Cleaning out my Attic

SOOOOO...

Initially I said on Facebook that I was going to do another "clearance" sale to free up space. Going back through, I see that almost all of the items were put on clearance last September (oh the irony!).

THEREFORE, THERE HAS BEEN A CHANGE OF PLANS!

All "clearance" wearable knitted items (blankets, wrist warmers, scarves) are being donated to a local shelter. I'm happy to write-off the cost of supplies and know that the items are going where they are needed the most.

THAT BEGIN SAID... Feel free to browse the newer items and see if anything strikes your fancy. I'm also working on coming out with different items (pottery!!!) as I get things cleared out and my supplies get a bit more organized.

Custom Gastronomy Cooking Apron

Just wanted to throw up some quick pictures from a custom apron I did for a friend's birthday. His loving fiancee wanted to give him an apron that reflected his new interest in molecular gastronomy. We brain-stormed a design and I managed to get it done in time despite a week-long cold.

The happy birthday boy:

A close-up, ready for wearing:

Since iron-on transfer didn't want to work, I had to transfer the design with chalk stolen from my own child:

All done, just needing a quick wash:

Recycled Silk Choker (or Bracelet)

This silky soft piece of knitted jewelry is made from a section of leftover recycled silk yarn. Waste not the yummy yarn! The colors were just too pretty to toss. And I like to knit I-cords.

Measuring 3/8" wide, the knitted portion is 10.5" long and total piece reaches 23" total with the tie tails.

The tie tails have been braided to avoid any unraveling (given the 'spun' nature of the yarn) and can be knotted and trimmed if a shorter tail is desired.

If you wish to sport the cord as a choker, just tie it in the back! If you wish to shorten it to a bracelet, it can be trimmed in seconds! I've intentionally left off the addition of a button loop or clasp so that you can make it exactly how you want it! You can even add embellishments like charms, beads or buttons!

At just $3 for the standard I-cord, you can have your own little personalized jewelry project!

MANLY Recycled Silk Vase

This is most likely the manliest vase I have ever created. Because sometimes guys want to display flowers without looking all girly. Or maybe they want to display something a bit more "cool" like arrows or spoons. Spoons are cool, right?

This standard (12"?) cylindrical glass vase is wrapped in a section of recycled silk yarn that features a masculine blend of red, black, yellow and green. The cylinder style is a very clean, alternative design to the typical "girl" vase. It's almost like having a can of Schlitz malt liquor for decoration!

For just $8, bring a little man-charm into your life.

Recycled Yarn Tote Bag

This bag is another item made from premium recycled silk yarn from Darn Good Yarn. This yarn, as well as the others available through Nicole's site, allow families in India and Nepal to gain strength in areas with no sustainable job market for those struggling in poverty.

The bag itself measures 12" wide and 10" tall with a 38" strap. The body was knit in the round and then the bottom was double-sewn shut for strength. A clasp or button could easily be added for securing the top.

For $30, you'll have a one-of-a-kind bag that has helps multiple small businesses (Curious Goods and Darn Good Yarn) and the families in India and Nepal that have made this fabulous yarn.

Peacock Scarf

I know it's summer and it's hot outside, but sometimes I just can't resist making a pretty scarf!

This particular scarf is made from some delicious yarn from Darn Good Yarn. It's comprised of 2 skeins of recycled silk yarn, knitted together. This yarn, as well as the others available through Nicole's site, allow families in India and Nepal to gain strength in areas with no sustainable job market for those struggling in poverty.

In addition to the uniqueness of the yarn, this scarf also has almost superpower qualities. Lightweight but very warm, soft and fuzzy. It can also change shape and size! The drop-stitch style allows it to "shrink" down to 5"x36" or stretch up to 4"x52". So if you like short and wide, long and narrow, or anything in-between... this scarf is for you!

At $30, this scarf will benefit you (by being super sexy around your neck and shoulders), the Curious Goods store, Darn Good Yarn, and the women who make the yarn themselves. That's a lot of good!

Short and wide:

Long and narrow:

Some close-ups:

Sock Monster: Duke of Cucumbarms

So I'm back on the sock monster bandwagon again.

This boy had no plan, no pattern. In fact, his sole purpose for existence was to be my first attempt at using a sewing machine rather than hand stitching.

That being said... Meet the Duke of Cucumbarms. He's a Duke, and his arms are made of cucumbers. Nuff said.

Measuring a proud 14" tall, the Duke is made from 3 very different socks. Maybe that's why he has 3 eyes. Or maybe I was just doing everything to make him weirdly adorable so that someone will want to give him a loving home. Oh yeah, did I mention he wants to include your home into his reigning domain?

Adopt him today for $15! Not recommended for very young Lords or Ladies, given his button eyes. But perfect for the young at heart!

Volumetric Flask Vase

If you're a science person like me who also dabbles in crafts, you may find yourself staring at pretty glassware and wondering what cool things could be done with them.

Well, I finally came across a free stash of unwanted, unloved and abandoned glassware and decided to do something with it.

This particular piece was a Kimax 500ml volumetric flask. Here's a lovely picture of Fiona getting in the way just to sniff the messenger bag that seems to double as a bed for every cat in the house.

Using scraps of "The Blender Live Wire Sari Yarn" that I acquired from Nicole Snow at Darn Good Yarn, a little hot glue and a LOT of patience, I created a colorfully unique vase that would be ideal for a single flower stem... or just for sitting empty as a decoration.

Here are a few close-ups so you can savor the texture as much as I do.

UPDATE: I now have 6 pieces finished! 

Flask #1: ~12" tall, $15

Flask #2: ~12" tall, $15

 
Flask #3: ~12" tall, $15

 
Flask #4: ~11" tall, $13

Flask #5: ~11" tall, $13

Flask #6: ~11" tall, $13

Magenta and Tan Denim Bracelet

Yup, I got two bracelets done today! This was my first attempt at a bracelet that consists of two different styles of beads and I have to say that I'm quite pleased with the outcome. The magenta and tan marble patterns really make this piece pop! Available for $15.

Golden Bead Bracelet

So here's another addition to the recycled denim bracelets. This one is lined with gold colored beads and matching snaps. Sorry for the blurry images. For some reason my camera was terrified of the amount of bling this bracelet possesses. And it's only $10 (slightly less than previous bracelets due to these beads being snagged during a sale!).