First of all, there is this:

If you click on the picture and look close you will see that my first puppy shrug (the hot pink one) is one of the featured projects on the front page of Craftster.org which may not be a big deal to all of you, but considering I’ve been posting on craftster for almost 2 years and this is my very first featured item, I’m pretty tickled about it.

Second of all, I worked up a second puppy shrug, to make sure it wasn’t just a fluke. I found a few ways to make it a tad better. I also discovered how I had ended up with a wrong side row on the right side when I picked up stitches around the edge of the first one. (Which is why the pink one has our rows of garter stitch as ‘decoration’, because I screwed up the picking up stitches and had no choice.)

So here is take two of puppy shrug:

This is pictured unblocked so it is rolled a little at the bottom edge. But it is stockinette throughout, but I still did 2×2 ribbing around the sleeve cuffs. This one is made from a mint green mohair like yarn. It’s very pretty and super soft.

I’m going to write up a pattern for this to be for sale on my patterns page. I’m still working on it, because there are a few parts that I was just winging it, so I am probably going to have to work up another one or two before I have what I consider a decent and easy to follow pattern.

Also, DaniDo Crafty officially has a MySpace Page. So, add us if you like, the more people who add it, the more other people will see it. It’s fairly bare bones, and it will probably stay that way, because it’s just serving as another method of advertising and redirecting viewers to this blog and my etsy shop. Speaking of, the green puppy shrug is also for sale in the shop.

I’m going to have to advertise for small dog models. I think maybe if I strike a deal with one of the dog stores around town that also sells dogs, I may be able to do some cross promotional stuff. i.e they lend me their dogs as models, and I link to them when customers look at my items. Starting next week (as soon as my voice is fully back, I’m a little croaky right now.) I’m going to try to start shopping my dog items around to some local pet stores to see if any one is interested in taking some on consignment. This means that I’m going to spend all day today, tomorrow and Monday probably, churning out dog clothes. I need a Chihuahua and a Pug, those are the two sizes up and down from my girls, so I need them to measure and figure out other sizes to make. Right now all my dog items are small/medium because that’s what size Dixie and Allie are.

I cast on for a little cabled purse last night. I’m two cable reps into it, and it’s going fairly quickly, but I think I should focus on the dog stuff. I just wanted to learn how to do the cable the purse pattern uses, so now I’ve got it, and its served it’s purpose and I’ve kind of lost interest.

Alright, break time is over, time to get back to work.

Another thing to add to the shop.

9×11 inch bag, lined and hand embroidered with leaves and buttons.

Close up of the leaf detail.

Even managed to make a pocket for the lining. I sewed this. ALL BY MYSELF. It took me all day, but I think I learned a lot by doing it. One thing I learned was that my sewing machine sucks, so I’m not going to use it anymore. I used Carolyn’s good Bernina instead and it went much quicker when I quit using the piece of crap Brother machine.

This is up for sale in the Etsy Shop but it’s pretty cheap since it was a learning curve bag. We’re calling this the Prototype Bag. It’s made out of recycled pillow cases and lined with a tank top that I bought from Target last winter but ended up being akin to a gunny sack on me. I have three more in different colors and more pillow cases that no longer match any sheets in this house. So….the Prototype Bag will hopefully get better with each incarnation.

I’m treating the shop like a normal job now. I get up in the morning, I have a cup of coffee and craft until dinner time. I have to make this work now. I have got to start making some money.

I’m a little interested in why I haven’t got any call backs on the applications and resumes. I’m not sure if it’s the overwhelming presence of non stop coffee jobs, or my Hispanic last name (total conjecture, I’m just being paranoid) but it’s ridiculous that I haven’t got ANY calls. I know my cell phone works because the bill collectors and my Aunt are still getting through.

Anyway, off to cast one for a new knitted purse.

I’ve finally stooped to begging. I will admit it: I’m broke. I’m trying to find a job, I’m knitting as fast as my little fingers will allow to try and scrape some cash together in a hurry to pay for my fall semester, but alas, it’s just not coming together like it should.

