P.J. Bottom's

Summer!

2010-06-06T09:44:00.000-04:00

Hey there, blogity readers :)

I've been so busy knitting for the last few weeks I haven't had a chance to update. I've been doing a lot of things for trades and i wanted to let you all know that if you or anyone you know is interested in doing a trade for YYMN, I'm usually available for that. The only drawback is that paying customers are my very first priority. ;)

Here's some things I've worked on over the last month...

This week, on Hyena Cart...

2010-04-24T14:31:00.000-04:00

I've got some Semi-customs coming up on HC this week and a collaboration in site...

First up is For Crying Out Loud - there is a you pick size with Southwest Spectrum's "Boot Hill" on aran BFL. I have enough to do up to about 20h, 18r, 12t & 5i.

Then on Tuesday is a Semicustom Elizabeth tunic with yarn dyed by Amy from Alligator Knits. More details on that soon :)

And soon I'll be pairing up with Sticky Peas for a collaboration, but I won't have details for that for a little while ;)

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!!

Considering I've been gone for 2 months...

2010-03-20T10:11:00.000-04:00

I figured I'd do something completely different than what I normally do.

Yes, I'm still knitting. I am, however, taking a hiatus for a while because I'm getting married in April. It's a long time coming, so I'm sure that not everyone is surprised by this. I've been with my fiancee for over 5 years & we have a son together, whom I've posted here before. He's 4½ going on 16.

Anyhow, aside from knitting I've been getting more into cooking. I LOVE cooking and baking. I always have. I just haven't tried anything terribly different lately cause we been in what we like to call...a Food Rut. I'm sure you've been there too. Where you eat the same 6 meals for months. It's not fun. So the a few months ago someone pointed me toward Pioneer Woman and Bakerella. I'm sure most of you have heard of them too. I hadn't at that point.

I also found that I LOVE PW food. This is one of her recipes that I have flipped up because my Fiancee doesn't eat red meat, so I'll post what I did differently...

This recipe, from PW's site & Tasty Kitchen is called My Most Favorite Burger Ever. (for now)

So I started with the printed out recipe...

I chopped up some red onions, grabbed my brown sugar and butter and got to caramelizing my onions. Which by the way, I could have eaten them that way. Forget about the rest of the food.

Then I mixed up the turkey meat. I added garlic powder, salt, ground pepper to taste and about 1TBS of Goya salsa picante, which is what I had on hand vs her recipe which calls for Tobasco. With her spicy mayo sauce, I used 2½TBS of light mayo (please. Mayonnaise. Not Miracle Whip. Seriously, that stuff is SO nasty) and added about 2tsp of the same salsa picante. Notice there's not clear photo of that?? That stuff made my mayo pink. It was really creepy looking. I won't be using the salsa picante next time. No kidding.

I grabbed my no-seed Kaiser rolls and hacked them in half. I could have slathered that mayo and the onions on there and called it a day, but I chose to follow through for the man cause he can't cook anything but toast. I toasted up the buns on the grill pan while the lovely red onions were still caramelizing.

So I grabbed a honking chunk of the ground meat, probably about a ½lb and balled it up and made a patty that would fit on the roll and tossed it on a preheated over med-low heat on my gas stove. I cooked the patties about 4mins on one side prior to flipping. About 2mins into that cook time I rotated about 45° to get the hatch marks.

Then I slathered the awkwardly pink spicy mayo on the rolls, added some BBQ and ranch over the top of the onions on the patty to heat it up as I can't stand cold condiments. After it was heated up, I placed it on the roll and added some baby greens. Smooshed on the top roll & Voila! Dinner is served!! I served roasted potatoes on the side and some garden salad.

ENJOY!!

Stocking up on Friday!

2010-01-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Come take a peek at the shop! I have to finish up a few things and I'll be stocking up at 12:30pm est.

An *awesome*, if I say so myself, collaboration with Lindsey from Cake Clothing Co in size 18-24mo...

PJB featuring cake collab

And a cute little soaker which is perfect for the upcoming summer months :)

Edward soaker

Also, be on the look out for a spring time collaboration with none other than FCOL!! Coming soon!!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-05T14:26:00.000-05:00

Hi blog readers! I hope that your new year is starting off happy & healthy!

I joined a group on Ravelry started by a friend of mine to give us some challenges this year - I hope to expand my knitting to include a REAL size sweater and some more knitted garments. The group is appropriately named 52 in 52 2010.

I've started out my projects this year with a gorgeous cowl for myself in Purewool's 3ply merino, Amanecer. The cowl is called Candle Flame Cowl.

Follow me throughout the year with this project - Find the group in the links on this page and the badge on the sidebar to left as well.

I also have an awesome collaboration coming up very soon and some YYMN customs that I'll be showing off, of course, as soon as I have some yarn in my hands. :D

Happy Holidays & some updates...

2009-12-19T16:44:00.000-05:00

Just sending you all wishes for a safe, happy and healthy holiday season. :)

I've taken on a couple customs right before the holidays and they should be finished & shipped by the end of the week. :)

I'll be able to take on one more custom right around the New Year...So be on the lookout for that spot to open up at The Custom Rack...a new adventure I'm taking on along with a few very close friends of mine. To be able to offer up YYMN as a group on one cart is amazing and, well, convenient!!

Also, be on the look out for a collab and/or a guest spot coming soon....

Semicustoms!

2009-12-02T12:48:00.000-05:00

I have two semicustoms listed right now.

