This will get better.

I've been a little busy.

Things that have happened to me or have happened in the last year:

• I started cosmetology school (I was 30 when I started, so that's kind of a big deal.)
• Learned so much I could pop! 
• My new husband proposed to me in November
• 2 days before my wedding, we found out our apartment had bedbugs (P.S. those are really hard to get rid of, but we finally have.)
• Got married! (YAY!)
• Went on a trip to New Mexico with Mom, Dad and Husband for Christmas
• Started house hunting so we could stop being re-invaded by bugs. (They just kept moving to the neighbor's apartment and then back through the walls. It was a nightmare. Also, I threw away about 3/4 of my things because of them. I actually threw out my crochet hooks accidentally while I was throwing out my ENTIRE YARN STASH. I almost threw up, I was so sad.)
• Found a nice house! Bought it! Moved IN to it!
• NO MORE BUGS! YAY!
• Graduated from cosmetology school 2 days after we closed on the house
• Unpacked!
• Went to Texas to see Mom and Dad
• Came back, did some more unpacking, some arranging and some home-making
• Passed my State Board examinations for Cosmetology!

So, I've been just the tiniest bit busy in the last year. I hope you'll forgive me for my lack of posting. I have been crocheting and crafting a little bit lately, but I have been job hunting, so my time is limited...

Next on my to-do list: Making party games for our 2nd Annual Jell-o Shot Party!

Dog Sweater/Store Update!

My plans for the day include just a couple little things; working on a dog sweater and also updating the Etsy shop. I am in desperate need of some crochet time, so this dog sweater will be the perfect means to an end. I cannot wait to get started! When you get a chance, check out the scarfs I FINALLY posted in my store. I think they'll look familiar.

Fully restocked!

Thanks to a big sale at Michael's today I am fully restocked and ready to crochet! There was even a sale on stuffing at Hobby Lobby a few days ago, so I'm set. I know it doesn't look like a whole lot to those of you who work large projects all the time, but keep in mind that the biggest I normally go is a wrap or scarf. I'm a one skein designer, so what do I need multiples for!?

This is my haul from Michael's:

This is my Top Drawer of yarns. Mostly Vanna's Choice and Red Heart.

This is my Middle Drawer. All Red Heart yarns.

This is my Bottom Drawer. It has all of my cottons and small scrap yarn balls.

Crocodile Gloves

I'm working up some Crocodile Gloves, but I don't know how I feel about them yet. Thoughts?

Super Stitches Crochet: A Love Story

A couple years ago, while I was learning to use patterns and trying to incorporate new stitches into my work, I came across this book. It was the highlight of my learning and it taught me so much in the 5 month period that the library let me re-check this book over an over and over.

A few months before the holidays I checked it out again and fell in love with the neatly written instructions and the illustrated pages. I have wanted this book for a long time, but I always find a reason not to buy it; my dogs nails need clipped, I could use more yarn.

Today I went to my mailbox after not having gone for about 10 days. (Nothing important is ever there as all my billing is done online.) I found a birthday card from my Grandma and Grandpa and in it was $50! Of course I thanked them, and I thought about what I would get.

Today was the day. I finally got my copy. It's new and it's mine!

O.o

I have been going 90 miles an hour with so little to actually, physically blog! I've made hats and cuffs and scarves, but have I taken ONE single picture? Nope. Not at all. I am worthless! But here's the good news; tomorrow, I'm shopping for stuffing (I've been out for a while) and I'll be making Ami again in no time! Yay! Be excited with me!

Informal Slacking

Yes, it's true; I've been taking some time off from the blog, but it's not what you think! It's because I've had tons of presents to make and very little time to finish them. Oh, is that what you were thinking? Well, good!

I completed the wraps that I was talking about back in this post. Here are the completed photos:

Also, I worked a pattern from ramenneedles on Etsy. It can be found here. It worked up beautifully. My only gripe is that the feet were written a little short. The pattern only goes 3 rounds, but I went 6 rounds for the length I needed. Not a big deal. It's an easy fix. They're longer in the picture, but honestly, adding more rounds of sc isn't going to kill anyone. Just count them out to match and you're golden!

Then I was so inspired by the Nyan Cat Scarf, that I decided to make gloves for myself! I don't have a pattern written but they were super simple. I suppose I could write one if anyone is interested.

Crayola, Blowing My Mind.

I was checking out Craftzine, as I always do when I'm looking for inspiration and I spot this blog post about "Customize Your Crayola". Anyone who has access to a Target store, do a little happy dance because apparently, this is REAL! You can go in, pick a blank box and make your own favorite Crayola color scheme!? If I would have seen this earlier, I'm pretty sure I would have spent my Sunday playing in Target's Crayon isle. This is EPIC! Okay, maybe I'm a nerd for Crayons, but you can't deny that this is fantabulous.

Well, all this inspired me to go to the Crayola website. That's where I saw THIS. Are you kidding me? There are crayons made for drawing on windows!? If my mom would have seen me drawing on HER windows when I was little, I'm pretty sure death would have shortly followed. Mom and Daughter enter, only one leaves. I'm serious, that's Thunderdome-worthy right there.

I just wanted to let everyone know that Crayola is still the most insane company out there. Thank you Crayola. You have made colored wax and acceptable art medium.

Burn Out!

Every so often your favorite thing to do becomes more of a chore than a hobby. You feel like you can't complete a piece to save your life and even finishing something for yourself turns out to be a disappointment. That's where I'm at. I've decided that for a little while I'm putting down the hook and picking up a needle... an embroidery needle, that is! It's pretty exciting and I feel confident that even my first piece is turning out good. Pictures of my embroidery work are coming soon!


Also, I'm getting a new phone, so there will be more posts of fun things I see around town and things of that nature. Maybe I can get in a couple pics of this awesome yarn bombing that's happened at the bike trail near my home before they tear it down.

Piggy Pattern!

My first pattern is now available for sale in my Etsy shop! It's a very detailed pattern with picture tutorials for assembly. I did my very best to make sure everything is correct, but if you find any mistakes, please do not hesitate to leave a comment or email me those corrections! I can't wait to see everyone's Little Piggy!

Click the pig to see my Etsy listing.