Follow the Stray

Hat 1 - Pink Frizz

2012-02-21T13:30:00.001-05:00

Named after my frizzy pink hair lol. I completed this one much faster than the one I lost but I don't love it nearly as much. On to number 2 I guess.

Demi Mentality

2012-02-21T12:55:00.001-05:00

Life never gives you more than you can handle. Although, there are times that seem impossible to get through--I believe with courage, cleverness, hardwork, and a good sense of humor, anything is possible.

It is EASY to feel helpless, to give up, to live without hope, to be pessimistic. It is not easy to stare your demons in the eye and fight them head on. It is not easy to laugh when you feel like crying. It is not easy to see past your misfortune and look towards a brighter future. But you must if you want to survive.

If you are unhappy, ask yourself why. Don't just sit there and sulk. Every problem has a solution, find yours. If children on their deathbed can smile, you can find a way out of whatever mess you're in. There is no excuse to be unhappy.

No one is going to make your dreams come true, but you. No one is going to get you what you want, but you. If you're waiting for someone else to pick up the pieces of your life and put them back together for you, you're going to be waiting an eternity. There is no drug, no diet, no book, no sermon, that can fix your life. These are but aids--and often times--delusions. The power is in you. No one believes it, at first. But the power was always with you.

You deserve the life you dreamed of. You deserve happiness. You deserve respect. You deserve to be loved. But if you don't believe that you do, why should anyone else?

You can do ANYTHING. You can overcome ANYTHING. Just believe in yourself and do your best. Don't give up just because things don't go as you planned. With failure comes the opportunity to find something even better than you had before. So don't be afraid to cut your losses and take a risk.

Whether or not you believe in guardian angels or a higher power is beside the point. There are many defining moments in every persons life; moments that will determine their greatness or their lack of greatness. If you walk around staring at the ground, you'll miss these moments.

Stand strong. Stand tall. Don't say "I wish I was like this or that" BE it. Don't say "but I'm not like that." The only thing preventing you from being the person you want to be is you.

I'm not saying this is easy. Being true to yourself and going after your dreams is the absolute hardest thing you can do in your life. And even if you try, there's no promise you'll succeed. But if you aren't going to aim for your ideal, if you aren't going to do your very best to earn the life you deserve, then what ARE you going to do? Accept a miserable existence until you die? That seems like a lot of fun!

Look, life isn't something that just happens to you. Life is what you make it to be. If you aren't willing to work then life is going to suck. Don't bitch about the shitty cards you've been dealt, because I promise you--someone somewhere has a worse hand than you and they're getting by bluffing like a mofo until their luck changes. Stop complaining and take action.

Don't do it because I said so. I'm no expert. I'm not trained in life coachology or whatever. I'm just a person who got sick of settling for less and getting smacked around by life. No, I'm not where I want to be. I'm no where near the place I'd like to be. But that doesn't matter. What matters is that I know I'm going in the right direction--and for the first time ever--I'm excited to live my life.

Don't talk to me about drama. I pride you, I've had more than my fair share. But if I'm able to put that behind me and look forward to the future--the. Why can't you?

What are you do afraid of?

Some people think I'm mean. Maybe I am. I just think that life is too short not to make the most out of every moment you're alive. Stop wasting time and get out there.

Life doesn't give you more than you can handle--so, you can control your own destiny.

Happy 5 months, Juju!

2012-02-20T12:21:00.001-05:00

Aside from being a sad day for all handmade hats everywhere...yesterday my son turned 5 months. I can't believe how big he's gotten so fast!

I never had time feel like it was going so fast and yet so slow at the same time (I think only parents and caretakers would understand what I mean by that lol).

Even though I don't get much done and I get pooped or peed or spit up on at least once a day and I don't get very much sleep or much time to eat (or bathe for that matter), I really do try not to complain. For every stressful thing I have experienced about being a parent, there are ten more wonderful things that I would never know or appreciate if I wasn't a parent.

I try to be grateful and content with the good and bad. Afterall, if I had to chose between a baby crying because he wants to be cuddled and a teen cursing me out because he wants me to just leave him alone--I'm going to chose the baby. But babies have to grow up sometime. Things won't always be this way--and I know I'll miss it terribly when these moments are gone.

Everyday with my baby is a very good day--no matter what. :)

Oh my little Julian! Mommy loves you so much. <3

RIP Awesome Hat :'(

2012-02-20T12:10:00.001-05:00

It's been pretty hard for me to find time to crochet. But last week I was determined to do something. So whenever I had some free time last week I worked on the pretty puff stitch hat in the picture.

I was so excited when I finished it. Not only because it looked great--but because it had been so long since I've done something that made me really feel accomplished and I had never used the puff stitch before.

I travel to NYC on Thursdays to work until Friday, then I come home Saturday mornings. I couldn't wait to show my hubby what I had made--but when I got home and opened my bah--the hat was gone! I was devastatingly heartbroken I actually cried a little (truthfully). I couldn't believe the first serious project I had completed since Julian was born was gone before I had even gotten to enjoy it (or take a nice picture). So sad.

So here's a memorial to my poor sweet hat. Although I don't like to make the same things over again--I vow, in my hat's memory, to make at least 10 in the very same style--and 1 that looks just like it to replace it (though nothing could take its place in my heart lol).

And so begins the hat memorial challenge D:<

Pretty hat...you are gone. But you will not be forgotten!

Happy Birthday, Terrance!

