Now about the check.. I would have to ask the roommates to sign for the check once received. It gave me a little headache but oh well, at least we were not going to be evicted because of these stupid roommate people. I was doing numbers and from those 800 they would have gotten 400 back if it wasn't because they owe us 450+.. so basically not $ for them. I wasn't sure how I was going to get them to sign for a check they would not get $ off, but I just left the thought aside until the check was received.

I got the check in the mail.. and to be quite honest, I was afraid of opening it but I did. I was jumping in happiness when I saw the check was made to my name only. I do not understand why. Maybe they thought it was fair, maybe they made a mistake, maybe maybe maybe.. I don't know but legally I can cash it and morally I can say we do deserve the whole amount. So, I will do it. That check money will be the first step to start building our apartment. I feel so happy and blessed :) So, I just wanted to share that after all, maybe it does pay off to do the right thing ;)

On a final note and as a teaser.... You may have noticed how much I love animal fibers, they are so magical and so giving that you can make just about anything from them. You can do amazing creations! So, a while ago I contacted this super talented UK Etsy Artist Rhian from Sebold's Originals with the hopes of requesting a custom mini felted creature. She emailed me with the progress today and she included the lovely picture. My new little whimsy creature is the baby one next to her first original ever (right). Isn't it the cutest??!! I am sooo excited! Plus she was very kind by allowing me to make payments as times are rough. I love supporting other Etsy artists because I know other Etsians would/will do that too for me :) I will come back to do the whole bells and whistles once I get the final guy. So.. here's my teaser... Hope you love it!

Here is my guy, he has not opened his little eyes yet"! xoxoxoxoxox

Happy Humpday!!

Latest fiber purchases: Punta Wool and Alpaca.. among others :)

2012-01-31T15:46:00.000-08:00

I will start with the crazy colored fiber in Punta wool. First time I try this fiber, which is in its mid 60's. Once spun, I will let you know how it worked.

I shall continue with the 'training fibers', which I am not sure if it was a good choice but I will experiment in my Wild Carder and my Country wheel. But hey, how bad an Alpaca of 3-4 inch staple can be?

Absolutely loving the colors. Worst case scenario? Will do little felted animals :)

I also bought Tussah Silk, Polwarth and Angelina in white color. I plan to do something quite 'angelical'. Let's see how that turns out too.

I also spoiled my self with the "Drafting: The Long and Short of It " video from Interweave. There is so much I have to learn! I am totally loving the video already and learning so much. I just want to run home and start spinning! A lot of light the video has shed in regards long and short staple drafting as well as worsted and woolen spinning. Pretty cool!

Well, just stopped to say Hi!

Have a great Evening!

-K

Pinterest Part II: Pinning FROM Internet INTO Pinterest.

2012-01-30T08:13:00.000-08:00

Hi All again!

I really hope the prior post about how to get started on Pinterest was useful to you :)

Again, I am doing so in the light of my experience and knowledge of Pinterest. By no means this is something written in stone nor it means that will not change in the future. So here I go.. I will now continue with Part II.

We know how to pin images from within Pinterest.. but how can we pin FROM the internet INTO our boards?

Not complex at all. You just need to save/install a bookmarklet or "PIN IT" Button in your bookmark bar*.

*Bookmark Bars? Where you save some favorite links to webpages for easy access.

-Firebox Browser (Any computer.. as far as I know)

-Safari Browser (Apple Computers)

-Microsoft's Internet Explorer (PC Computers)

Where do I find such Bookmarklet and how do I install it?

-Where? At this link: https://pinterest.com/about/goodies/ Remember, you have to be signed in into your account. Worried about any viruses or hacking issues? Check the S of the link: https://pinterest.com/about/goodies/ that means it is a Secure address.

-How? There is two ways.
1.- Once at that page I just gave you, follow the directions provided. The cool thing with Pinterest is that you get to that page and it recognizes automatically your Internet browser (Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox)! And it gives you a fantastic video on how to get your Pin it Button ;) Trust me, watch it and you will not need me anymore.

2.- But if you are a rebel like me... then just DRAG it! (only works with Apple computers)

Mini video here:

(You might need to see it in full screen as I recorded it with my iPhone)

Your choice on how to get the PIN IT button. Done with the Where and How? Peerfect!

Let's then try it!

Let's just pin from my own blog... So, I will click my PIN IT button at my Bookmarks Bar. The a 'screen window' (see image) will appear with all the images available to PIN:

Lets place the cursor over the image we want to pin (please spare my hard earnt logo! ;)

In this case.. I am pinning the turquoise Spindle into my Pinterest board.

And exactly like you were pining from WITHIN Pinterest.. it will prompt you to save/PIN the image in your board of preference and to add a description.

Once you hit the PIN IT button the window turns into the Success one! YAY!

You can see your pin.. or just let the window disappear (it will!)

Good job to us!!!

I might be all over the place, because it makes sense to me but probably not to you. If you have questions, please ask away!

GENERAL ASKED QUESTIONS:

1.- To sign-up into Pinterest service (I still call it service despite the fact that is free) can do it with a blog address?

Unfortunately no. Pinterest sends you the sign up confirmation and other notifications via email (such as likes, who follows you, etc). This type of communication would not be possible through a blog address.

2.- My concern was infiltration of anyone else and possible viruses coming to my computer via downloaded images online going to my Pinterest account.

That is the whole point, you never have to download anything in your computer (pictures or malware), but your store everything in your Pinterest board.

3.- How can I take images from Pinterest and post them into my blog? Also how can I avoid saving/downloading images that may be potentially copyrighted? How can I identify/ know if an image I already have has copyrights?

Now for this 3rd questions, I will created an exclusive post as I believe it deserves its own post due to its importance. So, I will see you tomorrow with Part III !!

Taking the plunge: Harry Potter Sweater!!

2012-01-27T11:50:00.000-08:00

I cannot wait, plus it is my 'big' knitting project for this 2012 so I might as well start it now.

I am knitting a very cute Harry Potter sweater for my nephew. The only thing I will change will be the initial to a 'D' (for David)

I just purchased the Yarn from KnitPicks. I chose Wool of the Andes Tweed in Prussian for the Sweater and Down for the Initial. I was going to use a more yellowy color for the Initial but I stuck with the cream color :)

I haven't yet figured out how to do the chart for the D initial. But I will be aiding my self with this chart. Plus the pattern Author explains very well the Initial in her blog. Now, would you help me choose? Which font do you think would go better with my sweater?

I will be working on the graph once we decide on one ;)

There are some funny facts about The Wesley Sweater according to Harry Potter Wiki:

"Mum sends us a jumper every Christmas. And mine's always maroon."

—Ron Weasley^[src]

A Weasley jumper is a home-made jumper owned by members of the Weasley family. They are made by Molly Weasley for family and friends and sent as Christmas gifts. They usually vary in colour, but often have the recipient's first initial on the front.^[2] Fred and George seem to enjoy them, calling them "lovely and warm," but Ron dislikes the fact that his jumper is always maroon.^[2]

Beginning in 1991, Harry Potter also began receiving an annual Weasley jumper. His were usually much more extravagant, including one with the picture of a Hungarian Horntail.^[3]

In 1992 Ginny Weasley owned a jumper that the cat was wearing.

In 1994, Ron Weasley gave his jumper to Dobby the house elf, who was overjoyed by it.

In 1995, Percy Weasley, whom had broken contact with the family following Voldemort's return, returned his jumper to Molly unopened.

In 2017, Hermione Granger, whilst on the Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, asked her daughter, Rose Weasley whether she had her jumper or not.

Did you noticed the 2017?? A bit insane there hehe but still cool huh??!!

Anyhow, going back to my sweater... If all goes well - which I intend to work hard so it happens..-. I will be knitting the Ron's sweater for my husband. Love the rusty color.. and since his initial is an R to.. it will be soooo cool!

If you want view the Sweater info on Ravelry, it can be found HERE
For the Pattern itself you can go to Alison's Hansel blog: HERE

In fact, this pattern was included in her book Charmed Knits at Amazon, which is all about knits of the Harry Potter Movies

I will be posting some updates here and there but mostly will be at my Ravelry page. If you want to take a look on the details just go HERE

Anyway my dearests, wish me luck!

HAPPY FRIDAY!!
xo, Karla

Pinterest: An online Album. Pinning WITHIN Pinterest. Part I.

2012-01-26T10:29:00.000-08:00

Hi All!