One at my shop:

CWC Amber Sunrise on Anise BFL, FR Edward on Gaia:

http://hyenacart.com/PJBottoms/index.php?c=0&p=90200

And one at Alligator Knits with Robots on BBR.

http://hyenacart.com/alligatorknits/index.php?c=0&p=80430

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T08:27:00.000-05:00

Wishing you & your family a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving.

Today I am thankful for my family and their health. The fact That I can go to my future In-Law's home and celebrate with them is wonderful. The food, the laughs, the sharing of my life with theirs. I'm not a religious person, but I truly am blessed to have been welcomed into such a wonderful and caring family. ♥

As for Black Friday...I'm offering a 20% discount on the collaboration from For Crying Out Loud and myself from 9am-11am EST. After that time, it will go to a live auction and run until 12pm EST on Cyber Monday.

Keep peeking at the shop, though...I might have something fun pop up...either tomorrow...maybe over the weekend or possibly Monday. ;)

http://hyenacart.com/pjbottoms

Another Session of Why is this STILL here??

2009-11-15T08:18:00.001-05:00

LOL, I'm spamming myself on my own blog. Awesome. ;)

But, seriously! This awesome collab from FCOL & I is super adorable!!!

http://hyenacart.com/PJBottoms/index.php?c=0&p=55408

A set from A Twisted Stitch & Positively Posh...Girly. Longies done in Cestari, adorable 12-18mo tee... WHY! Why is this sitting!!! LOL!

http://hyenacart.com/PJBottoms/index.php?c=0&p=37562

A seriously cute Babydoll dress from Bottomstoppers:

http://hyenacart.com/PJBottoms/index.php?c=0&p=79387

And don't forget that there is a Charity Raffle to support Katie from ENI. I'm offering a semicustom KBK Ear Cozy Hat in Mosaic Moon's Dragon's Lair. Tickets are $2 apiece & you can buy as many as you would like. The raffle runs till Friday the 20th at noon.

http://hyenacart.com/PJBottoms/index.php?c=0&p=40184

Thank you again for your continued support for myself and for Katie. :D

More Party Updates!!

2009-11-11T08:09:00.000-05:00

I've got a few updates!

Leidy from Western Sky Knits has joined me with some yarn...It's a gorgeous girly colorway! Previews coming soon for that.

I've offered up a semicustom Ear Cozy hat on Mosaic Moon's Dragon's Lair to help benefit a close friend of mine, Katie from Ewe Need It:

A collaboration from myself & For Crying Out Loud featuring Gwion from Mosaic Moon:

A collaboration from myself & Positively Posh featuring Bananafish from Beemer Knits:

I hope to see you all there!! 3pm Friday the 13th :D

Birthday Bash Celebration!!

2009-11-09T17:15:00.000-05:00

Join us this coming Friday the 13th at 3pm EST for some fun!!

I have a ton of friends helping me celebrate my 1 year anniversary as a single cart on Hyena Cart, including:

Bottomstoppers
Comfort Wool Co
Mosaic Moon wools
For Crying Out Loud
Ewe Need Color
Peanut Pants
Positively Posh

And hopefully a few more as the week continues :)

Please come out to support a Fellow WAHM

2009-10-17T11:06:00.001-04:00

You can learn more about Katie from Ewe Need It on Hyena Cart right here...

I've been friends with Katie for almost a year and she is the most sweet and caring mama I've come to know.

I have my own raffle for a wonderful set...Tiny booties & a Sweet Mama, Small Sugar Fae Folk Hat in Winter Pear, hand dyed and donated by Morwenna of Mosaic Moon.

I will also be offering a Semicustom pair of longies up to a 20" hip, 18" rise, ~12" thigh and ~10 inseam on Rowan Tree on 3ply Uruguay Merino, also donated by Morwenna. I'm hoping to get this up and listed by next week. Rowan Tree is on the right in the lower photo.

I will also be using the Dragon's Lair on 3ply Uruguay merino (second in) at another time for more donations as time allows.

Tiny Items

2009-09-08T16:32:00.000-04:00

I LOVE knitting for tiny babies. LOVE it. It goes very fast and it's a very rewarding knit.

Which is why I'll be stocking THIS itty bitty set on Friday at 1pm EST.

Western Sky Knits Bulky Gaia with matching hat for a New Bean. Stop on by!

Helloooo Woolly friends!

2009-09-05T21:42:00.000-04:00

Hello All! :)

As Summer is drawing to a close, I'm getting ready to open up shop again. I will having a large myriad of guests for my 1 year as a solo cart celebration in November, and a small restocking in October. Neither of these dates are set in stone yet, but I'll be sure to update you.

In other news, I've spent most of the summer knitting away, making new friends and and overall enjoying my time as WAHM. :) Thank you to each and every one of my mamas who've reserved places with me and getting to know you along the way has been wonderful. I look forward to working with you again.

If you didn't know already, PJB has a fanpage on Facebook! I update as often as I can with information about the store, customs and other updates. There's also work in progress pics, action shots & other works that aren't on here. Please feel free to add your own action shots there as well! Check it out at the left side of the page. ;)

Here on BFL is Elliebelly "Matador" with a braided cable. These are my very first completed cabled longies.

Here is on BFL also is Nurturing Threads "Hummingbird"

P.J. Bottom's Closed for Remainder of Summer

2009-07-24T16:08:00.000-04:00

No, I'm not taking a break. Quite the opposite, actually. :) I have quite a few customs and I'm filled up till Oct. I'm closing up for the time being to maintain better contact with my mama's that have customs with me right now.