I have literally put in no less than 5 resumes/applications a day since before I even left Alaska. Nothing. I’ve called places to check on the status of those applications and all I’ve received is the run around.

I need help. So, should you feel so inclined, you can either visit My Etsy Shop and buy something or you donate to the “Save A Poor Student” fund by sending pity money to dani@cricketbox.com via PayPal.

Off to file more resumes.

In the sway of allergy medications, the ‘Tussin, a freshly stocked yarn stash (thank God for JoAnns big summer sale!) I made a dog shrug.

Yes, I said DOG SHRUG.

I’ve made three of the full sized thing, why not make a dog sized one? Plus, it means they don’t get their chest hair all matted. And quite frankly, anyone who owns a dog with long hair knows what a pain it can be to try to brush the underbelly of an animal with matted hair. So, without further ado:

And the details:

2×2 ribbing on the sleeve cuffs

Reverse stockinette for a textured look to the collar and bottom band. Even though my dogs are adorable in this, I put it up for sale in my Etsy Shop. I can make more, and they wouldn’t be able to wear this for a few more months anyway, since we live in the desert.

I’m not feeling well, I’m having some kind of allergic reaction to something. I don’t know what it is that I’m reacting too, but it burns when I breathe, I’ve got hives and I’m all sneezy. Benadryl helps but…evidently makes me loopy enough to think dog shrugs are the future of puppy couture.

Well, I’m riding the high because I’m already making a little Chihuahua sized green one with the left over Blue Skies Alpaca I got in Anchorage.

Okay, first of all, I’ve banged out two shrugs since I last posted. 

This is the first one I did. It’s teal and white, (much like a dog sweater featured earlier) made with Debbie Bliss Cotton DK. And yes, it does seem like I have A LOT of Debbie Bliss Cotton DK. I got it on sale.

Close up of the colors and ribbing.

 
This one is made out of GORGEOUS Blue Sky Alpaca in a moss green. The photo really does not do it justice. This is going to be for sale in the DaniDo Crafty Shop.

It’s so soft, and so smooth. I’m really proud of this one. I bought the yarn while I was in Anchorage, from Knitting Grounds, which I’ve already waxed poetic about how much I love that place. 

And here is a close up of the ribbing, and raglan increases.  I am really proud of this one.

I also made a cell phone cozy for my Mom, and an iPod sock for my brother. Neither of which I bothered to take a picture of. So…imagine them if you will.

So, this afternoon I decided I was going to start on another shrug to put up for sale, since I’m just whipping them out. I grabbed a ball of really gorgeous maroon Marino wool that I bought in San Diego in a few months ago. As I was balling it into a center pull ball on my own winder, I noticed that what they had done was put two small balls together. Like such:

This makes me sad.

Because now, I’m going to have a big ugly knot in the middle of the shrug and more ends to weave in, which is OFFICIALLY my least favorite part of knitting. Oh, and I got a haircut while I was in Alaska. Pictured (poorly) with my sad face and the weak yarn.

I also started unraveling a thrift store sweater I picked up a few weeks ago. I’m trying to liberate (salvage) the yarn. The below picture is one in a series of pictures my DH took to show the total madness that sweeps me when I get in the ‘craft mood’. I thought this was an effective method of undoing the sweater. I’ve got about three inches of the first sleeve done and then I just gave up for the day.

But then the Buhunkis, in typical cat fashion, decides that this is her new sweater.

And is obviously not terribly pleased about being disturbed from her beauty sleep.

I managed to get my blog client fixed (obviously) so now I can properly post a picture of my fabulous new knitting tattoo:

And close up:

A few other things from my trip to Alaska.

Seeing my siblings and my Grandma Linda.

(From left: Me, Jim, Katrina, Jon and Grandma)

And spending time with Shannon’s cat Max:

Who is, by the way, officially the cutest kitten on the face of the planet.

Okay, this was a long post. I’m spent. Good night.

So this:

is what I did today.