2012-02-17T20:23:00.000-05:00

My dear hubby celebrated his 28th birthday this year on Feb. 6th. I made him this card featuring our dog, Biscuit :)

I haven't been able to do a lot of art projects (as you may have noticed) since the baby has been born--but I have started teaching art again at SMART University. For Valentine's we made construction paper Valentine's and I made cards for the SMART Youth Valentine's event and this card for my hubs.

These cards are so fun and quick to make, I've been thinking about buying higher quality construction paper (or card stock or poster board or something!) and making a whole bunch! No more buying cards for me--no way!

I didn't think to take step-by-step pictures, but I would like to share my process so anyone interested can make their own sweet cards for any occasion!

Materials:

- Scrap Paper

- Pencil

- Construction Paper

- Glue stick

- Black Sharpie

- Scissors

- Coloured Pencils

Step 1 - Using the Scratch paper and pencil I drew a sketch of what I wanted my card to look like. In the top right corner of the above picture you can see my plans for this card.

Step 2 - Once I had a design I liked I determined the shapes and colours I would need. Then I cut my shapes out of the construction paper. I used brown for the body, white for the spots, pink for the nose, and yellow for the plaque.

Step 3 - Using my sharpie marker I added little details, like Biscuit's butt, her eyes, the strings on the plaque, and the letters. However! I could have used construction paper for this part or even gotten creative with my materials; yarn for the strings, letter stickers or stamps for the letters, who knows!

Step 4 - Whatever wasn't glued, I then glued on. Without thinking I cut the front of the body separate from the back of the body so I had to cut a strip of brown, fold it over, and glue it on the inside of the two halves. You can see it if you look closely at the middle of the card in the picture below. You can avoid doing this by cutting your card out paper heart style.

Step 5 - On the inside of my card I glued two pieces of white paper to write my message. I, personally, think this looks a lot better then writing directly on the brown paper design. Also, it prevents the ink from bleeding through--ruining your design! (Her eyes bled through a little--grr!)

Step 6 - I drew my little poop on some paper and colored it in with colored pencils then cut it out. To make it pop-up I folded it down the center then folded and glued down the bottom corners.

Step 7 - I used this awesome tutorial to make the envelope and just finished it off by cutting and gluing some letters and hearts.

I'd love to see any cards you come up with! You'll be sure to see more from me, I'm sure!

SMART Art Valentine's

2012-02-17T19:13:00.000-05:00

Check out some of the cards my ladies made in the art class I teach at SMART University (smartuniversity.org)

Happy Late Valentine's!

2012-02-17T18:20:00.000-05:00

Just thought I'd share some of the Valentine's I made for SMART Youth's Valentine's Meet and Greet. If you don't know who they are you should really check them out at smartyouthnyc.org, especially if you're a teen in NYC :)

I used this tutorial to make the envelopes:

Mm Bitter

2012-02-17T17:12:00.001-05:00

I used to only want to eat sweets; candy, fruits, ice cream, milkshakes, everything sugar sweet.

I've noticed recently that that's changed. Such things, now, seem just to sweet to overindulge in. Now, my palate craves more bitter things, like unsweetened teas and dark chocolates.

True the change could simply be the change in taste buds. But isn't it funny how kids will trade in their chocolate milk for coffee once they become adults? I'm starting to think, at least in my case, that it isn't just my taste buds that have changed but my views on life.

When I was younger--well, actually--even fairly recently, when all I wanted was sweetness, I wanted a sugar sweet life. I wanted only sunshine and glitter and joy--even if I appeared dark on the outside--rainbows were all I desired on the inside. I didn't want to deal with difficult, heavy things--probably because I had to deal with them so much.

Now my life is more balanced and, in retrospect, I see that the hardships I had to face (or bitterness) were necessary for me to enjoy the life I have now.

I think that my craving for bitter things is symbolic for how I now approach life. I no longer crumble or feel sorry for myself when faced with something difficult. I embrace challenges and try my best to find a lesson in each tribulation. I look for the deliciousness in each bitter bite.

I feel this change had to happen for me right now. My craving for a sweet life was just not being answered and--as you may have noticed from my last post--I was burning out. Now that I've started accepting things for what they are instead of what I'd like them to be I'm enjoying and appreciating things a lot more. I've been smiling a lot too. :)

So which do you prefer; sweet or bitter?

Transition...

2012-01-21T17:49:00.001-05:00

Just started working again last week. I teach an art class at my mom's organization (www.smartuniversity.org) and I just started working with the advanced computer class. I used to teach basic computer skills, but now they have a teacher for that and need someone to lead the adv. class' project. We're working on an ecookbook. I've never made an ebook before so I'm really excited about the project! It should be a lot of fun. :)

It's been kind of difficult for me to get back into things since Julian has been born. It's taken me a lot longer to adjust than I had originally thought it would. I had hoped by January I'd be super well adjusted and be able to multitask; taking care of him while doing my own thing too. Ha...yeah right.

To be honest, not being able to live up to my expectations has really depressed me. I don't know who I think I'm letting down, but for some reason I feel like not being able to balance taking care of the baby, the house, and doing my work is a major disappointment. When I sit down and think about it...it seems ridiculous for me to feel that way. Afterall, I had only just graduated college when I got pregnant, moved in with my boyfriend, then got engaged, then had the baby, then got married, and now am just starting to work again--while starting a family business and preparing to move. There have been no breaks between any of this and I feel like...seriously...my head is going to explode. Of course, I haven't gotten anything I've wanted to done! I barely have enough spare time to breathe!

