Recap:
Read:
1. Fallen by Karen Kate
2. Iron King by Julie Kagawa
3. The Empire Striketh Back by Ian Doescher
4. Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
5. Kawaii Japan by Marceline Smith
6. Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa
7. A Home for Her Heart by Janet Lee Barton
8. Itazura Na Kiss manga volume 1 by Kaoru Tada
Crafts:
1. Pumpkin drawstring bag
2. Kero amigurumi
3. Moogle amigurumi
4. Balthier amigurumi
5. Spider amigurumi
6. Cactuar amigurumi
7. Pumpkin bunny amigurumi
What's next for October? Hmm....not sure. Possibly more fall crafts or an early start on Christmas crafts!
Until next time >____<
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Pumpkin Bunny Amigurumi
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft bone, green and orange
Hook: size H
Notions: 6mm safety eyes and black felt
Start/Finish: 9/27-28/2014
With pumpkins and fall weather on the brain yet again, I decided to stitch up a bunny dressed up for Halloween as a pumpkin. Isn't she cute?
I learned a new technique while making this amigurumi, the buttonhole stitch. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be!
I hope you are enjoying some lovely fall weather and crafting up all sorts of fun things for the season.
Until next time >___<
September Skoshbox
I received my September skoshbox earlier this month, but decided to save it for the end of the month to sample in order to give my coworkers a much needed pick-me-up.
They have changed up the information card this month with photos of each item. This is a great idea especially if you have several items of the same flavor in a package.
I thought for sure that I would have a non-melted box since it came in the mail on Saturday and I was able to grab it before the heat set in. So much for that idea, the Pocky in this package was still melted together. I'm convinced it is because it ships from Hawaii which means it is in transit for several days and in crazy conditions at various mailing centers. Sadness for future skoshboxes!!
Favorites: (in order)
1. Mint chocolate Pocky: how can you go wrong with Pocky? Well, maybe if you don't like mint flavored chocolate. Fortunately, I love mint and chocolate so I'm a big fan of this flavored Pocky. I wish the Asian markets in town sold other flavors besides the basic chocolate, strawberry, or almond crush. Maybe I can conceive Amanda to keep a lookout for this flavor while she's out and about in CA!
2. Mario Chocolate Crisp: (chocolate baked wheat puffs) Have you guys ever eaten wheat puff cereal? I remember it as a kid. It was one of the few cereals our grandfather would eat and my sister and I came to love it too. These chocolate crisps are amazing. Wheat puffs covered in chocolate...yummy tastebuds all around!
3. Pizza Umaibo: (pizza puffed corn snack) Yet again, I haven't had a flavor of this snack that I've disliked so far. This pizza flavor is no exception. If you see it at your local Asian market, go ahead and pick it up because you won't be disappointed.
4. Macadamia Nut Oreo Bar: Finally an oreo treat that hadn't melted yet! This oreo barely made it on my favorites list.....it was saved by the sheer fact that it was an oreo. Otherwise, I couldn't taste the macadamia nut. I think perhaps if it was a bigger bar I might have been able to taste the difference with the macadamia nuts.
5. Dragon Ball Gum: (fruity bubble gum) Just your basic gum, but with Dragon Ball Z wrappers. They would definitely make good party favors for those who love Dragon Ball.
Questionable: (in order)
1. Matcha Look Adult Series: (crispy green tea chocolate) This little bar wasn't terrible, but its consistency reminded me of the green tea Kit Kats. I guess I'm not a fan of textured green tea in sweets.
2. Haihain Baby Veggie: (vegetable crackers) Yet again, not bad, but there was hardly any taste to these crackers. It would be something I would eat if someone gave it to me, but I've had better senbei.
Dislikes:
1. Utility Truck Ramune Candy: I'm sure if it's just me, but so far none of the 'ramune' candies have tasted like ramune. To make this one even worst, it was grape flavored ramune. Ugh....gross! And the whole 'blow through the hole to whistle' gimmick didn't deliver with this candy. You could make a noise with this candy, but it wasn't a whistle.
I can't wait until next month's package. I wonder if they will include any Halloween packaged items or fall flavored goodies!!! Until next time ^____^
They have changed up the information card this month with photos of each item. This is a great idea especially if you have several items of the same flavor in a package.
I thought for sure that I would have a non-melted box since it came in the mail on Saturday and I was able to grab it before the heat set in. So much for that idea, the Pocky in this package was still melted together. I'm convinced it is because it ships from Hawaii which means it is in transit for several days and in crazy conditions at various mailing centers. Sadness for future skoshboxes!!