I belong to Loose Ends group at Ravelry and while surfing the topics I came across one asking other knitters and fiber lovers if they used Pinterest (link here). So obviously I had to share my findings!

Many people asked the use of Pinterest.. and probably you have not really tried it because you don't understand its use. So, I will give a quick insight of my own understanding of Pinterest and maybe if you like it, then you will join!

Like I have mentioned before.. I am an image hoarder, yes I am. I love saving pictures I find online in my computer. It is fantastic but it can also translate into saving images without knowing its origin after time. Well, here is where Pinterest has been a great tool for me. I save my favorite images to Pinterest so I do not have to overload my computer with files.

But how are those images saved? Well, very easy by just 'pinning' them. What is pinning' and how do I do it? To begin, you need to get an account in Pinterest by requesting an invite.

Go to: www.pinterest.com and request your invitation by entering the email address you want to link to Pinterest.

You should be receiving the invitation within 24 hrs from requesting it.

Once signed up (skipping the filling your name and details part as it is very intuitive..) you can create boards to organize the images.

How does a board looks like? See and example of some of my boards:

So, how do you create a board? Go to you account and click at your name and that will take you to YOUR page. Which will be without pictures as you are brand new, but I am sure you will populate in no time!

Ok, then click at ADD. A menu will appear (image below)

.... I would tell you: Go on, Pin!! but trust me.. create boards to keep your pins/pictures organized. With the time you will have tons of images, so keeping them visually organized helps a lot. Apples with apples and pears with pears ;) ... so, Create your Board, name it and Save.

It will appear in your Dashboard! Look at mine ;)

Up to here you are doing great! But the fun part is about to start ;) Once you have your boards then you can start pinning! This social tool/album (how I call it) it is very intuitive and you can figure it out.. but for those of you who want someone to show them here I go ;)

Pinterest is a river of images, images you can save to your boards (kind of own albums) by repinning. You can do searches, follow other people or grab images from online (this last one will be covered in Part Deux ;)

Ok, How to Pin? Well, you just pass your cursor over the image you like and automatically a menu appears: "repin - like - comment". Well, you do as you prefer.. but to save such image in your board just 'repin" ...

... so a little window will show up and will give you the option to which board you want to save your image pin! There you can save to any board you may have previously created by clicking at the drop down menu (red doodle arrow) and selecting it. Then Pin It.

Voila! And that is how you pin images FROM Pinterest to your Pinterest Boards. Fun Stuff huh??!

So now I invite you to take a look at my Fiber, Yarn & Knitting board:

Or you can visit my "Colorful Items I find Online" board:

And Don't forget to follow!!!!

Yay! you finished Part I of Pinterest :) How to pin WITHIN Pinterest images. Tomorrow I will cover how to pin from the INTERNET INTO Pinterest!

If you have any questions or need any help, please feel free to email me or comment.. I can always be reached in many ways (just visit my social places, links below my profile here at my blog :)

DISCLAIMER: Pinterest can be VERY Addicting!!! ;;)

Hope It was helpful and HAPPY PINNING!

My new spindle!

2012-01-25T08:28:00.000-08:00

There is something very special about spindles to me. I just started spinning in the wheel, but my first fiber spinning experience took place in a spindle. Exactly how I wanted. I feel like it is almost a millenarian activity but of that I am not sure..Although, if Spinning wheels appeared in the 11th century I would deduce spindles have an extensive history from far back! Not sure, but who does not like romancing a story?

Anyway... I just got my new spindle from ZebisisDesigns and since the moment I opened the package, I was stunned by its beauty. A beautifully crafted spindle and balanced! as a good spindle needs to be. Take a peek...

I wanted a more organic feel.. not sure why. I guess is because I mostly spin natural colored fiber in it and I like the whole experience :)

I invite you to take a look at Maiysha's Store (the talented designer behind these spindles). Look at the lovely spindles she has! You can click at the image or HERE to visit the ZebisisDesigns

Maybe you don't know how to use a Spindle? Well, you can always take a look at this prior post I made about how I used mine. It also embedded a video on how start spinning on a spindle.

Happy Spinning!

xo,

Karla

5th Handspun Yarn: A gorgeous purple

2012-01-24T22:11:00.000-08:00

I could not wait until tomorrow! I posted a couple of days ago the first handspun yarn I made. It was that brown one, that was crazily coiled. Well, I did not know better and I did not even let it set in the niddy-noddy.

I belong to several spinning groups on Ravelry that have amazing people always willing to help. Which now reminds me I have to reply to all of them! Not that I do not want to but I have been busy at work and once I get home, all I want to spin!

Anyway, here is my latest yarn... I am sooo loving it. It is a bit more uniform and less unintentional thick-and-thin fiber. Plus the purple mix adds so much to the yarn!

(Click at the Image for zoom)

Here is a close up of the mix of fibers.. Rambouillet, Silk, Angelina, Merino, etc. It seems that it is a multiple' ply but it is actually one ply... or at least that was my intention haha Don't you like the pink fiber that pops out? Also the royal blue. I am a happy camper tonight :)

(Click at the Image for zoom)

Ohhhh so loving spinning!

Have a fantastic night!

-Karla

Thought of the day :)

2012-01-24T16:19:00.000-08:00

Hope, that is all I ask.

2012-01-23T11:38:00.000-08:00

Ok.. I will break one of my own rules about blogging. I do not like talking about my problems, on the contrary I try to be cheerful and as positive as possible. I have never spoke about my own very personal life but.. I think I just need it this one time. The reason I am doing this is because I feel deeply discouraged, so I will give my self this one time pass so please spare me...

* * *

Last December, my husband was bitten by a dog in his both hands.. the dog owner did not want to take responsibility for anything. I had to rush him to the ER to do the rabies vaccination process since this woman did not release the dogs records until the 3rd rabies shot appointment. It was Dec 19th. It was a horrible day for us. After the hospital we were just running in circles. Animal control did not help much but did a report, then the apartment complex did not help on identifying the owner or the dog. For our luck, the leasing agent opened their files and since I have a great vision, I was able to see the woman's apartment number. This woman, left my husband bleeding there and took off with her dog. We told the same story the the police and guess what? they did NOTHING. No report, zero, nada. An officer suggested to contact a 'peace officer' to mediate between the woman and us. When we requested one, they told us they would not handle cases like that. All started at 8 in the morning, it was by this time 4 pm already. I broke down and cried. The paradox here was.. 2 weeks before my husband scratched a car then immediately called me on what to do. He could have just left and nobody would have known, but instead we decided that we were doing the right thing. We left our info and things got going there.. But now, with the Dog incident.. who is looking after us? Where is Karma? I moved out of those apartments already but the night before the woman came after me and followed me to my house to tell me that she could have prosecuted us! OMG, I could not believe it, but kept my cool and just told her that if she did not have insurance information for us, I had nothing to talk to with her. Now, we do have legal representation but the hospital is after us. Did I mention we do not have insurance? Right, so $15,000 is what our bill is as of now. Sometimes I wonder if doing the right thing it is the best way to go. After the incident, my husband was told that the place he works was being remodeled and there was not going to be work hours for him. Which meant me as the only household provider.

I am fine with me only working for now, as we decided he was going back to school. So in the meantime we are living with my parents. My dad very kindly took us in his house but for a married couple it is just too complicated. But I am dealing with it for now. We were supposed to build a little house in my land but with my husband unemployed and all the things I need to take care of, it is becoming almost impossible. My youngest brother (3yrs older than me..) was to help us with the construction, but we have been having issues lately so.. not sure if that is happening. This translates in having to pay someone to do it as my husband cannot do it on his own. Oh well..

By the way, did I mention I was living with roommates before coming to my parents? Well, we all 4 broke the lease.. and this couple cheated on us telling the office we were paying the rest of the break lease fee and took off. I was furious, and told the office that it was a lie and that we were not paying their share. I am just to tired of people abusing us! In October I lent my cousin some money, (I am not talking about 20 or 50 dlls here..) well, she took off to South Carolina and never paid me. Both people I am talking about are Marines.. so much for their honorable code'. I know I cannot judge all by these people, but seriously I have only had bitter flavored experiences with them. So, about the lease in the Apartment. We decided that we are not paying and when the eviction goes through (we are out of the place but an eviction still applies..) I will sue the couple as I have plenty of evidence that they lied and tricked us. So that is to come too.. I just don't understand why people has to be so dirty. I try to be as fair as possible. Heck! they were getting married and we split the last week's rent (250..) so they gave me a $100. My husband told me they were getting married, so I returned the $100 with the promise from them to be repaid in their next paycheck. I mean come on.. you are going to Las Vegas and every cent counts. I thought they might have needed it and in good faith lent' it. Well, that is proof of my stupidity! How could I have trusted them! I just cannot believe my self... It is a never ending story.

