Mortem's Tricks or Treats: Santa Came Early

When speaking of material gifts, there are 3 things that you're guaranteed never to go wrong with:

1. Gifts made from your own two hands
2. Gifts made for their hands... aka, hobby supplies.
3. Gift card to their favorite, or most frequented place of shopping-- that can even be the grocery store (hell, I would love it if someone foot my grocery bill, heh)

And the second isn't necessarily things like craft supply, it can be anything from a multi-socket car adapter for that tech gadget savvy person, maybe a brush holder either for the painter or make up aficionado in your life... things you know they'll likely use because it targets what and where they love to spend their time.

From the above, you'd almost assume I was a good gift giver... and sadly, you'd be mistaken. I talk a big game when it comes to finding perfect gifts; in most cases, I have just purchased gift cards. Not that they weren't appreciated, but I really wanted this year to be really special, and I know when I receive something that someone else has personally made me, it elates my little heart straight into the cosmos.

It seems only fair to reciprocate that feeling.

This year I handmade every gift I gave... granted, half of them were of one specific type.

For my husband, and father-in-law... I made

Cord Holders

For my ASU grad

The one in the photos was made especially for my husband; my father-in-law's is plain black, but I painted a four leaf clover to one side. My husband is crazy about the university he graduated from... and I literally mean crazy. There will be no talk of U of A or even Tuscon in this house, lest you bring out some serious demons.

Inside

For my sister-in-law I had intended on knitting her a bookmark (scarf), but well... something went wrong...

Gryffindor "Tapestry"

It grew and grew and turned into a tapestry...

I didn't finish the top checker pattern, because it would've been too long to hang and too short to wear, haha.

I used this pattern, which utilizes the double-knitting technique I briefly mentioned in a previous post. It is my first and mostly successful attempt at this method of knitting; it uses two colors and reverses on each side, as shown. It can be confusing at times, but once you get the hang of when to switch colors to create the mirrored contrast, it's fun! You can see near the bottom that I kind of botched the switching of colors, and didn't actually notice till I was finished... bummer.

And finally, for my brother-in-law, I painted him:

A Graphic Novel-Inspired Elephant

He adores elephants, but I thought it wasn't enough to just paint him a still life... it needed edge. So I took some graphic inspiration from Frank Miller... I like his work, but I'm not overly fond of the man, is that weird? Eheh...

 I ran out of time and couldn't quite make something elaborate for my mother-in-law, which I felt utterly crappy about. I knit her up a gradient colored cellphone/camera strap with acrylic pearls sewn into it, and told her it's a place-holder IOU. She liked the cord holders I made for the men, so we agreed that's what I'll make for her.

Making gifts and giving them is a fantastic feeling (even though most of them were cord holders)! I'm already conjuring ideas for next gift-giving events, heh.

What do you have in mind to give to your loved ones?

Spooky Basket: A Thanksgiving & Black Friday Tale

Twas the day of Thanksgiving, and all through the town, not a creature was stirring-- too afraid to go out.

Indeed, the town was blanketed by a fog so thick and a chill most bitter, one could almost believe they were in the set of Silent Hill...

Mind you, this was around 9am-- it puts perspective on the amount of fog denying much, if any, sunlight to pass through...
But the in-laws were counting on us to make it to Phoenix for our Thanksgiving /early Christmas day.

Ironically, the fog ended right at the town limits-- it cleared once we cleared the town! It was also really warm and beautiful from there on out... coincidence? I think not. This town should be renamed 'Hellbrook'.

Anyway, I digress.

Thanksgiving was spent with joy and wine a'flowing.
First thing I was thankful for was being able to see my in laws and get out of Hellbrook for a while. One such instance where my husband and I actually got to spend some time with his father-- which is super rare considering some not so pleasant circumstances in our lives.
Secondly, I was very thankful I was recovered enough to enjoy the entire weekend with nary a hitch or a pill!
I'm quite thankful for the health and love of all my family and friends.