I'm hoping to do some more collaborations with FCOL once she's settled after moving and I may be on the look out to guest at someone's congo. I don't have any one congo in particular that I'm looking at. I'm still mulling the idea over ;)

I'm looking forward to reopening in the Fall - Don't forget to get all the updates by becoming a Fan on Facebook, right to your left here on the blog. Enjoy the rest of summer!!

Some Recent Finished Objects :)

2009-07-05T09:30:00.000-04:00

Here are an adorable pair of tiny mittens in the Extra Toasty Toddler Mittens pattern. I used a crochet chain to attach them. This is Twilight Knits superwash merino in "Cotton Candy." They're 6" from tip to cuff. These were a YYMN for a friend of mine.

And I'm willing to admit that I'm fully and totally obsessed with Twilight. I'm a 28 year old woman. And totally in love with a fictitious 17 year old vampire! Anyhow, I have a mug that says Team Edward, which I managed to pick up from Rising Sun Earthworks. This is also appropriate because my entire family's names are Edward. My boyfriend, my son, my father, Ed's father and grandfather. So it's more meaningful than it just saying Team Edward cause I love Edward Cullen ;) And I'm reading New Moon in anticipation of the upcoming movie. So I decided to knit the mittens that Bella is wearing in the movie, a pattern offered up by Subliminal Rabbit I found on Ravelry. For those who don't know, Bella is the main character who falls in love with Edward Cullen. These mitts are from the scene in the movie where Edward saves her from getting hit by a truck. The reference shot is next to photo of my mittens. :D Her mitts are dark gray. Eventually I will make some more for me in dark gray, but these were a trial run on Cestari.

Thanks again for those who came out to support Tammy & Team Breezy. Here are the adorable longies I knit for the raffle ticket winner:

Bella on gaia organic merino, by Western Sky Knits:

Some Updates!

2009-06-29T15:58:00.000-04:00

Teresa at For Crying Out Loud, an advocacy tee shirt makin' mama & myself are bringing you a set for your cloth diapered baby girl. :D

Here's the listing, set to go live for auction on June 30th at 8am till July 1st at 1pm. :)
Kickin' it Old School set!

She'll also have more KIOS tees and Bed Hog tees up. I love those!

Also, I have 2 pairs of shorties in my store set to go live for auction on Wednesday July 1st at 2:30pm - a clearing house if you will. They're set pretty low, so get there to get yourself there early and get your bid in for those last second summer essentials. :) The auction is set for 24 hours.

P.J. Bottom's online store

Clearing it out!

2009-06-28T09:45:00.000-04:00

I've set up for 2 pair of shorties/capris to be auctioned for 24 hours starting on Wednesday, July 1st at 2:30pm est/hc time.

Please come and check them out for your baby girl! :D

I fail! And YYMN updates :)

2009-06-13T10:16:00.000-04:00

I never updated cause I've been completely inundated. ::blushes::

We raised about $1200 for Tammy & Team Breezy. Please feel free to make more donations under her name to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. We will also be doing another fundraiser in September for Team breezy again. Thank you for all your support!!

I also am booking up fast for Fall customs.

Currently I have 2 more places open for YYMNs in August and the full month of September open. I'm taking 4 customs for each month. If you would like one, please feel free to contact me via email pjbottoms.on.hc@gmail.com

If you would like more than 1 YYMN, please be aware that I will not be offering them back to back to make sure that my other mamas have a chance to get their woollies knit as well. :)

If you're interested in picking from my stash, let me know as well. These also fall under a YYMN type of category and will treated the same way. I really only have boyish colorways at the moment though. Please contact me directly for a full list and pricing. YYMN costs & policies are found on the left of the blog.

Thanks!

Benefit for Team Breezy

2009-06-05T22:43:00.000-04:00

Tammy's daughter, Brianna "Breezy," was lost to leukemia. We're hosting a benefit to raise some cash. I will have more information in the next week or less about it, and where it will take place.

From her Team Breezy site:

Team Breezy walks in memory of Our Breezy Girl Brianna Nicole Howard. Brianna was sent to us on June 9, 1998 and went home to be with Jesus on January 19, 2002 at the young age of 3 1/2. Brianna was wise beyond her years and fought her battle with T-Cell Leukemia with such dignity and strength that she has forever inspired many. She is greatly missed, yet we go on in her name to find a cure for this beast.

Please visit Tammy's site here and help us raise awareness for this cause:

http://pages.lightthenight.org/epa/Phi09/BreezysMom

The yarn being offered is "Bella" on bulky organic merino, dyed by Kim of Western Sky Knits. I will be knitting this up for the winner.

*photo is not representative of the yarn being offered

More Stuff!

2009-04-29T09:40:00.000-04:00

I just finished these...

Mosaic Moon Woodland in Spring on bfl, trim by me, also bfl:

And I'm working on Mosaic Moon Ming on targhee for a friend of mine with pics to come soon enough.

I will probably be offering up another Semicustom and YYMN soon, possibly featuring Selah yarns, but no promises. ;)

The linen stitch shorties are in time out & so is the shrug. I haven't even picked it up. Maybe I'll pick it up on my way up to the wedding since I'll have 4 hours to knit there.

Finished! :D

2009-04-23T18:02:00.001-04:00

Sunny Days capris, take 2! I really enjoyed making these again, and my be offering up another as soon as I can get some yarn in similar colors. :)

Fashionista capris! Single ply merino, dyed by Dyeing to Fly and natural single ply trim. Has a sweet subtle ruffle. I can't wait to see these in action. :)

And a custom for a friend of mine, Crayon on bfl by EllieBelly

Finishing up...

2009-04-15T14:59:00.000-04:00

I sold the two spots for customs when I stocked last week.