This is what I wrote on my personal Facebook earlier this year.. "Karma better have something fucking amazing later for us!!!" Seriously... I do not want to whine, but gosh, I need a break. I am so sorry for those of you who have real serious problems. I hope they get better. If you have an illness, I am sorry HONESTLY. I should not be complaining, but it does feel a like a real weight in my shoulders that all has come at once.

I am grabbing with nails and teeth to hope.. I will prevail, I know. But now it feels endless...

Needle Felted Bunny

2012-01-22T11:37:00.000-08:00

Seems like this year is the year of the 'new' things. I have so many books and crafting supplies waiting for me. Today I woke up determined to do a felted something'. And this is the something' I came up with the help of my needles and my book :)

Unlike my first yarn, I am pretty happy with this felted bunny. It looks to me like an Angora bunny.. Did I tell you that I am going to get a couple of bunnies the 2nd quarter of this year? Anyway...

The bunny is a bit irregular but it is ok. I was actually thinking on water felting it, but I am not quite sure. I will do that to the second one as this 1st one is my precious' :)

Ohh, look at its rear! haha Isn't it cute?

It took me over 30 minutes.. not bad for the first one!

I am back to my fiber romance now...

Happy Sunday!
-Karla

My First Spun yarn on a Spinning Wheel

2012-01-19T21:18:00.000-08:00

This is the first time I use my Lil Big Monster!!! (my spinning wheel).

If you know about spinning fibers... please help me! haha As you can see, I am not a natural.. but, I will keep practicing :)

The first time I tried spinning, I got so frustrated that I stopped after 30 minutes.. I realized that might have been the fiber. Blue Leicester apparently has a longer staple so I couldn't draft it. I kept asking my self why wasn't working! Today I spun Merino - kind of coarse one - but spun 'easy'.

This is a close-up of the yarn. It was sort of Medium Worsted weight with some fine and chunky parts hehe

Now, my big issue was the over twisting.. almost coiling!

What did I do wrong? How does the break of the wheel affects? Should I draft close to the orifice or farther?

Here is a picture of my totally unbalanced yarn (and my Paul Frank pajamas! haha)

Why?? what can I do to prevent it? I know that there is no magic trick but practice. But some tips would be great!!

Overall, I am very proud I did finish one yarn. I obviously cannot knit from it, but will date it and keep a record of what I do so I can see my progress :)

So.. any critiques or contribution?

Viva La Spinning!

Twist Collective: Knitted Wonders

2012-01-19T15:35:00.000-08:00

LOVING LOVING IT!!

While at work.. my boss (knowing my love for all knitted) forwarded me this page called Twist Collective. Obviously as a good knitter and yarnoholic, I already knew about it, but she reminded me of it...

While peeking in I came across this uber romantic coat/cardigan? What is not to love about it???! Visit the page HERE

Cheer up, nothing can break you!

2012-01-19T12:50:00.000-08:00

I cannot credit since I don't know where it came from.. but where ever it did, bless that soul!

Maybe you are lost, I've been there.. maybe you are wandering without direction. Or perhaps, you lost your faith in all... in yourself.. don't give up! I am not giving up! It is OK to feel down, only if it is to go up and high to the sky. Your dream is there.. waiting for you :)

Many hugs for you my dear readers!

Karla

Etsy Blog: Why buying Real trees is good!

2012-01-18T08:35:00.000-08:00

Noted: Fake Fir, Real Problems

Story by chaps676

Published on Dec 09, 2011 in Read

Photo by beautyisintheiphotos

The first Christmas tree vendor in New York City appeared in 1851. Mark Carr paid only one dollar to rent the sidewalk space. He was so successful that the following year, his rent was $100. By the early 1900s, the first artificial trees were sold in catalogs; Sears & Roebuck offered a tree made of dyed-green goose feathers, appropriate for tabletop decoration. But it was the Addis Brush Company that made the first artificial trees as we know them today, using the same equipment that produced the company’s toilet bowl brushes. The brush style still prevails, now made through a process that expands far beyond its lavatory roots.
Reusable and sturdy, I always thought fake Christmas trees were good for the environment, preventing the harvesting of their authentic brethren. But Bill Ulfelder, the New York State Director of the Nature Conservancy, seeks to dispel our trepidations by explaining why a real tree is the most responsible purchase you can make during the holidays. Ulfelder explains that fake trees are made with PVCs, which doesn’t biodegrade in a landfill. Not only that, when purchasing a real tree, you’re supporting tons of American jobs. “I don’t think people realize what an important business tree farming is,” Mr. Ulfelder said. “There are about 12,000 Christmas tree farms in the U.S. employing about 100,000 people.” Of course my greatest fear in buying a real tree, aside from the minor allergy attack, is contributing in some way to deforestation. Ulfelder clarifies that there are more Christmas trees in the U.S. than people. “Four hundred million nationwide,” he said. “They only harvest about 10%, or 30 million, a year.”
My family has faked it every year — and while Ulfelder provides a solid argument for filling your house with fresh fir, I feel good knowing our family tree is still going strong after 25 years. So what’ll it be for you this year? Real or artificial?

I take no credit for the post above, I just wanted to share as I was very surprised on the why's of natural tree vs artificial. Many of us where concerned about the relation between deforestation and tree buying on Christmas season. While many may still object, I believe it is a great argument in why we should support buying a tree from Tree farms. Plus, we can always compost the branches and even make crafts out of them! Anyway, to read the original at the Etsy blog click HERE

hAPPY wEDNESDAY!
-kARLA

Showing off my Spinning Wheel

2012-01-13T15:57:00.000-08:00

Yes, two weeks packing, driving, moving stuff around, taking boxes to storage... But I did get also my new Sweet Little Monster:

My spinning Wheel! yay!! Just sharing a fuzzy pic of it..

I still have to sand it.. I have to say it was A LOT of work putting it together, specially because I had no help! (Well, my husband couldn't since he was attacked by a dog and bitten in both hands :( But I am very proud of my self. After a good hour and many screwing and UN-screwing haha I made it! I do have plans on painting it. Although, more than painting it will be wood-staining it. I think the texture of the wood makes it look amazing :)

Happy Friday!!

(I am off to unpack now... :/

Magic Spell of Mysterious Beauty. First Etsy Treasury of the Year

2012-01-02T09:07:00.000-08:00

Here is my first Etsy Treasury of the year..

Happy 2012!!

Winter Warmer: Weekly Knit Challenge #1

2011-12-30T11:51:00.000-08:00

.. and I am still here :)

Like I said yesterday, I want to knit/crochet a piece every week. My resolution is to knit 52 garments/accessories this upcoming year. One each week. Every month I hope to advance in the techniques and make more complicated items, but for now I am keeping it simple. I already selected the pieces I am knitting for January and February. If you want too take a peek, they are at my Ravelry Queue or you can check the current project and the outcome at the Top Tab here "Weekly Knit Challenge". You are very welcome to knit with me if you'd like! I am adding the little gadget below so you can enter the post of the project you are knitting in case you want to :) In case you did not make it to Week 1.. trust me, we will have 51 more weeks to go. Cannot wait!!!

I am starting today with this Gorgeous Winter Warmer from very talented Raveler Aoibhe Ni Shuilleabhai.

Isn't it the cutest? Well, I will update you during the week. I need to find the yarn I will use and share the info later :)

Happy Knitting Friday!

2012 and my Blog

2011-12-29T14:18:00.000-08:00

Like I have stressed in the past.. I am an awful writer and I abuse the ellipsis points (which I actually had to google to know their name) way too much. Now, I do have a powerful excuse: "English as Second Language". I can speak perfectly fine, heck I might even fool you with the lack of foreign accent. But the truth is, I am a terrible writer. Well, for this 2012 I am taking English 101 for the sake of the Universe, Me and my Blog. Not to mention school and work :) (who cares about these last 2! lol)

I truly want my blog to become something meaningful and useful. To talk about practical stuff and that you learn something new after each post. There is nothing wrong with those adorable blogs with amazing photography. I actually love them and follow many of them. They are a web museum with a real person behind it who took the time to 'curate' the images from the internet for the enjoyment of us the blog mortals. BUT, like I said.. I want more from my blog (ergo Me) to you. That is why English 101 will be my 1st tool. Now, maybe I will write beautifully (or at least understandable) but what about topics? Ohhhh Ladies and Gents.. I have BIG plans. I will mention a few very quick, but certainly I will touch each one on its own posts.