Favorites: (in order)
1. Mint chocolate Pocky: how can you go wrong with Pocky? Well, maybe if you don't like mint flavored chocolate. Fortunately, I love mint and chocolate so I'm a big fan of this flavored Pocky. I wish the Asian markets in town sold other flavors besides the basic chocolate, strawberry, or almond crush. Maybe I can conceive Amanda to keep a lookout for this flavor while she's out and about in CA!
2. Mario Chocolate Crisp: (chocolate baked wheat puffs) Have you guys ever eaten wheat puff cereal? I remember it as a kid. It was one of the few cereals our grandfather would eat and my sister and I came to love it too. These chocolate crisps are amazing. Wheat puffs covered in chocolate...yummy tastebuds all around!
3. Pizza Umaibo: (pizza puffed corn snack) Yet again, I haven't had a flavor of this snack that I've disliked so far. This pizza flavor is no exception. If you see it at your local Asian market, go ahead and pick it up because you won't be disappointed.
4. Macadamia Nut Oreo Bar: Finally an oreo treat that hadn't melted yet! This oreo barely made it on my favorites list.....it was saved by the sheer fact that it was an oreo. Otherwise, I couldn't taste the macadamia nut. I think perhaps if it was a bigger bar I might have been able to taste the difference with the macadamia nuts.
5. Dragon Ball Gum: (fruity bubble gum) Just your basic gum, but with Dragon Ball Z wrappers. They would definitely make good party favors for those who love Dragon Ball.
Questionable: (in order)
1. Matcha Look Adult Series: (crispy green tea chocolate) This little bar wasn't terrible, but its consistency reminded me of the green tea Kit Kats. I guess I'm not a fan of textured green tea in sweets.
2. Haihain Baby Veggie: (vegetable crackers) Yet again, not bad, but there was hardly any taste to these crackers. It would be something I would eat if someone gave it to me, but I've had better senbei.
Dislikes:
1. Utility Truck Ramune Candy: I'm sure if it's just me, but so far none of the 'ramune' candies have tasted like ramune. To make this one even worst, it was grape flavored ramune. Ugh....gross! And the whole 'blow through the hole to whistle' gimmick didn't deliver with this candy. You could make a noise with this candy, but it wasn't a whistle.
I can't wait until next month's package. I wonder if they will include any Halloween packaged items or fall flavored goodies!!! Until next time ^____^
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Autumn Butterfly
Look what was in my aunt's doorway this morning....
Isn't it gorgeous?! I hope it is okay. I picked it up gently and moved it over to a flowerpot. Definitely not normal butterfly behavior.
Thank you for sharing your beauty with me, little butterfly.
Until next time >___<
Isn't it gorgeous?! I hope it is okay. I picked it up gently and moved it over to a flowerpot. Definitely not normal butterfly behavior.
Thank you for sharing your beauty with me, little butterfly.
Until next time >___<
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Cactuar Amigurumi - 1000 Needle Attack!
Pattern: Cactuar by Byakko's Corner
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft green
Hook: size HNotions: black felt
Start/Finish: 9/22-23/2014
Cactuar attack!!! My sister laughed when she saw this fun amigurumi.
Until next time >___<
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
First Day of Autumn
The first day of autumn hasn't disappointed us with warm temperatures this year. I woke up to 60 degree weather! Absolutely fantastic!
Enjoy the first day of autumn everyone!!
Until next time >____<
Enjoy the first day of autumn everyone!!
Until next time >____<
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Balthier Bunny #2
I had an urge earlier this week to stitch up another Balthier bunny since the last one I made sold last year at Artwalk. I had to wait to finish him up yesterday as I had to get some notions at HB along with wire for the moogle.
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft silver sparkle and navy sparkle
Hook: size H
Notions: 9mm safety eyes, brass colored gears, and felt heart
Start/Finish: 9/14-15 & 20/2014
I love this little bunny. He's so charming with his gears and scarf.
Until next time >____<
FF Moogle Amigurumi
I've wanted to make this pattern for a while and finally got around to it this week. I was able to finish it up yesterday after a trip to HB for wire to secure the red bobble on the moogle's head.
Pattern: Moogle by Amy
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft black, iris, red, and white
Hook: size H
Notions: memory wire in medium gauge
Start/Finish: 9/18-20/2014
At first I thought the pattern would make a smaller moogle, but I used a different size hook so it came out to a decent sized plushie.
I think next time I will look for a different pattern for the wings as they aren't very detailed in this pattern.
I ended up using some e6000 to keep the wire from swirling around the head, which worked well.
Until next time >____<
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft black, iris, red, and white
Hook: size H
Notions: memory wire in medium gauge
Start/Finish: 9/18-20/2014
At first I thought the pattern would make a smaller moogle, but I used a different size hook so it came out to a decent sized plushie.