I am about 45% completed with Sunny Days...No pic yet...

and about 80% completed with the EllieBelly Crayon capris (YYMN custom)

I'm about 90% completed with a pair of linen stitch tiny shorties to stock...

and I have currently placed my shrug into time out. The sleeve is pooling. I hate it. :P

Keep your eyes peeled for another Semi-custom listing to go live over the next week or so... ;)

Stocking! WOOHOO!

2009-04-09T00:17:00.000-04:00

I decided to stock on Friday. 9pm EST/HC time.

I'm offering 1 YYMN spot & a semicustom pair of Sunny Days Capris. :)

Hope to see you there!

Getting ready...

2009-04-06T14:52:00.000-04:00

I'm hoping to offer up 2 customs listings possibly as soon as next week. I have 3 items on the needles I need to finish up...

Here's how it will work:

One listing will be for a semi custom pick from my stash shorties or boarders or capris.

Second listing is a complete your yarn my needles custom.

Due to my level of burnout I can only offer up 2 spots right now and I can't take on more than that. If you're interested in getting a custom with me, I will now only be taking customs via storefront listings. I really really appreciate all the emails & the private messages, but I can't keep up and don't want to burn out.

Thanks so much for understanding

::hugs::

Recent works!

2009-04-02T09:37:00.000-04:00

So I stocked up the store only to not have anything sell. I think it's the time of year/month. March was like that last year as well.

So I am here to share some recent Finished Objects & YYMNs. :)

"Earth II" on farm yarn (like targhee) by Stitches Under the Sun

"Drake" on Licorice Twist by Candy Pants Yarns (YYMN)

And for me...My Bananafish Shrug. I'm chugging along on this! I can't wait to put this on. .:drool:.

I will be opening back up for customs this month. I'm unsure when, but will definitely keep you posted on it. :)

Previews!!

2009-03-23T16:17:00.000-04:00

I'm planning on having my first afternoon stocking Friday, March 27th 2009. It's going to happen at 3pm EST/Hyena time.

I'll have at least these two collaborations and I'm hoping I can fit in one more item before these go live...

Collaboration with Positively Posh - Arrrrhhgggg Mateys!! Yarn featured here is "Siberian Tiger" by Just Sheepy.

Collaboration with Sublime Threads - Tree of Life in celebration of Earth Day! Yarn being featured here is "Earth II" by Stitches Under the Sun :)

YAY!

2009-03-12T11:21:00.000-04:00

I'm getting my new camera today. I'll be taking many more fun pics with my new Nikon D40 outfit + 55/200mm lens. I can't even wait. :D

Right now I've still got my shrug on the needles. There's no real rush for it since I don't need it done till the beginning of May. I just cast on Nurturing Threads "Ice Giraffes" but I have to rip it back out. Pooling like a big jerk. LOL! And I'm working on the Rainbow with Black shorties for MYMN semicustom and about to cast on one more thing for Sarah, which is Goblin from MM boarders. :)

I'm hoping to finish up what I have an then get some knitting done for the store or at least offer up 1 semi custom and/or a YYMN for shorts. I'll be keeping everyone posted via here or if you happen to visit my store, I always have updates there on my customs list. :)

And if anyone can tell me how to add my Rav projects to my blog here, please do that.

And one more thing: If you have any action shots of my yarn worked up or of your littles wearing PJB's, send them here : pjbottoms.on.hc@gmail.com

Sneaky Peeky!

2009-03-06T12:24:00.000-05:00

Just something I'm doing for tonight. I need to update this more, but I'm doing the best I can, LOL!

And I'm also offering a Semi-Custom in Rainbow With Black on cestari. :) Visit the store tonight at 9:30pm EST!

Announcement & a usual photo update!

2009-03-01T13:21:00.000-05:00

Hello bloggies!!

I just wanted to let you know that my current customs list is closed. I am no longer taking customs via email but will be announcing a spot to be listed at my storefront (P.J. Bottom's) in a minimum of 3 weeks. All of my current mamas with YYMN customs are being honored and I will always be available via email for any other questions you may have.

I have finished a recent custom. Yarn by Mosaic Moon...Morwenna truely has a gift. Everything I ever knit from her is drool-worthy. Seriously.

Here's "Dragon's Lair" on single ply merino with Lamb's Pride single ply mohair blend as trim:

This is probably the largest pair of woollies I've made to date with a 24" hip and 13" thigh. I hope that they fit their prospective owner :)

I'm also working on something for myself, which is one reason I've closed my customs to new orders. This will be the very first thing I knit for myself!!

Stocking Wednesday night!

2009-02-23T17:41:00.000-05:00

Just letting you blogity followers that I'm stocking 2 items on Wednesday night (before Lost!!) at 8:30pm EST.

Here's a little preview of what I have!

Recent yarns and YYMN customs

2009-02-12T13:56:00.000-05:00

I recently have gotten back into dyeing yarns. I forgot why I started knitting. RIGHT! It is because I first started dyeing yarns. I remember about 3 years ago I first saw hand dyed yarns on Mosaic Moon's website. Now, to someone who had little to no idea what exactly dyeing yarns and knitting wool pants was about, I was extremely interested. I LOVED Morwenna's work and thought her wool pants were to die for.

Then I started thinking, as most new-ish mamas do, what can I do to make money at home?! So I picked up some Lion's brand wool from Wally-World and some cherry & orange flavored koolaid. And off I went. It was LOADS of fun! And messy. And now I had a big knot of yarn. And no reason to have it cause I sure as heck didn't even own a pair of knitting needles!!