My first contribution to my blog and to you (if you'd like).. is Knitting University (probably Needles and Hooks University). And no, I will not be the Teacher but you and I will be the students. We will be learning together! I have so many books about knitting and crochet that I am almost certain I can share its info. The plan is to make videos, step by step so you can learn as I learn. It would be fantastic a stitch a day, but being realistic.. life happens, so I would make 1 or 2 posts a week about the topic.

As a personal goal (you can visit or join the challenge), I want to make a knitted/crochet piece a week. Nothing fancy. Or perhaps if it is a sweater I might stretch it to two or three weeks? No pressure and just for fun. Obviously, I will post pics of the progress and detailed info on pattern, fibers, etc

What do you think so far? There are more projects.. I will be traveling to Peru this summer, which will start the series of Fiber Destinations" section. This 1st quarter I will start to grow my own organic cotton. Also, I might host a 'Knit in Public' event in San Diego, California. Like I said, there are so many things Fiber related that will happen next year. But my main goal is to be a better person through all the experiences I will share with you and be good writing about them!

Like one of my FB friends posted:
"Keep what you have... forget what has hurt you... fight for what you love... value what you already have.. forgive who hurt you and enjoy the ones who love you. We spend our lives waiting for something to happen.. and the only thing that happens is life itself. We do not understand the value of moments until they have become memories. That is why.. do what you want to do before it turns into something 'you would have liked' to do. Don't make a draft of your life, because you might not have time to 'type' it again. It is never too late to start! - Unknown so far

If I do not see you this year again.. I hope to see you this upcoming 2012. Re-charge your batteries, think positively. Life is hard, correct. But it is also beautiful and totally worth living it despite the challenges it presents us. I wish you the very very best in this 2012 and don't go to far!!

Happy Happy New Year to you!!

Sincerely and xox,

Karla (who once wanted to be called Charlotte haha)

Crocheting at Work

2011-12-28T16:29:00.000-08:00

hi! Merry Christmas! (a bit late.. hehe) I spent the Holidays in Mexico with my huge family. Of course, since we all gone into the knitting craze.. all the girls were holding me hostage with yarn and needles haha

I did not take pics of the berets I made. I actually made 2 berets and 1 cloche. A very VERY cute cloche. I will take pictures this weekend with the model girls :)

Now, to cut a bit the stress I was knitting here at work another beret (horrible desk I have!). I am a beginner and there are many things that I still do not understand but ohh gosh, it is so relaxing to just crochet freely.

I am starting it.. and in fact there is no pattern for it.. just free form crochet :) How else can I call it if I don't even know what it is hehe

Anyway, it is not that bad.. plus the sea glass color of the yarn is lovely. Although, I am not inlove with it. I dream of one day spinning and dyeing my own yarn. It is only matter of time..

Here is a close up of the stitches.. just for fun.

Well, you have a great Wednesday. See you soon!

2011-12-23T16:41:00.000-08:00

K6CXHGBEUWHG

Wrist warmers in orange, aqua and turquoise

2011-12-21T23:42:00.000-08:00

Just stopped very quick quick to share my latest crochet accomplishment.

I made these very cute fingerless gloves (aka wrist warmers, aka fingerless mittens) with some yarn that has been sitting at my yarn basket for a while. It is 100% wool. I am not sure what kind of wool meaning the breed of the sheep but for sure must be medium wool as it is not super fine. That does not take of its charm.

I loved the color combination of Orange and turquoise with the hint of Aqua. Not very common. I am still pending to block it as the fibers tend to twist, I believe it is for the normal stitch twist that crocheting generates.

Well, just stopped to say hi :)

Happy Wednesday!

Respect the Spindle - Hand spinning on Spindle experience

2011-12-18T11:08:00.000-08:00

Gorgeous picture right? Even romantic! Right? NOT! OMG If I respect the spindle.. I sure do!! I am entangled in the Spinning Wheel craze.. minimizing the power and skill needed of the Spindle!
I went ahead and bought me this cute set of spindle, fiber and book (the book was informational more than instructional) from WCMercantile - Etsy Seller. But I did find a great video with detailed information on YouTube. This video has been the best by far from all the ones I found on YouTube on how to use the Spindle

Pam is great! I have to say it took me a while to get it but I finally came up with something.. I mean, I am not amazing or anything similar.. but did manage to make this cute ball of yarn :)

Because it was so little that I spun, I just crocheted a swatch. You now can see the many flaws of this beginner spinning student! Terrible!!! If you click at the image you will see my unintentional "tick and thin" yarn haha. I had loads of fun.. and fiber was all over the place as I was messy, but it was a great experience!

I did get my self a pair of hand carders, so I will re-card the fiber and keep trying until I have something consistent and not as thick.

For some reason, I do feel like now I am part of this millenarian spindle spinning elite lol Although, lets just not discuss my expertise on the topic beyond the historical point ;)

Happy Sunday!!

I have sinned. Bought an Red Eternity Scarf from Ann Loft

2011-12-17T14:04:00.000-08:00

Ok, I had a busy schedule today. I had to run to JCPenney to get my mom's sweater (she bought online.. to pickup at store..) So, there I go at 10 in the morning.. I am an online shopper by heart so I had no clue where JCPenney was at the mall. Well, while wondering around I ended up in from of Ann Taylor Loft. And there it was, the most gorgeous cowl/scarf.. I had no clue what it was but I had to touch it. I go inside of the store and look around and nothing. Well, I ask one of the girls at the store.. then she told me the one in front was the last one. Ohhh nooo! LAST ONE.. I don't know about you but when I hear 'last item' in stock from a store, I feel like the world its going to end. Like it is the chance for me to have it or never see it again. I asked her if I could to take a look at it so she brought it. I asked for the price.. 40 something Holy Molly! But then she said it was at $40% off.. ohh gosh.. tempting. Well, long story short. I paid $28.00 for it. My only regret is that is 100% Acrylic. Absolutely no wool :( Although, remember I am waiting for a shipment of red super bulky wool skeins from Uruguay? Well this is the next project!

I will definitely be offering it at my store this upcoming January for you Valentine need. It is just too gorgeous to keep it hidden :)

Here is another look on how it looks spread. Beautiful isn't it? Well, like I said.. I will be having a very similar one in my store next year for your delight. (Don't forget to follow for updates ;)

Yes, I cheated.. I sinned with Acrylic yarn.. but still very beautiful Eternity scarf none the less... ;)

Happy Saturday!

Knitted Mittens Gloves for my nephew

2011-12-15T15:13:00.000-08:00

So, here I am crocheting some hand warmers for my 10 yr old nephew when my husband stops by and tells me that is too girly. I was shocked! The kid was so excited because he was getting some mittens done (in orange color).. I stopped and had my wheels turning for a minute.. Not that I do not believe kids can wear bright colors but kids nowadays can be brutal, so I decided to knit (instead of crocheting) some gray hand warmers for him.

I found this great and very masculine pattern from Kathy North - Ravelry pattern designer.

So I adjusted these adult sized hand warmers based on the crocheted ones I made for him. Specially because he is a rather small kid.

The yarn I chose was Lion Brand Superwash Merino Cashmere. For some reason his hands have been very dry lately and I wanted to make sure to have his skin be in contact with something soft like Cashmere but as durable as the Superwash Merino.

As a side note, I got it at Michaels at 50% off. Regular price is $7.99, so I got a decent deal.

Before starting the project, I did check my gauge and made a swatch just to make sure. Here is the progress so far:

I just started yesterday.. but heck it took me some time to work with these needles. I am actually planning on buying some wood ones. These metal ones are slippery and too big for the work that needs to be done. It is making my life miserable.

I will share when project is done :)

Happy Thursday!

Custom Dyed Corriedale Yarn from Uruguay

2011-12-14T17:08:00.000-08:00

Well, I have met this girl in 2010. Her mother used to work for Manos de Uruguay and now they set up a new business of their own. I just ordered 3 kilos of yarn in turquoise, red and purple. The yarn is to be super bulky weight. It comes in hanks of 100gr. I was thinking of selling a few but being quite honest, I was not sure (still I am not..) how great this yarn will be at 26 microns. It would be a great deal to keep buying from her if it wasn't because the shipping from Uruguay to the States is fairly expense. For personal use, I believe it is a decent deal at $7.50 the skein but to re-sell it is impossible in my opinion. Anyway, the colors look very bright.. probably because of the image hehe

I will be probably knitting the coat-sweater I posted about on Monday from this yarn. Not sure if I will use the purple or blue.

