Infinity scoodie

A few months ago I had a nice break from classes, and decided to pursue a new craft project- an infinity scoodie.  I wanted to make my own pattern and after some trial and error, pulled it off!  A friend saw mine and asked for own of her own and it turned out so good.  Here are some pictures of the final result of what I made for her:

Nicole picked some colors that I wouldn't have chosen on my own, and they were so perfect!  After I started, I couldn't get over how much I loved them together.  The yarn I used is super soft and the whole piece is really comfortable to wear.

I added some details that weren't on my original, including a cord with tassels to tighten the hood and a satin liner to help give the hood shape and for more warmth.  

The scarf part is really long (it reaches the ground when hanging straight down and loops around 3-4 times.

I love this scoodie and am looking forward to making more.  If you are interested in one of your own, feel free to contact me, either through blogger or my Etsy store.  (There isn't much on my Etsy shop right now, but you can send me a message and we can consult on an item.)  Thanks!

Nature walk & celebrity status

We went to the Maplewood Nature Center today. It was a beautiful 65 degree day and the tiny bit of snow from this winter was turning to a slushy muddy mess (in a good, spring-is-coming way).

Cattails.



Fungus.







After our walk we stopped in the visitor center. I used to take a lot of kids' classes there so I thought it would be a nice walk down memory lane. Well, turns out, more than I expected: my mom and I were photographed for their brochure 20+ years ago and they're still still using our pictures. So, if you ever go to the Maplewood Nature Center, pick up a brochure and see my mom and me.

My sweater project

My finished project! I love it!



This was what I started with:




Scoped out some tutorials.

Added about 20 flowers. Here is my tutorial .




Kept the detail around the neckline:




And on the pockets:




It took quite some time, but I love the results!

Bits and pieces of a weekend.

So, now that I have an Etsy shop up and running, I've been pretty consumed with crafting, taking pictures and posting things on my shop. I haven't sold anything (yet) but I hope once I get more projects completed and posted that I'll be able to get some sales!

So, this weekend consisted of a show, Paper Diamond at the Varsity. Most incredible bathrooms I've ever seen, I wish I'd taken a picture. Also, danced my butt off. It was great.




Put finishing touches on a lot of projects this weekend- sewed a little detail on this hat:





Lined some of my wallets/ pouches with cute fabric. This is one of my favorite shop items:








Ate MAD amounts of sushi with my love. He tried to teach me how to use chopsticks. Generally I opt for my fingers rather than humiliate myself by asking for a fork, but I think with practice, I'll get it down.

And started some new projects. More to see soon... I have one BIG goal that I think is going to result in some very cool projects.

Crashed Ice pt. 2

80,000 people came out for it yesterday. It was insane. I could not believe the crowd. People were dancing to house music and drinking Red Bull (among other things).




Picturesque surroundings.




20-some degrees. Vodka and Smart Wool socks failed to keep me warm.




Down the course to downtown.

Crashed Ice pt. 1

To preface this post, I just have to say: this blog is not, nor will ever be, a sports blog. However, there's this really cool thing in St. Paul this weekend called Red Bull Crashed Ice. As I described it to a man from Texas the other day: basically, downhill roller derby on ice.

So, I'm totally excited, and will be going later today!

Since the set-up is right next to my school, I snapped some pics on that 55 degree day earlier this week.

Indoor greenery,

Well, the trees have all turned. There are quite a few in my neighborhood that are holding onto their leaves for dear life, but they'll be gone soon. I've come to terms with the fact that winter is coming.

So, to cope, I made this tree wire wrap piece. It took a few hours, and I made it on a whim this past weekend. I've seen a lot of these trees on Etsy and stuff, and I wanted one. So, I used some cheap wire and beads I already had, and I think it turned out really well! After I finished, I went back on Etsy and looked at some other versions and saw some really intense designs I'd like to try sometime when I have more energy for planning. This one was more of a relaxing project.




Another relaxing project: brewing more beer. The EPA we made a few weeks ago was ready for the keg and CO2 on Saturday, so we got supplies for the next batch and whipped that up so that by the time this one is gone, the next one will be ready. We got to drink a few beers from the first keg yesterday, and I was thrilled (and sort of surprised!) with how well it turned out. I guess I did a pretty good job pouring and stirring and stuff. Good thing I have a beer-brewing expert to guide the process. Mmmm.... hops.

First snow

Morning after the first snow. Kitties and a porch.