Then there are times...

When I just think that I'm just making excuses. Afterall, women have babies everyday don't they? And some have to work and raise those babies all on their own. So who am I to complain when I have as much support as I do?

I don't know.

I try to talk about it to my husband, but he doesn't understand at all. He tries but...eh...let's put it this way. I tell him all this and he says something like "don't worry you'll be able to get a job soon" as if the pressure of finding a decent job in this economy on top of everything else I'm doing is supposed to comfort me somehow. Or he'll say contradictory things like what a good job I'm doing then later follow it up with "you aren't very domestic are you? If I was home with the baby all day I'd cook, clean, and do the laundry!" In. Fur. Iat. Ing. Especially when he hasn't been alone with the baby for more than three hours at a time EVER and he will never know how exhausting it is to breast feed.

*Deep breath*

But that's beside the point.

The point is, as much as I'm enjoying time spent with my little one, I'm ready to start getting back into the old things I used to enjoy too. The problem I'm having is...adapting, I guess. Merging old Sam with new Sam.

All I can do is my very best.

Hindsight is 20/20

2012-01-20T12:38:00.001-05:00

Sometimes, I sit and wonder what my life would be like if I had done things differently.

I don't have many regrets but one regret I can't seem to shake is dating this abusive guy in college. I feel like, because of him, I was never able to really enjoy the college experience the way that most of my peers have. And now that I'm a parent I know I'll never know what it's like to live that carefree lifestyle.

My experience has really affected the advice I give to people when they talk to me. I tend to tell my friends run away, have fun, don't commit to anyone, don't let anyone change you, don't give second chances. Not because I did that, but because that's what I wish I had done. Now I realize though, isn't that all advice is? The choices you wished you made?

I don't know. I've been wondering a lot about where I'd done things the way I wish I did. I can't decide if my life would have been better or not. I certainly wouldn't be where I am now. I wouldn't have this beautiful son, or loving husband, or loyal friends. My life now is stressful, but generally I am happy, and more confident than I ever been.

All that in mind, I try to tell myself it doesn't matter what my life would be like if things were different. I can't change anything, and even if I could,, this isn't a bad place to be, at all.

I try to tell myself that, but during the train rides back and forth from Poughkeepsie to NYC, and the long hours I spend at home alone--I can't help but wonder; what if...?

Happy New Year!

2012-01-08T01:09:00.001-05:00

How are you all enjoying the new year?

Mine has definitely started off with a bang!

As if having a baby and getting married within 4 months of each other wasn't enough--now my new hubby and I are opening (or rather, he's opening) a barber shop. Crazy!

Of course, I've agreed to help him out anyway I can (hence the shameless plug). I'm even working on a wordpress site for him...which is making me kind of jealous...but I stand by my blogger D: ....at least mostly :)

I've been thinking about converting...we'll see...

Anyway. My new year's resolution this year was to work hard and stop procrastinating. It's been taking me some time to adjust to stay-at-home-mommyhood (and the life changing events that occur every couple of months haven't exactly made it easier), but at last I think I'm starting to get the hang of it...kinda...

In addition to the new business, we're also planning to move fairly soon (I just can't catch a break). Despite all the chaos, I'm determined to commit to my resolution...

I think I'll start by working on this layout...seeing as how it's no longer summer...and I no longer have a bump, but a baby. I have a few fun ideas in mind. Let's see what I come up with :P

Thanks again, Marilyn

2011-11-28T00:33:00.001-05:00

I found this quote while looking for the full version of the one I just wrote about.

“This life is what you make it. No matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes, it's a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you're going to mess it up.

"Girls will be your friends - they'll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, some go. The ones that stay with you through everything - they're your true best friends. Don't let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world.

"As for lovers, well, they'll come and go too. And babe, I hate to say it, most of them - actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart, but you can't give up becuase if you give up, you'll never find your soulmate. You'll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything.

"Just because you fail once, doesn't mean you're gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don't, then who will, sweetie?

"So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life's a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about.”
- Marilyn Monroe

I think I've found the theme for my next layout.

Thank You Marilyn Monroe

2011-11-28T00:19:00.001-05:00

“I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”
― Marilyn Monroe

I first came across this quote 4 or 5 years ago. As cliche and corny as this may seem, it changed my life. I was not in a good place at the time. I was looking for a sign. I was looking for hope that tomorrow would bring better days.

When I first read this quote I was moved to tears. This was for me. This was my life. The hope I was given from these words gave me the strength I needed to push through (this and India Arie's "This Too Shall Pass").

I have suffered very much. Not just in love, but in life. I have had to endure things I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. There were many times when I wanted to give up--even now sometimes I feel like it isn't worth it to continue. But then I remember these words and other things that have motivated me like it and I know I can go on.

I'm getting married in less than a month to someone I respect, love, and adore and who loves and respects me too. But the truth is--if I hadn't had the experiences I've had in life I would have never given him the chance. Or if I had I would never be able to truly appreciate his worth and comprehend how great a man he really is.

The same goes for my beat friends. If I hadn't known betrayal or bad friendships or dishonest people I would never know how valuable an honest and loyal friend was.

So I guess the point of what I'm saying is I feel lucky. I appreciate the fact that I have not hd an easy life. I'm actually grateful for all the heart ache, heart break, and pain I've had to go through. Because of all that I feel I've reached a level of understanding most people don't have until their middle age--if ever!