I wish I could take a trip to South America and get all my dream yarns done. Or perhaps one day make my own line of yarns. Now that would be a dream come true.. one day, one day...

(Poster by 3LambsGraphics )

Happy Tuesday!

Red Riding Hood Sweater - Anthropologie

2011-12-13T08:30:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time I was surfing Flickr and came across with this wonderful Little Red Riding Hood-esque sweater and fell in LOVE

Amy (aka amyla174 from Flickr) is the one to blame.. that by the way, she has a similar but $15.00 sweeter' story than me haha

How could I resist this delicious, carmine, soft sweater??!!

So I started my search.. I knew it was an Anthropologie sweater (obviously!) Well, my hunt started at Ebay.. and guess what?! Nothing... I then decided to figure out the patter on my own. Heck! I even chose some yarn. Well.. debating on it.. If to buy from Kauni or DebbieBHandspun. Or! to dye and spin my own yarn ;)

And one of the other reasons to knit my own look-alike sweater is because I need to adjust my sizing most likely (being a generous' sized girl haha)

Anyway, I DID find the sweater... YES!! in Size Small haha at Ebay! Well, Small will not do for me (at least not now..) So here I am, in a new quest to replicate the pattern (not for profit, sorry :(

The above picture shows the actual sweater I got from Ebay. I saw it when it was listed! But no Buy it Now price. Bidding started at $9.99. At times I just cannot take the suspense Ebay brings to my life, so I just went ahead and contacted the seller asking if there was a Buy it Now price. Guess what? $45.00 including shipping! You really need to visit Sarah HERE at her Nifty Thrifty Boutique. She has great items at great prices.

I am so thrilled to have found this wonderful sweater! I am hoping to either wear this one (have to loose like million sizes) or finished my knitted one at Valentines.

Anyways, just thought to share my happy story. The ending it is still to be determined after I knit the Sweater

As a side note, To visit my Flickr favorites go HERE.. or just click at my funky floating widget to the right or my Flickr Icon to the left ;)

Happy Tuesday!

To be knitted coat

2011-12-12T17:54:00.000-08:00

The I just purchased this Pattern from the Interweave store and I will be making this my first January Knitting Challenge. It is a super bulky yarn, so I am really hoping it will knit fast and moderately easy.

Nature and Fashion Inspiration on choosing the above Royal Blue Yarn. Although, the price per yarn is a bit high $8.00-14.00 and I will be needing at least 8 balls of 100gr! I am still shopping around for yarn as I don't want to break my piggy bank!

Any suggestions on yarn??

Happy Monday!

Pinteresting Thursday: Crazy but Yummy Knits!

2011-12-08T13:16:00.001-08:00

Like you know already (I made sure you know.. and I keep repeating it until the end of the days haha), I am MADLY inlove-obsessed with anything knitting, fiber and yarn related.. so I went ahead and scouted the internet for interesting knitted items.. so this is what I found:

Everytime I see this sweater I find my self drooling! 1- Because I LOVE pink, 2- I ADORE chunky yarn 3- Because it is simply and AMAZING design! I wish I was that talented! I might try it one day.. although I would have to have miles and miles of chunky yarn plied together to finish it haha Specially in my + size hahaha Nonetheless, I love it ;)

Now, this gray one... more drooling involved haha I don't know if its me or what, but this sweater reminds me of these doggies lol!

I don't mind though, I still love both :)

What about this necklace? It is just braided! The color work is just super cool and happy. Want one! I think I could come up with a necklace like these one..

What about these socks? I have no clue how they did the work. But for my abilities this is pretty intricate hahaha. If you check my Pinterest board (link at the end of the post), you will find the source of the socks.. they are for sale at Etsy.

On this chair, I am not quite sure if its wrapped/adorned with yarn or what.. but sounds like a cool idea. I would totally try it myself. Although, I would not use my super fine wool yarn but something a little less fancy like acrylic. Maybe, but maybe only some cotton.. or Twine... that can be painted over to. Ha! I just gave myself a new idea! yay!

I think this one has to be with Yarn Bombing day or something like that. I like the curvessss

Hahahahahaha on this one.. I see my self in a couple of decades doing this LOL!

That grandma is totally RAD!

and to top the cake with icing.. Wonderful, INCREDIBLE and most of all yummylicious Yarn Cake! and no... no yarns there, just yarn looking icing. Very edible! .... so they say ;) I want it for my birthday!

Anyway, I just thought to share. I hope you liked them!

For credits and more Knitting pictures visit My Pinterest board Here!

Happy Thursday!

First Knitting steps..

2011-12-06T14:42:00.001-08:00

I went to visit my family this past Sunday and I was approached with an avalanche of kids yelling 'tia, tia!' (Spanish for aunt'). These kids get so excited when I arrive, that I cannot help to love going and visit. I don't blame them hehe since we always play, watch TV, make jokes, listen to their jokes and what they have to say. Some times I have to play the 'stay quiet for 5 minutes game' with them.. otherwise they can make me go bonkers'! I am talking about 4 kids from 1-10 yrs (imagine that!)

Anyway, they have been begging for some mittens so I decided to take all the supplies to knit some stuff for them... but in the process my niece (6) got very VERY curious and asked to be thought. For my delight, she learnt so fast! Look at her in action here:

She did 3 full circular knitted rows on her own. Isn't that amazing! I am so proud of her!!!
She is the cutest thing.. she told me that when I start my store she will help my knit for my items to sell. Isn't she adorable?!

On a side note.. my knit picks order is on its way!!! I ordered last week, shipped yesterday and it is to deliver this following Monday. Which is a good 7 day-reasonable shipping time. Not bad!
I cannot wait to get my needles in that yarn! Although, it will be very fine.. so I am not sure how will I do as I am used to super chunky yarn.. but it is matter of experimenting and enjoying the journey ;)

Here is some material to drool for... sooo beautiful colors!!

Of course I did not get them all.. but it is just matter of time hehe Specially because this upcoming year I am to change my store drastically.. yes, this time is real. Don't they say the 3rd is the good one? Well, I hope so.. if not then I will keep trying and keep announcing until I find my place. After all for me is not about the sales, it is all about the Joy of Knitting :)

To start, I will offer mittens! Very similar to the below (which is a free pattern.. not stealing anything here!! haha)
What do you think?! I soo love turquoise, for a reason is my favorite color :)

I have so much to share, but I do not want to overwhelm you and I will save something for tomorrow ;)
Leaving for now.. HAVE A FANTASTIC DAY!

Obviously gone for a while..

2011-12-05T12:04:00.001-08:00

Well, like usual.. so many things going on in my life. I will just share the fun' stuff. I have been knitting a lot, and when I say 'knitting' I mean working with needles and the hook (crochet). I totally love it, makes me happy :) Although, today I had sort of a revelation. I am not very skilled in the topic but definitely have many books about it. So I believe I will start from scratch, how will I do it? Geez, not sure. I guess just one stitch at a time, I do have plenty of yarn. Very yummy yarn :) Sometimes, I wish I could stay at home and knit all day long. But some of us mortals have to work for a living. Maybe one day... maybe I will leave the office and do what I love 100%.

Anyway, I was surfing online and came across this Quiz.

My own results where:

What kind of yarn are you

You are Merino Wool.
You are very easygoing and sweet. People like to keep you close because you are so softhearted. You love to be comfortable and warm from your head to your toes.

Haha! Couldn't be more accurate in the sense that I am OBSESSED with Merino. Specially if it is a super chunky yarn ;)

So, what about you? What kind of yarn are you?

Take care.. Just popped to say Hi :)\
\

Knitting Work in progress

2011-11-19T22:26:00.001-08:00

Enjoying my double pointed needles and a bit of color work with some humor :)

And... This is how my 1st and my 2nd looks like! Getting there...

HAPPY SATURDAY!

Buy me a Book and I will Knit for you!

2011-11-13T20:03:00.001-08:00

YES! Buy me a book from my Amazon Wishlist (10-15-18 dlls) and I will KNIT FOR YOU!