After a hearty and bountiful dinner (which I was actually able to enjoy and digest, surprisingly) we sat around the living room and handed each other presents...
You're probably asking yourselves "early Christmas day? Why?!"
These were also my exact thoughts... but since the in-laws are spending their Christmas and New Years in distant and exotic places, they deemed it necessary to celebrate a little early.

All of the gifts which I have presented were handmade (which I promise I'll make a post about). I had far more fun making these gifts than I ever do browsing catalogs and web pages for presents... I am going to make this a habit, which I hope won't fizzle out for the rest of the family.

I received many sewing notions and sewing related trinkets along with a rather large gift card to my favored shopping temple Joann's.

I was faced with the biggest decision of my life... to shop on Black Friday and attempt to make the most of this gift card... or not to?
The decision practically made itself...

And so, I strapped in for my first ever Black Friday shopping day.

And... y'know what? Aside from one pushy lil' old lady I encountered at the cutting tables, Black Friday at Joann's was super civilized, albeit it busier than I've ever seen a Joann's.

Mixed in with the items already given to me.

I spent really close to the amount of my gift card (spending a mere $6 from my own pocket), and managed to save a whopping $110.31 just from the visit alone ...
My jaw literally dropped. I've never saved that much when going into Joann's, haha; I had 3 50% off reg priced item coupons  that were applied to the ham holder (normally $30), tailor's ham and seam roll (both normally about $12). To top it all off, I had a 25% off entire purchase including sale items coupon, that lasted only 4 hours during Black Friday sale.

There are some items missing in the bunch, as they have yet to arrive; I purchased them online from Joann's online only sale during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
I don't quite feel so guilty shopping on the "dreaded day" because of how utilitarian the items I purchased are; can you really blame a budget seamstress for desiring to refurbish her sewing equipment on the cheap?

With all of what I purchased, and how much I saved... it's easy to see why people get themselves in a frenzy over Black Friday... but I am proud of my crafty gals and guys; you've made my first Black Friday an enjoyable and courteous one! Go crafty people!

Item List (** stocking stuffer, *online purchase):

• Tailor's ham
• Seam Roll
• Ham Holder
• 26 spool Gutterman thread box  
• Large vary form curve ruler (aka styling design ruler)
• Pin wand
• Embroidery Scissors
• Pink tomato pin cushion**
• 4 Kanzashi flower makers: 2 kinds of flower, two sizes each
• Desktop wood thread holder**
• 3 sets of double point knitting needles: US size 8, 6, and 1
• Purple bobbin box**
• Black and white set of universal bobbins /w thread**
• Dressmaker pins**
• Pearlized pins**
• 1 yard of pleated chiffon
• 1 yard of ribbon decorated velveteen
• 1/2 yard of purple lace
• Rowenta Effective comfort iron*
• Ironing board cover, caddy, tailor's ham, seam roll pattern*
• Flex ruler*
• Grid ruler*

It's a shame that such a day usually has a tendency to bring out the worst in people, because it's obviously a great time to be able to save a lot of money on items you usually go through or need to replace. It was quite refreshing to realize that not all places go topsy turvy! Heh.

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend, 

whether it was spent traveling, shopping or at home!

Fashioning My Cyber Microcosm: Stitch 'n Heal.

I should've known that, that one day of peaceful tranquility was the proverbial 'calm before the storm'
Since my previous post, the pain of my gallbladder grew exponentially, and when it was apparent that nothing I was trying was working I decided to make the call to the general surgeon.

In less than a few days, I consulted the doctor, and promptly received the procedure on the following Monday.
It was the only surgery I have ever received, and nothing frightened me more than being "put under".
I heard people say you don't dream while you're under, and I felt comfort in that small notion, that my brain couldn't possibly be conscious on any level...
Well, I don't know whether it was during the actual surgery or in the mere seconds during wake up, but I did dream...
Let's just say it was a very unpleasant dream that I wish I could forget.

