Slugs Ahoy

So due to my ardent love for my first cheezombie Santa Slug, I knew there would be more.

This one was inspired by the Cartoon network show, Chowder and the remarkable snail cars they drive in it. Also, after seeing Daron Parton’s snail with mobile camper attached to it:I KNEW WHAT HAD TO BE DONE!!

So of course, I set off to make a little slug with a vintage camper on its back. As I one day hope to have, in order to travel around the states- ‘glamping’ looks quite fun.

I originally was crocheting a camper, but it just didn’t look like I wanted. Not quite bubbly and weird enough. I made the eye stocks taller again. And used felt to make the black for the eyes, and all the sewing on the trailer.

All in all great project! Super fun.  Of course, Sheila had to come by and check that everything was ok. :)

Little Projects

After finishing a project one of my favorite things to do is to look for little ways to use the supplies left- the scraps!

That is what happened when I had finished making this hat for my sister and had a little bit of left-over yellowish yarn. Around that same time my mom asked me to make her a bee mobile for her mother's day gift, after seeing this photo while I was looking at my favorites on flickr.

So while noticeably different from the inspiration, I quite like how it came out. The wings are made from leftovers of this shawl, the black leftover from an amigurumi I made.
After making the bees, I strung them up with fishing wire from a twig.
Easy-peasy :)

It was so quick and fun!

These bees are quite chunky, but I think endearingly so, don't you?

Hee hee :)

Then after finishing another project, my Snow Drops and Snap Peas shawl, I had a little ball of yarn left.

Oh what to do?

Well, I made a bookmark. It is from the book More Last Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson,called Linen-Stitch bookmark. This is the second pattern I have made from this book and this book does not disappoint. It is so easy to follow, and it really was quick. In fact I have already made four more and given them as gifts.

Yay for quick projects!

They make life great don't you think? Who doesn't need a little instant gratification now and again, I know I do sometimes.

Anyways, my summer is going to be a little busy, I am going to be working not one but two jobs. So don't be surprised if you see a lot more quick and easy projects popping up around here.

Hope your day was great, I spent mine drawing while listening to Lisa Hannigan, Fleet Foxes, Mamma Mia, and Laura Marling. It was heaven!

What did you do?

XOXO, Callie

the magical bean

Snow Drops and Snap Peas Shawl

There are some projects that seem to be all consuming. This was one of them. It was a constant in my hands and thoughts. It was the one thing I looked forward to at my lunch break (besides a much loved phone call).

This project was one of those easy yet ultimately oh so satisfying.

One of my favorite parts about making a shawl is that moment when after you've done all the work, and binding off to see how much it has grown. I always look forward to it, and the moment after I have finished blocking and it looks even bigger, and so much prettier.
And boy did this grow!
When I was showing it to my dad he asked me "Is that a table cloth?".
:)
It is 75" by 35" and has such amazing drape.

I just loved this yarn. The colors, how soft it was, and the drape factor were all there.
It is made in Silky Merino, in the Arco Iris colorway, by Malabrigo. I used the pattern, Snow Drops and Snap Peas by Kirsten Kapur of Through the Loops. The only modification I did was to the ending, with the help of raveler annanann.

Luckily, Kaitlyn, my sister agreed to model it for me. Thanks Kaitlyn!

Doesn't she look so pretty in it? :) I know I said it before after finishing my first shawl, but it is still true with this one. I can recall so many memories of when I was making this. The cinnamon chocolate cake I ate, the new ADELE CD, 21, I was listening to as I bound off, the pride I felt for my brother at his NJ HS ceremony, the relief of coming back to it after a long day at school/work.

It is almost as if the memories are being knitted in; they seem that tangible to me.

Well, while it was fun to do, I am glad to be done. This week is finals so I have been doing so much studying. I am really looking forward to this summer. I want to travel so badly. Not sure where yet. Do you have any plans?

Have a great day!

Callie

Yellow Rose for Kaitlyn

My sister Kaitlyn was was quite descriptive about what she wanted for her birthday this year. In fact she chose exactly what I was to make.