My dear friends, I LOVE KNITTING & AMAZON.com If you want me to knit for you.. just visit my Amazon List and send me a book (10-15 dlls max) and I will knit any item from my store to you: www.diviknity.etsy.com MAKE ME WORK FOR YOU!

Amazon.com: Karla Varela: Knitting & Fiber Books

www.amazon.com

This is the deal, You buy me a book from my list.. it will ship directly to me. Tell me which item from my Etsy Store you want and the color and I will knit/crochet it for you! I have plenty of yarn in stock but I cannot afford to buy books right now :( The book prices are almost or even more than half than the items at my store! So what are you waiting for?? This is a WIN-Win situation. I want books for future gorgeous pieces and you will have a new Knit of Christmas gift ready!!

So go and make me KNIT FOR YOU!!!

Acrylic Palette for Vegans & Allergic ones

2011-11-09T14:08:00.000-08:00

So, my friend Cinda from Special Little Something Gifts asked me if I had the warmers in a non-wool fiber. Well, I do now! She is allergic to lanolin (that comes with wool) so I did my search and found a similar yarn to the wool one offered. The 'thickness' is a bit smaller and the stitch will be smaller as well but even as Acrylic fiber it does resemble pretty well to Wool. I was sold! So here are the colors available in 100% Acrylic for the allergic and vegan ones out-there :)

If any questions.. just contact me! You ask and you shall receive!

xo,

Karla

New Item in Stock for the Winter :)

2011-11-08T14:15:00.000-08:00

Yay! I finished the wrist warmers!! and loving them :)

Seems like I work better under pressure... These days have been particularly difficult so I decided to go back to knitting and the below is the outcome. Not bad huh? Well, now they are available at my Etsy Store if you fancy to take a look :)

Ohh! and I make them in different bright, fun and more conservative colors too! 100% WOOL for the Warm Factor... In case you want to take a look ;)

So, what do you think? Want some? :) xox -Karla

Happy Tuesday!

TEA FOR THREE Guest Allison from Etsy Shop: "HoopDaLoop "

2011-11-07T10:44:00.000-08:00

It has been a while!! I have been knitting the Christmas gifts for my family, so I have not had much time to blog. Plus school has been keeping me very very busy :)

I just wanted to take a minute to share this wonderful Etsy Store I found HoopDaLoop. The artist behind this store is Allison, who can advise and help with all your wedding, shower and party decorations. Let's take a look!

* * *

INTERVIEW

-Please give a little background of you, any generalinformation you would like to share.

Hi! My name is Allison. I currently live in Knoxville, TN with my law studyinghusband, Andrew and miniature schnauzer, Bailey. I love the great outdoors,learning new things, creating, and spending time with my family and friends.

-What inspires your Crafts/Arts? Colors and textures. Especially what you seein nature.

-How long have you been crafting and how did you start? Forever? I remembercreating since I was a little kid and I have always always loved to write evenfrom a little age. I started my Etsy store just a little over a month agothough and so far so good!

-What would you call your style? I would say hoop~da~loop tends towards thewhimsical, fun, and happy.

-What is the favorite part in all of your craft/art work you do/create? Workingwith customers! I love coming up with color combinations and new products, butI do lots of custom work and my customers always come up with the best ideas!

-What is the best and worst of being an Artist/Crafter?

Best? It's always challenging. There's always something new to learn orsomething to do better. Worst? I love doing it so much that it's hard to turnoff the brain and stop thinking about it. (It's also good to be that excitedabout life though!)

-Which piece of your current store is your favorite? The multicolored garlandsin the crazy neon colors and the custom family portraits in words!

-What made you open an Etsy Store? Honestly, when we moved to Knoxville, Ididn't have many friends and I didn't really feel like I fit in so I startedcreating and found a little home in Etsy where my passions have been fueled andI feel like I belong.

-Besides Etsy, where else can we find you? My etsy store is www.hoopdaloop.etsy.com

I have a blog: www.agirlandherscout.blogspot.comwhere I feature lots of Etsy artists and host giveaways from their stores anddiscounts as well as lots of Etsy Tips!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/hoopdaloopbyallison

And I am a featured artisan for Emmaline Bride (a great resource for brides wholove handmade!) hoopdaloop.emmalinebride.com/

-What advice do you have for aspiring art/craft sellers? For aspiring, dreambig and don't stop! Just keep working and then take the Etsy plunge! I was sohesitant at first. I kept thinking oh, but this isn't good enough... thisphoto's lighting isn't perfect. But nothing is perfect. You just have to go forit!

For current Etsy shop owners- If you can, keep adding items to your shop andbranch out. Offer new colors, textures, designs... Now with the new relevancysearch on Etsy, it's important to make sure you have lots of products to share.Just stay positive and if you get down because the views are low or the sellingis slow... go create! That's what we are best at anyways right?!

* * *

Items WE are loving at HoopDaLoop

Custom Baby Shower Invitations

Origami Cupcake Toppers

Vintage Fabric Hairclips

* * *

Thank you Allison for sharing a little bit of you and your Etsy seller experience!

So, please do not forget to visit Allison at her Etsy store HERE

* * *

Finally, a Beautiful Treasury inspired in the Origami Cupcake Toppers!

Happy Monday!

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-01T10:00:00.001-07:00

I hope y'all had a fantastic, fun and safe Halloween Arrrrrrr!

Autumn is here!! enjoy :) xoxox
-Karla

Knit a Sweater, Help a pinguin in need!

2011-10-18T12:27:00.000-07:00

While reading the Etsy blog I came across with a post about the recent oil spill in New Zealand. According to their authorities, this one has been the worst in decades.

I just cannot imagine these little guys suffering with their bodies dirty, and I am sure even if there are many many good hearted volunteers it must be very hard for the little fellas.

Well, this Store named Skeinz is calling out for those of us who know how to crochet and knit to help. Yes! We are knitting some sweaters! I will be knitting a Pinguin Sweater for these little fellas! ... or maybe 2 or 3 :)

Probably you want to help to but do not know how to knit? Well, with your purchases of this item listing I will be donating 10% to the cause which will help to buy the yarns and I will give my labor free for the knitting of these sweaters for the rest of the year :)

If you want to follow my progress on the sweaters I will be knitting don't forget to come back!

xox,

Karla

Pinteresting Thursday: COSTUMES!

2011-10-13T13:13:00.000-07:00

Halloween is almost here! Two weeks ;) So for those who are running late.. here some inspiration!

My favorite of all? Mini-Audrey :D She looks adorable!

(Source)

Mini Audrey Hepburn. Fabulous Darling!

Source

Star Wars Themed: R2D2 and Mini Princess Leia

(Source)

Cannot quite figure this character out but ohh he looks adorable as a 'sheep king' :)

(Source)

Now, this one is sooo clever! Love the paper doll! It can be customized for an adult too ;)

(Source)

This one seems so fun!

(Source)

Little Strong Popeye Boy

(Source)

A Classic.. Mary Poppins :)

(Source)

The Most Adorable Cholesterol Egg Kid!

(Source)

... and for the Crazy in you.. Mad Hatter & Co!

HAPPY THURSDAY!!

My Dexter Cup :)

2011-10-12T10:55:00.000-07:00

I know... I am so crazy. But I still love this show! When I discovered it I was hooked! haha

Anyway, I had been wanting to buy this cup for the longest but it hurt the price a little bit... well, being a fan on Facebook has its perks.. so I got a 30% discount code and here it is! Isn't it fun? I LOVE IT! (not as much as I love Dexter, but quite close ;)

BEFORE AND AFTER

THE "DEXTER" TOUCH

Me and my cup :)

... and the Transformation Video hehe

Where to buy it? HERE

Back to my Knitting Love!

2011-10-04T18:53:00.000-07:00

I looove knitting! I forgot how much I love it! San Diego is getting kind of cold these past days so I decide to knit a big scarf. I wanted a cowl originally but I could not find my crochet or circular needles so I went for a long chunky scarf.

I have been having this yarn for a while and I totally dig the Green Lemon Grassy color. The pictures definitely don't do it justice. I was so thrilled when I finished it, so I took it to work today and I got a lot of compliments for it. Of course, I was proud of my self hehe.. People thought I bought it, but no! I made it myself :) and I can make one for you too!

I actually have a Custom Listing on my Etsy if you fancy :) You can have the very same color in just two days or if you want a different color, just email me and we would talk ;) I assure you, you would totally love it!

