Black Friday - The Madness

Oh The Horror!

While at work today I heard from one of our regulars that someone was pepper sprayed in walmart over a pillow form........ A pillow form! You have got to kidding me. What are we? I am very proud to say that I have never gone out shopping on "Black Friday" I don't care how great the "deals" are, is it really worth my sanity? NO!!

I am so thankful I work in a craft store, and not somewhere like Wal-Mart or even a grocery store. I read about a Wal-Mart seasonal employee who was trampled to death by what I am going to reffer to as wild animals on Black Friday. Trampled to death! A man lost his life as a temporary employee in a Wal-Mart store, what does that say about our society? Given it was years ago, but still. That is so sad and just wrong on so many levels.
Thankfully we did not have to deal with much anything today, our shoppers are sane and know how to control themselves. The register line was backed up halfway through our store down the main aisle, and there was 3 of us at hte registers. The line was like that for almost 2 hours, the cutting counter was so bad you couldn't get around (I couldn't get around). And behind the cutting counter, the store was so busy we had 4 of our fabric carts piled high plus 2 H-carts and there was fabric all over the floor. I am so glad I didn't have to close last night, I can't imagine how much there was to put away by the time they closed the doors. I was out of there at 3pm, I wanted to buy some rotary blades but there was no way in the world I was staying in the store any longer than I had to.

For those of you who did your shopping, I hope it was worth it!

Now I get to feed myself to the lions again, my shift today is 11-7......still better than closing but, ugh! Happy Holidays to everyone, I hope this season is good to you.

Mark my stitches

I just got some knitting stitch markers made and took pictures and they are up for sale in my esty shop, I really enjoy useing pretty markers when I'm working on a project that calls for the use of such tools. I find knitting on a project much more gratifying and enjoyable when beautiful markers are dangleing in front of my stitches, don't you.

Come take a look, you might find something you like!

 So first I have some fun blue and green mottled glass stitch markers, with swarovski crystals in green and blue to accent that beautiful bead.

 I don't know, these ones might be my favorite. I love green and these glass beads are really nice, I love the little twist and they look so pretty in the sun light. Today was a perfect day for photos.

These are so cute, they are transparent purple glass beads in the shapre of a heart. All of the makers are made with sterling silver wire and are accented with swarovski crystals. For more information about these makers just visit my shop http://kmlamore.etsy.com.

Give Thanks

So I'm on Etsy right. There are countless individuals on that site and if you've never checked it out then it's high time you do....... right now. It's amazing how talented all these people are and the wonderful treasures they have offered to the world. I made a treasury today featuring 16 items from different shops, the theme is for thanksgiving. I wanted to give thanks to a wonderful site and all the artists that make that site something great. Please check it out

Leave a comment and tell me what it is you are thankful for, Shoot me an email after you have left your comment sharing what it is you are thankful for and I will send you a special coupon you can use in my store through the end of the year.

I am thinkful for having a man in my life who loves me for me regardless of my downfalls, he is wonderfully supportive and does so much for not just me but everyone he meets and knows. He is a very special and unique kind of man, and thats why I love him.
I am thankful for everyone in my life who is there for me in every way possible whether it's just hanging out and creating something or supporting with what I'm doing in every way you can support a person. I am surrounded by so many people who mean the world to me.
I am thankful for my job and those I work with, those I have worked with who have moved on. They make working a pleasure and I respect them all for things they know and have taught me.
I am thankful for the friends I have, and continue to make. You make my day every time I see you.
I am thankful for who I am, where I am, and where I'm going.

Life is some kind of wonderful, maybe not all the time and perhaps the beauty comes in small doses. Stack those little things to get a view of the big picture if thats the only way you can see how special everything is that we have and are blessed with everyday. Something special happens every second we're here.

Tis' The Season For Crafty Goodness

It's that time of year, beautiful colors all around us in nature, rosie cheeks, and cool pink noses (for me atleast). Craft fairs are also popping up all over the place everywhere you turn, I've been trying to participate in as many as I can and have been attending those that are all booked up. Recently found some nice little goodies at one that was held at a local church. We had the best pickles I have tasted since I was a child and a trip to the Co-Op was like visiting a candy store for me, My mother would buy me a yummy Dill Pickle from the great big jar they always had sitting on the front counter. Anyway the second I tried these pickles I knew I wasn't going home until I got a jar for myself and you know what I bought 2 of her large jars and took her card!

There was also a woman selling her fused glass products, she did amazing work and had some really great prices. I had so much trouble picking out a necklace pendant, I had to set my limit at just one because I am trying to save my money. So I purchased a very stunning blue/green glass pendant now all I need to do is get a suitable necklace to put it on and I'm golden. Other things I got were pomegranates, and a very pretty bright colored set of embroidered dish towels. There were many treasures there and so much to choose from, it was very hard.

