Hungry Muffin

Doilies

2012-02-13T17:22:00.000-08:00

I knit a couple doilies this last week, for no real reason than I wanted to. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with them, though I'm thinking of making more until I run out of crochet thread, and then attaching them together into a screen.

Maybe it IS spring

2012-02-12T21:06:00.000-08:00

I keep hoping, and today I even saw a bumble bee with deep orange pollen packed on her legs, crawling around what I'm guessing is her burrow. I also keep forgetting that the hedge on the south side of the house is in bloom and has been for about a week, but now it's really fully in bright yellow bloom. I need to take my camera into the sunroom to take photos of the seedlings and the hedge. I also discovered that the yellow rose in the back yard is blooming. My borage has been happily blooming since summer, and I transplanted a few of its self-seeded children yesterday.

Today I spent several hours preparing some new beds to garden in. A couple days ago it was rainy, but I took a photo of this flower in the front yard anyway.

Willamette Falls

2012-02-06T23:37:00.000-08:00

Even though I drive by it almost every day, its usually at night or dusk, and so I hadn't stopped to look until this Saturday. The river was pretty muddy, but it was still beautiful, and I was pleased to see that Mt Hood showed up in the photo.

My Time is well-occupied lately

2012-02-03T03:15:00.000-08:00

I've had a busy past couple weeks, and am expecting more of it, as this quarter I have more work for my classes than last, and a lot more time spent in class. Every time I complete one thing, I see all the rest that still needs to get done.

I've also been reading a lot of books - on alternative architecture, culture, food, history, etc - when I can steal the time from other things, mostly cleaning or sleeping, but it's been worth it so far.

At the same time I'm wanting to continue with finishing up projects, and Etsy, and gardening, and getting more involved in the community - I neglected that when I moved to Portland last spring because I was concerned with getting a job. So, there are quite a few times I feel pulled in many directions, but it seems to be working out okay so far.

This poor dog expresses pretty well how my knitting projects have been feeling the last two weeks. I'm going to do my best to make up for it this next week, and hopefully return several more books to the library. I have such a tall stack!

Anise

2012-01-30T11:31:00.000-08:00

I woke up in a bit of a contrary mood today, so I decided that it was time to post something fun and sweet that I'd finished a few weeks ago, and finally got around to photographing last Friday.

She makes me smile every time I see her, and I'm thinking of making her some friends.

Pretty Things on Etsy and a History of the Valentines

2012-01-21T23:38:00.000-08:00

I'm slowly putting some things on Etsy. I have a few more valentines to add, and then some potholders crocheted in cheery fabrics. After that, it's a surprise!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/HungryMuffin

These valentines are made from scrap booking paper packing that I rescued right before it was going to be thrown out. I happen to love the look of kraft board, and had cut out some hearts when suddenly the idea to crochet a pretty border around the edge just popped into my head. You can see some first experiments with the kraft board and stitching in this photo:

And then when I got the hang of it here in this post:

Hearts - February 2010

Iron Craft Challenge #1 - Paper

2012-01-17T13:11:00.000-08:00

I finished it, though it took longer than I had thought it would, so I ended up only using one set of papers, rather than all three. I'm still thinking of making more folded paper jewelery but next time I will definitely use a paper cutter to cut the strips so they are even.

Altogether I'm happy with the results and kept thinking how fun this would be with ribbons, too.

And that's all I'm writing because today is a busy day and I need to take a nap.

Stump Stools

2012-01-16T05:15:00.001-08:00

I recently (right before heading off to the ocean for Christmas, literally the night before I left) started a fun project inspired by Tea Rose's own tree thrones for dolls. I always wished that, like the miniature Waldorf dolls in nature scenes, I could have my own mushroom and tree furniture. I used to draw and paint landscapes of this, but its been years since I thought about them. I didn't even think about them when I bought a small table made of sticks with bark still on them for my dolls a couple years ago.

Then, after seeing the thrones, I looked at the empty toilet paper rolls which I'd previously been tossing in the recycling, and realized that they were the perfect height to make my own version of forest furniture, and I had some ClayShay that I've been meaning to use, so I did. They still need some touchups, and to be painted, but I'm pleased with how easy and simple they are!

Iron Craft Challenge #1 WIP

2012-01-15T02:01:00.000-08:00

This challenge theme is Paper, and although I can't show the results until Tuesday, here are the materials I'm using:

cupcake of calamity

2012-01-07T21:26:00.001-08:00

cupcake of calamity, a photo by stay for lunch? on Flickr.

Not a muffin, but just as adorable!

New Year, New Plans

2012-01-06T02:08:00.002-08:00

I know it's the 6th, but for me, the new year doesn't really start until now, until after my brother's birthday and the end of Christmas. And this year, instead of just going to 43 things and updating the list, I'm writing down my hopes and goals for this year here.

First of all, as I announced to my friends on facebook, I am going to drink more beers. I qualified this by specifying that I meant locally brewed beers, which are far too easy to come by in Portland for me to not have drunk that many. I'm looking forward to buying some when I go grocery shopping this next week. (The real reason I haven't bought many before is because its so hard to choose! I look at all the great beers and can't decide which to get first. Maybe there will still be some sampler boxes so the choices are already made.) Also this includes again going to Brew Fest, but going on Saturday instead of just Sunday, so there is more beer time.

Secondly, I've joined Just Crafty Enough's Iron Craft 2012 Challenge, and I'm going to stay with it for the entire year. I figure if I managed to win Nanowrimo this last year, I can make 26 projects for Iron Craft.

Thirdly, I am working on being more focused, and finishing projects, rather than flitting from one to the next as I have great ideas that can't wait! I finished and started and finished a bunch of stuff in November, did the same in December, and have started out the new year by finishing some more, though the ideas keep rushing at me as usual. I'm going to need a place to write down all the ideas, so I don't have to start them as I think of them, for fear of forgetting them.

Fourthly, I am going to buy things! This past year, as I was getting ready to move to Portland, and after I moved, I was careful to do my best to not accumulate too many things. I even went almost the entire year without buying any new yarn. I had, and still have, plenty for the projects I wanted to make. When I did buy some more, this December, I promptly used about half of it, and finished the projects I started. So I'm proud of myself for that. I don't think I'll be buying yarn or fabric anytime soon, but I will be getting more dolls, as I've finally brought them back out of the boxes to work with again, and I feel ready to add to the group once more.

Fifth, but maybe not finally, I am going to try out Etsy again. I've made half hearted attempts to sell on the site in the past, but having inventory has been my biggest challenge. Right now, with my emphasis on focus and completion of projects, that's been easier. I'm also planning on releasing some knitting patterns on Ravelry. I'll definitely post about them on my other blog, Fantastical Fibre Forest, but I might post here, too.

I just remembered one more thing I've been meaning to do: more baking and more food in general! I was looking over my posts, and it really stuck out to me that although the blog title is Hungry Muffin, I've never posted a recipe, and there's a paucity of baking, even though I bake pretty often. I'm going to have to remember to take the camera into the kitchen with me, and hope I don't get flour in the lens. I keep meaning to take more photos of everything, really.

That's all I can think of for now. I'm sure I'll do a lot more this year, but those are my top six areas of focus.

Christmas at Fort Stevens

2012-01-04T15:26:00.001-08:00

Its become tradition for my family to go out to the coast for Christmas, and this year we spent it in Oregon, rather than Washington, at Fort Stevens in some yurts, with a visit to Astoria to see the Maritime Museum the column and wander around, window shopping. My parents were unable to come this year, as my mom was recovering from surgery just days before, so we actually had Christmas at home, the day my brothers and I left for the coast. I've come to enjoy our trips during the holiday, and this year was especially nice, since there was no Christmas celebration while staying in the yurts. In fact, we spent Christmas walking along the beach and admiring the wreckage of the Peter Iredale and the awesome waves against the Jetty. We also discovered some magnetic sand that a woman from Astoria believes may be St Helens' ash.

My favorite part, though, was skating along the bike trails, though it was also the most challenging part. I also picked up some doll sized sweater clasps at the Finn store in Astoria, to make a future doll a Norwegian sweater.

Simpler and still busy

2011-11-11T00:32:00.000-08:00

This month has already started out at a somewhat hectic pace, with me deciding that this year I would definitely for sure win NaNoWriMo, while going to school full-time, and read several stacks of books, etc. After I finally was awarded financial aid for school, I decided to wait to find a new job, since there are so many projects I want to finish up at home. It makes me so happy to get them done, especially since one of them was a Christmas present from last year. I'm fine with being judged for being late, but I should add that it's a tradition in the family to make things for gifts but not finish them. This year gifts will likely be food, to help end the tradition. I've also been going through my things and giving more away, getting ready to move again after Christmas. I'm loving the freedom of having less stuff and fewer projects weighing on my mind. The more I get rid of stuff, the easier it is to get rid of stuff, and the more I appreciate what I keep, especially with clothing and shoes. Not that I had many shoes to start with, but now I have even fewer, and no dress shoes, which I'd like to remedy.

The other day I took a bike ride down 82nd, towards Clackamas Town Center, stopped at Cartlandia for hot food, and when I came back home, went through Lents, which I fell in love with. I could write a whole post on that trip. The further east and south I go, the more I love Portland. I'm on the lookout for a cheap place with lots of gardening space - this year's garden was pretty good for the space and light I had, but still a disappointment with how many seeds failed to thrive because of the lack of sunlight and the poor soil which I worked and amended, but only had so much time.

Oh, and I've started training for some trail runs this upcoming spring and summer. The only time I've been in a race outside of school field days was when I was training for the STP, and that was on bike. I have no clue what my pace will end up being, but I've found running to be thrilling, unlike when I tried or tagged along with my mom a few years ago. Come to think of it, running trails is something I've always enjoyed, though I never thought of it that way when I was a kid. Its also awkward, re-teaching my body how to put down my feet and position myself, but if I could learn to skate, I can learn to run.

Have time, for now

2011-10-04T15:19:00.000-07:00

In between jobs again, because I'm back in school, and 50+ hours a week, together with 10 hour days made it difficult for me to find time to adequately sleep when I also have class to attend. Since I didn't know I'd be going back to school until after the FAFSA deadline for fall quarter, I'm still waiting to hear about that, but very hopeful. I went and applied with a contractors temp agency, because I wanted to get paid experience in that industry, as it will assist me in applying for the apprenticeship I'm in school preparing for, but haven't had any work from them yet. I rearranged my room and am finally decorating the living room and actually have time to do dishes and laundry, which is SO NICE. When I'm already tired, the clutter makes me feel even more tired, but I don't have the energy to take care of it.

So I'm on the lookout for a job with the right hours, the right pay, and the right location. And I'm finally getting around to photographing and listing some vintage items and things I've made on Etsy. I really have no road blocks except myself anymore, since I have a camera, light, and a postal scale and even if my writing sucks, I can always edit it, but until I sit down and take (or retake) those photos, I know it will weigh on me.

But I'm glad its now Fall, my favorite season. I've been eating apples and yams and squash and harvesting my slowly ripening tomatoes, wondering if I'll have a ton of green ones to pickle later. I ate my first patty-pan from the garden the other day and it was so delicious I could hardly believe it. Its rainy and cloudy and when its windy, a little frightening to drive on the freeway at night, but it reminds me how thankful I am to have a car so I don't HAVE to ride my bike everywhere, just when I want to.

And I'm glad that I have time to enjoy the things I have, at least for now. I've neglected playing with my dolls and only gotten a little bit of knitting done these past couple months and I missed it A LOT. Two of the guys are still in the middle of being re-blushed and all of them need actual clothing, not just scraps of fabric artistically draped over them. There should be more posts in my other blog, the Fantastical Fiber Forest as well, as I've been working on more trees and things, and getting ready for winter.

Rainy Saturday

2011-06-18T16:11:00.001-07:00

Huh, a photo by Pearlzenith on Flickr.