Please, feel free to email me if you have any questions. To visit my Etsy store, click at the hotlinks or the picture itself. Happy Autumn! I am so glad it is here! Love the greens, browns, earth tones, orangy, all of them!!

Happy Tuesday!!

Draft for Watercolor.. possible doll

2011-09-27T14:16:00.000-07:00

After speaking to one of my close friends today.. she asked me if I had made any dolls. Of course, I have not had time and plenty of excuses!

I know I need to get going on my crafting! So that is why I decided to grab some paper from the printer (at work haha) and sketch and work around this girl face.

I will be making her into a Watercolor painting just for fun. Although the idea behind the sketching, drafting and tracing was to come up with the face of my next doll. I really like the results. It was very natural.. I usually try to sketch happy dolls and super smiley, but at the end it does not work. So I think this doll is within cuteness but also expresses something more.. that I cannot quite figure out.. but I know it is there.

You have a great Tuesday Evening :)

Honeycomb stitch cowl

2011-09-24T11:03:00.000-07:00

My latest finished knitting project :) Love it!

Happy Saturday!

TEA FOR THREE Guest Richelle from Etsy Shop: "Rinni's Playground"

2011-09-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

I am so thrilled to share this week a fantastic and very unique artist and her Etsy Store: Richelle Clementson!

But before I continue I want to give you a sneak peak of what she creates...

I haven't had the privilege to own one of her creations (not yet... but soon). But this one is my personal favorite! The Frankenstein Kitty!! ITS ALIVEEEEE!!!

Isn't it adorable?? Far from being scary is a cutie!!

Now go on.. it is ok to read the interview! I know you want to jump to her store.. but first take a look at her creative world :) Plus at the end of the interview she is sharing Info on a GIVEAWAY that she has going on at her BLOG

* * *

INTERVIEW

Please give a little background of you, any general information you would like to share.

I'm a 31 year old mother of twin boys, they're just about to turn 9. I lovingly call them Mischief and Mayhem, the Destroyers. I'm an Army brat, Army sibling, former Soldier and now Army wife. I just got out of the Army last year after my one year deployment to Afghanistan. I have no formal schooling in art but I've been drawing all my life. I starting painting in Afghanistan for the first time. I found that art is an amazing outlet to preserve one's sanity. I plan on going back to school soon and major in...art!

What inspires your artistic crafts?

A lot of things inspire my arts and crafts. The twins are a wealth of inspiration. They're always asking me to make things for them and are quick to offer up suggestions of what I should make next.

How long have you been crafting and how did you start?
I've been drawing since I was a child but the sewing of and creating of critters has just been within the last year, since I got out of the Army. My husband bought me the sewing machine because I wanted to make curtains and such for the house. That quickly evolved into making things for the twins and my sister, Tabitha.

What would you call your style?
I would call my style eclectic, I'm really all over the place. From sweet and cute to sweetly twisted, and everything in between. My tastes run the gamut.

What is the favorite part in all of your art work you create?
My favorite part of creating is completion! It's so gratifying when I finish a project. Sometimes, a lot of times, the piece evolves while I'm working on it and the end product will look far different than it's initial sketch. It's a learning experience too. I think I grow and learn from every new thing I make.

What is the best and worst of being an Artist?

The best part about being an artist for me is being able to express myself through the various mediums I use. I might be a bit ADD because I usually have multiple projects going at once, eventually they all get done. Eventually. The worst part about being an artist is getting frustrated when things don't turn out as I planned, but I try to turn those into happy mistakes instead of chucking it out the window and running it over with my car. The thought has occurred to me more than once.

Which piece of your current artwork is your favorite?
My favorite creations are the first stuffed animals I made for the twins. The boys each drew a picture and I had to do my best to bring their vision to life. Ryan drew a skeleton and Tyler drew a ball shaped monster. They named them Bony and Mr. Snugums. They might not be my best looking creations, as they were some of my very first, but they hold the most meaning for me.

What made you open an Etsy Store?
My sister, Tabitha was really the driving force behind me opening a shop on Etsy. She's so supportive of my art and really knows how to crack a whip. Half the time I think I'm working in her sweat shop! My husband is also very supportive of my work and the shop. He keeps telling me we have to "get in the black", lol. I'm so luck he indulges my insanity!

Besides Etsy, where else can we find you?
Currently my creations and art can only be found in my Etsy shop, but I'm looking into doing some craft fairs as well.

What advice do you have for aspiring art/craft sellers?
My advice for other crafters and sellers is...Go for it! Believe in yourself and your art.

To create one's own world in any of the arts takes courage. ~Georgia O'Keeffe

***

Items WE are loving at Richelle's store: RinnisPlayground!

Pickle Kitty!!

Woodland Creature

Roamer, Jackalope Rabbit

Lovely huh?!

I want to thank Richelle from RINNI'S PLAYGROUND for taking the time to answer our questions and share a little bit of her world with us!

And now the GIVEAWAY she has going on at her BLOG

First GIVEAWAY: Handmade Zombie Plush Bunny!

This giveaway will last until 9/30/11 at midnight PST

So, don't forget to stop by at her blog and also her Etsy Store!!

***

Finally, a treasury inspire in Richelle's 'Pickle, the button Jointed Kitty'

Visit Treasury HERE

Happy Monday and See you next week!!

And the Winner of my 'Gypsy Dream Earrings' Giveaway is...

2011-09-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

And the Winner of my 'Gypsy Dream Earrings' is...

CONGRATS MAGALY!!

Thank you all of you who stopped by! I have to reply to some of you comment inquiries. I will do that soon!

I have been lost in action'.. I just moved homes and OMG 3 day-Odyssey. I was supposed to be done on Sunday but It lasted until Tuesday midnight.My body shut down yesterday.. I was on my way to work and I was sooo tired that I decided to take a mini' nap before getting into the office. Well that nap went from 5 minutes to 45!! LOL Thank God my boss is amazing and she laugh instead of being upset with me...

So, anyway. Congrats MAGALY on your win of my handmade earrings! I will be contacting you soon to get shipping details :)

The rest of the ladies, please be sure to congratulate Magaly and stop at her blog HERE

I hope you all Enjoy your Thursday! I will be doing Pinteresting Thursday until next week.

Have a fantastic weekend!

xo,
Karla

Gypsy Dreams Blog Party & Giveaway going on!

2011-09-09T23:52:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my Gypsy Dream!

Party hosted by Wonderful Celia from

Adventures of the Striped Stockings

We don't know from which country she is but we do know she lives in a forest.. or in a prairie or wherever her caravan lands. She is free spirited, just like you, just like me...

She lives like a queen. She is the queen of the soil she steps on because she is free..

She sings, she dances, she is happy, she is music..

She is mysterious, she is gorgeous, adventurous and free like the wind!

She is you.. she is me!!

The end

Now...

Before you leave I want to share something with you!

GIVEAWAY!

I never done one but I will do my best :)

Back in 2009 I wanted to design jewelry but I am so anal about my designs that I never was satisfied. Specially because I raised the bar by studying at GIA..

So, I do have a few supplies left. So I made these Earrings for you! They are gorgeous Swarovsky with Jablonex, Silver findings and Hypoallergenic metal mix. Colors are vibrant, but edited the picture to go with the flavor and theme :)

Do you want to have a chance to win them?

Then do the any following:

A) Follow my blog

B) Follow my Twitter

C) Like me on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/DreamaginariusArts

and of course.. don't forget to comment about this party and

leave me a note otherwise I will not know you want in!

The winner will be announced this upcoming Thursday, September 15th!

If you tweet and FB this post you get a double entry! Just share w/ me the link :)

Now join the Caravan and visit the rest of the party guests at:

My Gypsy Dreams!

I hope you enjoyed your stay and thanks for visiting!

xo,

Karla

Giveaway alert from Blog: Child of Danu!

2011-09-09T17:00:00.000-07:00

Awesome Giveaway!!

Click the Above Image or HERE to visit the blog for instructions on how to enter!

You could win a Beautiful print like the one Below!!

Go and visit: http://childofdanu.blogspot.com!!

Something to remember

2011-09-09T16:08:00.000-07:00

"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. " --Christopher Robin to Pooh
~ A.A. Milne

Pinteresting Thursday is back!! Theme: DIY!