Anyhow, back to what I was saying...I recently got back into dyeing yarns & had a great turn out for the 2 I happened to have done that day.

"Funfettie" on P.J. Bottom's worsted organic merino (one of a kind color - no dupes):

Cabin Fever also on P.J. Bottom's worsted organic merino:

Then I was lucky enough to be chosen to work up my own yarn, so here is Cabin Fever on newborn sized woolly britches with a cute teeny hat ::wub::

Also, here's a finished pair of longies & a republic hat (not shown) for my friend Laura in "Harvest" from Nurturing Threads:

A pair of Kirkyard from Mosaic Moon longies from a YYMN custom:

Kind of off topic...

2009-02-09T16:04:00.000-05:00

I have this really awesome friend. His name is Jason. He does something I dreamed of doing while I was growing up. Graphic design & web layouts. He also does other stuff. His other stuff is the coolest part about his job.

He designs and build video games. :)

We, here, at the P.J. Bottom's abode play games very frequently. We recently purchased a PS3. Which, btw, is a wonderful system if you can afford it. LOL! We are currently getting ready for Pikmin on the Wii & Have been tossing around the idea of getting a Wii Fit. Maybe.

Anyhow, he has this blog ( http://jasoncirillo.wordpress.com/ ) that I just started following that I didn't know about. I have another friend who just posted on there as well.

So, I figured I'd post one of my favorite videos that Jason & my very own dear boyfriend did.

I'll preface this by saying it's probably not suitable for work, but it's hilarious if you're even slightly interested in video games. :D

http://jasoncirillo.wordpress.com/2009/02/02/bit-museum-3-the-wizard-of-odyssey-on-vimeo/#more-292

Stocking 2 fun items for tonight!

2009-01-29T12:13:00.000-05:00

Just lettin' ya know :)

Here's a little preview of what I have going up tonight!

OH! I almost forgot! I wanted to post my finished objects from the last YYMN I had! :)

Munki Sushi by Yarnoodles on BFL capris ::drool::

Mosaic Moon Kettle Dyed Rainbow on Targhee longies ::drool again::

Hello :)

2009-01-17T14:32:00.000-05:00

I'm working out my customs currently & wanted to show them off. I'm very proud of these shorties I made for little L. They're on their way out to him as we speak...But there won't be action shots till summer time.

"Rainbow with Black" by Kim at Western Sky Knits

And a cute pair of custom scrappy hats for a sweet mama & her daughter I'm also doing a custom scrappy for her son as well. Just waiting on more scraps. This yarn is Yarnoodles - some bfl, some cestari.

Then I'll start working on this in capris...I'm SO excited!! These are for a friend of mine for her wonderful adopted daughter that I can't WAIT to "meet" :: wub ::

Munki Sushi on aran BFL by Yarnoodles

OK, so I have no idea what I'm talking about.

2009-01-07T21:33:00.000-05:00

I said Thursday in my last post, but I meant WEDNESDAY. D'OH!

I have to work out-of-home tomorrow night & won't be around, but I still have a pair of newborn longies & 2 skeins of hand dyed wool up on the cart if anyone is interested.

Sorry for the day confusion. :: blushes ::

Just a little update...

2009-01-04T13:23:00.000-05:00

I'm planning on doing an impromptu stocking on Thursday night in celebration of Scrubs. LOL! I'll be stocking at 9pm EST if you're looking for some instock longies. (((good vibes)))

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T10:51:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year, dear blog followers. ;)

I finally got an action shot from my semi custom from my grand opening & wanted to share it along with some recent yarns that I dyed. :D I'm really getting back into dyeing yarn - I really like to see what I dye & then work it up or see someone else work it up.

How cute is he?! I love the cheeks!!

"Rufus" by Dashing Dachs - I'm in love with these This yarn was so soft and this ended up so stretchy. Love it...

"cruiser" on BBR, dip dyed/space dyed

"lost creek" on 3ply purewool - also one of my fave dye jobs to date. This is kettle dyed.

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-29T16:35:00.001-05:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday! :) We spent ours pretty much either recovering from colds or coming down with some, but it was a great couple days for us.

I've finally come to the end of my custom longies list & finishing up a few YYMN hats. I'm getting ready for another stocking on New Years night at 9pm EST/Hyena time.

Here's a few items I've worked on over the last few weeks since my last post here.

A Fae Folk hat, pattern by Sweet Mama, Small Sugar for my son. Knit in Purewool Grass Green 3ply merino.

A Yarnnoodles YYMN Scrappy hat for mama (infant one blocking as we speak!)

and a very late pair of "Christmas Cocoa" on farm corrie by A Twisted Stitch - longies

And here's a wacky pic of my son & I on Christmas Morning. He was being so hysterical, I needed to capture it! Disregard our unkempt hair. ;)

And the massive pile behind Eddie is SOME of my current yarn stash. *FOR SHAME!* That's him with Turner from Handy Manny, as he's told me he's aspired to be when he grows up. LOL!

Your Yarn My Needles...

2008-12-14T16:47:00.000-05:00

Most people know this as YYMN. It simply means, it's your yarn, you send it to me, I knit it with my needles. Most of the mamas that send me their yarn do not knit or know how to, nor care to. I find it lovely that I get to touch everyone else's wool and then see a finished product on a beautiful babe.

From my recent grand opening, I offered a semi-custom knit with Western Sky Knits Rustic Rainbow. A Semi custom knit is when I offer some of my personal stash up for a custom fitted pair of longies.

Here's the WSK Rustic Rainbow knit up, with my own kettle dyed brown trim. All on BFL, aran for trim & bulky for main body.