Apparently smitten with Jessica's Ruby Red hat, she wanted her own. But in yellow. She chose the yarn and loved its softness (as I do!). It has this little halo of fuzz around it, that makes it seem like it is blurry. I love the finished product, as well as making it. This pattern is so great, even the second time around.

Happy Birthday sissie, glad you liked your gift.

XOXO, Callie

the magical bean

Have a great weekend!

(P.S. Sorry for my continued absence, I can't seem to get back into the habit of blogging... don't worry though, I will be coming back full force!)

(P.S.S. Here's a little song to enjoy, Someone Like You by Adele. Love!)

Eurybia Shawl

After getting this shawl kit as a gift (full post details here) I was almost too touched to start it. I just kept looking at it and admiring it for all its beauty. I just wanted to do it justice. But somehow the urge to finish it made me start (does that even make sense?), also it really helped that I loved the color of the yarn. Since October it has been patiently waiting for me to begin. So one day this January I stepped into my closet got it out and was off!

I feel so proud not only of finishing it so quickly but also by how much more I learned!
Knitting it made me learn how to add beads with a crochet hook, which was easy, this was the first shawl project I had worked from tip to tip, and also I learned several new stitches.

It makes me feel so happy.

My very talented mom took the photographs for me.

The beads add such a nice little touch, and a subtle heaviness to the shawl. I really love the drape of this yarn. It hangs so beautifully.

The pattern is supposed to mimic waves, and since I have always loved going to the ocean it just makes it that much more special.

Perfect pattern. Perfect yarn. Perfect gift of kindness from Wendy.

Thank you so much Wendy again!

Rose Red Beret

I made this hat as a somewhat belated gift for my sister Jessica's birthday.

Instead of trying to guess what she wanted, I asked her. Luckily I only had to show her one pattern, Rose Red by Ysolda Teague, and she liked it right off the bat. I then went to my trusty local yarn store The Yarn Barn where Beverly helped me pick out the yarn, which I am very thankful for.

I used Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK and Alchemy Haiku held double, made a gauge swatch and got started. I used a size 6 (4.0 mm) needles, held both yarns together, and began!

At this point, all seemed promising.

Somehow, (I’m guessing this might have been denial), I didn’t notice how big it was getting. I happily kept plowing along.

I finished.

Gave it to her.

And GASP!

It was big enough for almost two of her heads...
:(

....ripping it out wasn’t what I would call ‘fun’… .

I mustered up the energy (after letting it sit for two weeks or so), began again, ignoring gauge altogether this time, went down one size to make a small.

Luckily, this time it fits her 22 inch head, using the size 5 needles worked perfectly.

The pattern was really easy to follow, very well written, and the second time around it flew by.

She loves it and so do I! I almost didn’t want to part with it… ;)

Doesn't she look B-E-A-U-tiful? :)
Oh well! It was a bit late, but as they say better late than never.
Happy Friday!
xoxo, Callie
the magical bean

works in progress

This is a little sampling of my projects in progress. There are many more, although I don't care to admit it, but I am finishing up more and more, so there is hope! :)

This doll was started a long time ago and finished but she never felt 'right' to me. I decided to go back and change her up a bit. I repainted her face, crocheted her a hat, and am finishing up hand sewing her dress. I also have to make her some shoes, but for the most part she is almost done.

I really like how happy she looks now :)
The next project are socks!!!

This is the shawl I am making for my mom.

I actually have more done now but you get the idea.

I really love this yarn from Sweet Georgia, so soft and the colors are so vibrant!

I bought the yarn below while living in Germany after first learning to knit and loved it.

I haven't ever used it because partly of its sentimental value. Recently however I was missing living there and decided to give it a go.

I am just making a really easy cowl....

It is so fuzzy.
Really. You have no idea how soft and fuzzy it is.

I am making some bright yellow coasters. They make me happy!
I have one side done and the second started.

And finally a crocheted butterfly!

Might make this one into a pin.

Just winged making it.

Get it?

Winged!

Heee heee :)

So many projects, but almost done with many.

Here's to a great Wednesday!

XOXO, Callie

the magical bean