I think next time I will look for a different pattern for the wings as they aren't very detailed in this pattern.
I ended up using some e6000 to keep the wire from swirling around the head, which worked well.
Until next time >____<
Birthday Package
Hi, everyone! I received a birthday package from Amanda last month, but never got around to posting about it. Even though my birthday was in June, Amanda waited to send it later because she wanted to include goodies from SDCC 2014.
She got me two books from Brian Kesinger's artist table at SDCC as my main gift. He is a fabulous steampunk artist who is known for his tea girl illustrations. Amanda got me his Walking Your Octopus and the companion coloring book. She even got them signed!!!
She got me lots of posters, buttons, and excerpt booklets for upcoming novels as freebies from SDCC.
Also included in the package was some lovely Sentimental Circus stationery in a watercolor pattern, an adorable bunny magnetic page marker, and some crochet goodies, a button and a yarn ball brooch by All About Ami. She even made me a mini multicolored star amigurumi brooch. I have added it to the little bunny amigurumi brooch she made last year.
The card and notes in the package were handmade and featured kawaii pandas. I love the colors of the cards!
Thank you darling for all the goodies!
Until next time >____<
Monday, September 15, 2014
Farewell Party and Chill Pills
One of my coworkers is transferring to another department. We held a surprise pancake party for him in honor of his transfer. I will miss his crazy humor and all around good cheer, but I know that the next department will benefit from his expertise.
I took a picture of the banner that was made for his party.
I took a picture of the banner that was made for his party.
As a parting gift, he gave us some wisdom for the grueling months ahead and something quite funny, a bottle of chill pills in cases of emergency.
Front of Bottle
Back of Bottle
These bottles were a great parting gift though he needn't give us anything. I have mine sitting on my desk at work. Hopefully I won't need it anytime soon!
Wishing my coworker lots of good luck at his new job!
Until next time >____<
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Football Game - USA vs MSU
Yesterday, my sister and I went to a football game with our friends downtown at Ladd Stadium. It was the first time our college, University of South Alabama, has played a SEC team. The game sold out which is amazing! 44,000 people! Egads!
I took a few pictures of the marching band when they came out on the field. I used to play in a marching band when I was in high school so I have a fondness for all marching bands.
My sister's friends from work had a small cookout before we walked over to the stadium. Claire makes some amazing sausage balls with cheese!
I think we were unprepared for the barely tolerable heat at the stadium. We had thought it was going to storm yesterday as all the weather reports indicated 60% of rain.....but we received sunny skies with only a few clouds to shade us for a moment or two.
It was so hot that many people around us were leaving the game early to go home and watch it on TV or listen to it on the radio. I ended up going back into the breezeway/concession stand area of the stadium to sit in the breeze because of dizziness. I wasn't the only person sitting out the game because of the heat. Claire saw someone fall out in one of the concession lines and one of the USA cheerleaders was taken off the field for heat exhaustion. Yucky southern weather!!!
I joked with my sister that next time we need to go see a game in late October because at least by then the south might be in the midst of fall weather.
Sadly, we didn't do well in the game, but I think it is a learning experience for USA and I hope they do better in the future.
Go Jags!
Until next time ^____^
I took a few pictures of the marching band when they came out on the field. I used to play in a marching band when I was in high school so I have a fondness for all marching bands.
My sister's friends from work had a small cookout before we walked over to the stadium. Claire makes some amazing sausage balls with cheese!
I think we were unprepared for the barely tolerable heat at the stadium. We had thought it was going to storm yesterday as all the weather reports indicated 60% of rain.....but we received sunny skies with only a few clouds to shade us for a moment or two.
It was so hot that many people around us were leaving the game early to go home and watch it on TV or listen to it on the radio. I ended up going back into the breezeway/concession stand area of the stadium to sit in the breeze because of dizziness. I wasn't the only person sitting out the game because of the heat. Claire saw someone fall out in one of the concession lines and one of the USA cheerleaders was taken off the field for heat exhaustion. Yucky southern weather!!!
I joked with my sister that next time we need to go see a game in late October because at least by then the south might be in the midst of fall weather.
Sadly, we didn't do well in the game, but I think it is a learning experience for USA and I hope they do better in the future.
Go Jags!
Until next time ^____^
Panda Cards
Don't you love the octopus tentacles in the card on the right? Someone save that panda!!!
Ever since I've known Amanda, she's been making handmade things. She is quite a talented young lady. I can't wait to receive more cards in the mail. Her friend recently gave her a Sizzix Big Shot die cut machine for her birthday so I know she'll have fun playing with all the possibilities it offers in card making!