I really should have gone to the park at 5 this morning before I finally went to bed, because when I woke up around noon, I could hear that there'd be no skating outside today. Really need to find a place like Tacoma's graffiti garage.

But staying up was worth it to finish that table cloth I have draped around my neck like a scarf. I love finishing projects that have been sitting around forever. Now I get to finish sewing the binding on my brother's quilt.

Embroidered Apple

2011-05-04T17:56:00.001-07:00

Embroidered Apple, a photo by Pearlzenith on Flickr.

The project I'm working on, trying to get myself to just get it done without too much procrastination.

Moomin Biscuits

2011-05-01T21:45:00.002-07:00

Moomins, a photo by Pearlzenith on Flickr.

I saw these yesterday at the grocery store as I was waiting in line, and nearly dropped my basket in my excitement. The package is silver, and impossible to see through, so I was hoping that they'd be cute, and since they were 98¢ I figured it was a gamble worth taking. So here's most of the family - Little My, Moomintroll himself, Moominmama, Snork Maiden, and Snufkin. I was wondering why there was no Moominpapa until I went to throw away the bag (after gobbling the rest of the biscuits) and found him hiding away. Now I wonder why there was only one Moominpapa and multiples of the rest of the family. Oh well, only one Moominpapa to decide on outlandishly exciting adventures.

I'm gonna go back and buy more to send to my best friend who LOVES the Moomins.

It was Free!

2011-04-30T15:23:00.000-07:00

And those magical words call out to me every time, when I'm browsing Craigslist. See, I have no sewing table or place to stack my fabric right now, so the most pressing projects have been sitting stacked up neatly as possible in a sideways box, while the rest of it languishes in closed boxes, and my sewing machine rests on a small but sturdy stool. I have grand plans for a sewing machine table, but they require time, a way to transport wood (a bike or a friend's car wont quite cut it) and a table saw. I've been listening for neighbors with table saws, but haven't heard anybody using one yet except for during my very long walk yesterday when I found a box of FREE nursery post near People's Coop. My arms were very glad to finally make it home and drop them off in the sunroom.

Anyway, I walked over to where these cabinets were sitting on the curb, free, and was considering how I was going to manage lugging it home with me eight blocks, but was saved when a kind guy with a truck offered to drive me back with it. My arms were extremely grateful, as they feared I'd invented a new way to torture them.

And now it sits in my room, and I was gonna just leave it how it was, cracked peeling paint and vinyl shelf coverings, but some particularly peely bits of paint were bugging me, and before I knew it, I was peeling off the layers of vinyl and paint as well. Depending on the wood beneath, I'll either just sand and put a coat of walnut oil and beeswax, or I'll repaint it a gaudy Marimekko inspired floral. And I'm beginning to wonder if this project might end up being more work than my plan for a sewing table.

Frozen Breakfast

2011-04-28T13:44:00.001-07:00

Frozen Eggs, a photo by Pearlzenith on Flickr.

So on Monday I went to fry some eggs for breakfast, and noticed that a few of them had cracked, which was odd because all the shells had been whole the last time I cooked some. So I pried the broken shelled eggs loose, half expecting them to fully crack open and spill on the carton. I was shocked and amused when I finally peeled the shells off the two eggs and discovered that they were FROZEN nearly solid.

Now, I'd dealt with slushy, frozen cream a week earlier, and nearly frozen butter, but I guess I thought the fridge had calmed down and wouldn't go so far as to freeze the eggs! If I could figure out how to freeze them without cracking the shells, I'd do it for April Fools. In the meantime, I moved the carton away from the back wall of the fridge.

Fothergilla flower

2011-04-25T10:36:00.001-07:00

Fothergilla flower, a photo by Martin LaBar on Flickr.

On Saturday, when we were at the nursery, I fell completely in love with this plant, but knew I didn't have the space for it right now. Still, at least I can admire it vicariously, through Flickr, and maybe I'll go visit the nursery again to see how it changes over the seasons.

Visit from Mom

2011-04-24T17:24:00.001-07:00

Bouquet, a photo by Pearlzenith on Flickr.

My mom came to visit yesterday, and brought me a bunch more of my stuff, which is REALLY NICE because now I don't have to hold myself back from going out and buying new tools to replace the ones I had boxed up. Also, I have most of my fabric and yarns here finally. Not quite all, but definitely enough to keep me occupied for a good while.

Anyway, we had fun browsing Portland Nursery, and I bought some badly needed amendment for the partially shady patch of dirt we want to turn into garden space. Luckily, the worms like it, so though its compacted and silty, I think that breaking it up and adding some more organic material will make it a great place for plants to live, too.

Then, since we were hungry and it was late afternoon, we headed over to the Hawthorne District (which I'd only been to once, to go to Fred Meyer's and check out the Goodwill for some serving dishes, but discovered it was a different kind of Goodwill and bought a nice rain jacket instead) for lunch. I forget the name, but it was a fish and chips place, and the food was delicious and not greasy at all. After that, we walking along Hawthorne, looking at neat shops, and when we got to New Seasons, decided to check it out, since I'd heard about it, but hadn't gone there yet. I thought it would probably be like Metropolitan Market, and it is similar, and now I know where I can get nonhomogenized cream again, finally. And my mom got me a beautiful bouquet for the house.

B.Y.O.M.

2011-04-14T20:34:00.001-07:00

B.Y.O.M., a photo by stay for lunch? on Flickr.

This is what I miss when I don't check Voz's art for several months.

Still Looking for It

2010-11-04T01:27:00.004-07:00

There's a lot I could write about, but mostly I've been feeling guilty for writing here when I kept meaning to, and indecisive about what I could write about. I have all these ideas while I'm at the job, or otherwise taking care of stuff that needs to be done, but when I get home, there are so many things I COULD be doing that my motivation tends to just fizzle. But here's a photo at least, from a project I'd like to enter in the Instructables Innertube Reuse contest. Not that I want to win the prize, because I really don't need anything more, but it gives me a deadline to get the project done within.
Also I finally got around to uploading a bunch of photos I've had on the camera since the drawing class I took in July. I'd forgotten all about them and am glad I took them while campus was sunny and shadows dramatic. If I find my motivation, I'll post some of them soon.

productive, and still biking

2010-10-02T00:13:00.006-07:00

I've gotten a ton done these last three weeks, and I really really do mean to post photos, because I'm pretty excited about it all, but getting around to taking those photos is currently a huge task. I'm adjusting to going from class in the morning to a full shift at work, and now that we've begun holiday hours, I don't get home until 9:30, which is a pretty useless time of day for photography. Or anything, really, except sitting at the computer watching the Peak Moment channel which I've recently discovered and knitting all the cold weather stuff it was too hot to touch this summer.

In fact, the more I think about all the projects I've actually completed or new projects I've begun, food preparation, and the pretty massive reorganization of my possessions I've been doing, the more I'm surprised it's happened at all. No wonder I'm so exhausted.

Also when I look back to six months ago to when I first realized that I should probably shift from taking transit to biking (because of the cut in bus schedules and the hike in fares) I'm pretty amazed how easy it is to travel pretty much everywhere I need. This is a very different situation from how I started. Lack of money was what kept me biking at first when I wanted to just give up, and it was a pretty demanding way to travel - I used to arrive to work completely wiped - but now I feel naked when I go places without my bike. I hesitate to accept rides places if I can't take it with me, because I like being able to hop on whenever I feel like it and get wherever I need to go. I even recently started looking around to figure out how to make my bike more useful for carrying cargo and for a set of handlebars that will make my ride more pleasant as I've come to realize that biking is a pretty permanent change in my mode of transportation and I really don't need the car, or even the motorcycle or scooter that I'd been convinced I did, but never really wanted. My body has the power I need to use the machine of my bike to fulfill my daily transportation needs. The test I'm not exactly looking forward to, but still somewhat anticipating so I can be proud of how I endured it, is the winter rains. Perhaps even snow, which I dislike, but really want to try out my new tires' traction on. Still, I'm hoping for a continuation of these cool, dry days, as I really dislike my present rain gear and don't know when I'll get around to making a better set for biking. When it starts to pour I'm sure I'll make it a bigger priority. Like those mud guards I keep meaning to procure.

I've been doing

2010-09-04T22:38:00.006-07:00

and doing and doing and doing and there's still so much left to be done. But at least I'm smart enough to NOT do some of the things that are no longer relevant. Its so easy for me to get caught up in the excitement of planning a new project without actually having the time to work on the project, so I went through some of the yarn stuff that I planned on doing for work, and sorted out the things I'd actually begun and the things I can actually complete, and took the rest of the supplies back to the store. Its difficult for me to do things like this, because I want to believe that I can do everything, but the reality is that I have to set priorities and my sanity needs to be higher up on the list of important.

I do feel a bit saner at the moment but have to keep a watch on myself at all times so I don't decide that I need a new project and bring home more materials. I have a strict rule for this month (and probably next month, etc.) to not buy any new supplies, because I have plenty for my current projects. If I never left the house, it would be simple because I wouldn't see the alluring colors and textures of new yarns and fabric at work. Though, I also made a promise a few months ago not to buy any new cotton fabrics (there's a good reason beyond having enough fabric to occupy me for the time being - I'll write about it later), so its been simpler, though not always easy, to resist the temptation at work to pick up a new print just because I think its pretty.

Hopefully all this sorting and finishing will lead to me finally taking photos for some tutorials I've had long in the planning. At the very least, I'll have more socks and less yarn.

New Potatoes

2010-08-14T01:04:00.001-07:00

New Potatoes
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

I meant to post this last week. Or was that two weeks ago? Well, whenever I dug them up, and it was pretty recently. They are so delicious, and there's a comfort in eating food that was grown due to my own effort and care.

My garden may not be the perfect cornucopia that I wished and planned it to be, but it serves me well enough. Its a small but important success and I'm looking forward to the tomatoes as they ripen. I find it difficult to be patient and not be antsy about wanting them ready right now!

There have been a lot of setbacks in gardening this year due to weird weather and other factors, so honestly the fact that the tomatoes are as robust and gorgeous as they are is pretty awe inspiring. But I still want to eat them right now!

Mom's shawl is finally done!

2010-07-29T22:22:00.001-07:00

Mom's Blue Shawl Unblocked
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

Finally finished this shawl - so exciting. I'd started it back in January for fun, but when my mom saw it and loved it, I decided to finish it in time for her birthday in February.

Well that didn't happen.

Okay, next plan: I'll make it for Mother's Day!

Nope. Still not done. I did complete some other stuff in that time frame, though, just not the shawl. I was so embarrassed and frustrated with my lack of accomplishment that I didn't want to look at it for at least a week, which turned into two weeks, then two and a half weeks.

By the time I picked it back up to work on it again a horrific scene awaited me; one end of my bamboo circular needle had snapped clean off at the joint. That's the second time, btw, that addi bamboo circulars have done that to me mid-project, so now I buy addi turbos for lace. I started to transfer the shawl to a set of aluminum straight needles, but that's tedious and boring and I am easily distracted. I let the shawl get buried in a pile of other unfinished projects while I went about in a Strawberry Festival preparation frenzy. Last week I dug it back up and put it on top of my computer stool where its been reminding me of my shame for not completing it in a timely manner and making me sad while I try to ignore it and play on the computer.

But last night I decided that was enough of that and that the shawl didn't need to be any larger than it already was, so finished that last incomplete row and bound it off. I was ready to pass out from exhaustion only a quarter of the way through but held out until it was done, because I was going to be DONE with it.

That tiredness was the main reason, I say, as to why I didn't finish it as soon as I'd brought it back out to work on, honestly, it was more that I didn't want to approach the guilt of not finishing a gift on time. At least I know that my mom will love it, no matter if I'd waited another year to finish it. Its really just me that gets in my way of being responsible.

Although, its not quite ready to gift yet; I have to finish blocking and weaving in ends, but it should be done tomorrow for sure.