2011-09-08T04:00:00.000-07:00

I love finding treasures online and Pinterest is the place where I store them. But what I even love more is to see a picture that comes with a tutorial! Well today, I decided on the 'Do It Yourself' theme for our Pinteresting' Thursday. Some of the tutorials are very easy and others are a little more complex, but however they are I hope you try one! But most of all have fun :)

(Via CreatureComforts)

Braided Headbands

(Via AlisaBurke)

Unique White Shirt

(Via U-createCrafts)

Cardboard Paperframes

(Via DesignSponge)

PaperFlower adorned Frame

(Via MichelleMademe)

Yarn wrapped Initials

(Via BumpSmitten)

Men's shirt turned girl skirt

(Via ABeautifulMess)

Beautiful Pillow Cases

(Via CraftZine)

Mason Jars as Vases

(Via HeyGorg)

Doily Banner Garlands

(Via LittleMissMomma)

And MY FAVORITE!!

Gorgeous Curtain Shower!

(Via ElleApparel)

I wish you a wonderful Thursday!

Dreamy places

2011-09-07T13:19:00.000-07:00

... I never get tired of Dreaming. I loooooove and drool over and over of these places. In the realms of my own universe all the below are my multiple houses lol

This is at Bojnice city, Slovakia. Do you want to come over for dinner?

What about a weekend at my Rapunzel-like tower?

Image of towers at Bergheim-Alsace, France. Photography was magically manipulated by Jean-Michel Priaux. (STUNNING PHOTOGRAPHY!)

Now, the below.. really gets to me. I lived in Barcelona a couple of years ago. This Whimsical house is called: Casa Batlló. This is one of the many wonderful creations of Catalan Modernist Architect Antoni Gaudí. This picture is amazing, but in person it is just breathtaking. I miss you Barcelona!!!

Going back to the master of all the beauties: Nature.

Wonder Tree, Klamath, California

I hope you are having a wonderful Wednesday!

Back.. and pondering after these long days

2011-09-06T13:57:00.000-07:00

Ladies and gents, they have been rough days.. I was sick. My Dr said it is stress but I still feel a pressure on my chest and have difficulty breathing. Some issues (nightmare size) with roommates and some other things. I am a strong person but at times I wonder. I read somewhere:

"Don't tell God how big ur problem is, tell ur problem how big your GOD is!!"

Seriously, this is way harder that it seems. Not sure about you, but with the years I have noticed I am a whiner by nature (I fight hard, but still whine inside me). I understand that some other people have bigger things on their shoulders and my little complaints are just rubbish. So yesterday in the midst or my troubles I stopped for a moment and tried to make a mental list on what makes me happy. There were many things and specially people.

Here is my List:

My husband (he is God's gift to me)

My family (Parents, nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters)

Visiting my parents and do nothing

Playing with my nieces and nephews (they adore me.. how cannot I be happy with that :)

Playing and petting my smooth and furry Labby dog Coco

Seeing all the above Happy AND healthy

Crafting

Shopping (I am terrible I know.. but hey some shopping therapy once in a while is good)

What makes YOU happy?!

(Print courtesy of: TheLoveShop)

Abscent for a couple of days

2011-08-31T10:49:00.000-07:00

I am on Blog Sick Leave until new notice :(

I hope to see you soon!!

Sketch of my new dolls: Laia, Ingrid

2011-08-27T19:41:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to make dolls but with no guidelines, just as I please. So far, I have not done very well. I have been frustrated about it, specially because I have no clue on how to make certain things. I do believe it all lies in the practice, practice, practice! My husband who draws as well (his comics blog) suggested that I should start with a plan and a sketch it may well it be. So, I took the advice... I am not the best in drawing and I am so out of practice, but I do enjoy it very much.

So here is the result:

Tomorrow I will be trying to model their faces in paper or polymer clay. Let's see how close that turns out! I will share tomorrow!

Well, just popped to say Hi ...

Happy Saturday!

Pinteresting Thursday: Art Dolls!

2011-08-25T15:10:00.000-07:00

... and here we go again!! Love Thursdays!!

Anyway, I am publishing this draft post because I do not want to leave you empty handed. But...BUT I will come back and edit and comment and make this prettier :) I am so busy at work that I did not even go to lunch!

Also, I will come back and give proper credit to these amazing Art Doll Artists! So if you want more info on the below dollies, don't forget to come back :)

UPDATE Friday 8/26:

OK I edited a little bit the pictures so you could appreciate the dolls. I credited the sources but I am still pending on commenting and adding the Artists names. Although, they can be found easily by going to the quoted link. For better pictures just click at the Images! Will be back soon!

(Via VeronaBarrella)

(Via CraftGossip)

(Via HannieSarris)

(Via MissDaphne's)

(Via SeaGypgsyStudio)

(Via ClothDollPatterns)

(Via MarinaArtDolls)

(Via UllaDolls)

(Via LittleBigPants)

(Via NIADA-History)

(Via CrazyQuiltingDolls)

(Via JennybirdAlcantara)

(Via NKAtelier)

I hope you like the dollies!!

Who doesn't LOVE Craftrooms?

2011-08-24T11:23:00.000-07:00

Yes yes.. I am leaving next year (tentatively...) but I am still in California. And while here, my husband has spoiled me with a place with an extra room for me :)

I am starting with the layout probably this weekend. I will not be painting it otherwise at the end of the year I will have to repaint (too lazy for that). Plus I rather cover it with beautiful paintings and picture frames :)

Here is some inspiration I found... (for bigger view CLICK the Images!)

I will start with the gorgeous studio of Textile Artist: Heather Bailey. Isn't it gorgeous?! Now that hutch it is just simply yummy :) and that middle minty working table? Can you see in the back, on the top right side something that looks like an Apple shaped cookie container and the pink antique looking pitcher? Ok, I am officially melting of jealousy! lol

(via HeatherBailey)

Now this one below is simply adorable! I really, really liked the idea of a 'fake' brick wall to pink all. Also the detail of the hanging lanterns.. looks cute.

(via ThompsonFamily)

On Kelly's craft room I really like the yellow walls. I am talking my self out on not painting the walls haha! I happen to have a very similar cabinet like the one below but in cream color. That one for sure is going white!
I definitely don't do any scrapbooking, but for those of you who do.. isn't that wall piece paradise for ribbons? I could think about a couple of things I could place there.. to start my Dolls!! also, those canisters seem like they could come very very handy ;)

(via Kelly'sCraftroom)

Ohhh geezz what about this one? All cotton candy flavored' very cute. I wish the dress to the left (in blue) would have come out more! although we can appreciate the tidbit tiered tray very good. I love those trays and how there are used here to hold jewelry. I have like 4 of those but will be keeping only one I believe. I will make them available at my new Vintage Etsy store soon. I will have also some Roselane porcelain and 70's decor along with other antiques and cool stuff.

(via FlickrShabbyScraps)

Ohhhh! this cabinet is perfect!... and these roses details.. how romantic! Tammy's creative area is a haven! You should really take a look at her Studio! (Although not before telling me what you think about my picks! hehe)

(via Tammy'sHeart)

I wish you a very blessed and fantastic Wednesday!!!

If you have more links of craft rooms, feel free to share them!

You have to follow your Dreams...

2011-08-23T13:23:00.000-07:00

After many thoughts and conversations... we have decided to leave our beloved California to the East Coast.

It will not happen immediately but we are preparing for the event.

I have to say I am pretty excited about it. We will be in neutral territory and will be the same air time to travel to visit my family as to visit my husband's family in Europe.

But not only that.. we are buying a house! yes! Finally I will have the house I always wanted. I know the East Coast weather can be chilly but it is ok. We considered once moving to London! so it should be fine :) Plus, I love snow!

I just dream of a house like this one...

I can totally picture my self at a house like this one (who wouldn't! lol) Although, I am a little afraid we would buy a house with 'guests' ... I am not a big believer in ghosts but I do have an open mind. I just would not know what to do!! My mom said that she would be afraid to visit haha It is funny, because most of the houses in California are new, so this would be a totally different story and experience. Just thinking that 100 years before you there was somebody living in your house, sounds soo cool!

It is silly but for our housewarming party (that I have no clue who would attend since we would be new at the city hahha), I would be dressed like this lady. haha I know, I know... cheesy! But I just love anything from the early past century. It will be a shore to get that waist though! haha

What about the decoration? It will be a very hard decision if to keep it antique style, modern or a mix. Would you help me??

One thing I will not trade is a sofa like this one. Ohhhhhhhhh I have been wanting one for ages!

So, what do you think?? Any ideas for the decor?? Just add your link with any 1900's decor images.. of course we are daydreaming at this stage :)

See you soon!!