So I finally got around to drawing the number for my blog contest using a random number generator (the image above is what I got when I googled "random"), and the winner is:

keefer!

Thanks for all the lovely comments!  Keefer, you will be hearing from me in regards to your prize.

I've just returned from NYC, where I attended the opening of Luvable Hugable!  If you missed the opening, you can still catch the show between now and January.  Also, all of the pieces are available for purchase in the online store.  New York is always a blast.  I'd like to give a couple of public shout-outs.  First goes to Robbin, world's funnest, kindest host. I love Brooklyn!  And to my little brother, who drove me there from his place in WV, and kept me partially entertained, except for the parts of the trip where he was just lame and boring.

As part of the Threadless contest rules, we're supposed to document the entire creative process.  My creative process started today, when I braved the Black Friday crowds for discounted yarn.  There's nothing like venturing out into Michael's Arts & Crafts on the day after Thanksgiving to remind me that there are far too many humans in this world. Fortunately, it didn't take me long to settle upon Impeccable worsted weight acrylic yarn.  I normally avoid acrylic yarn like the plague, but this brand has a nice feel to it, a great choice of colors, and an even better price.  Picking the colors was relatively easy,as I've decided to interpret the design fairly literally. 

But enough of all this!  Between shopping crowds and writing this post, I'm losing valuable knitting time!  To the needles...

A good friend and I were recently discussing our mutual love of hand turkeys.  While at home today with whole family, I came across this amazing drawing my brother did of turkeys in the city.  Not bad for a 29 year-old, right?  I bet you'd never guess he was a rocket scientist.  I'm only kidding, Wesley was slightly younger when he created this masterpiece.  He won a contest.  I recall being terribly envious, as I was already quite possessive of my role as the family artist.  But he turned out to be an artistic one-hit wonder. Too bad they don't give out fancy blue ribbons for building rockets.  The drawing is extra appropriate for this week.  Not only is it Thanksgiving, but in a few days, my brother will be accompanying me to New York for the Luvable Hugable opening.  We'll be a couple of turkeys in the city.

I hope everyone is having a lovely Thanksgiving.  I know I am.

ps...My brother suggested I title this post "Skanksgiving", but I declined.

In other crafty news, I've decided upon my next project.  Threadless is holding a contest for crocheters and knitters.  You can pick from any of their tshirt designs, and knit or crochet your own interpretation.  They promise really cool prizes (including cash!).  Seeing as how I love interpreting all sorts of random things into knit form...and I'm in serious need of cash...I'm pretty sure I'm destined to participate. Here is the design I'm thinking of using.  It reminds me of my daughter...

Check back to see how this progresses...

Now if I can just finish the work......

Coming to gallery hanahou in December! 

Luv-able and Hug-able 

New 2009 theme: medium and mini!

December 3 - January 9

Opening party: Dec 3, 6-9 pm RSVP info@galleryhanahou.com

gallery hanahou / 611 Broadway, Suite 730, NYC / galleryhanahou.com

extended holiday hours Mon-Sat: 12 - 6 pm

The plushes will be even cuter and more affordable at this year's 3rd annual "Luv-able and Hug-able," with the special theme of "Medium and Mini!": toys that are either just the right size for hugging or small enough to fit in your pocket, swing from a keychain, or be worn on a pin.  

Many favorite artists from the past two years are returning with cuter-than-ever plushes, and gallery hanahou is thrilled to present plushes from a bunch of hug-able new artists too! As in previous years, the gallery will also exhibit plushes by Japanese artists whose original works are rarely available in the US - this year, that also includes designer toy giants Devil Robots and noriya takeyama! 

Plushes will be available for immediate take-home, so come early to the December 3rd opening to nab your favorites! Items in the show will also be available online via galleryhanahou.com starting the week following the opening.  

For more information and images: press@cwc-i.com

Returning Artists:

Anna Chambers

Anna Hrachovec

Betz White

Blythe Church

CHiCHiTOHTOH

Christina Gordon, Jam Fancy

Corinne Dean

Eloole

Flying Star Toys by Florence Forrest

Heide Murray

Heidi Kenney

Helle Jorgensen

Hello, Brute

I Heart Guts 

Jenny Harada

Kate Savage of girlsavage

Katie Park

Kup Kup Land by Joaquima Casas Bo

Lexi Knott, Orangefishy Plush

littleoddforest by Lynda Lye

Michael Bartalos

Michiru (Babydow)

Moxie

Ossu! Shugeibu

Risa Tanikawa

Robyn Fabsits

Saki Yamashita

Sayaka Imai

Yuriko Sera

Yuko Hara

New Artists:

APAK

Beetlegirl Design

Denise Ferguson of Yummy Pancake

Devil Robots

Diane Koss - Cutesy but not Cutesy

Eerika Valkonen

Elisabeth Doherty

Hiné Mizushima

Jen & Brian Gubicza (Zooguu)

Keighty Crochet

Kit Lane

Lisa Bunting Thoms, q.D.oaToOtieS

Marcy Jung Bridges

Melissa Sue Stanley

Ninon

noriya takeyama

Plush Goodness

Pock-it Palz

Robot a Day

Sanda Monat of herzensart

Sara White (a little sprout)

Scrumptious Delight

Beware the giant squid!  My costume is finished and ready to go!

Also, I'm pretty darn excited about my Halloween costume this year!  Check back on Saturday for a peek!

The biggest news is that I've found a new job.  I'll be working as the full time baker/ kitchen manager for Parr Foods, which makes delicious granola bars and trail mixes from scratch. On the flip side, this means I'll finally be leaving my beloved coffee shop forever, after nearly 10 years. A few months ago, my husband and I split up.  He'll be taking the reigns.  The shop is full of bittersweet memories for me.  I can't begin to express how much I will miss it.  My heart is broken...but it's time to begin a new chapter.

I'm a little concerned that my new schedule will mean less time for knitting.  I think I'm just going to have to get better about managing my time.  I have the show in NYC to finish pieces for, and I'd love to publish a new pattern or two in time for Christmas gift knitters.

But now I'm off to work on my Halloween costume!  I'll give you one hint.....

It's been a busy couple of weeks.  Two weeks ago was of course, High In Fiber, my show at the nth with Lindsey Cero.  Last weekend, I traveled to Seattle for Plush You 2009!  It was loads of fun.  I met some very cool people, and had a blast exploring Seattle with my brother.  Now it's on to the countdown to NYC, and the 2009 Luvable Hugable.  I only have 1 month left, and so much work to do!  

As promised, here are a few more pictures of my work from the nth show...