I plan to stock up my own cart again on January 1st, 2009. Possibly with another semi custom and som hand dyed yarns. :) Stay tuned!

Thank You!

2008-12-03T10:35:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to thank everyone for an amazingly successful Grand Opening on Monday night. Thank you all my friends who helped me out, thanks to my Guest Vendors, and thanks to my loyal shoppers. :) You guys are all amazing and I'm extremely thankful for you all. ((hugs))

My Grand Opening!

2008-11-28T21:00:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! I'm extremely excited and proud to announce my grand opening of my very own store front. I've broken away from the congo for now, and have a fantastic grand opening that will be on Monday, December 1st at 9pm EST.

Join me as I welcome Leidy of Western Sky Knits, and Diane of Cherish/Sweet Knitted Bottoms and a yummy collaboration between myself and Whitney of Naturally Luxe.

Here's some pics of the goodies! Hope to see you all there! :-D

Just a couple updates and customs :)

2008-11-14T17:49:00.001-05:00

I just received this pic today from a mama who I've been working with on a few customs over the last few months. She's a wonderful mama and I've enjoyed our conversations. ;)

Here's J in his "Horsie" longies

And the finished custom longies and hat set together from before:

"Chocolatl" on bulky and aran BFL from Huckleberry Knits from the Celebration for Colleen from TLC. :) Wonderful Yarn to work with.

Ahh...Catching up in the world of customs...

2008-11-07T15:45:00.001-05:00

Recently I finished up some gorgeous longies that were dyed by Alligator Knits on corriedale wool yarn. The colorway is named "Splash Monkey" and I fought with the yarn a bit to get it to not pool. These wonderful longies will be headed down to a southern state for a friends new baby and I cannot wait to see them on her. I'm also knitting hat that I haven't finished up yet to match it.

And I'm still working on a Kimono Sweater for another friend of mine...I still cannot believe I've knitted this. I never thought I'd be making anything quite as gorgeous as this (of course I'm partial, LOL), but here it is..."Goldfish Dots" on Cestari Fine Merino dyed by Kim of Western Sky Knits...there's no arms yet, but I'm hoping by the end of the weekend, I'll be ready to wash this baby! Sorry D for having it take so long. ::hugs::

"Rivendell" custom

2008-10-20T12:38:00.001-04:00

Dyed on Cestari superfine merino by Leidy at Western Sky Knits, here is a custom for Lynn & her son that I just finished up this morning...

Sending my condolences.

2008-10-17T15:40:00.000-04:00

While I don't personally know Colleen, I just wanted to have this moment to send well wishes for her family at this difficult time. Losing a fellow Hyena is extremely difficult and when you're on the same page (as in both "Yarnies" or fiber dyers) it has really stricken me. I sat back a moment ago when I heard the news. Took a deep breath and texted my boyfriend to say I love you for no particular reason. To gaze into my son's room while he's napping and to generally just be happy with everything life has given me.

Colleen of Spiffy Knits, and all of her family, along with TLC, you are all in my thoughts. ((hugs))

I love mail!

2008-10-16T14:48:00.000-04:00

I did a small trade with a wonderful WAHM (work at home mom) named Kim. I had something she was looking for, and, since we're both Yarnies, she, naturally, had something I was looking for. *giggles* So I packaged up her yarns, and shipped them out. She told me she included something extra for me since I had been waiting to score the yarn she really wanted from me.

Never in 10 thousand years did I expect her to send an ENTIRE other skein of yarn. *insert wide eyed emoticon here*

So this was my "fluffy" mail from today...

"Mohegan Bluffs" on 4ply merino, a NEW yarn!

For those from New England, you may be familiar with the Bluffs, which are located on Block Island, off the coast of Rhode Island. They're a phenominal place.

And the gorgeous HUGE skein she sent with it. It has no name right now, but I'm trying to think of one. ;) This is on Cestari Fine Merino, which is wonderful to work with!

Cherish & P.J. Bottom's!

2008-10-14T14:08:00.000-04:00

I'm pleased to announce a collaboration between Diane & myself that will be featured on her BRAND NEW Hyena Cart store, Cherish. I have knit a set from a gorgeous colorway I featured a small teaser snap of a few weeks ago, but here's a bigger, better version of it. This set will be featured along side many other collaborations beginning October 15th at 4:30pm, EST.

Way too many things at once...

2008-10-11T15:15:00.000-04:00

I'm trying to spread myself out over the course of 3 projects & playing with my son. My 3 year old, who is a maniac, is a very spirited child & happens to be be pretty high maintenance. Similar to a high powered vehicle you might purchase in Germany, this kid does not run out of horsepower. From the moment he wakes up, even into bed, he's full of action.

This shot is from this morning. We had just sat down to play with Legos. Well, he needed to make a bridge/tunnel with them to roll the Matchbox cars in and crash.

And the current projects I'm working on...

SMSS Kimono in "Goldfish Dots" on cfm by Kim at WSK.

And I'm just starting the short rows for this, but here's what was started yesterday. Adorabubble Britches from the Top in "Rivendell" on cfm from Leidy from WSK for a custom:

And the last thing I am about to cast on either today or tomorrow, some shorties for a custom; "Military Man" on corriedale by Diane at SKB/Cherish that I don't have a pic of. ;)

I can't even handle the cuteness!!

2008-10-09T14:08:00.001-04:00

OK, people, seriously?! If I see something more cute than this, I will fall over. Introducing our model, A, for Pixie Playhouse & P.J. Bottom's showing off our recent set "Hot Cocoa" :)

Little Einsteins are regulars here.