Better pictures to come when I get home from my trip. But, today has been a good day.
My artist did a great job, it came out better than I could have imagined and I’m totally stoked.

It’s on my left fore arm just below my elbow crease. The yarn is pink, but it looks red right now (because it was bleeding.) but my favorite part, my FAVORITE part is the wicked skulls at the end of the needles.

I also have a hot new haircut, and a game plan for when I get home. I’m feeling pretty good. It’s been a good week.

So, I’m back home for a few days. I’ve been to two of the three known yarn shops in town. The first is Yarn Branch which is inside of Quilt Tree on Benson and Denali. It’s a gorgeous quilt store, and the fabrics there are lush and beautiful and all things you would want out of a quilting store. However, the yarn selection: not so much. Don’t get me wrong. They have lots of yarn, they have lots of GOOD yarn, but they’re a bit spendy. And I’m cheap. (I’m cheap because I’m broke. If I could get away with spending $26 on a hank of yarn, I would.) But I did find a back issue of Interweave Knits that I had been looking for (Summer ‘05) and I picked up a nice pair of size 0 DPNs for when I finally decide to learn to make socks. My friend Shannon picked up some quilting supplies and I had a nice chat with the woman at the counter about finding current issues of Interweave Knits, because I had been looking for the new one for two weeks to no avail. She suggested Barnes and Nobel (which is right next door to the shop) but I had already been there, tried that.

So, no yarn at the Yarn Branch. Out of my league and since I’m traveling on a shoe string budget I couldn’t in good conscience spend money on more yarn I really didn’t need.

Until I found The Knitting Grounds which I OFFICIALLY the coolest freaking yarn store EVER. Seriously. First of all, the minute we walk through the door I am greeted with the less than threatening bark of a miniature schnauzer that looks EXACTLY like my Dixie. But, I’m getting ahead of myself, before we even made it through the front door; we had to find the place first. I had the cross streets but because I’m in my hometown I didn’t bother to mapquest the exact address because I was like “Oh, King Street and 92nd, I can totally find that.” Which I did, but only after going the wrong way on King Street assuming it would be on the side of Dimond that is known to house businesses and not just warehouse space. So, after crossing back over Dimond to the right side of King street to find 92nd, (and completely missing the sign on the corner that pointed the way to The Knitting Grounds) we finally stumbled upon a warehouse, with a little sign in the window that said Knitting Grounds and the magical words “open”. Knitting Grounds is in a converted warehouse space, that from the outside looks like it should house a mechanic, lots of cigarette butts and some sort of vehicle in a state of disrepair. What you do find inside is surprising and all together pleasant: a HUGE amount of yarn, a VERY friendly employee (possibly owner) and the aforementioned Schnauzer.

I did buy yarn from them. My ironclad will collapsed at the feet of a tiny black Schnauzer and some freaking GORGEOUS Blue Sky Alpaca sport weight. But only two hanks! Seriously. Oh, and the current copy of IK that I had been searching for. I managed to make it out under $30. Which in my opinion, is incredible, considering I rarely make it out of Michaels for less than $50 and they don’t even have nice yarn.

The next time I’m in Anchorage The Knitting Grounds will be my first stop. Even if just to sit and enjoy the company of laid back relaxed knitters and the dog that sleeps on one of the couches in the back. More than just my new favoritestplaceeveromg, they are the model by which I will plan to build my own yarn shop someday. And the ingenious idea to lease warehouse space instead of strip mall space is fantastic! They have plenty of room to offer sitting areas that are comfortable, a large selection of yarns and a sort of off the beaten path aesthetic that I find comforting. Plus I’m sure they’re saving a ton by not renting overpriced retail space.

Having finished the “One Skein Wonder” (by Glampyre) just before I left Vegas, I am currently without a major project. The One Skein Wonder ended up being a “Two and a Half Skein TINY Monster”, but I’m not sure if my gauge was off (I used Debbie Bliss cotton DK) or if I took my measurements wrong before starting the project. Either way, the shrug turned out beautiful just too small, so I think it’s going to be gifted to my 9 year old cousin. I did make a few mods, but the pictures are on my desktop back in Vegas, so that’ll have to wait a few days until I’m home.