I've spent the past couple days before yesterday in bed, unable to walk without agonizing in pain from the stitches in my abdomen; this photo was taken by my wonderful hubby who took the week off work to care for me.

With the time I spent laying in bed, I spent it honing in my double knitting and loom knitting skills.
The projects I completed are meant as Christmas gifts, so I won't be able to post pictures of them until the receivers have opened them.
I made a couple hats on my loom utilizing a raspberry-like stitch.
And a wall hanging on needles that was initially meant to be something of a much much smaller scale...
I think the needles I used were far too big.

Sneak peek of double knitted project.

I was quite surprised to find out that I didn't have removable stitch markers, and with this pattern I certainly needed their help. My dearest husband brought me the wire and beads I needed in order to make the ones shown-- and for extra fun, I decorated my row counter in the exact same stuff.
I'm searching for the perfect bat charms to add to the loops at the bottom of each marker, but they work perfectly. I made 2 sets, 6 markers for 6.5mm and lower, and 6 markers for 10mm to 6.5mm.

I'm in the process of fashioning myself a travel knitting tin containing all I would need during those long drives out of this town; hours from anywhere of note.
I'm waiting on a pair of TSA approved scissors from ebay, and I shall be complete and ready to show and tell.



Verticalland @Ebay

Skeleton Closet: Prim On A Whim

Today felt euphoric. 

I'm not sure I could quantify the feeling properly, though I'm almost positive everyone has felt it before-- and maybe even today, with me.

Some people call it a 'lazy day', but that seems to belittle the beauty of the inner tranquility a special day offers, like today. 

Though I have oodles and oodles of time, days like this really are rare for me-- I'm fairly good at masking my displeasure through my propensity to craft and write while I'm blue. 

I took full advantage of the feeling, and just relaxed. I let go of any sense of urgency the things in my life were provoking, and did whatever my hearts whim desired.

I guess that meant going through my wardrobe, heh.

I unearthed yet another piece I brought back from Canada during my last trip, and realized that I didn't remember when I last wore it...

So I dressed up!

The featured piece is the blouse; a delightfully vintage-eque mutton sleeved slice of whimsy.

The blouse was given to me by my mother; I feel like one of the only adults that allows her mother to dress her up... I love it. And why not? Her taste is immaculate.

I paired it with a lovely long velvet full skirt. It appears to be black, but it shifts with gentle shades of rich brown; it reminds me of cola!

Wouldn't you know it, but when I stepped outside to take the photos, I noticed that a creeping vine was playing through the weaves of our outdoor furniture-- how lovely it is! I should light the fire pit, and spend more days out on that furniture, especially with how magnificent the fall night sky is unhindered by blinding city lights!

The outfit couldn't be complete with two other pieces I haven't yet featured; the belt and the boots.

Along with my pvc lace up boots, I brought back with me my lace Victorian boots. I found them at a bargain at the local Flea Market.

The lowest number they had was size 6, but with a lace up boot the extra length doesn't pose much of an annoyance-- and they are quite narrow which I'm very happy with!

The belt was purchased on ebay (I'm an ebay-holic) for a whopping $3.80 with free shipping!

Lilyyangstore @ Ebay

I purchased it from the store I linked in the photo caption; shipping was about a months time, but that is to be expected from its location. The quality is the same as the quality you'd find at a mall retail shop-- it's surprisingly good for how much it sells for... considering that at the shop I worked for, this piece would retail for $30.

Well, anyway. The weather had its part in todays sheer beauty; it was softly warm, with a cool breeze blowing in from the horizon. Just perfect.

What I am Wearing:

• Blouse: Gift
• Skirt: Thrift
• Belt: Lilyyangstore @ebay
• Boots: Flea Market
• Jewelry: Self-made

What do you do on whimsically euphoric days?

Mortem's Tricks or Treats Return Of The Copy Bat.

I wish I would've sewn this on Halloween day... then at least I could've said I did something on the day of. But I didn't.
It was an after thought.