2008-10-06T13:46:00.000-04:00

Not only on my TV, in my living room & son's bedroom, but in my hands as well. Here's a recent custom I did for a sweet baby girl. "Annie" on single ply merino with a sweet little ruffle :)

Stocking Today!

2008-10-02T14:22:00.000-04:00

Just a quick view of what we have in store for you at our store, LOL! :)

Hot Cocoa & Little Monsters

2008-09-29T12:44:00.000-04:00

Not something you'd normally see together. ;)

Knit with 3ply thick, thick, thick Uruguay Merino hand dyed by Uberknits on Inspired congo, here's sneak preview of one of my favorite pairs of longies I've done yet.

And I dyed this to match this fabric...for a fun collaboration with some mamas from my congo ;)

"Phoenix from the Ashes"

2008-09-28T15:45:00.000-04:00

Hand dyed yarn by Diane of Sweet Knitted Bottoms & Cherish, Knit by me, and some mythology to enlighten your day :)

from Wikipedia:
A phoenix is a mythical bird with a tail of beautiful gold and red plumage (or purple and blue, by some sources ^[1]). It has a 1,000 year life-cycle, and near the end the phoenix builds itself a nest of cinnamon twigs that it then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix or phoenix egg arises, reborn anew to live again. The new phoenix is destined to live as long as its old self. In some stories, the new phoenix embalms the ashes of its old self in an egg made of myrrh and deposits it in the Egypt city of Heliopolis (sun city in Greek). The bird was also said to regenerate when hurt or wounded by a foe, thus being almost immortal and invincible — it is also said that it can heal a person with a tear from its eyes and make them temporarily immune to death; a symbol of fire and divinity.^[2]

Gentleman & 3 years ago...

2008-09-23T08:45:00.000-04:00

A recent custom for a long time friend of mine. Her oldest son is my son's age (both 3) and these are actually for her youngest, 13mo. These were not as fun to knit as I remember PW being, but they still look great. I can't wait to see some action shots :)

3 Years ago, my son, Eddie, Was born. I honestly can't believe he's 3. Where has the time gone?!

And the aftermath of the requested green cupcakes:

"Horsie"

2008-09-12T15:13:00.000-04:00

These are hot off the needles. I loved knitting this custom - I seriously didn't put it down for the 3 whole days it took me to finish them. The yarn is a dream to work with, as always!

So without further ado, "Horsie" dyed by Dashing Dachs on Shoestring organic merino:

This is why I knit...

2008-09-09T23:59:00.001-04:00

I mean, seriously, how cute is he?!

Finished, finally!

2008-08-31T13:49:00.000-04:00

After trials with bulky yarn that I love, I had to frog these all the way back up to the gusset. I wasn't thrilled, but there simply wasn't enough yarn to go for the original measurements. But here they are before being washed & blocked :D Looking all wonky on my couch, LOL!

Fall is coming...

2008-08-28T16:16:00.000-04:00

Starting with this set. *giggle*

And here's some of my work for a recent custom. Dashing Dachs stallion organic merino "Trick or Treat"

Did I mention that I LOVE this yarn?

2008-08-23T23:07:00.000-04:00

I received this yarn today. It's for yet another custom. :D "Joyful" on organic bulky merino hand dyed by Yarnoodles. So I immediately ripped it out of it's lovely packaging which has traveled, quite literally, across the country to me. I *LOVE* Yarny mail. LOL! In all it's glory of red, orange, yellow, seafoam green, & silver grey.

Here it is getting wound up:

And you'll have to wait for Works pics tomorrow as it's well past 11pm here. ;)

"Flaming Parrot" on Gaia organic merino

2008-08-23T12:34:00.001-04:00

Just finished these up about 15 minutes ago, working on the drawstring now :)

The yarn is dyed by Trish of Candy Pants Yarns. I loved working with this yarn & will probably do more in the future. Trish is a great mama to work with!!

Finished up.

2008-08-21T15:12:00.001-04:00

I finished up a custom this morning. Washed & dried already, still working on the drawstring, every knitter's demise. LOL! Hope you love them, Anna!

Customs!

2008-08-13T22:03:00.001-04:00

I have quite a few customs I've been up to lately, but here's one I just received the yarn for:

BFL hand dyed by Mics Knitz:

(stock photo)

These will be cast on ASAP. I can't wait to see how they knit up!!

I'm also working on some Gaia hand dyed by CandyPants Yarns in "Flaming Parrot" for the store :)

Getting a move on

2008-08-09T18:44:00.000-04:00

I was really hoping that things would pick up this month, but alas, I still have a lotta items in my inventory.

I just tried out a new pattern, Adorabubble Britches in the top down version. I'm pretty happy with these. Take a peek:

Yarn by Just Sheepy. Corrie/Merino blend, worsted weight. "Box of Crayons"

Getting into "Back To School"

2008-07-19T23:20:00.000-04:00

Not quite complete, but here's some of the things I'm working on...

And I just cast on some more Dashing Dachs... ;-)

Longies for a friend, Hats for my nephews

2008-07-13T09:10:00.001-04:00

Finished up these gorgeous "Pacifico" Longies for L. I can't wait to see them on him. I can't wait to see HIM. *giggle*

And then I knit these hats. Pretty good for improving a pattern! These are, respectively, my 3ed and 4th hat.

"Warm Ice" 3ply purewool in preemie/newborn size:

"Midnight at Sea" dyed by me on Kashmira, size 18mo.

Finally done!