Thanks to everything I've had to go through in life early I get to start a new, better, more fulfilling life before I'm 30--surrounded by people I love who inspire me and make me happy.

Up until now I have resented the cards I've been dealt in life. Despite what I've tried to fool myself into believing; I've held grudges and negativity. But as my wedding day draw nearer and nearer I see no point in all that anymore.

Why? Why even hold it against anyone who has hurt me anymore? In the end, whether they know it or not, I'm the one who ended up victorious. I'm the one who gets the happy ending while (at least in my mind's eye) they stay stagnant. They will never grow, they will never change--and I will only get better with age.

Maybe I'm just writing this to prove something idk. All I know is, I've wasted most of my adolescence complaining about how unhappy I was and how much I hate my life and who I was and all the people who made it even worse--it's nice for a change to have something good to say.

I can't wait to say "I do."

I <3 Adventure Time Project

2011-11-25T17:43:00.001-05:00

Now that I'm getting used to parenting and learning how to manage my time it's time for a new project.

I'm a big Adventure Time fan. In fact, it's currently my favorite show on TV. I think the art style, the characters, the plot, and the music are all super amazing.

So. To celebrate my love of Adventure Time I've decided to make amigurumi figures of all my favorite characters in Adventure Time. These will include the heroes of Adventure Time as well as many of the minor characters as well.

With the baby I don't have much time to work during the day. Also, I'm going to start doing commissions and make goods real soon. So I think 2 weeks per character will be a good amount of time to complete each character.

I'll announce the character I'm working on at the start of the two week period and when it's done I'll show off the finished product.

I'm so excited.

IT'S CROCHET TIME!

(Yep corny but whatever)

I'll be announcing my first character soon. Stay tuned.

Things no one told me about motherhood

2011-11-23T20:04:00.001-05:00

There are a lot of things people insisted on telling me over and over again; like how I'll never sleep again, childbirth is the worst, and diapers alone will bankrupt me. But here are some things I had to learn on my own.

First, babies fart. Like...a lot. In fact my baby farts more than he does anything else--including eating and sleeping. And these aren't just little whispers in the wind...these are bassinet shaking grown person farts that reek of spoiled milk and cheese.

And since no one ever told me that babies fart no one told me that the best way to help a baby relieve gas is not just burping but also through tummy massages. In fact, up until recently I thought Julian was colicky...but really he was just a little gassy and bloated--poor thing! Since I started doing belly massages to help him pass gas he doesn't cry nearly as much as he used to (and, in turn, neither do I T_T).

Another thing no one told me was baby registry "must-have" suggestions are kind of bogus. As a first time parent I thought I needed bottle warmers and sanitizers, a whole bunch of different baby toys, different seats and swibgs, wipe warmers, and a whole bunch of other crap. I lost sleep over whether or not I had everything I needed on the list.

Now I see that was kind of dumb. There are very few "must-haves":
1.) For me my #1 thing is my Boppy nursing pillow--but honestly any fluffy pillow works just as well.

2.) Car seat. This is actually essential since you can't leave the hospital without one--whether you drive or not! Also some babies sleep better on car seats than anything else. Julian happens to be one of those babies.

3.) Stroller (but this may not even be a necessity for some). My mom bought us a Peg Perego skate system stroller. It's probably the best thing we received because it does so many things; it has a bassinet for strolling and sleeping, the car seat attaches to it, there's a jumper seat for when Julian gets too big, space for the jumper seat and car seat if we have another baby in the future, it even has a grocery bin and cup holder--what! I definitely think that a "transformer" stroller is the best way to go. They ARE expensive (especially the Peg Peregos) but you have to think of it as an investment (like your baby's car lol). In the longer run, saving up and spending a little extra on a stroller with a lot of functionality is going to save you a lot of money, time, and frustration.

4.) Battery operated swing. Officially speaking, you're not supposed to let your baby sleep in these. But parents know that's bs. Some babies won't sleep unless they're in one of these. Terrance and I didn't start sleeping again until we started letting Julian spend the night in his swing. A happy baby makes a happy family!

5.) Bouncy seat. Sometimes Julian does not like to be held. He just wants to sit in his own seat and just be left alone. He also gets tired of the swing. His bouncy chair offers an alternative. Since I have to bounce it for him it's a nice way to interact and sooth him while still giving him space (he's a pretty independent baby). I can also multitask by bouncing it with my foot while crocheting or reading or writing this blog entry. :)

6.) Changing mat. I freaked out over getting a changing table. All I could think was "how am I going to change this baby without a changing table?!" Well. That was stupid. All we use is a little wipeable portable changing pad or if that's dirty a towel or blanket. It isn't that serious D:

7.) Baby tub with seat. Okay the whole bathing a baby thing I'll get to later but this tub is great. It's the little whale tub with the green seat I think from Fischer Price. The seat keeps the baby from slipping while you're washing them. When I was doing my registry I almost cried over picking a baby tub (actually I may have really cried). There are so many different kinds and all of them say that they are the best! Someone just happened to give us this one as a hand-me-down and it does the job just fine.

8.) Diaper bag. I live out of the baby's diaper bag now. I keep extra socks, outfits, blankets, and some toys. But I also keep stuff in there for me like pads, extra underwear, a book, food.

I'm really happy I let Terrance pick out the diaper bag. We didn't go the cutesy baby bag route. Ours doesn't look like a diaper bag at all. We've been told by people that they would use it for themselves as a purse or tote. It's pretty sweet.