Summery Nonsense

2010-07-28T22:49:00.001-07:00

Olina Octopus
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

Haven't set out on adventuring yet, but have gained some coherence and energy. Perhaps because its the first day in a while that it hasn't been burningly hot. I really hate hot weather. And by 'hot' I mean temperatures over 78 degrees Fahrenheit. I don't like it. I don't like the sticky, I don't like the heat that gets trapped in this antique house and lingers until 3am so I can't even pretend to ignore my insomnia and go to bed at a reasonable hour, I don't like the blinding brightness of the sun.

I do like sitting and napping in sunny spots, like a cat does; I just don't like the hotness of full unfettered sun. Warm is just right. Tepid is okay. Cold isn't the best, but not terrible until it gets to freezing. I'm from a TEMPERATE climate, and I've been noticing a lack of temperance in weather lately. Where have all those clouds been hiding?

Well at least they seemed to be ready to return this evening, and that was heartening. Looking forward to a nice, warm, overcast morning tomorrow. Sunny afternoons I can handle.

Golden Slippers

2010-07-28T00:59:00.001-07:00

Golden Slippers
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

The idea of these made me want to go on an adventure. Unfortunately, they didn't quite turn out how I'd hoped, but I still like the idea of them, and want to try my hand at making more shoes, maybe real shoes this time. I have an awesome book on it that I keep flipping through while thinking, 'I could make shoes! Wouldn't that be awesome?'

I could avoid the annoyance of going to a shoe store only to find that the shoes I want are a size 7 only. Or going shopping with a very specific shoe in mind only to find that no one makes it though I swear its SO NORMAL that they should have.

But instead of carrying out this brilliant plan, I procrastinate by working on other stuff and stay up way too late until I'm too tired to do anything except sit here and drool while I half-heartedly knit socks and dream of wonderfully pretty and non-painful shoes. That's when I have to force myself into bed because I'm so exhausted I don't even know I'm tired anymore.

Not pretty. But. That's been my cycle lately, as I try to pick things back up from stressing out over getting ready for the Strawberry Festival. I wish I had a month off from work to actually work on awesome things. I'm driving myself crazy here.

I'm going to go on an adventure.

Maybe lost in the jungle

2010-07-27T00:18:00.001-07:00

Seedum Jungle
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

Maybe just on a grand adventure.

I've been super busy lately and keep wanting to write an entry here, but when I sit down to try, have nothing to say even though I've done a ton of stuff.

Success! Or part way there.

2010-06-06T12:53:00.001-07:00

Strawberry pincushions
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

Lil and I were accepted to have a booth at the Strawberry Festival, and I'm so excited. I was very nervous after turning in the application, as my printer had decided that it would no longer print solid black when I needed to print out the submission photos, and though I managed to use another printer to make it work, it was all very frustrating and nerve-wracking and I thought that maybe we'd be rejected because of my photos. Not that that would be the end of the world, but it would be disappointing with all the work Lil and I had put into this.

But we got a spot. And now I get to make more things to sell, and my spool knitter is acting up and I'm rather cross with it. At least the sparkly PEARLZENITH banner is coming along just fine.

Seeds Will Sprout

2010-02-19T16:51:00.001-08:00

Grass Seed
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

whether or not you're ready for them. I was amused and intrigued when I found this bag of grass seed on the south side of the house today. I think my mom left it there from last summer. At first, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me; how could someone buy a bag full of sprouted grass? Then I realized what was actually going on. The bag has tears in it, and the winter has been pretty mild, especially of late. Those grass seeds just want to grow, and they have the light, moisture, and warmth to do so.

Reminds me a bit of when I put too many daikon seeds in the sprouting jar and had to eat them quickly once they sprouted, as the jar was overflowing.

Mossy

2010-02-18T21:15:00.005-08:00

I love moss for it's texture and form and colours. I can't help but take out a camera (if I have one) when I see it, and photograph it. Usually the camera is my cellphone, so the photos aren't even focussed and miss out on what I enjoyed about the moss. Luckily, I brought a real camera with me today so when I spotted the mossy lawn underneath the maple I parked beside at the Pt. Defiance ferry dock, I was able to take advantage of the sun and lengthy wait time.

This one really makes me believe it's Spring already.

And I also love the texture of concrete and the sharp shadows that accompany the rare clear sunlight.

Hearts

2010-02-14T11:45:00.005-08:00

Valentines
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

I used to love St. Valentine's Day as a kid, since it was the one holiday where I could make things for everybody and people wouldn't think too much of it. However, I still remember the year I made little peppermint candies dipped in chocolate and wrapped them in cling wrap, and one of the class trouble makers gave me a hell of a time about it. I guess he didn't have much experience with handmade candies, so thought they looked gross. I went home sad and embarrassed, thinking that maybe nobody liked them at all after I'd worked all the previous day on them. I never asked, so I don't know if anyone bothered to eat them, but if they did, they would have realized those candies were delicious. The next year I was in middle school, and we didn't do class exchanges of valentines.

It's been a few years since I last made valentines, but I was determined to try again, since I remembered how much I enjoyed it in the past. I made one for my mom first, and though it's similar to ones I made as a child, the style is really too frilly and fussy and Victorian for my taste. So, remembering back to this Christmas, when I crocheted a gift tag for a friend, I die-cut some hearts at work, poked holes, and crocheted away. The first few hearts I wrote names on, but was really disappointed with how that looked, so the rest have sewn names which looks much better.

I can't wait to get back to the name garlands I'm working on and add crocheted and sewn bits.

Isn't it Spring yet?

2010-02-13T10:22:00.004-08:00

(wasn't expecting this to be blooming when I was wandering around campus yesterday)

It felt like Spring a few days ago. It looks like Spring right now. My roses have recovered from the December frost, and are getting ready to bloom again. I can't keep them from it, it seems. Seriously. They bloom all year long, as long as it doesn't get too chilly. I'm almost surprised my mom's Nasturtiums haven't sprung back, as well. I know the frost completely killed them, but they were also blooming at the time.

(Bush I walk by every day on Feb 6th)

I'm really enjoying longer daylight hours, besides the warmer weather. It's so much easier to get up in the morning when it's light outside. But what I'm really looking forward to is when it's light outside when I get off work. Those days, I don't feel like it's midnight when I get home at 9, and I wont have to drag myself around to get everything done before bed.

(Same bush yesterday)

I just ran a google search for 'spring is' and the first suggested result was an e.e. cummings poem which I find really lovely.

Spring is like a perhaps hand
(which comes carefully
out of Nowhere)arranging
a window,into which people look(while
people stare
arranging and changing placing
carefully there a strange
thing and a known thing here)and

changing everything carefully

spring is like a perhaps
Hand in a window
(carefully to
and fro moving New and
Old things,while
people stare carefully
moving a perhaps
fraction of flower here placing
an inch of air there)and

without breaking anything.

Really Green

2010-01-25T22:24:00.001-08:00

Ginko
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

I declare this year to be a year of green. Well, I already started on this back in December, but preparation is allowed. This is a list of fresh starts and green things I want to accomplish this year.

I've just repainted an upstairs room a lovely 'jalepeno' green. Much darker than what I normally would choose, but the light tints just weren't doing it for me this time. I've gotten most of my things moved into this room, which is larger than the previous one, and much more comfortable, honestly. It actually has insulation so I can sleep, rather than lie in bed and shiver all night. I'm feeling rather optimistic about the whole thing.

Green has been one of my favourite colours as long as I can remember, though, until I was in middle school, purple was top of the list. I'm pretty sure sixth grade marked the change, as I remember a treasured green mechanical pencil. I love that greens are everywhere when I walk outside, any time of the year. This climate is amazing - my miniature roses only stopped blooming in December because of the week of freeze, and now, they already have new buds to begin blooming again. What madness! Some really mild winters I've had nasturtiums never stop blooming. Right now, I need to pull out the ancient lavender bush (I have a couple younger, more productive ones) and some of the extra roses, and the defunct pond to make room for the veggies I'm going to grow this year. I had planned to grow them last year, but things didn't quite work out, so I'm even more determined to grow them this year.

When I bought the first gallon of gloriously green paint from Lowe's, and walked to the bus stop to wait, I happened to look at the ground beneath the bench. It was strewn with azalea leaves, the exact colour of my paint! I picked one up to check. What an amusing coincidence, but it did make me smile, at least.

I've always wanted to use grass to dye fabric green; since grass stains can be hellish to get out of clothing it seems like a logical choice. Last time I tried, I only got a brownish yellow dye bath. This time, I'll use lawnmower clippings from early spring grass, rather than summer.

I'm wearing a ratty old green sweater that's in the same family as the green on my walls, and has lovely buttons, and is soft and warm, but really not fit to wear outside the house. I keep meaning to knit a new sweater and switch the buttons. I'd like to do that this year.

I also have a green baby blanket I'd nearly finished knitting for store display last year that I need to finish. I threaded it back on the needles today, and located the last two skeins of yarn. Now I need to harness my motivation.

I hung the green pompoms I'd made with Clover's really ingenious tools from my closet curtain rod. I think I'd like to make trees out of some of them, along with tiny quilted houses and animals.

Frosty Moss

2010-01-02T23:29:00.001-08:00

Frosty Moss
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

Texture and colour combined to perfection. I want to capture moss everytime I see it, and keep the specimens under a forest of glass cloches, but the upkeep would be a pain, so I resist the urge to uproot it, and instead bend down and gently pet it before continuing on to my destination.

Someday, when I can do as I wish with my yard, I will grow a wonderous moss garden with excellent stones and extravagent evergreens.

But for now, I'm still knitting, crocheting, stitching, and felting up a forest that doesn't require sunlight or water or air, but still is fun to fondle.

Starfish and Gold ink

2009-12-23T13:31:00.001-08:00

Windowsill
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

I like this image because it's about texture more than colour. Even though I usually play with colour, creating ungodly clashes by forcing uneasy acquaintances to play with each other, I really love subdued colours that allow my eyes to play with texture. And of course, I don't stop with my eyes; I invariable have to reach out and pet the surfaces, to make sure the texture really feels as it looks.

I've started putting together fabrics for a future quilt that focus on texture rather than colour contrast, and it's definitely a much calmer and introspective experience than my adventures with riotous colour. I'm really looking forward to this journey. Fittingly, the pattern I've come up with reminds me of spiraling pathways through winter gardens and forests.

Woven Hearts

2009-12-09T12:50:00.001-08:00

hearts
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

I took photos of the glitter project, but as it's not quite complete, I'll put it up here later. Instead, I'm really taken with these hearts. I'd made these particular ones in the photo last year, and then put them away with my paper supplies, so it was a really fun surprise to open the box and discover them, made and waiting to be hung up. I also had a bunch more cardstock stored with them, cut and waiting to be woven. I don't know if it's just me, but I've always found making these hearts to be a bit like magic. You fold some paper in half, cut slits, weave it together with another folded paper, and when you're done, you have a nice little basket that doesn't fall apart even though you used no glue. So simple, yet so mesmerizing. Maybe these are what began my fascination with weaving.

Foggy Saturday

2009-12-06T20:01:00.002-08:00

Foggy Saturday
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

And I wanted to try to take a picture of the things I was working on before I went to work. Hopefully tomorrow.

I do really love fog, though. Especially in the morning and the evenings at my parent's house where the foghorns call out to each other all through the night, so you feel comforted that someone is out there, keeping watch. Foggy weather is always comfortable weather, too. Not too dry or too hot at all. Sometimes really cold, but still enjoyable. The house I grew up in is situated in a place where the fog seems to collect, so if it's foggy in the city, it's definitely foggy there. I was always amazed, walking to school as a kid, that just about a mile from my house the air was completely clear, though the elevation was barely different.

First frosty freezy day

2009-11-14T20:37:00.002-08:00

11-14-09
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

Even though it was cold this morning, I was happy because I like frost. I like the way it records the movement of shadows, as the weak early morning sun tries to melt it all. I like the way it crunches when I walk on ground that was formerly mud. I like how it covers everything in sparkly lace. I hope tomorrow is frosty, too.