All the venders at these craft fairs are awesome! They are so friendly and helpful and really great to just hang out with. You really shouldn't go to a craft fair (as a vender anyway) only expecting to make a quick buck because that kind of attitdude just takes all the fun and excitement out of it and noone wants to visit your table. The last thing on my mind at a craft fair is making a sell, and you what I do and thats great but I'm really there to meet new people and build relationships with fellow artists and crafters. So far I have met alot of people and made alot of friends and that more important to me then any sell, even though making some money is really good. Sells are really just the yummy iceing on an already scrumptious cake!

Loaner Wheel Recieved

Well I got this wheel from a friend of mine, to use until I am able to purchase my wheel. It is an antique, needs a little work and I have to tie on a double drive band. I think it might be handmade I'm not sure. She had no information on it, but the closest wheels I can find are Canadian Production Wheels. This wheel is very small, making me thing perhaps a young girl used it. It stands just over 25" high, the orfice hight is 21". If anyone has information about this wheel My friend and I would both love to know. Here is a picture of the wheel.

My plan is to get this wheel working for her, as far really spinning on this wheel myself I don't think I'm very comfortable with the idea seeing as it is not my wheel and I wouldn't want to risk anything on braking. I will get in touch with some friends who know alot more about wheels than I do, I need a refresher on how to tie on a double drive band. It is a very sweet wheel, and I am honored that Sue trusts me with it.



The greatest people you will ever meet

Spinners/Fiber Artists are the kindest most generous people you will ever come across in your life. Like Davis, they are a breed all their own (Both in the best possible way). I love Davis and I love Fiber Folks. Ok so as you know I cannot buy my wheel yet, because I had to start saving for it all over again :(. I'm going to work really hard to get that money saved again, which means seriously pinching my pennies because I don't really much at my job. It's not all bad though.
I have a very awesome fiber friend (actually I have lots of stellar fiber friends) who so very kindly is going to let me barrow her wheel until I am able to buy mine. She has not yet had the opportunity to get acquainted with her wheel so she is not sure if it works or not, so we will make that discovery this coming Saturday. I am so excited! This is an awesome gift, and I will be thinking of something of something I give her in return. Hand knit socks? Hand-dyed wool for her first spinning project (I really like that idea), some hand spun yarn perhaps......... I will think of something. I really do like the idea of gifting her some fiber, so I might do that.

Krissy Belt Pattern

Krissy Belt

 I had a ball of this yarn sitting in my stash for almost 3 years, waiting for the perfect project to come to mind. I think I nailed it. I can’t think of anything that would have worked better for this very beautiful ribbon yarn with it’s wonderful sparkle. This belt mixes 3 stitch patterns I’ve never seen used together; ribbing, I-cord, and dropped stitches, which I feel mix perfectly. The uneven fringe adds another unique touch to this beautiful belt, that’s fun to wear on the hips over jeans, a long skirt, around your neck, whatever. A mini version makes the perfect gift for any little girl over age 2.

Materials:
Yarn Lion Brand Incredible (100% nylon; 110 yd[100m]\ 50 g): 1 ball color of your choice, or approx. 100 yds any other ribbon yarn

Needles Set of 2 US size 8 (5 mm) double pointed needles, or short circular needles

Notions Small crochet hook, tapestry needle, scissors


Pattern Notes:
To help determine the length your belt should be, wrap around hips and decide where you would like the belt to hang. Keep in mind that you will be adding fringe, so you want to allow room when deciding on your length. I usually stop when the belt hangs just at my knee’s (without fringe), I like the belt to hang all the way down to my feet. If you are making the belt to give determine the recipient’s height and subtract a few inches for a long belt or feet for a shorter belt. Always keep in mind that you will be adding fringe.

Belt

CO 12 sts

Rows 1-15: *K2, P2* to end, turn work.

Row 16: *K2Tog, P2* to end, turn work.

Row 17: *K2Tog, P1* to end, turn work.

Rows 18-20: *K1, P1* to end, turn work.

Begin I-Cord

Row 21: K to end, do not turn. Slide all sts to opposite end of needle.

Row 22: K all sts (pull yarn tightly from back), slide to other end of needle.

Row 23: K into each st wrapping yarn twice in every st, slide sts.

Row 24: K each of 6 sts dropping extra loops off needle after every st, slide sts.

Rep rows 23 and 24 until belt is about 2.5 inches from desired length (without fringe)

Do not turn work.

Next row: Still working I-Cord. K to end, slide sts. Rep 2 more times.

Turn work.

Next 3 rows: *K1, P1* to end, turn work.

Next row: *Kf&b, P1* to end, turn work.

Next row: *Kf&b, P2* to end, turn work.

Next 14 rows: *K2, P2* to end, turn work.

BO all sts in patt.



Fringe Cut 24 random lengths of your yarn. Attach 12 lengths of ribbon to each end of belt with crochet hook. If fringe is too long trim to desired length. To keep fringe uneven trim strands individually as needed.