9.) Wubbanub. We have the lion Wubbanub for Julian. It's the only pacifier he really takes anymore. I like it because it gives him comfort in two ways; the comfort of sucking on a bobo and the company of a stuffed companion. Terrance doesn't like it because when Julian pulls on the lion the pacifier gets yanked out of his mouth. But it's the one that makes Julian happy, so it doesn't matter what T thinks, does it?

10.) Moby wrap. They're right when they say it's the only carrier you'll ever need. I knew I wanted a baby carrier but I didn't know which one was the best so I ended up asking for a couple different kinds. Lucky me, I got them all D: but the Moby wrap is by far my favorite. I was nervous to use it at first because I was scared I wouldn't be able to wrap it properly--but it's actually WAY easier to use than the other carriers (IMO of course). It's also a lot more comfortable because it distributes the baby's weight more evenly. I think Julian likes it best too. At first he didn't like it, but now he pretty much sleeps the whole time he's in it.

From a vain point of view it's also a lot more fashionable than other carriers on and off lol. I mean, it's basically just a really long, super strong, scarf. I think I'm gonna invest in a bunch of different colours and patterns. Lol. Mom fashion.

11.) Electric breast pump. I tried to get away with the manual breast pump but that just did not cut it. I kind of hate pumping but I also want to keep Julian exclusively on breast milk. The only way I can realistically do that is by pumping so I have bottles when we go out or when I go out (I'm currently saving bottles in the freezer for my wedding haha).

Sometimes though I am so engorged I HAVE to pump. It's seriously painful!

12.) Bunting. This is like a mix between a baby nighty and a blanket. It's basically a little sack that you zip your baby in. This came in handy when the weather got cooler. Julian was born in September, but since I was pregnant in the summer a lot of people bought warm weather clothing for him because that's what was available, I guess--and who really thinks about the appropriate season when looking at cute little baby clothes?

With the bunting it doesn't matter what he wears underneath, he'll stay nice and warm. We have a two fleece ones which are kind of light and then two heavier ones.

Those are my top 12 essential items. I honestly don't use anything else during the day. I have a wipe warmer and a diaper pal, because I asked for them-- but I could live without them if I had to.

In fact the portable wipe warmer is kind of a scam. It dries out the wipes over time and when you're on the go it only keeps the wipes warm for about a half an hour. On top of that you can't put a lot of wipes in it so you constantly have to refill it. It's kind of a pain.

The big wipes warmer is much better. You can fit a whole package of wipes in it. It also keeps them moist because it has a little pad at the bottom you soak in water before you use it.

As for the diaper pail. I do like it, but when we ran out of bags for it we worked just as well without it.

We have a bunch of little toys but the noisy ones with all those different buttons and stuff actually make Julian cry. He prefers the really simple colour chains and he loves black and white anything.

I made his rattle and a bear toy for him. The colour links and the toys I made for him are really the only things we play with--other than my iPhone. All the other toys just sort of sit in the corner neglected. Of course he's still only two months so I'm sure that'll change really soon.

IMO the toys I made for him are the best. Not just because I made them but because those toys aren't going to get thrown away. They're going to be his forever. I put a lot of love in them. I think every child should have something like that. I guess that's part of the reason why I love doing custom amigurumi for people. There's something very moving and special about getting something made especially for you.

Anyway back on topic.

In retrospect I wish I had put more thought into what clothes I asked for on my registry. I should have made it really clear that we needed winter clothing! Now we have a bunch of summer onesies that Julian has already outgrown but never got to wear because it was too cold D: (although we got away with some of them thanks to the buntings :D).

One thing we weren't told but I'm glad we considered was asking for diapers of all different stages. We have only had to buy diapers once thanks to that and that was because we weren't at home. Julian is currently at stage 1 and we've got a whole bunch of 2s, 3s, and 4s for when the time comes.

I'd also like to mention that diapers having sizes was something I was never told either. Before parenthood I kind of just thought diapers were one size fits all D:

Bathing was a big concern of mine that nobody told me about. Finally I asked my mom and...she laughed at me! I mean, I think it's kind of silly now too, but it really frightened me at first. I couldn't wrap my head around how I was supposed to hold the baby and wash him at the same time. Fortunately, it really isn't as hard as I thought it would be.

The last thing I'll mention is something people did tell me, but I couldn't comprehend until Julian was here.

The love I have for my baby is a feeling I have never known. Maybe this is not true for all mothers--but it is true for me. From the moment our eyes met I was in deep, unconditional, eternal love. The feelings I have for this child make me lose my breathe sometimes when I try to calculate it or understand it.

I didn't know what love was until there was Julian. And now that I've felt it, I can't ever live without it.

I had a hard time believing that a mother could ever hurt her child before--but now? It's inconceivable. I would sooner rip off my own skin than ever purposefully hurt this child.

He is the most precious thing I have ever known--even when he's whining and crying haha.

That isn't to say I never get annoyed or tired or frustrated. Far from it. I get irritated all the time. I'm freaking annoyed right now.

The point is that doesn't matter. I deal with the whining and crying and spit up and diaper explosions with good humor (at least I try to). I know one day I'm going to miss this.

When he's a teen and can't be bothered with me I'm not going to think about the sleepless nights orcthe times when his crying seemed inconsolable. I'm going to remember his toothless smile and his happy cooing and how warm and cuddly he was in his Moby and how soft his belly was when I rubbed it.