Also, with this weather, I can make photographs through ice again.

Peering at the cobwebs

2009-10-15T21:57:00.003-07:00

I managed to not post anything at all last month as I feared might happen. I was swamped with requests to knit and crochet samples for work, and I easily fell into the trap. Even now, I have yarn to use, but without direction. I was told, 'Just make something with it.' Well, great. No pressure. None at all. I want to be working on my own stuff exclusively, but feel guilty about leaving the work yarn untouched or unfinished, so I picked up the purple skein today and have cast on for this damned cabled scarf no less than five times, but I think I have it fine right now. I'll make it a game to finish it by tomorrow evening.

It's not like I haven't been doing other stuff, but it's mostly been oriented towards other people. I made Mom's Christmas present. I sent Anders his birthday present. I'm working on Grandma's Christmas gift. I wrapped Marshal's birthday present. I still have last year's socks to finish. I feel accomplished, but desperate for a shaft of joyful sunlight to filter through this thickening fog. I'm finding it really hard to be patient even though I'm busy all the time just doing stuff. How is it that I can be making so many things (including projects for myself) and still feel like I'm immobile? Probably because I really want the space to do actual in depth work on my sculpture and drawing which both take more time and finesse than the stolen snippets spent knitting socks. Not that I don't love the warmth and practicality of socks, but I've been making practical things almost nonstop. I want a little absurdity and wonder.

And we'll see if I can get the Autumn lack of light to cooperate with photography this year. I really want that new Sigma camera to be released.

Doll Update

2009-08-30T22:27:00.002-07:00

Torso
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

This photo is a few weeks old, but it's proof that I haven't stopped working on the dolls. The torso has been modified since the picture was taken, but it'll be a while before I take new photos of her and with her arms!

Now seems like a good time to get out the icord Dia de Los Muertos skeletons I was working on so I finish them in time. I was using the carved wood torso as a guide earlier, but this one will make it much easier.

I made that!

2009-08-11T19:40:00.002-07:00

Grandma's shawl
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

I've been making all kinds of samples for the craft store where I work, and the work is so simple compared to the lace knitting I really prefer, so that even though I do a good job on it, I feel like I'm not really making anything good.

So I was browsing through what I've made on Ravelry today, and saw the photo of this shawl, and looking at it, remembering counting repeats and blocking it, I'm pretty proud of it still. I need to finish up that other shawl I have sitting in the basket on top of my bookcase.

Bright Stripes Scarf

2009-07-04T22:41:00.001-07:00

Bright Stripes Scarf
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

I'll write up the super simple pattern in a bit, but I love this scarf for it's yarn, and the pattern was made to show that off while being something I could watch subtitled videos and knit.

Poppies

2009-07-03T20:59:00.001-07:00

Poppies
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

Although I don't always care for the way my brother grows things (he wants as much variety as possible in his garden) I do like the seedpods of the poppies in his plot. Mine are in a drier spot, so haven't held their heads up so well this year.

1964 Honda Super 90

2009-07-02T22:59:00.001-07:00

1964 Super 90
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

Even my grandpa was surprised at how torn down it was as we were taking it out of his garage. There's more of it than what's in the photo, but we were unable to find a lot of parts in the hysteria of his garage. After downloading some parts charts I feel more prepared to go back and search to hopefully uncover a few more pieces, but at the moment, I'm wavering on the edge of converting this bike temporarily to electric. Washington's sales tax exemption for electric vehicles and their components that goes into effect later this month makes it even more tempting. But whatever I end up doing, this will be no quick project, unfortunately.

Arvo's Socks

2009-06-20T21:03:00.001-07:00

Arvo's Socks
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

I just really really love how tiny these stitches are. As a child I dreamed of dolls that looked and moved like real people, and wore clothes that looked real, but I knew I didn't have the materials or skills to make them. I had originally planned on 1/12 scale dolls, because they fit very well into small spaced. In highschool photo shoots, that turned into 1/6 scale dolls as I modified thrift store barbies to do my bidding. Recently, I've scaled up once again to 1/3 scale dolls, but these are the hardest to find ready made accessories for. They are the easiest to make real clothes for, so that's been worth it. Maybe some day I'll be working with mannequins, if this trend of scaling up continues. I don't really want to think about all the room that would take, except that it would be much easier in many ways because I wouldn't have to create scale sets or foods or clothes, since I could just use the stuff around me. In that way, it wouldn't be nearly so much fun.

Spree Cupcakes

2009-06-09T18:58:00.001-07:00

Spree Cupcakes
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

This photo is part of an ever-growing heap of reasons why I want to get a decent digital camera. Out of the 15 photos I took, this is the only one in which the orange wasn't completely horrid. I'm just losing my patience for the lack of control this camera provides, and the crappy colour rendition, and the clunkiness of changing settings, etc. I hardly shoot at the rate I used to when I used film because of the headache I get from trying to make this camera behave, especially in low light conditions and cloudy weather (which are pretty common where I live.)

Maybe I'll try borrowing my dad's Nikon and learning to use it while I save up and wait for info on Sigma's new SD15. I miss using an SLR. I have an old 35mm Sears and Roebuck Pentax that needs a tune-up, and I love, but haven't been in the mood to shoot film in a long time because of the commitment and resources it requires. So I just feel like sighing and complaining for a while. I'll get over it.

Lace and Muslin Buttons

2009-05-31T14:19:00.001-07:00

Lace and Muslin Buttons
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

I just realized that I'd never posted a photo of the fired clay buttons. Here are the lace and muslin patterned ones, but if you click on the photo, there's more pictures of the clockwork impressed buttons. I worked a bit more with this clay this last week making a pot for a plant that really needs to get out of the plastic one it arrived in. After Memorial Day Weekend, my brother came home from camping out at the Old Place with a few new clay creations of his own. I was really impressed with the cuteness of his vole, and want to take photos later today when I get out the camera.

Mostly, however, instead of sculpting, I've been mold making. Just one more layer of latex, and then I can pour the plaster support for the mold, and then demold Amil's face! The clayshay for casting should be arriving this week, so that's exciting too. I just can't believe that I've really gotten this far on my dollpuppets. Maybe I can finish a decent torso before the end of June.

Loose ends

2009-05-25T19:22:00.001-07:00

Stiped Cardigan
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

I finally finished a late gift for a coworker the other day. Not *too* late, but still this sweater gave me a heck of a time. I wanted to make something with raglan sleeves and striped, but couldn't find any good patterns so I ended up making the cardigan up as I went, using a baby sweater my grandma had knit as a size template. And I didn't weave in most of the ends, I merely tied them off as this wool yarn nicely frays and felts when washed and dried. But doesn't shrink too much.

Anyway, I'm glad to have that done, and not making me feel guilty anymore, so I've moved onward with some more exciting projects - I've begun making a latex mold from the doll head I sculpted and am hoping to cast and refine the face in early June. Yay!

Arvo Arrives!

2009-05-11T23:03:00.001-07:00

Arvo
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

I'd spent all weekend thinking about this doll, and being excited that he was finally coming home, but even that wasn't enough to get me out of bed early. Which is probably good, since he didn't get here until three or so. Mondays here are Garbage Day, so I'd been looking out the window intermittently, only to realize with chagrin that it was just another garbage truck. I know the UPS truck sounds completely different, but I couldn't stop hoping. When they finally did drive up, I walked to the door and stared out for several minutes, but though the doll box was sitting on the seat, I didn't see the driver at all. I have no clue what he was doing, but I kept worrying irrationally that someone would walk by the truck and steal the box off the seat through the open door. It really seemed like fifteen minutes, but it was probably only three or four before the driver finally appeared and handed me my box.

And inside the box was another box. And inside that was another lid. And finally, finally, there was the doll. My first thought was how much taller he was than Sune and Signe. I already knew that, but I hadn't really thought very much about the height difference. He's also really skinny, almost frighteningly so, but I'll just pretend he's a human bean pole, and get on with playing. Although he looks sweet in the outfit sent with him, I really want to outfit him in a straw hat, overalls, and a fishing pole. I'm sure he'd be happier in clothing that's not so dressy.

But still, I haven't gotten over how exciting and pretty he is. I promised one of my coworkers I'd show her when he arrived, but I don't know if I want to take him anywhere yet.

The Saga Of The Soy Sauce Critters

2009-05-06T23:20:00.001-07:00

Soy Sauce Critters
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

I spent a good deal of my day today just goofing off, which was nice. I read some manga, looked at photos of dolls online, sent my final layaway for my elfdoll Anthony (will be renamed Arvo when he arrives next week, and there will be a birthday party!), chatted with friends online.

And then I finally got dressed and went to my favourite grocery store to get vegetables and tofu for chow mein. I did take a detour and stop off at the yarn store (Lamb's Ear) first, because my dad offered to drive me home because of the rain, but not until he got off work.

By the time I'd finished petting and oogling and finally purchasing yarn, the rain was pretty much gone, so I didn't bother waiting for the bus to drive me the mile to the grocery store. It was actually a really nice walk, and I jumped in a few pretty deep puddles.

I had plenty of time to shop for all the ingredients before my dad got to the store, and I began to regret that I'd picked up a plastic shopping basket rather than using a cart, but we made it to the checkout just fine, and I didn't have to pay for family groceries, just my own, so that was a big bonus. And when we got home, I was so excited for good food that I immediately started cooking, and got my brother to do the dishes (I don't like to unload the dishwasher, I prefer to load it.)

When the table was all set, and dinner almost done, I realized that I needed a steamer for the red bean buns I'd bought for desert, and I hesitated a bit before diving into the abyss that is my closet. I forgot to turn on the light, so I felt around for a bit before I finally found the steamer, but it was definitely worth it, because I discovered my cute little lunch box soy sauce containers hidden in the top tray of the steamer. I'm so happy to use them again!

New patterns and not enough free time

2009-04-29T03:13:00.004-07:00

I feel like I haven't posted in months. Probably because I've been wanting to write about this photo for over a week, but have either been ill with a fever and chills, exhausted from going to work while I was still sick, and worried that my current scratchy throat is more than just allergies. But I really just want to get this done, because I was so excited when I saw that we carried a couple Oliver + S patterns where I work. Especially as I'd thought the manager had said we weren't going to order any, since they are a bit expensive. No one had bought any of them when I saw them, so I felt pretty special being the first person to purchase one from our store, and it was really exciting to hold this pattern in my hands after having read Leisle's blog for so long.

The feeling reminded me of when my good friend got an autograph for me from one of my favourite anime directors. Even though I thought I wouldn't care, when she handed me that postcard with it's short message, I could feel his gratitude for my adoration. A pattern like this one is so much more meaningful (than 'normal' patterns from Simplicity and even Vogue) and like a treasure, almost, because having read about all the work that goes into one, and then actually holding it, I could see that the effort was well spent. Now I just have to spend the time to actually use it.

Quail Egs

2009-04-16T13:40:00.001-07:00

Quail Egs
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

It's been over a week since my brother and I went to the east asian market on 38th St. and bought all kinds of neat stuff, but I haven't had a chance to post any of the pictures I took, what with working, going to see HONK! and then getting sick on Easter (I'm *still* sick.)

These eggs are just too neat and cute, and a good size for my dolls (that's what I'm always thinking about - what will work as props or sets for the darned dolls.) Because I wanted to keep the shells as whole as possible, I ended up blowing the eggs. It's harder than chicken eggs, because the holes are smaller, and after about half a tray, my mouth was tired. It's worth it, though. I might just hard boil the second tray because I'm not sure I really need to keep twenty fragile eggshells lying around. And I can always go back and get more if I do; the market always has interesting foods.

Amil

2009-03-27T10:47:00.001-07:00

Amil
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

This head came about by accident, as I was intending to sculpt a head for the Annevka, but ended up with Amil, instead. Already, though, I've changed and refined a lot about this head with suggestions from people on the Joint forum, and realizations about facial anatomy from studying my own reflection while waiting for the bus home, and other people's faces while riding the bus.

