I've become a yarn whore hoarder

In the course of a week, I've accumulated
at least 3 dozen skeins of yarn, both new and used.

It started out innocently enough -- looking around Etsy at what was available and falling in love with a lot of yarn. Good for my crocheting compulsion, bad for the PayPal account.

I've considered unraveling old sweaters to reclaim the wool, but wasn't sure how to go about it. When I saw these maroon and gray yarns from KNITTINGnetty, I found an easier way. I knew I wanted to use them together and was initially thinking of a wool afghan, but it has lent itself very nicely to an ear-flapped skicap for my oldest. (photos to follow later)

Next I found hand-dyed yarns in a variety of weights and colorways from Yarntopia Treasures. I had the hardest time deciding what to buy. They were all so pretty, inexpensive and lent themselves to a wide variety of projects. I bought the heavierweight dark yarn to make a cap for my dh. The 4 skeins of brilliant pastels will be for socks or scarves, I think.

Of course, right after I get my Etsy purchases in the mail, I find yarn at the thrift store -- really, really cheap. There was a huge ball and partially finished project in this super-heavyweight yarn. I was drawn to the color and whipped up a hat for my second son. It looks a bit big on him, so I'm hoping it is wool and can be felted a bit to shrink it.

I also found these two yarns at the thrift store. They are lightweight cotton. The top one looks like white and black but I think it is actually white and hunter green. They will look nice together in a striped hat and scarf.

Besides hoarding the yarn, I find I'm addicted to crocheting now.
I forego cleaning (like I need an excuse to do that) and bring it with me where ever I go. I've always wanted a portable hobby and now I've got it!

Recent design work

I'm almost frenetic with my creative pursuits.
I can't decide what I want to be when I grow up, lol.

I have a BFA in graphic design but only worked a few years in the field. I find myself drawn back to it for "fun" projects -- my blogs and sale sites and work for friends.

Maybe I'm afraid of criticism, because if I volunteer and I'm not getting paid, no one can complain, right?

I think I need to branch out even more but I have so many things I like to do. I don't think I give enough time and energy to graphic design, photography or crafts.

How does that saying go? "Jack of all trades, master of none."

Ah well, this was supposed to be a showcase of my recent design work, not a diatribe on my perceived failings.


You've probably noticed the revolving buttons over on the right for my Hyena Cart group Collage. We are listing once a month under specific themes.

I've been trying to keep the design consistent. As I look at these together, they are but they aren't. Might help if I don't do them at the last minute. LOL

I have been able to pull in our original artwork and background, and use vintage illustrations from the same book.

You'll notice our listing day changed to Sundays this month. It seems to be even harder to sell as a group than to do it as an individual, though I know having Hyena Cart veterans generates more traffic than I'd get if I had my own store.

A friend is opening her own online store and asked me to help create a banner with her photos. I don't know why but I had a really hard time with it. This is what I came up with. The leaves are from a photo of mine. Our plan is to change it with the seasons.

This is a logo I did for my other blog. My co-conspirator and I plan a series on volunteering as a family. I just wrote about a picnic fundraiser my sister had for her food allergy group -- Kids with Food Allergies.

No photos of a new project I am so excited about -- a CD cover for a friend in Arizona using a blooming cereus. It is a cactus that blooms just once a year for one night. Catch it before it's gone kind of thing. Thankfully, I've found a source for gorgeous photos.

This and that, Part 2

I've used up the 4 skeins of variegated yarn I bought awhile ago.
I made 4 hats with flowers or corkscrews, 7 catnips balls and countless flowers.

I bought local catnip --on Etsy, go figure -- back in March. I finally put it to use. After countless tries, I finally came up with a ball I like. They are made of two halves stitched together and filled with leftover rabric and a bit of the catnip. My "tester cat" friends give them two paws up.

After making this many flowers, I have the instructions memorized. I bought pinbacks today but still need to go get my button stash to finish these off, as well as the others I've made.

Look what came in the mail!!!! Vintage lace that a friend asked if I want for my fairy dresses. I said yes, of course. It all came with a purty handmade kitty card.

I "met" Darling Petunia on message boards but didn't know she was so crafty until I caught up with her on Wardrobe Refashion more recently. She has this unhealthy obsession with making skirts that I secretly envy.

Thank you so much! I'll put the lace to good use.

And more gifts from my niece -- straight out of Africa. A small handpainted rhino bowl and bracelets for my boys. I admit to wearing the bracelets more than they have. The one on the left is made of elephant hairs. How cool is that?

I've gotten questions why my blog no longer has music. I usually have the computer volume turned down so I didn't do anything about it. Apparently Sonific called it quits back in April. Fear not, I'll be adding more music once I find a new source.

In the meantime, you can see what I've been listening to on YouTube. I just figured out how to save favorites in my YouTube account. Go check them out. I can't get enough of this one:

A passel of posies..

...in a variety of forms.

First up, I've finally figured out how to crochet flowers.

I can't believe how many free directions are out there
on the Internet and I'm enjoying making them
each evening while watching tv.


This was one of the not-so-perfect ones.
(Notice how the petals aren't lying flat?)
I like it with a clip-on earing and attached
to the fluffy sweater I crocheted last spring.
(Notice how I figured out how to make a leaf too?)

I added one more to the thin tan scarf I made after
I finished the fluffy turquoise one.

Still need something for the center but
the rest of my jewelry and buttons are in storage.

Lastly, I made a pair for the scarf my sister made for me.
Hard to tell from here, but the pins in the center
are a bee and a sunflower. Perfect for fall, don't you think?
(Now if it would only cool off here.)

Now on to flowers of the real kind.
Like my scarf, this one has a bee.

I wish I got better shots of the Morning Glories in the sun.
The bright sun washed them out though.

Even the backs of these coreopsis flowers were glowing gold.

Both plants were growing wild along our local bike trail
right where the sun dapppled through the trees.

Now that the older boys are in school, I think my toddler and I will do a lot more exploring to look for pretty scenes like this.

Lastly, I've added yet more photos to my sunflower slideshow.
They are getting droopy now.

You better watch out....

...Christmas is right around the corner, so we are getting ready at Collage by putting some holiday-themed items up for sale.

The event goes live on Sunday, September 7th at 9:30 p.m. --
after the little ones are all in bed.

I've listed matching Christmas stockings. If you would like more or less of one style, feel free to email me as I have others available.

A pair of Seasons Greetings stockings for $36.

A pair of Seasonal Florals stockings for $36.

Three Poinsettias and Plaid stockings for $50.

A family pack of four Damask Snowflakes for $65.

Be sure to check out the other items listed by my fellow Collagians -- crocheted Amigurami critters, a pattern for a flouncy knitted scarf, wool felted balls and board game and kettle-dyed yarn in a gorgeous colorway.

Happy shopping!

Up close and personal...

...with a couple of cute blondes.

Last of the summer music

Of all the Celtic festivals we go to every summer, the Capital District Highland Games are my favorites.

Not only because they are our local games, but our band always gets the pavilion near this stage.

I discovered local Celtic band The McKrells our first year there.

This year it was lead singer, Kevin McKrell with his daughter Katie and percussionist Brian Melick. What a fun show!

Here's my favorite photo from the day. Our new bass drummer with her new drum in the setting sun.