I think the most important thing I've learned is that the precious moments make everything else worth it.

Of course....

Julian is still ONLY two months old. So I still have lots to learn!

Hopefully I can do it with a smile.

:D

((This was a bit of a book, huh?? Kind of makes up for the lack of updates though, huh? Haha!))

Thanks SLU!

2011-10-05T17:15:00.001-04:00

I just wanted to thank the Fine Arts Department at St. Lawrence University for the warm congratulations.

I MISS YOU GUYS D':

(and especially the NCAT Lab lol)

<3 Julian!

2011-09-30T22:53:00.001-04:00

I'd like to introduce you all to my little prince, Julian Roderick Harris. He was born 9/19/11 at 9:23pm. About a week earlier than expected but Terrance and I couldn't be happier. <3

I started having contractions during the Mayweather fight Saturday night. Sunday morning my water broke. Then after a long struggle with an induced labor and a locked fortress of a cervix, Julian was born.

Despite being a long labor the experience was actually quite nice. My fiancé, Terrance, my mother, and my sister were all there for the ride and highly supportive. All my worst fears about a not liking the hospital staff or being forced to have a c section were quickly laid to rest. This made me feel comfortable with the idea of getting an epidural. It wasn't my original plan but after 24+ hours of contractions, no food, and no sleep I needed some type of relief. After I got the epidural I was so comfortable I crocheted through major contractions without even the slightest discomfort.

Interestingly enough 9/19 was my Dad's birthday. Part of me feels like his spirit was with me during labor and that it may have had something to do with Julian's early arrival. Another part of me Thinks that's absolutely ridiculous.

Still.

The way my labor happened was uncommon. On top of that, there were a lot of things that could have gone wrong that didn't. I didn't even need stitches. Plus, I lucked out with one of the best birthing rooms in the ward and the recovery room right next to the buffet--oh and the best nurses the ward had to offer. Could my good fortune be karma or coincidence? Or was someone looking out for me?

Who knows.

All I know is that I'm happy and so so in love with this little guy. <3

Cereal Trail Mix

2011-09-16T11:04:00.001-04:00

Ingredients

- Stick pretzels or mini pretzels (or you can get the big thin ones and break them up)
- Chex cereal or Life cereal or whatever your favorite wholesome cereal is.
- M&Ms (I prefer ones with peanuts)
- walnuts, almonds, peanuts, or all three
- Raisins
- Granola chunks

Procedure
- Put ingredients in a big bowl with a lid. They not to put too much of one thing or it'll over power everything else.
- put lid on and gently turn the bowl around on its side to mix or carefully mix it with your hand (don't want to crush the cereal!)
- pop open the lid and enjoy!

Notes

- travels best in a solid container
- Cherrios make a good cereal alternative
- Craisins can be used with or instead of raisins
- pumpkin and sunflower seeds go well too, but make sure all nuts and seeds are deshelled for easy snacking
- some people like to season their mix but I wouldn't overdue it
- experiment with different ingredients that are your favorites to make a mix that's uniquely yours.
- don't forget to make a lot so you have plenty to share!

Day 10 Challenge: Crocheted Brooches

2011-09-15T19:10:00.001-04:00

Part of my goal for this challenge was to show people (as well as myself) what I'm capable of. So far it's really succeeded in doing that. In fact, it's succeeded so much so that a friend of mine, Janet, asked me to make her some special favors for her 30th birthday. Janet has been so supportive of Stray from the beginning, so of course, I said yes! (Plus 30 unique brooches in less than 2 weeks is too tasty a challenge to just pass up P:)

We decided on brooches because they're just the right size and I feel I have an adequate amount of time to complete 30 of them given the time. (Even if that means halting my 23 day challenge :P)

Thing is! The only brooches I've made are the little rose and the big rose ones (which is also a hair clip). I wanted to offer Janet more options so I tried different ideas.

I wanted to design something a little more sophisticated so I played with some geometric shapes until I came up with a nice little pattern I was happy with.

Janet, bless her, loved all of the designs. So I'm going to make her a whole mixture of brooches.

After we had already came to an agreement I finished another one that I kind of like. She hasn't told me yet though what she thinks of it, though.

Overall, I love them! They're so cute! I hope I can make more than I need so I can keep or sell a few lol. They're going to be so awesome on hats and scarves when the weather gets colder.

I'm not going to post pictures of them during the process because I don't want to spoil the surprise, but my flickr will be full of them after her birthday party.

BTW, today is her real birthday so--
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JANET!!!

23 Challenge Current List: 14 left!

2011-09-15T11:18:00.002-04:00

Here's a list of the current projects I have left as well as some changes. I (potentially) have a big commission coming up so that's going to eat a lot of my time. XP

The list
1. Finish baby blanket for Julian
2. Crochet a wallet
3. ~~Crochet or knit sweater for Biscuit~~ Start website for Terrance. Biscuit can wait and I need more digital work in my life, lol. Plus all this crocheting is really going to kill my back.
4. Crochet matching hat for Terrance and Julian
5. Make baby mobile for Julian's crib
6. Make anything from Twinkie Chan's book!
7. Make a ~~candy wrappe~~r purse (any material, any way)
8. ~~Make two tiny amigurumi pins; one just a face, one a body~~ Simply changed to make crocheted pins (may be part of my commission)
9. Crochet leg warmers for Biscuit.
10. ~~Find something...anything to do with the awesome (yet hard to use) yarn, my sister gave me, made from recycled material.~~ I decided it'd be dumb to force myself to use yarn. This project is now "crochet a new bag"
11. Bake oatmeal raisin cookies from scratch
12. Bake and decorate sugar cookies
13. ~~Bake those delicious looking strawberry scones my friend made. Yummy.~~ Too much baking, I really need to cut back on the sweets. But the change for this one is top secret. Code name: SL for S.
14. ~~Reupholster my ugly, ugly computer chair~~ This chair needs to really just need to be replaced. So I'm changing this project to my autotune idea.