What I'm trying to figure out now is how best to make a mold, and what to cast a prototype head with. I need a material that's less malleable than plastilina, but fine enough that it will take all the facial detail from the mold. I'm hoping to not have to use a plaster mold, because it's a pain, but if I use Clayshay, as I'm considering, I think I'll have to. Otherwise, I'm worried the material wont dry properly. Or maybe I could use a hard modeling wax like foundries do.

Hungry Muffin

2009-03-25T10:51:00.001-07:00

Hungry Muffin
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

The master returns.

Or so he thinks.

Anyway, I carved up a block for the Hungry Muffin last Thursday evening, and made six prints to test it. I'm pretty happy with it, and now all I need is a stamp with my etsy address so I can use it as a care instructions card/business card.

The only thing I forgot to carve in the block was the trail of crumbs, but I think Mr. Muffin will survive.

Growing Slowly

2009-03-20T20:43:00.001-07:00

Trunk from the Enchanted Forest
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

To the right is the trunk of a tree I've been crocheting, and now am knitting the very top of it. Next I'll work on branches and foliage, which I'm not entirely sure how I'm going to go about, as I want this to be a cedar tree, and I'm well versed in knitting alder leaves, but not much else leafy. I really love the texture of this bumpy, bobbly yarn, and am looking forward to using the estate sale yarn to make more trees for the Enchanted Forest. Where to put it is the question I've been purposely avoiding.

pieces of the forest

2009-03-06T18:45:00.001-08:00

Not quite a nest
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

I love picking up soft bits of moss and lichens as I wander through groves of evergreens or maples, even though our backyard is littered with lichen fragments and I know the lichens will dry and stiffen once taken inside. With this piece, I was lucky, as it's still soft after being inside for a week or two. One of my birds is contemplating nesting in it.

This afternoon, after work, I took the bus to Lakewood (a good, foresty name) to find Miki's Knitting Studio. She passed away recently, and her business inventory is being sold today and tomorrow. The bus stops about half a mile away, but it's not a bad walk at all, and when I finally got there, I found a few cones of fine yarns in forest hues and textures. Estate sales always make me sad, but I'm glad that they give items another chance to be desired and cherished and used. Getting home was a bit tricky, carrying a bag of yarn cones over my shoulder, and a cardboard tray of mini groundcover plants against my other hip the three quarter mile distance to the bus stop (I made a loop, because I wanted to see more of Lakewood.) The plants I'd also gotten after work, at Tacoma Boys, and will form the ground work for a miniature, living forest to complement my handmade fibre forest.

Elisif

2009-03-03T14:04:00.001-08:00

Elisif
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

As a child, I'd always wanted fully posable, realistic looking dollhouse dolls, with clothing made in scale. And every time I tried to make them, I'd get fed up with how much work, or how unrealistic they turned out, or myriad other problems. However, as a break from carving down Annevka's armature (she's 1/3 scale, so HUGE in doll terms) I decided to try sculpting a miniature doll again. She's turning out quite well, and is only missing feet and arms right now. All in one day, even, which is super quick compared to the larger dolls I've worked on more recently. She needs a lot of refinement, but I'm still really proud of how far I've gotten, and her body is just charming so far. The joints are not as terrible to sculpt in plastilina as I fears, and symmetry is coming along. I think the face is going to be the part that will give me the most trouble, as the features are miniscule. In the photo, she measures three inches from the top of her head to her crotch. I can't wait to finish and mold her, and take more photos. I have a ton of miniatures she'll love playing with.

Weekend Monday

2009-03-02T16:15:00.001-08:00

Seedum
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

I usually work on weekends, and get random weekdays off, so it's easy to lose sense of what day it is, or even what month it is. And this winter was cold enough that I spent most of my time indoors, and couldn't use plants to help me remember the passage of time. So I was glad to have today off, even with the intermittent clouds and rain, because the sun was really warm when it managed to shine.

Birth of a Star

2009-02-28T21:27:00.001-08:00

Birth of a Star
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

I don't think I ever showed this quilt, when I finished piecing it this fall. I finished the binding a couple weeks ago, and will take new photos this spring, along with another quilt I pieced this week, and need to get to quilting. It's amazing how much warmth a single new quilt adds, and I'm extremely glad every night I get into bed.

Raspberry Lemon Muffins

2009-02-28T21:21:00.001-08:00

Raspberry Lemon Muffins
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

Made from the Pooh cookbook recipe, with a lot of changes, but most importantly made with beet sugar so my mom could eat them.

Lace and Muslin Buttons

2009-02-28T21:20:00.001-08:00

Lace and Muslin Buttons
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

Here's the photo of the fired buttons. I haven't decided if I want to glaze them or not.

No photos, but an update on projects

2009-02-28T21:07:00.004-08:00

I've been working on many things lately, not least carving the armature for my doll (finally!) and piecing more quilts. I also cast the birds, and am trying to make nests for them. Hope to have photos uploaded this next week, but may be going to the island (Vashon, not Anderson) again to dig and prune and maybe plant, so the photos might not happen. I have been working on various other projects, as well, so here's a partial list:

Knit Mittens for sample for work
Knit Sleeveless vest (also for work)
Knit lace socks (yep, for work)
Crocheted Cedar tree trunk for dolls sets
Helping Lil sporadically with costume alterations for Honk
Daffodil 'balls' - I'll take photos, since there's no good explanation and they're just for fun
Muffins made with beet sugar so my mom could eat them
Raspberry applesauce pies
Cloth grocery sacks
Making 'give away' piles of things I really don't need or use anymore. One for Lillian and Drama Dock, One for the Art Place, and One for Goodwill
Going through old magazines and only saving the bits I really like - pretty photos, recipes I'd actually eat, and frivolous projects, too
Reading art history books
Figuring out how to warp a two harness floor loom
Cutting more fabric strips for knit rag rugs
Mourning broken knitting needles
And the list goes on and gets more and more silly

Heart Tart

2009-01-23T21:19:00.001-08:00

Heart Tart
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

Sweet and delicious. I needed to use up the almond flour, and wanted to try a new recipe. It's from '50 best shortbread recipes' which I'd bought at a teashop near Pike Place last March or April. The first recipe I made from the book, I substituted whole wheat flour for all purpose flour, because it was what I had, and it was TERRIBLE. Bitter, gritty, pasty, ick! This time, I didn't deviate from the recipe, except that I baked the giant jam-covered cookie in my tart pan, rather than on a cookie sheet, and it worked out perfectly. There's now hardly any of grandma's raspberry freezer jam left, but nobody in the house minds, because this was a worthy dessert.

Little Birds

2009-01-22T21:37:00.001-08:00

Little Birds
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

I've been playing with sculpting mediums, and since clay isn't good for everything, I decided to try pulped papier mache. Also, I want to use it to make prototypes of my dolls. It's fun, but challenging to sculpt, and dries wonderfully hard and incredibly light.

I saved some more unprinted newspaper from unpacking items at work, so I think I'll try a small batch tomorrow. These birds are too big to really be interacting with Sune and Synneva.

Bright Flowers for Winter

2009-01-07T12:58:00.002-08:00

I recently bought a pretty, vintage, unfinished table runner from etsy seller Paper Dolls For Boys and thought I would be able to get matching thread at the craft store I work at. But when I looked yesterday, I found I was quite mistaken. None of the colours we carry were even close. So, after my dr. appointment today, since I had an hour to wait for the bus, anyway, I walked to Krazy Kat, and was assisted in my search. The colours above are what I finally decided on. A couple of them are pretty much exact matches (the green and blue) while the other are just slightly off. Even more exciting than finding good colours, though, was finding a copy of Jane Brocket's 'the Gentle Art of Domesticity' which I'd put off ordering from Amazon, and couldn't find a copy of in any of the bookstores nearby, both chain, and locally owned. I've just barely begun reading it, but it already promises to be a favourite. And in such grey, dark, weather, the bright colours and photos of flowers really lift my spirits.

Fractal Tree

2008-11-12T12:31:00.001-08:00

Fractal Tree
Originally uploaded by Pearlzenith

My business card logo! The real paper I'll be using is 'Citron' in Royal Complements cardstock. Now I'm going to do a test print of my etsy address on the bottom. I hope it works.

Buttons!

2008-10-29T12:33:00.004-07:00

And I've been making other neat stuff, too, but this is what I managed to photograph before cleaning up my workspace which is the dining room table currently.

I should have a couple quilt photos by tomorrow, and a newly completed quilt, if I can find a backing this afternoon.

It's not even cold

2008-10-07T21:36:00.005-07:00

I'm not sure why I keep shivering, or my nose is so cold right now, since the house is warm, and I'm wearing a couple shirts and my shawlscarf. Listening to a Brainwashed podcast, and remembering how long it's been since my last update, I felt the desire to write. The past few evenings it's been difficult to sleep, and I've had unsettling dreams, but they haven't really been realistic, just mental noise that I wish wasn't going on in my head. I'm really excited for November, as tickets for The Execution of Precious Memories are finally on sale. I haven't decided which day I'll go, but I know I'm taking the train, and am going to enjoy the entire excursion. I've never been to Cali before, and I have at least one friend living in San Francisco that I can maybe visit while I'm there. When I was a kid, my mom would always say we'd go one day, since she has an uncle who lives in Northern California, but that never came to pass. In fact, I was surprised that we finally made it to Alaska this last August since she's wanted to do that for a very long time, as well. That uncle of hers is a much closer, relationship however, so I suppose it's not so surprising.

I meant to write up a post last Thursday about the apple cake I baked, and I may actually get to it tomorrow. But, if I don't, there's a photo for the record.

Panhandling Squirrel

2008-09-25T11:49:00.004-07:00

This post was originally meant to be about strawberries, since the constant abundance of our plants never ceases to amaze me. If I were to see strawberries in the store, I would think they were quite out of season, and I hate store strawberries anyway, but even though it's the end of September, the strawberries are still blooming and bearing, as they've been doing since May. Anyway, I was outside, bemusedly looking at the plants, and a squirrel streaks past me into the street. I thought little of it, threw some strawberry stems over my shoulder, and went inside to get the camera and some toast.

Upon stepping back outside, the squirrel accosted me on the porch. I backed away from him, hoping I'd be left alone, but no such luck. I threw a corner of my toast, but apart from a quick search for the crumb, he wasn't interested. I threw my whole piece of toast, but he ignored it. I was barefoot, and didn't want to get bit, so I retreated back inside, found my boots on the back porch, a handful of unsalted, unroasted pistachios in the pantry, and so armed ventured outside again. Mr. Squirrel was still there, and quite content with my offering of pistachios, so finally, I could photograph the strawberries without being threatened and finish my toast. I even took a couple photos of him. I think he was curious as to why I would bother eating strawberries and toast, since he wouldn't even touch them.

At least now I know my frightening dream of a few years back was wholly fantasy. Squirrels will never endeavor to steal my toast. I can sleep in peace.

experimenting again

2008-09-18T09:27:00.003-07:00

It's been an interesting and fun week so far. I feel like today's friday because I have tomorrow off. I'm not sure what I'll be doing, though I know two things I should be doing - finishing editing empress photos (they're almost done) and finishing sewing Lil's coat.

I spent yesterday morning recording and fighting with unwanted distortion. I bet when I want it, it wont happen. So, when I got home after volunteering at the Art Place, I got my brother to show me where the mics and amps were stored. I haven't recorded anything today, but I have been playing around, and getting used to hearing my voice as it sounds when it's not in my head. I don't despise it anymore, but I'm still not completely satisfied. I'm really hoping that my workplace pays weekly rather than bi-monthly, so that I can go get a pickup for my viola sooner. And a loop pedal. Sometimes, it almost makes me wish I was back in highschool so I could again take advantage of the recording studio, but then I remember all the pieces of my life that were in someone else's control during those times, so it wouldn't really be all that great.