2008-06-27T22:32:00.001-04:00

I've finished all these up in the last week. It took me forever to get the "Dinos" shorties back on the needles since I did 2 customs between them. So here they are in all their glory. Ready for next stocking :)

A custom for Becky of Bumstoppers

A custom for a local mama, "Anniversary" on Stallion organic merino dyed by Dashing Dachs, trim dyed by me. It's much more complimentary in person than I can get with these photos.

And last but not least, hand dyed Blue Faced Leicester...more pics to come with what I'm doing with it...

Almost settled in & customs update...

2008-06-14T08:24:00.000-04:00

We moved, pretty successfully the first weekend of this month. It was rough. We couldn't fit our sectional in the small doorways of this place & we still have the entire attic to finish off so we can get back into video games. I miss my flat panel tv. *giggle*

I'm opening up my customs again on Sunday June 15th. I'm currently working on 3 items anyhow, 2 of which have been sitting since before I moved & one from a local mama. Here's some of my work in progress...

"Dinos" on Corriedale by Leidy of Western Sky Knits. These are for our next stocking, July 3 @2pm EST.

"Anniversary" on Stallion Organic Merino by Dashing Dachs & I'm trying to dye trim, unsuccessfully. LOL!

"Mint Mocha" on Targhee by Mosaic Moon with trim in BFL dyed by me:

Some more items for our next stocking in June...

2008-05-28T14:12:00.000-04:00

This should be about it, aside from 1 item I haven't yet finished. I'm moving over the next 4 days and thus everything is being put off. I'm sad that I have to put down my kitting for a bit, but we've got to get the heck outta this place. ;)

Here's some recent works...

Yarn is being worked up now into a small pair of board shorties...Hand dyed BFL "Electric Guitar"

Hand appliqued tee shirt to match a pair of shorties embroidered by Julie of Angels and Dragonflies:

A custom for Laura for her son CT. :) "At the Zoo" on bulky merino, hand dyed by Kim of Western Sky Knits.

Low Water Immersion tee & soaker in my own soaker pattern. "Sunset Beach" on bulky merino.

Latest works!

2008-05-15T16:01:00.000-04:00

So, it's been a while since I posted. I've worked on a few things, and here they all are. :)

"Newspaper" on BFL dyed by me. Board shorts for next stocking:

A custom for a personal trade; Peace Fleece, Long Short shorties:

Selah "Pinwheel" and trim dyed by me, *Possible* collaboration with Bumstoppers to be determined!

A custom painted tee for a friend of mine, another one is still waiting to be done for her daughter. This is their team logo, and I hand painted. Cherokee tee, 4T.

Knitting & other things...

2008-04-21T15:13:00.000-04:00

Well, the weather has been nice & I'm getting behind on knitting. LOL! It took me about 2 weeks to finish a pair of shorties for the next stocking and mostly because I wasn't totally crazy about the yarn, but they came out beautifully if I do say so myself.

Then once I was finished, I started a pair of longies for a friend, and did them in about 7 hours total. I've found that I LOVE knitting with Merino and BFL and not much else. Peace Fleece is nice, but it's very rough on my hands. Maybe Targhee won't be so bad when I start a pair soon. Thanks Stephanie! ;-)

So without further ado, here's the shorties that took me forever:

2 ply Blackberry Ridge Merino "Fish In Bags"
dyed by In Stitches

Single Ply Uruguay Merino, "Blue Goblin" by Mosaic Moon:

Super Mario...

2008-04-01T08:55:00.000-04:00

I made these for the store. I LOVE this set and was hoping that I'd be spotted a few times, maybe even have someone stalk me.

However, these have EXPLODED...I'm in the top 12 for most spotted this week (from #11 to #5 today), have over 400 views on the listing page & a thread that's over 7 pages long on Diaperswappers.

I had no idea that these would be such a hit. I've had a few requests for other game characters & have some ideas a-brewing in my brain. I'm SO proud of this set & I'm SO excited to see these shipped off to their new home. Hopefully I'll get some action shots to post in the store & here. :-D

For the Love of the Planet

2008-03-21T14:55:00.000-04:00

Updated for finished pics! :-D

I just started these capris. The yarn is worsted weight Peace Fleece (how appropriate) in a soft green & I'm going to add some purple into it as well.

Finished Savannah Sunrise Skirty!

2008-03-21T14:53:00.001-04:00

Not bad if I do say so myself. The mama loves it.
:-)

Custom Savannah Sunrise Skirt

2008-03-19T12:44:00.000-04:00

Here is *mostly* is. I had to dye more yarn for the
trim on the bottom. :-P

I'm not crazy at all about making skirts. I think that this might be my last one. I...actually...DBF gave me a fantastic idea, but I'm going to have to get some yarn for a tester. I don't want to waste my good yarns. :-)

2 Custom Works

2008-03-15T13:56:00.000-04:00

Well, I've recently started to accept customs for my knitting. Now that I've successfully conquered short rows, I'm proud of my work. Knitting is going MUCH better now. So far I've taken on a pair of black shorts for a 2 year old boy and a custom dyed yarn for a small skirt for a baby girl who hasn't yet arrived.

The Shorts:

The yarn for the skirty:

Today's Regularly Scheduled Programing

2008-02-19T13:12:00.000-05:00

So I learned to knit about a year ago. Less actually. I really enjoy it ad sometimes I can get quite a bit of cash for it. Longies. :) I can't knit short rows. I'm upset about this.

I also have been tired. And annoyed. I only get about 4 hours a week for work. And I'm available for about 20-25hrs. DBF is still out of work, but is supposedly going to be working next week, but I imagine that will last about as long as he feels the need to work.

So that's about it.