Meanwhile, I’m knitting up a cell phone cozy for my Mom real quick, out of the same hank of Artyarns merino that I made the iPod sock (see previous post) but that will take less than a day. I would like some sort of little should cover up thingy, like the One Skein Wonder, but I can’t seem to find a pattern that fits, is flattering or doesn’t use an obscene amount of yarn. I may try the One Skein Wonder again, in the larger size with my new freshly balled Blue Sky Alpaca, because it is so soft, and so gorgeous. It’s a light moss green, and sport weight, so I’m sure it wouldn’t end up being too heavy to wear in Vegas. I may have to spend some time figuring gauge before I start again though, because I would hate to make yet another adorable shrug that I can’t wear.

So Dear Readers: if you have patterns that meet the above mentioned requirements and would be suitable to a curvy girl who lives in the desert but tends to have cold shoulders, please send them my way. Or tell me where to get them.

Oh! And I got my hair done by my favorite hair dresser/friend/fellow knitter Lydia. And, it’s freaking awesome. I love it. And I’m getting a tattoo tomorrow. It’s a knitting theme…but I like to wait until tattoos heal to show pictures of them. Otherwise they’re just greasy and gross. Speaking of greasy, I must buy some Bag Balm before my tattoo appointment.

I’m off to knit a bit, before heading to my Dads to visit with the other half of my family.

As promised, here is the finished iPod sock.

ipod sock
This is a pretty fair representation of the colors, though the purple is a little more rich. It’s knitted in 2×2 ribbing throughout, then a ring of single crochet at the top and a crocheted button flap.I found one lonesome little button that seemed to match the green color in it. Anyway, I dig it. I think it looks pretty sweet and soft next to the big mean 80g video iPod.

This is what ideas look like at 2 a.m. I haven’t really slept for almost a week, so I wake up and this is what I do. I scramble to get down the idea before it all washes away with exhaustion. There’s more pages like these with ideas for dolls, tank tops, pillow covers and skirts. schematic

So not too bad for doing something off the cuff and not using a pattern. As usually I am the queen of patterns, if for no other reason than I hate figuring gauge out myself.

Here are two other of my WIPs.

Dog Sweater WIP
This is a dog sweater that I’m attempting to do in all one piece, so I don’t have to seam anything. This is also without a pattern, so I’m having a bit of a difficulty trying to figure out how big around will actually fit a dog. I think this one ought to be small Chihuahua sized. This is also my first attempt at knitting in the round on DPN’s instead of circular needles. It’s going well, except, where do I put the leg holes? I’m working on that part.

I’m also working on a deep ribbing halter, that has been on hold for about two weeks. My ftp folder ate the picture, and my blogging program is on being wonky, so I’m doing this the hard way, so no picture for you right now. But the halter is just soooooo boring to work on because it’s a 4×2 ribbing repeat. Eventually it may get done. I don’t know though. I started it when I didn’t know how to do lace, shaping or knit properly on circs, this is on circs, but it’s not joined so there is still seaming involved, which I HATE. So, I might just frog the whole thing and find a pattern that works in one piece and keeps seaming to a minimum.

I did just start the Branching Out scarf from Knitty. I’ve done the first lace repeat, but I’m not sure I have the attention span to do a whole scarf of this. I was just thinking I needed a light summer scarf for Alaska next week. I think I might just whip something a little more simple up. Suggestions greatly appreciated. Something quick, pretty and that uses a relatively small amount of yarn.

My doctor reinstated my Klonapin prescription. So, I’ve spent the last 24 hours in a blissful state of calm. Not high, because my dose is fairly low so I can still be functional. The tight chest, verge of tears feeling is starting to slowly drift away. It’s making it easier to focus, to concentrate.

Off to find a better scarf pattern. I think I might go out into the courtyard and enjoy the dusk hours. They are the only thing about Vegas I love.