Celebration

2008-09-11T17:34:00.003-07:00

Yay, Tarvek the pretty is back! I didn't think we'd see him again, but I'm not sure what his return means, so I'm looking forward to tomorrow's comic update.

In other good news, I got my schedule for working this week, and I find out next weeks' schedule tomorrow. I also may have a second job - it depends on how often I'm working these next couple months, and if I can get enough commissions to supplement the work without a second job. I'd much rather work part-time than full-time, because I need all the time I can get for creating. Unfortunately, I also need money, and balancing the two can be quite a challenge.

Also, I'm going to be jamming with a guitarist next week. Hopefully it turns out well and I'll have a partner in music. If not, I'll just keep looking. No matter what happens, I'm working up some material to go busking with. Probably a klezmer-gypsy mishmash. I love playing for an audience, but when practicing alone I get so discouraged that I'm no good, and I want to get myself over that, or be told quite quickly that people hate my music without having to guess on my own. I did go to Pt. Defiance with a saw on Monday, but didn't think the park would be as full of people as it was, so it took me a while to find a secluded spot to sit and play around. Still, I had curious people coming by and asking what I was doing. If only I'd intended to perform it would have been more fun.

Melancholy

2008-09-09T00:49:00.004-07:00

Such a beautiful, dark word. It makes me want to spend days speaking only German. Not that I think German is a sad language, but rather that it's quite beautiful, and pronouncing melancholie is like dreaming for my mouth. There are times when I wish I'd been able to go to school for only art, language, and math, and I suppose this preference reflects itself in my love of music, for it encompasses each member of that lovely trio, but cannot really be broken down into any of those parts.

With most of my friends on vacation, or too far away to walk or bus to, I've been feeling pretty isolated these past few days, and it gets difficult to motivate myself to get things done that are waiting on me. Today I realized that it's been more than a year since I've played music with a group of people, excluding the jam sessions at FolkLife. During the times of my life when I've been the most lonely, or going through rapid changes, getting together with people to play has always given me ground to stand on, and I really miss that. I'm not sure where I'm going to find people with similar musical aims as mine, but I did go to the park with my saw and play around. I think I'll go to Wright's Park next time, though I'll have to bike instead of walking, because Pt. Defiance is too full of sunbathers and people, while Wright's park is more moody and mysterious. And closer to downtown, if I feel like busking. I'd really love to see buskers downtown, actually. Maybe that's a project Windswept Table can work on.

Insomnia

2008-09-06T03:35:00.003-07:00

Last night, or perhaps it's now the night before last, I couldn't sleep. I wasn't tired, so I stayed up and watched Nick Cave music videos on youtube, and went to bed around 5am. I woke up at 9 feeling fine, but didn't trust my body to have really be up to waking so tried sleeping, but ended up just laying around, my back aching before finally rising and getting work done.

Tonight, or this morning, I suppose, I'm awake, and thinking about my inability to sleep well, and my habit of staying up quite late. It strikes me that perhaps this lovely dazed feeling is a part of why I go through cycles of little sleep. I don't really think of it often, because there's usually a schedule I need to keep, so I feel it necessary to try to keep an earlier bedtime though my body constantly rebels when I tell it to sleep. I've always found that the stillness and coolness of night is really refreshing. Its as though the borders between dreaming and waking thin, and you can cross them with little resistance. At college, I used to compose music in this state, or just improv on the piano until I passed out, and it was better music than anything I wrote while well rested.

Water works a similar spell on me, especially in the form of mist in the evening. I like the idea of walking out into the fog forever, surrounded by muffled sounds and shapes. I just wish I could stop yawning.

Bacony Goodness

2008-09-03T14:40:00.003-07:00

I don't have photos of the bacon, but it was delicious! One of my friends and former co-workers is the Goddess of Bacon, and held a party to honor the yummy food. Now I'd tasted her chocolate chocolate chip bacon cake cookies, but I had no clue what was in store at the party. There was the ubiquitous bacon quiche, never to be left out of bacon gatherings, bacon dip made with Bacon Salt from the Seattle people who actually sponsored the party, bacon fresh from the oven, eaten plain, but the dish that topped it all was the bacon ice cream. I've had avocado ice cream, and it was yummy, but I don't think I'd have ever thought of bacon ice cream. Freshly candied bacon was stirred into home-made vanilla custard ice cream for a sweet but smokey dessert. Now I wish I had photos to prove it really exists.

What I do have a photo of is a couch in Mountlake. I know, this seems weird, and it is, but only because there's a shelter over the free couch. How completely brilliant is that? Here, in Tacoma, the free couches are just left on the curb, and get rained on before anyone can take them, so then nobody wants them and they sit and mildew and moulder. Ick.

Sluggish Monday

2008-08-25T21:53:00.003-07:00

A lot of today was very similar to trying to swim through glue. I forced myself to get stuff done rather than laze about, which is good, because I would have felt horrible for doing absolutely nothing. So I nearly finished Nerine's dress; just the flower left to sew on, yay!

And I dyed some fabric for a dress to go with the oak leafy crown I posted a bit ago, and I worked on a tiny beret, and I cleaned the kitchen, which my mom didn't even notice until I told her. I was rather unhappy about that, since I'd cleaned it so that she would not feel like she was coming home to a mess, which she often complains about, though she left it while it was messy. And then I tossed a bunch of yarn and fabric on my bed to see how it looked together in anticipation of making a human-sized autumn crown. The colours and textures look awesome together! And then I walked to the park, where I intended to knit more of the itty bitty beret, but ended up taking photos of green acorns, and leaves against the sky. I also walked along one of the streets lined with mansions, and looked out at the water, and admired the giant yards. It would be lovely to live in a house with so much space around it. I'd fill the entire space with plants, kinda like I was trying to do when I lived in Snohomish. If only my housemate not loved his lawn so darn much.

I want to get at least as much done tomorrow so that I can send off Nerine's dress, take photos of example doll clothing for commissions, and list the autumn outfit on etsy. Sometimes, it's so difficult to finish a single project without getting sidetracked by a dozen more.

Oak Leaf Crown

2008-08-21T16:53:00.006-07:00

Besides clearing out my stash of fabric and crafting supplies so that I could actually finish unpacking from June, I've started a few new projects. There are some flower and leaf pins, batik postcards, two quilts, and some beaded things that I'll have photos of soon. But, what I'm really proud of is this oak leaf crown, modelled by Signe (I've changed her name, because I thought having two girls named Synneva might be a problem in the future.)

And some deviled eggs arranged prettily. We were out of almost everything yesterday, and I needed to take something to a party I was going to, so I made eggs. And then forgot them when I left. So. Brilliant.

Nerine's Dress - an update

2008-08-11T17:12:00.003-07:00

I am not the speediest person, but it still makes me feel guilty when I take forever to finish a project, even though there are pretty good reasons for the length of time. I've been finishing up some projects for other people during my trip, and I wanted to post photos here for Nerine, so she knows that her dress is very present in my mind, even as the fabric tries to be difficult so I find I have to work on it in small pieces so I don't get irritated. The skirt is pinned on right now, and you see a bit less than a third of the petals in the photos. Oh, and the bloomers are different from the outfit's bloomers.

It really reminds me of the illustrations of flower fairies.

I love Tacoma

2008-07-15T15:41:00.004-07:00

I've always been glad to live here, and grow up here (well, there, as I'm still on Vashon for two more weeks until the run of Earnest is completed, but it's still 'here' for me) and sad to leave for any length of time. And it's difficult being so close, yet separated by an effective boundary of the Puget Sound during these few weeks, because I get to read about all kinds of awesome events I want to go to, and all the time I could be spending wandering around, talking to people. But, the one I just found out about that makes me the happiest right this moment is that the UWT is planning on building dorms, which is awesome, because that means there will be even more people downtown, filling the bare sidewalks, and hopefully my favourite small businesses will have a better time making a living.

So, to celebrate, I'm going to list a few places, people, and things I love about Tacoma and the surrounding area:
Warren at Tacoma Art Supply, the woman who owns Trains and Fabrics, Shakabra Java, Open Mike at Antique Sandwich Shop, Tacoma Art Place, Wright Park Conservatory, Glass Museum's hot shop cone, Schuster Parkway's ruined pilings and cement block tide pools, Owen's Beach, Tacoma Book Center, King's Books with it's cats and sweet pea, the Public Libraries, the apple tree and oak trees in Jane Clark Park, the stairs and fountains along Commerce street, the brick buildings of Court C, Atlas Foundary's industrial beauty, old ruins of warehouses - ones still existing, and ones torn down and built over, the old Elks Club, the Spanish Steps, Fibre's Etc, Lamb's Ear Farm, the creepy Asarco tunnel, the Pt Defiance rose garden, asian gardens and ponds, Titlow park's trails and beach and playtoy with real monkey bars, the long gone real swings at my old elementary school, Whitworth college's old campus, Fireman's Park, People's Park, the moss on the 56th St bridge, the glass bridge, the Murray Morgan bridge that I wish would be reopened, Tacoma School of the Arts where I found a real family, Katy from Katy's Antique Mall, the water and electric clock in front of Freighthouse Square, the man in front of the old Union Station, the Russian fisherman and wife in old town by Job Carr's Cabin, the docent who talked to me for an hour at the cabin, the man who lives on 'I' street that talked to me as I came back from the Thursday Broadway market, Adrian's (which is gone), Bee's Bagels (which is gone), the old man who lived a block from my parent's house and played turkey in the straw on my violin when I stopped to talk on my way to 7th grade orchestra, the Prairie Line where I almost jumped a train and regret not doing it, Tobin at Mad Hat Tea Shop, and I'll keep listing all day if I don't stop now.

Oh, and the photo is of fabrics I'm planning to make an apron from.

A week on the Island

2008-06-28T14:14:00.002-07:00

This is the first day that I've actually felt well enough to go to the effort to set up my computer to use the internet at my friend's house. We've all been going through a cold, which certainly hasn't made preparing costumes and planning for painting and constructing sets any easier. It feels a bit like the cold has moved into my lungs, but I'm hoping that clears out by tomorrow. If not, I'll see a doctor, to make sure it's not pnuemonia, but it seems much better than yesterday, when I couldn't breathe very deeply, or I'd go into nasty coughing fits. They sounded terrible, too.

I got my schedule for volunteering at the Tall Ships Festival, but I can only make one of the times, because they switched everything I'd signed up for, and rescheduled me for times I'm busy. I was nearly in tears when reading the schedule, as I'd really wanted to volunteer this year, but the whole business has been terribly disorganized and patronizing, and frustrating that I don't believe I'll volunteer next year. I've done quite a lot of volunteering, and am used to clear communication and accomodation, so this is a real disappointment. It doesn't really help that today is the day of free admission to the Zoo, and the Tacoma Art Place is having an awesome event I'd like to go to, but I need to stay here, on the island, and get work done. I hate compromises.

However, it's a beautifully sunny day, and I should be able to get more doll clothes done. I haven't been taking photos of my progress, since we've been traveling a lot, and icky sick a lot, and kinda whirl windy. I really appreciate this time alone, with everyone else gone places, so I can collect my thoughts and figure out what I need to get done this next week. Definitely more photos.

Fishy

2008-06-19T17:16:00.003-07:00

Well, I actually finished the quilt that's been in progress for...three years? It's been pieced and quilted for about six months, but it took me forever to get to sewing the binding, and before that, I was too lazy and broke to go out and buy the extra fabric I needed to finish the blocks. It was a wonderful day when my friend's mom called me up, wanting to know if I wanted the fabric she was cleaning out of her attic. Three or four boxes later, I was set not only to finish the quilt, and back it, but to start a myriad of other projects. Even now, I keep finding treasures in that stash. And now I have a bright, happy quilt that will come in handy during this likely to be cloudy summer. This is the moment when I do the 'I'm so cool' dance around the house, trying not to trip over my brothers' laundry. Yay!