OKAY! So that's the updated list. The pins will be next!

Day 9 Challenge: Drawstring Hat

2011-09-15T10:54:00.001-04:00

Awhile back my grandma gave me this cool book by Eugenia Kim, "Startuday Night Hat." I loved the hats, but the drawstring hat was always my favorite because it was so versatile (and floppy hats seem to work best with my curly hair, no matter the length). I never put the book to proper use because--even though I have some basic sewing skills--sewing really intimidates me DX

When I studied abroad in Florence, Italy I took a soft sculpture class and the work I came up with proved that I COULD sew if I put my mind to it. There's just something about sewing that makes me super anxious.

For this project, though, I figured the pattern was simple enough that I couldn't eff up too badly.

I decided to use the scrap fabric I kept from my screenprinting practice runs in Florence. It seemed appropriate to bring Italy into this project since it was the last time I seriously sewed anything. Plus, the constant reminder that I can do this because I have done it was a nice little motivator to get the project done.

I followed the pattern pretty accurately, only making a few changes to the height of the body of the hat so I wouldn't have to chop up my phoenix (that way if I ended up hating the hat I could take it apart and not lose my artwork).

I still think the fabric may not have been the right choice. Even though it was lightweight, it didn't quite fall right when I was done. On top of that I couldn't find any stores nearby that sold ribbons so the hat is temporarily held together with shoelaces--which would be pretty cool if the design was more edgy and urban...but it doesn't go very well with the phoenix design. It'll have to be replaced once I get the proper materials.

Overall, I'm not sure how I feel about it. I succeeded in that I followed through the pattern well and my sewing was not too shabby. In retrospect, however, I feel like I should have chosen a fabric with a smaller repetitive pattern--the big phoenix is kind of difficult to see with the hat on. Or I would have done it in a bright bold colour--the canvas colour kind of makes me think of a chef's hat lol. I think I was also a bit disappointed that my hair is currently too short to try out all the suggestion styles Kim drew in her book.

Maybe as my hair grows my like for the hat will grow too :)

Challenge Detour: Jade Cowl

2011-09-14T16:26:00.000-04:00

So my next project was supposed to be a crocheted version of one of Eugenia Kim's hats in "Saturday Night Hat." The headband part came out easily, but I hit some trouble when working on the body of the hat.

My first concern was that the yarn I was using was a poor choice for a hat. The "Alpaca Dance" yarn from Premier Yarns is my goto choice for making amigurumi characters because it is so soft, and sweet, and the fuzziness of it really brings the creatures to life, IMO. However, fuzzy hats are not entirely practical. From experience, I know that they can get dirty a lot quicker and when they catch on things (say a velcro strap on your jacket or something) they get damaged quite easily. BUT I am on a tight schedule, and--as I've mentioned before--don't have much time (or the means) to travel to the craft store. So! I decided to work with what I had.

The second issue was how looong it was taking to crochet the body. I probably could have sewn 3 of these hats in the time it took to crochet this body. Plus I've been having problems with my back on the right side (mostly do to the pregnancy, but crocheting too much definitely aggravates it). So not only was it taking long, is was uncomfortable--even painful--too.

The last thing that came up that finally made me decide that this was just NOT going to work was when I realized how thick the body was. The hat I wanted to make utilized a drawstring. Anything chunky would just look wrong. Even though the body was quite light and thin for something made of yarn--it was very thick for something that was supposed to be fabric.

Now I was met with a dilemma. Make something else out of what I had been working on or continue on the project until it was completed. I knew I was going to be hella pissed if it didn't work out and I am so behind on my other projects. I decided to rain check the crocheted hat alternative and see what I could make out of what I already completed.

A neck cowl was my first thought and when I tried it out, I absolutely loved how it looked (and felt!). It was perfect--absolutely meant to be. I'm going to be soooo warm when the cold weather hits with my new scarves haha.

This was an interesting experience and I'm really happy with what I ended up with--even though it's not what I planned on at all. I learned that sometimes projects take lives of their own and I have to be willing to veer from my path once and awhile to see where else I can go. By accepting change I ended up with something I didn't expect, but really loved--instead of something I planned on, but made me completely unhappy!

After I was done I decided to sew the hat after all. I'm nearly done with it. All I need is some ribbon :)

Day 8 Challenge: Cookie Cozy

2011-09-12T23:10:00.000-04:00

Cookie (short for Cookiepuss) wasn't my first family pet, but he was the first pet that I felt truly bonded to. We adopted him from the ASPCA when I was around 10-years-old. At the time I considered myself more of a dog person and wasn't entirely thrilled about getting a cat, but was super happy to have a pet.

Cookie is THE reason I now consider myself to be a cat person. He was cute, friendly, cuddly--but not suffocating--and somehow he always knew when someone was having a shitty day and knew exactly what to do to make it just a little bit better. He was already a few years old when he adopted him, but we had him up until the end of my sophomore year of college.