Abbreviations

*………Repeat instructions between asterisk as directed



BO…....Bind off



CO…....Cast on



K…...…Knit

Kf&b.…Knit into front and back of stitch (increase)

K2Tog...Knit 2 stitches together (decrease)





P………Purl



Patt……Pattern

Rep……Repeat

St(s)…...stitches



Cooling down

The weather is getting to be so wonderful, it's making me want to play with wool. It's making me wish I had purchased my spinning wheel like 3 months ago when I had the money saved for it, but no I wanted to wait....... What happens when you wait? That money gets used up for something else. The dogs got parvo :( so I helped pay for that (with my spinning wheel money), fathers day got my man a barbeque grill (used more spinning wheel money), bought myself a laptop and a camera (thats my own fault, but you know what I needed it and I'm glad I got them both)........ The rest went to groceries and such because we have a larger household and a lazy boy who doesn't want to do anything but lounge around, eat, play video games, hang out with his friends and girlfriend (who isn't even nice and walks in our house like she owns the place - Rude much!!!)

Ok here is the wheel I wish to buy, it folds up when not in use which makes it great for traveling around ans well as those warm summer months when I probably wouldn't want to spin much. It even comes with a carrying bag. I've used this wheel before so I know how it works, and it is so smooth and just a breeze to use. I love it, I love it, I love it.


Kromski Sonata (my dream wheel)


So I want my wheel, I don't have the money to buy said wheel. So what do I do about it, I am going to have to not spend my little paycheck and save that money, go into production mode a start making more to put in my etsy store, I am going to plan a yard sale and get rid of as much as I can so I can make as much as I can for my wheel. Oh I am going to do a craft fair, splitting a space 3-ways to minimize cost (it was a great deal anyway). Finish scarves for a co-worker so she can pay me and I can pay the girl who knitting the scarves for me so I can stitch a design on them. I have my work cut out for me don't I. If I can't save enough for the Sonata I will go with the Fantasia instead, it's also a very pretty wheel but it doesn't fold. I really do need a folding wheel because space is tight. But if I need to I will go ahead and buy this wheel instead, but I really really want the Sonata.



Kromski Fantasia



Slow and Steady wins the race

I got my photo board done, decided to leave off the fabric I was going to glue on for my background. I may add it on later but for now I'm good with a plain white board, it is working out great for my wallets as you can see here. Pictured here is my "Blue Jax Wallet," I am selling them for $8.50 you can view the pictured wallet here http://www.etsy.com/listing/80119942/blue-jax-cotton-walletgift-card-holder
Plus see more, you might find the perfect gift for someone. Use the coupon code at the right of the screen to save some money as well.

Blue Jax Wallet

Jim did a really great job on the painting, we might add another coat later on because a little bit of it came off when he put clamps on the very edges. For now I'm not worried about that bacause that portion of the board is not visible in the area that is included in my photos. We got the board finished this weekend, went pretty quick and came out better than I was expecting. I'm slowly changing all my etsy pictures, because those first ones came out too dark.

I'll be mailing in payment for a craft fair pretty soon, then I need to get some things finished by october 15th which is the day of the craft fair. The price was really good, tables are provided. We'll see what happens. I'm going to buy some Home essentials canvas fabric at work to make a few bags to take along for the craft fair, maybe get some orders and a more steady flow to my etsy store.

I'm activated!

I just recently purchased a laptop, so I will now be more active. Couldn't use computer much in the past, this day was coming for a long time. Just a bummer it took so long to arrive. I've been doing soom work on my etsy store, I think it's looking good so far you tell me http://www.kmlamore.etsy.com/. My photos do need some work though, this I know and they will be fixed alittle at a time...... I may hve a laptop now but I still have a life. At left you will find a coupon code you can use in my store, they will be changing so use them when you see em' or wait for a better one to show up.

San Francisco Giants blankey

Show and tell! In my last post I mentioned a project I was working on...... A baby blanket, not just any baby blanket but a Saf Francisco Giants baby blanket, I finished it in a timely manner and it was delivered to the proud parents of one little boy by the name of Bentley. Here it is. The charts took hours to make but I got them done. I recharted everything on the computer because it was getting requests for the patterns, I have the charts (all the charts made for this project even the ones that are not used) up for sale in my etsy http://www.kmlamore.etsy.com/ use the coupon code at left to save some dough. Note that I only have the charts for sale not the layout, because I want you to come up with your own composition. Please share when you do make something.


I got alot of unsure comments when I mentioned what all I was putting on the blankey and how, apparently my judgement and taste aren't very trusted to some folks. Oh well, they all loved it when it was completed. I'm not a sports fan........at all.


Would you believe I thought the San Francisco Giants were a football team!?! I get alot of laughs from that one, but what can I say? I'M NOT A SPORTS FAN....


I've even gone so far as to assume that the Greenbay Packers were baseball. Now you know how much I know about sports. But I sure can come up with a design huh?


SF Giants baby blanket by Krystal 6, a photo by k_lamore on Flickr.