That's the younger of the two brothers modelling the quilt for me. <3

Bright Colours

2008-06-17T09:50:00.004-07:00

Yesterday was beautifully sunny, and so I went to the park to think and finish sewing the binding on my fish quilt. There's a tree in this park, an old apple tree, that always comforts me when I climb up and lay down among it's branches. And, yesterday I was needing some comforting after the stress of tech week for Empress and shooting the photos which I have to go through and now edit and cull, because we go directly into Earnest. I took measurements on Sunday, for most of the cast, and as soon as Lil contacts me, I'm heading back to Vashon to start building and painting sets.

After the park, I wasn't quite ready to head home, so I bussed to Lowe's to pick out paint chips for the set of Ben and Becca's playhouse, which isn't being staged until January, but I like getting research done far ahead so I can let the elements run around my brain until it's time to use them. I think the man at the paint station was wondering why the heck I was pulling out so many colours, because he gave me a funny look. I need to make up some cupcakes and dyed eggs, to make sure the colours match, or are at least close.

Less Internet, less money, more photos

2008-06-10T10:54:00.004-07:00

The play a friend wrote, and has been refining over the past year, helped by my best friend's mom who's directing the production of the play, and many friends, who are actors, tech, gaming buddies, etc, opens this week. And I'm taking production photos. While mildly terrifying, because my camera hates low light conditions, I'm excited, since this will be the second production I've photographed, and I hope to become experienced in this field so that I have more options for commissioned work. (I'll be photographing a third production this July, but I'm helping out with many things on that play.)

I'm also excited because this is the first play that Oren has written, and he's done such an excellent job of developing an interesting, adventurous story complete with lady pirates, time travel, and China. I was sad when I had to leave the project in January, because I needed a full-time job to pay for school loans, and estatic when I left that job last month, because I'd saved up enough to hold me over for a few months. I do still need a part time job, but I'll take care of that in due time. I am sad that I wasn't able to do costumes for this production, nor the next, but being asked to photograph it really made my day, and helped me feel like I was once again part of the friends I almost felt like I'd abandoned. For money. Ugh. Why can't the world run on barter and trade rather than currency?

Anyway, while I'm busily working and not getting paid, and not really being on the internet, because I'll be at my friend's house, and my computer hates her modem, I'll be drawing up the designs for doll outfits I plan to offer on commission. They're heavily vintage inspired, and I'd like to learn to make some of the shoes and hats to go with them, and eventually properly styled wigs. And of course I'll be knitting. There are so many half-finished projects I have that I like to pretend they don't exist, so I don't feel guilty about neglecting them, but it is my goal this summer to finish my current ones, and not start new ones until I'm down to just three in progress. Hopefully I can manage.

OMNOMNOMNOM

2008-06-05T12:45:00.005-07:00

I've been wanting to bake cookies, and when I found out yesterday that a friend was having a birthday party today, it was the perfect thing to motivate me out of procrastination and indecision. And what's cooler than alphabet cookies? That's right - Nothing. So I pulled out my mom's worn copy of the Joy of Cooking, even though she gave me a brand new copy, because this new revision has a different organization, and is missing some of my favourite recipes, or makes the directions more difficult to follow. After finding a recipe with an appropriate sounding name, 'roll cookies' I set to work. Most of my experience with rolling and cutting cookies is from making gingerbread houses, so I wasn't expecting such a soft dough, but patience helped me through, and I got the effect I was hoping for. Plus, they're delicious.

I also have a perverse love for chatspeak and memes, so how could I resist the urge to spell out the fate of these cookies?

Getting things done

2008-06-04T11:29:00.005-07:00

So I've been meaning to post for a couple weeks, here, but procrastination is one of my strong points, and I didn't have any new photos. Perhaps I shouldn't let that stop me, but I like the visual aspect of writing online, so I do.

So far, this week has been dedicated to finishing projects, of which I have far too many, and putting all my unpacked stuff away...which goes far too slowly, because it's a tiny room, and I have too many things. Which leads me back to finishing projects so I can get them to the people they are meant to end up with, and not slouch around in my room.

Yesterday I walked down to Pt. Defiance with Sune, hoping to get photos of him with real geese, not realizing that the garden show fenced off the rose garden and pond, so I went away disappointed. I had hoped to enjoy the park on a cloudy day while other people were at work or school. So I headed to Ruston Galleries, instead, and found a few old fashion magazines. Two were from 1917 with really engaging stories besides the gorgeous patterns and fashion, one was from 1937 with an amusing article on pregnancy, and the last was from 1948 showing the begining of what people usually consider full fifties style - the full circle skirt, and upswept, ponytail hair. There's plenty of material in them for doll-sized reproductions, which is the main reason I get these magazines, besides them being pretty and fascinating. I'm working on developing a line of commmissionable styles to offer on DOA, so I'll show those here when I get enough other projects completed first.

Stopping by Bargain World on the way home, I actually found some vintage pillowcases for the swap I'm participating in (I'll post photos of those, later, too) and the flat sheet that matches a pillowcase I found at Goodwill last week. I'm looking for the full set because I like the print so much. By the time I got home, I was exhausted from walking against the wind both there and back. I don't understand how that works.

I managed to snag my mom's bus pass to get to the Tacoma Tall Ships volunteer orientation, but ended up walking home, because it took the same amount of time as waiting for the bus, since it only runs hourly starting around dinner time. I've never understood the reason for that schedule, since most of the times I want to ride the 51/220, it doesn't have a run, and when I don't want to take it, it does have a run. It's also not convenient for people who take it home from work, since it stops running so early, about the time the mall closes, but if you're working at the mall, and closing, you're going to get out quite a bit later. I really wonder how they design bus schedules a lot of the time.

I

2008-05-20T22:51:00.002-07:00

can't help but count the days until I return Home. It's actually much more painful to wait and finish up loose ends than I could have imagined, and remembered. I've been losing sleep, and am somewhat delirious as a result, as well as naseous. Though there's nothing wrong with the food I cook, I can only eat a small amount before I'm bored, and no longer hungry, but still not full. It almost feels like a waste to eat, and I kinda wish I could throw up, and get rid of this uncertain, apprehensive feeling with a sharp, physical pain.

There are only two days before I am back in Tacoma, and moving my things, though there are four more days after that in which I will reside at this house, working this tiring, soul draining job. Frankly, Mr. Shankly, I'm done, despite all the alluring, material reasons to continue. The worst part about leaving is that I really do care about my coworkers, and the friendships I've found. As much as I love exploring, and get restless, I hate leaving people I've come to love. That's what no one really understood, when I left school halfway through my junior year to return home, to Tacoma and the Puget Sound where my heart dwells. I left a piece back in Massachusetts, and I'm going to be leaving pieces here in Snohomish, Redmond, and Bellevue. Another problem with my life is that I see so little distinction between dreams, memories, and waking life, so when they all flow into each other, as they do right now, when I'm sad and stressed, I'm not sure what to hold onto to anchor myself. I'm just reminding myself that it's okay to be unsure and worried when uprooting, even if I don't like the experience.

But, there's hope. Lots of it, when I think of how my time will be my own, at least for a couple months this summer. More, if I hold tightly to my dreams, and drag them into this waking life, rather than letting them hover, indistinct, tragic in their lack of fulfillment.

Woods in the mist

2008-05-14T20:48:00.003-07:00

It's too dim to photograph, but the close of this day is beautifully soft and quiet. There's something about mist that awakens a longing in me to wander, to disintegrate, and spread out silently over the gardens and through the trees, moistly embracing everything I come into contact with. I like how it makes my visible world smaller, but my imagined world so much larger because of how indistinct the boundaries become. I suppose it's like living a waking dream, and it intrigues me at the same time it saddens me. I wish I could live many lives all at once, but, unfortunately, I have to choose and live my moments one at a time.

I almost don't want to leave this house in the woods, but I know there are misty days in Tacoma, and it's so wonderfully haunting seeing the fog roll in off the water. Right now I just want to be somewhere I feel at home, with my friends near to cuddle and console, and able to walk to a grocery store, even if it is a couple miles away.

Now the mist has lifted, and the openness of the yard seems even lonelier than before. It would be easier if I was living alone, because then I'd have a reason to feel lonesome. I find it tragic that my housemate's worldview is so drastically different from mine that his presence is enough to make me feel isolated. Still, I prefer this sadness to complacency and numbness. I'll be home soon.

Busy busy

2008-05-11T19:11:00.006-07:00

I suppose the lateness and greyness of Spring has really gotten to me, as I've been exhausted for several weeks, and haven't done much except crochet my blanket and cook dinner and lunch to take to work, though I've been wanting to finish cutting the linings for and sewing several cloth shopping bags. My room is a complete mess with unfinished projects, but I managed to tidy it a bit before heading out this weekend to the Emerald City Comicon (I met Phil Foglio, saw Cheyenne Wright, ate piroshky at Pike Place and generally had tons of fun) then the SOTA art auction, Artrageous (where I filled in for a student volunteer who never showed up, and still am aching from staying until midnight, cleaning, vaccuming, and trying to restore the venue to it's former state) and finally home to my parent's house. It's quite encouraging to see that the lavender and roses I'd planted are thriving, and the raspberries we'd transplanted a couple years ago, and had been sickly since, are now sending up strong shoots for next year's berries.

On the way home, I stopped by St. Vinnie's, in Kenmore to see if, perchance, they might still have the tiny doll wardrobe I'd spotted last weekend, but hadn't wanted to lug around with me. I was lucky.

I can't wait to put away Synneva's dresses, and try my hand at making tiny clotheshangers for her dresses. I'm not sure yet, but I might line the drawers in patterned paper.

Although I have two wonderful dolls, I am not immune to other pretty ones, and it's sometimes difficult to wait until I'm in a better position to house them, but I've made myself promise that I wont buy any more until the two I have are properly dressed, and it will be a few months until then, so I should be safe, though this beauty, who I've named Poppaea, and her daughter, Hyazinthe, really tempt me. I even know what kind of house they'll live in. All the more reason to finish the projects I have started, so I can move on to more doll cothes.

Maybe I'm the only one

2008-04-09T13:30:00.002-07:00

But articles like this actually make me happy, because they give people more reasons to shop locally, and support small scale production. My best friend is not so hopeful about the future, and though I know it wont be simple and easy, I look forward to the creativity that shortages of raw materials will force.

CUI

2008-03-31T08:35:00.007-07:00

With the continuing snow and hail, I spent today inside, as well, working on a long neglected starry sky quilt. I wont have a desk in my room until I've repainted, so I lugged my sewing machine into the kitchen and sat at the table while Dylan tried to fathom why I would want to slave away over a blanket. Silly boy.

It also turned out that neither of the two old irons in the house were any good. One was full of dirt and dust while the other smoked like crazy, so we ended up making a trip to town for me to get a new iron, and Dylan to deposit his tax return. Which reminded me that I still need to file my own taxes. Though I didn't work enough last year to be required to file, I'd like to see some of the 'economic stimulus' money, so I can put it into savings.

I finished making the quiche, and it turned out wonderfully with a flaky crust and creamy custard, though I think I can bake it for less time next time, because the tart pan is pretty shallow. After putting it in the oven, I was wondering what to do with the left over egg whites when I remembered the rum in the cabinet, and set out to make an improvised egg nog. The warm salty sweetness of it was perfect to chase away the chilliness of today's less than pleasant weather, and the not so subtle rum made the task of trimming the quilt squares (they're not even in blocks, yet) somewhat more enjoyable. It's definitely my least favourite part; I can't seem to ever cut anything in a straight line. I can cut perfect curves freehand, but even with the cleanest straight edge, I manage to mess up the lines somehow.