Until next time ^____^
Artwalk Thank You and Yarn Question
Hi, everyone! I hope you're having a good Sunday before the work week.
I wanted to say thank you to everyone who came by our table on Friday night at the LODA Artwalk. Several of my amigurumis found new homes! Kiki, Kyo, Sir Maxwell, and Suppie found new owners which is fantastic.
I had a girl come up and ask what type of worsted weight yarn I used. I was so surprised by the question that I didn't give her the correct answer. So here goes.....I use a medium 4 size yarn, almost always Caron Simply Soft unless I see a color of yarn that Caron doesn't carry.
When I first started to learn how to crochet I used Red Heart Super Saver yarn, which is a worsted weight yarn. Once I found Caron Simply Soft, I couldn't go back to using Red Heart, which I found to be too coarse. Not to say, that you can't soften Red Heart yarn because you can. I've seen tutorials online for soften the yarn before use.
I hope that answers your question!
Until next time ^____^
I wanted to say thank you to everyone who came by our table on Friday night at the LODA Artwalk. Several of my amigurumis found new homes! Kiki, Kyo, Sir Maxwell, and Suppie found new owners which is fantastic.
I had a girl come up and ask what type of worsted weight yarn I used. I was so surprised by the question that I didn't give her the correct answer. So here goes.....I use a medium 4 size yarn, almost always Caron Simply Soft unless I see a color of yarn that Caron doesn't carry.
When I first started to learn how to crochet I used Red Heart Super Saver yarn, which is a worsted weight yarn. Once I found Caron Simply Soft, I couldn't go back to using Red Heart, which I found to be too coarse. Not to say, that you can't soften Red Heart yarn because you can. I've seen tutorials online for soften the yarn before use.
I hope that answers your question!
Until next time ^____^
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Kero Amigurumi
Hook: size H
Notions: 10mm safety eyes, yellow felt, and DMC 310
Start/Finish: 9/8-10/2014
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Dreaming of pumpkins
I don't know about the rest of the population in the South, but I tired of humid weather and high temperatures. Where is the cool weather? I have a feeling it won't happen until October.....maybe we will get lucky and it will come sooner than later.
With thoughts of the fall season in mind, I found a cute drawstring crochet pattern today that I decided to try and make.
When I saw the pattern I knew I could change the colors and have a cute pumpkin. Perfect for fall goodies!!
Pattern: Mini Drawstring Bag by CJ
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft orange and green
Hook: size H
Notions: 3/8" Trick or Treat ribbon
Start/Finish: 9/7/2014
For my first drawstring bag, I think it came out well. I was able to get some help from aunt with my stitches. I started my tr stitches incorrectly because I was doing them as if I was stitching in a row instead of in the round. Luckily she spotted the mistake before I was too far ahead.
Until next time >___<
Rapunzel - let down your hair - OUAT September block
My favorite motifs this month were the birds and the flower basket. I wonder what fairy tale will be featured in October?!
Until next time >___<
Panda Bday
My friend Amanda's birthday was this week. I had sent off her package last Saturday. Here's what I sent her. It was a combination package of some Easter candy that I hadn't sent earlier this year and goodies that I picked up in Atlanta and Peterborough during the Canadian trip in addition to her birthday presents.
I think my favorite might be the Starbucks mug. I love how each state has it's own mug with various state landmarks illustrated on it.
I hope you liked everything and that you had a wonderful birthday!
Until next time ^____^
August Recap
Read:
1. The Doomsday Vault by Steven Harper
2. Severed Souls by Terry Goodkind
3. Codex Reborn by Jim C. Hines
4. The Curious Case of the Werewolf by Gail Carriger
5. Things Seen in Japan by Clive Holland (1924)
6. A Geek in Japan by Hector Garcia
7. The Constantine Affliction by T. Aaron Payton
8. A Wonderlandiful World by Shannon Hale
9. Kitsune-Tsuki by Laura Baugh
Stitched:
1. OUAT August Block
Crafts:
1. Konkon amigurumi
1. The Doomsday Vault by Steven Harper
2. Severed Souls by Terry Goodkind
3. Codex Reborn by Jim C. Hines
4. The Curious Case of the Werewolf by Gail Carriger
5. Things Seen in Japan by Clive Holland (1924)
6. A Geek in Japan by Hector Garcia
7. The Constantine Affliction by T. Aaron Payton
8. A Wonderlandiful World by Shannon Hale
9. Kitsune-Tsuki by Laura Baugh
Stitched:
1. OUAT August Block
Crafts:
1. Konkon amigurumi
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