In fact, Halloween day was exceedingly uneventful, and it saddens this Halloween-aholic to have let that day pass with not a single gesture of spirit.
... *sigh* ...

Still, I have a lot to show for the month of October despite everything else. I did a bit of Halloween shopping throughout the month. Biggest purchase was a haul of Halloween fabric I made roughly 2 weeks ago, among other odds and ends throughout that didn't cost over $10. Joann's was clearing out their Halloween stock to replace with Christmas junk.
And by the way, Joanns, it was too. Damn. EARLY!

*Ahem*

I found this skeleton shirt at Walmart for $6. It was the only one on the rack left, and it was a men's large.
Why do men get all the good prints? The universe must be telling me I should sew more...

Well, without further ado!

The Kreepsville-inspired-skeleton-dress-a-la-copy-bat

Phew, quite a mouthful.

As a matter of fact, it's a good thing I found this as a men's shirt, because I was heavily debating buying the original tunic dress that Kreepsville has; the purple and black one... I still may make that purchase. It's purple and black... I mean, c'mon!

Well, the compromise to this one is that it glows in the dark, and the Kreepsville one does not.

Here is the shirt in its original glory... or shame, if you'd rather. A thought struck me to give this to my husband, and unfortunately it was too small-- otherwise if it did, it would not be the dress that it is now. Not sure whether that's lucky, or unlucky.

I laid my best tank top and skirt atop the shirt and traced about a half an inch away, so to compensate for seam allowance; makes cutting out easier. 

I then took my french curves and rulers to clean out the the lines so they'd be as close to perfectly symmetrical on both sides as I can make it.

Having a set of french curves will save you a lot of fuss during reconstructions such as this... but if you don't care if your sides are even, then skip them. I am just a stickler for finishing a garment properly.

Next, I pinned on the inner part of the chalked lines and cut fairly close to the line... 

Cutting is so much easier when you don't have to remember to add in seam allowance.

I wanted to add in my own subtle touch to this dress, so I cut out some of the back in order to create something like a yoke. More french curve action! I used a weaved sheer material-- it wasn't quite mesh, since it just barely had any stretch to it.

So, yup... that is pretty much the entire process in a nutshell. And now I can enjoy a skeleton dress, heh.

I accessorized with other little things I made; a skeleton hand hair clip and simple skull necklace.

Funny enough, they were also made from Halloween goods. It was all part of a cheap Halloween necklace you'd find at Dollar Stores (in my case Dollarama in Canada); the pendant was the hand, and the strand was made of the little acrylic skulls that make up the pendant of my necklace. 

An entire outfit composed of items revamped from Halloween goods! Take that!

I took my outfit just to go grocery shopping and finally my pvc pea coat fit into my outfit seamlessly.

I wish I could say the same about the actual fit of the coat....

I bought it ages and ages ago... I kept thinking I'll grow into it, since I was in jr. high (I think 16?) at the time of its purchase. Alas, nature had shorter plans for me. Heh...

Fashioning My Cyber Microcosm: Looks Like Sweater Weather (Monthly Theme)

Isn't it uncanny how Mrs Kitty can unleash her theme upon the blogosphere and almost always be just in time for the current mood?

This month is aptly themed sweaters!

Arizona is a tricky little piece of land.

The assumption is that it's always hot, or at least during the winter season, so mildly cold that one can still wear their summer clothing during a visit. That is true... unless of course you're in Northern Arizona. 

So, I'm here to tell you about a place. My place. 

There is a spot, smack dab in the crossroads to the famously beautiful wooded areas of Flagstaff, Prescott and Show Low, where nary a tree can be seen until you draw nearer to the aforementioned towns... where just so happens to be the place where life has taken me. 

Since it's flat desert as far as the eye can see, the biting winter wind from the altitude at which we lay blows harsh during the winter, often bringing snow... only, it goes unimpeded by structures, like dense trees or tall buildings.