Odd Weather

2008-03-29T22:11:00.006-07:00

The last thing I expected when I woke Friday morning was snow, and the strangest part is that it shows no inclination of ceasing. So this morning I decided it was time to bake biscuits like I'd been wanting to for almost a week, and clean the kitchen rather than go outside to weed the gardens and rake the lawn of pruned branches and last fall's leaves. I was rather excited to use my new pastry cutter and heart cookie cutters, and the recipe turned out wonderfully though I made a couple substitutions. I'm really looking forward to making quiche tonight, but then I'll have to decide on some new baking goals for next week. Perhaps spice muffins since it's been a while.

But going back to Friday - it was a long day - I got my glasses fixed, and the lady at the optics office said not to leave them near any heat vents, though I never had in the past, and still can't figure out why the lenses were popping out. I went to Trains & Fabrics to find more dress fabric for dolls, as well as quilt scraps for me, and was quite successful. Then I walked to Freighthouse Square planning to visit Krazy Kat's to peruse embroidery threads, but they have mysteriously disappeared, so instead I found a vintage shop there with a tiny Japanese sake perfect for my dolls. Pretty soon I'm going to have to make a Japanese screen, with all the little artifacts I've been finding.

I don't think I can visit Tacoma without at least walking down Antique Row to stare at the beautiful brick buildings, and so I stopped by Shepard House to see if there were any suitable doll dishes, but ended up getting an old book on planting and some tiny photo frames instead. Next door, at Lick's, I found a nice whisk, tea mugs, and metal cookie press - I don't know the real name, but you use it for very soft cookie dough to expel decorative shapes. My grandma would always make Christmas cookies using one. By the time I finally made it to the yarn shop, it was late afternoon, and I was starting to get hungry, but I wanted to have yarn to finish my shawl, and to show the woman there my doll with her finished sweater, which she had only seen one arm of previously.

She was impressed, as was another woman who had been browsing the shop, and wanted to know if I was planning to sell the doll clothes I make. I was really flattered, and told her about Etsy, which I need to spend more time on, as I need to spend more time on making things. As much as I appreciate the ability to pay bills and buy supplies, I get irritated with how much time work takes up that I'd rather use to clean the house or simply sit and stare at my beautiful woodsy surroundings. And then I could use the remainder of my time to create, without feeling like I was always busy doing something.

Hooray for seeds!

2008-03-25T19:54:00.004-07:00

Although I was happy for the overtime today, I had planned on spending more time outside, weeding and pruning the long neglected garden. Yesterday, Dylan and I focussed on raking the leaves out of the most prominent plot in the center of the back lawn, and after he'd gone back inside, I spent at least an hour on the mint infested side garden. I was hoping to completely rid it of the excess mint, and move the potted mint to the back deck today, but rain and darkness have worked together to foil me, and when we arrived home, I was hungry and exhausted.
However! On the way home, we stopped at the store where I got new green gardening gloves so I wont get splinters from the woody mint stalks, or thorny blackberries, and I bought seeds. I have a weakness for seeds, but I think I made good choices. Already I had edible plants: lemon cucumbers, sugar snap peas, purple haze carrots, yard long green beans, and swiss chard; today I indulged my love of flowers and got red sunflowers, lemony sunflowers (neither of those the actual names,) apricot and chartreuse Zinnias, Scabiosa (pincushions), vanilla berry and dwarf jewel nasturtiums (I wanted to buy all the varieties, but somehow managed to restrain myself), as well as one of my favourite herbs - dillweed. I'm so excited to get back outside and plant all of these, so I hope tomorrow is a bit drier.

I'm planning to take photos of the yard when it looks a bit better, but I had fun playing with my doll last week, and want to show off.

Pretty Paint

2008-03-15T14:43:00.003-07:00

Even though a lot has happened recently, I find myself unable to write very much about it. I am looking forward to repainting my room a preatty pale blue, and perhaps making curtains for the windows. A coworker of mine has offered me her old, ornate dresser, and I can't wait to see it, since it sounds perfect. I wish I had more photos of the house and yard, but I'm still wrestling with my camera, and the weather has been awfully dim and gloomy lately. I did manage a picture of Sune, my Raphael, wearing his sister Synneva's clothing, because I haven't made anything for him yet. The poor boy has to wait until I've finished Nerine's dress, and sent it off to Mari before he gets something of his own. Perhaps I'll knit him a cabled jumper and sew a pair of shorts. I'm just really having trouble deciding what he should wear. Actually, I'm in a state of uncertainness about many parts of my life currently, but I'm working through it.

A new face

2008-02-17T20:24:00.002-08:00

Pictures will come soon, but I'm just so excited about the arrival of my new doll that I wanted to post rather than wait. I would have taken photos if I had gotten more than three or four hours of sleep the past four nights, but a nap was of higher priority. Anyway, Sune is beautiful, though he's wearing girl clothes for the moment because those are what I have. I'll also be using him as a model and dress form for his sister and cousin's clothing while I save up for them.
I've been looking through my vintage knitting magazines for inspiration for children's clothing, especially for boys, because I'm not a huge fan of t-shirts and jeans when I'm dressing dolls. I've found some adorably classic sweaters that I hope I wont have to tweak much to get a correct fit, but I have to finish my mom's first glove before I'll have the empty needles to try them out.
It's been a long while since I wrote in this journal because working and commuting take up most of my day, and the weekends have been full with visiting friends and relatives. I'm planning on moving closer to work in early March, which will give me a much shorter commute, and more time to spend on photography, cooking, gardening, and making pretty things. I'll finally be able to start up commissions again; I'm really looking forward to it all.

Epiphany

2008-01-06T14:17:00.000-08:00

I didn't mean to take such a long break from this journal, but December and Christmas are a busy season and I was frantically trying to take care of finances and other things. Today is the last of the Christmas season, and also my brother's birthday, so things should be much calmer for a while. Also, to celebrate the new year, I have a new job which I start this Monday. I'll write more about it this coming week, when I know more.

So, because I don't feel like recapping all that I've done this past month in prose, here are the photos. ^^

Santa Lucia's luncheon with Anders, and my family...well, just the saffron rolls, since they were so pretty. And delicious. My mother must have used a different recipe when I was a child, because I dont' remember them tasting so yummy as this time, when I made them myself.

Snow at the ocean on Christmas day, and the Gingerbread town we baked

Synneva and Mr. Gingerbread Man

Spiral Knit Skirt Pattern

2007-12-08T23:39:00.000-08:00

This pattern came about from a failed sock, and I think I like it enough to make a human sized version.

Needles: US#2 (2.75mm)
Yarn: SWTC TOFUtsies (sock/fingering weight yarn, if you're substituting)

Notes: Directions are for a skirt knit in the round to fit a 27cm doll, but adjustments can be made so the skirt can fit any size doll. If you have a doll of a different size, make a swatch of the pattern stitch to determine how many stitches to cast on. If you don't feel up to tubular cast on, you can skip the picot edging, and go right to where it says "Begin Spiral Pattern."

Spiral Pattern (Multiple of 6 stitches):
rounds 1,2: *k3 p3* repeat to end of round
round 3: k3 *p3 k3* end round p3, remove marker, p1, place marker.
Repeat rows 1-3

Picot Edge:
Using tubular cast on, CO 72 stitches (or a multiple of 6 stitches for other sizes) and join 'live' stitches without twisting.
Knit 4 rounds plain.
Next round: *k2tog yo* repeat to end of the round
Knit 4 rounds plain
Remove the waste yarn from beginning stitches, and place stitches on a separate needle. Taking one stitch from each 'end' of your picot tube, knit both stitches as one, and repeat to the end of the round. You should have 72 stitches (or however many you started with) on your needles.

Begin Spiral Pattern, and repeat rows 1-3 until skirt is 2cm shorter than desired finished length.
Round 1: *ssk k1 p2tog p1* repeat to the end of the round
Round 2, 3, 4: *k2 p2* repeat to end of the round
Round 5: *ssk p2* repeat to end of the round
Round 6: *k1 p2* repeat to the end of the round
Round 7: *k1 p2tog* repeat to the end of the round
Round 8, 9: *k1 p1* repeat to the end of the round
Bind off VERY loosely. This skirt takes some wiggling to get over my doll's hips, so if you may need to tweak the waist in order to get it to fit correctly.

Let me know if you have any questions or comments, and have fun!

A is for Anderson Island

2007-12-07T23:49:00.002-08:00

As a child, I loved visiting my great grandfather. It meant taking a half hours trip along the railroad and past factories to get to the ferry dock, and if we were early, I could lay a penny on the tracks, waiting for a train to come by and flatten it. If we were late, which happened more often as I grew older, and gained two younger brothers, we'd nearly be over the boarding line by the time my mom or dad came back with the tickets. Sometimes, we'd bring kites and fly them on the boat during the crossing, and I'd stare at the sun shining through the rainbow plastic of my kite. Once on the other side, there were two roads we could take, but most often took the direct one, so when travelling with other relatives, I'd ask them to take the left road instead, and go the longer way to my grandfather's house.

My great grandfather lived on a lake, and had a little rowboat and a basement garage with a dresser full of life preservers. Those bright orange and blue vests smelled like mildew and mold, but I still associate that smell with exploring and rowing. As long as none of the neighbors had their motor boats on the water (illegal because the lake was too narrow for those vehicles, but they didn't care), rowing was peaceful and fun, and the water clear enough that you could see fallen logs along the bottom, and would have been able to see the bottom itself if not for the invasive milfoil plant, brought in on the propellers of one of those illegal motorboats.

My grandfather has been dead several years, and we had to sell his house and forest on the lake. No longer can I build little forts in the woods, or collect huckleberries with my grandma for crisp and ice-cream. My great grandma's garden, long overgrown, probably no longer exists in any form. Still, my family goes back to the island, probably more often than we did when grandpa was alive, and to a piece of land that's been in the family since my Swedish ancestors immigrated to Washington state.

We call it 'the old place,' and for years, it intrigued me because the only time we'd go there was the weekend after Thanksgiving, to select and chop down a tree for Christmas. Invariably it would rain on that weekend, and we'd trek through ankle deep squelchy mud which didn't exactly endear me to the place. After grandpa's house and land were sold, it was the only place besides the cemetery we still held claim to, and it turned out to be quite pleasant in the late spring and summer, while it's dry.

It was around this time that I started taking photography classes, and I discovered something really fascinating about that particular place: no matter the weather, no matter the light, photos taken there always have the same contrast. Always. Recently, I've seen scans of photos taken when my grandma and her brother were young children visiting their grandparents who lived there, and the contrast is exactly the same as my own photos taken sixty years later. It's also a great place to explore, since you never know what artifacts you might find. There's the twisted remains of an old orchard, and farming equipment, and we found a doll's mug while digging around in the dirt to level a spot for a picnic table. The knowledge that my ancestors used to live and work on that spot, is strangely comforting though all that's left of them are a couple foundations, some photos, and bones in the cemetery where I myself will one day reside as ashes.

Rainy Sunday

2007-12-02T15:33:00.000-08:00

I wanted to stay in bed today, and just listen to the endless, dripping rain. I thought it would be a complete waste to try to take any photos of what I've been working on, but managed to squeeze in a few despite the unpredictable light.

I have a huge list in my head as to what I need to get done, since it's nearly the end of the semester, and Christmas and other holidays are coming up. I should write the list down, but then it would be constantly growing, and never shrinking, because as soon as I finished one thing, I'd think of at least two more that needed doing. I think my calendar is the only thing that keeps me from feeling too overwhelmed, because I can see that the deluge of deadlines is actually spread out over an adequate amount of time, not compressed into a single moment as it tends to appear in my mind. I think the photo pretty well sums up how I feel right now. It's the most organized surface on my dresser, and yet it's still overcrowded.

I started Drystan's scarf for Mari yesterday, and thought I was initially unsure about the placement of the stripes, I think they look just fine. I can't decide whether to take it, or the trim for Synneva's blanket traveling with me tomorrow, to work on. I'll probably end up taking both, so I wont feel bad about neglecting either. What I wouldn't give for another few days added to this weekend so I could get more personal projects caught up.