Still... for all my whining, it's not quite as cold as where I once lived in Canada; my hair would oft begin to freeze on a particularly cold day.

I adore sweaters, and because I come from the "cold belt" of Canada, my sweater collection is gargantuan. Sadly, packing sweaters is a bit like packing books; they are very bulky and heavy in large amounts. I was only able to bring my absolutely favorites of my favorites.

The air is much colder at night, and the difference can be as stark as a 30 degree drop...

It certainly makes me miss all my sweaters...

Because of my former work at a clothing retail shop, I have acquired quite a taste for sweater dresses-- we specialized in them during the winter. This particular one, I found at a thrift store many years ago. It sat in the back of my closet for all that time until I felt comfortable with my curves; I was your typical ugly duckling in high school.
But that's really besides the point. The moment I started wearing this sweater dress, marks a time when I visually transitioned from girl to woman. Trading off my baggy teenage angsty attire, and rediscovering form fitted articles as stand alone pieces, that made me feel beautiful and mature. I hoarded these articles away for "some other time"; these are the moments worth junk piling for...

Anyway, more than anything else, this theme has reminded me of how much the cool weather provokes the need to knit! Because nothing is better than cozying down to a horror flick with your two needles, hands and creativity. And of course, a hot brew of your favorite tea.

Fashioning My Cyber Microcosm: The Life of A Bat

As a self proclaimed Halloween-aholic, it comes to the surprise of many that I actually have no plans for Halloween this year. I didn't even give much thought to a costume.
... Well... I didn't last year either, but anyway-- at this point I would have at least been looking forward to doing something.

Luckily, one of my husband's colleagues threw a pumpkin carving party over the weekend, and gave me a damn fine reason to celebrate the only special holiday I look forward to each year.
Sadly, I forgot to take my own camera along in the frenzy and excitement to get ready for the party... but my friend gave me permission to use some of the ones she took of the event.

It was just the occasion to wear my pretty eyeball dress to, but I spent the majority of my time baking bat cookies with my friend to put much thought into what to accessorize the dress with. Happily she came to my aid with a pair of bat wings, which was just enough for this batty gal to be happy with.

You might notice I am lacking my second pair of eyes, aka spectacles... that is because I finally took the dive into wearing contacts. This is the first time in what feels like forever, that I've seen without the weight of glasses on my face. I vaguely remember the same foreign feeling when I was first prescribed glasses at age 14... I never thought I'd get used to them on my face, and now I can't really remember what it was like never having them, even though it's only been 11 years!
Anyway, I like them despite that nagging little thought that perhaps I am forgetting something...
Now I have to pick which color I would like-- I narrowed the choice down to violet or honey colored yellow.

Either way, I would like to make my gaze as interesting as I'd like to believe I am...

Again, usually I have meticulous plans for what I would like to do during this joyous holiday...
Last year I carved a sugar skull onto my pumpkin. This year I decided to wing it, and came up with something along the traditional lines of jack o'lantern carving.

It reminded me more of Jack Skellington than I initially intended... we even had someone carve the pumpkin king himself onto their pumpkin.

I was far more impressed with another friend's pumpkin. It was surely the party favorite among the lot of carved goodness; hers was the headless horseman that sits right beside the Jack face. Up close, you would easily see why-- this does not do it enough justice!

The pumpkin that belongs to the friend I went with is the one that says 'boo' in its mouth, that I also find all kinds of cute. And of course, the Star Trek one is near to my heart, too-- though I don't really know who carved it... I myself was debating whether or not I should do something similar, but my love of Halloween far exceeds my love of the United Federation of Planets.

There was a surprising amount of Trek love in this party, besides the pumpkin. The friend who carved the headless horseman was wearing a Star Trek command shirt; she also gave me a deck of Voyager cards to gush over. Oh what joy to find two of my passions in one place!

And so to wrap up this exceedingly wordy post (feels a little more than usual), I and my fur babies bid thee a happy halloween! (even if in reality they hate dressing up!)