Even though he's gone now, he still lives on in my art. He'll pop up in random doodles or beside drawings of me as my little sidekick. It's my way of keeping him alive.

For the challenge I wanted to make an amigurumi version of him, but after doing the mermaid cozy, I thought it would be really cute to make a Cookie one for myself.

Unfortunately, I didn't realize that I had basically NO white acrylic yarn in the house. What the heck! This wouldn't be a problem if I was still in NYC, but now that I'm in Poughkeepsie, finding a craft store is like a day's adventure. JoAnn's and Michael's are okay, but I'm used to paying half the price for the same materials and it's really difficult for me to travel there (since I can't freaking drive).

So, for this project, I had to choose between putting off a project I really wanted to do now or find a way to make it work.

I opted for finding a way to make it work.

Instead of making the whole cozy Cookie's body, I decided it would be more of a Cookie motif. I decided the actual cozy would be this nice blue colour I have but rarely use.

After I made the blue cozy, I added a top pocket in white for Cookie's body and a flap which would be his head.

I knew before I started that I wanted his tongue to slip through a hole in the flap's mouth to act as a button and secure the cozy close. I used a coarse pink yarn for the tongue so it wouldn't slip open easily.

Next I added Cookie's patches, face, ears, and tail. I thought about adding little arms and legs but when I tried it out it just looked sort of silly.

Lastly I added a strap so I could wear the cozy easily. :)

Overall, I'm happy with the outcome. I mean, I ended up not being as thrilled with it as I thought I would be--but I think it's because it took me much longer to finish than it really should have with everything that was going on this weekend. Also, it isn't quite as detailed as the mermaid one so it wasn't the best follow-up project. I think I'm going to have to let it sit awhile until I decide how I really feel about it.

Its saving grace is the fact that it's my little Cookie. <3 (I hope Biscuit isn't too jealous :P)

Challenge Break: Paper Wallet

2011-09-12T12:40:00.001-04:00

My sister came to visit me this weekend. She wanted to make sure she got to see my belly one last time before the baby was born. :) We hung out the whole time so I wasn't really very productive with my challenge.

However, she loved my envelope wallet and had asked me to make her one. Of course, why not :)

I used this video when making my first envelope wallet as a guide. But after I made my duct tape wallet I had some ideas on how I could change the design a little.

My sister has a serious sweet tooth. She LOVES candy (so much she even worked at Dylan's Candy Bar), she loves to bake yummy cupcakes, and it's real hard for her to say no to dessert. I'm pretty much the same, except I'm not that into candy--but I looooooove baked goods (cookies, cupcakes, cake, pie, yummmmm). She wanted her wallet to reflect her so we decided on a sweet tooth design.

Instead of using an envelope I used a 9 x 12 sheet of bleedproof paper from one of my sketch books. I chose this material instead because I felt it would be much more water resistant than a regular envelope. Even after I covered my envelope wallet with tape I was still concerned it might get water damage if water managed to seep into the inside folds of the envelope--all the places I couldn't reach with the tape. The bleedproof paper is much sturdier, in my opinion, and since it's just a sheet of paper there are no openings for water to leak in.

I covered the back side in duct tape to aid in the waterproofing and sturdiness of the wallet and drew the design on the front. My sister doesn't feel very confident in her drawing abilities, but she loves to colour so that was her job. :) I'm glad too, I think she came up with a much more unique colour palette than I would have come up with. Doesn't it look so adorable (and yummy)?

Once everything was coloured it was time to make the folds and incisions and what not. The trifold wasn't an option for us because I forgot to count in the material the envelope flap adds when making an envelope wallet. Our sheet of paper was too short :( ....but we got over this quickly and decided to just make it fold in half. No harm done!

I really liked the ID holder that the duct tape wallet had so we decided to put one on the front. When I finished it, I was a little concerned that her ID might fall out though since it's on the outside. But she's using it as a MetroCard case instead I think, so it's not going to waste :). In NYC, easy access to your MetroCard is a MUST!

We were both really happy with the outcome, even though I had to use boring plain silver duct tape to border the edges. I don't think it detracts from the design though.

Anyway, she loved it and started using it right away so I'm super happy :)

Day 7 Challenge: Crochet iPhone Case

2011-09-10T01:00:00.001-04:00

I didn't have high hopes for this project when I started it.

I wanted to crochet an iPhone case that would allow me to use my iPhone while the case was on it. Most of the crocheted cases and cozies I've seen covered the phone completely--sometimes only leaving an open space for the head phones and the charger.

At first, I didn't want that. I thought the reason those were the only crocheted cases out there was because people didn't want to take the time to figure out how to cover the the thing properly so that everything works well. So, I gave it a shot.

And now I know the REAL reason why no one does this.

Crocheted iPhone cases (or at least the one I came up with) are really uncomfortable and way annoying!

I mean I got pretty far in the design...I covered the front just right so the yarn didn't cover the touch screen, I left an open space for the headphones, the power button, the charger and speaker, the silent switch and volume buttons and the back camera.

The trouble only revealed itself when I tried to test out my phone in the cozy. It was so uncomfortable! And it kept sliding around. Granted...It MAY not have slid around so much if I had stitched it a lot snugger. But by the time I thought up that solution I was already fed up and ready to start from scratch. I had also decided that even if it didn't slide around, I didn't like how the crocheted case felt--smooth plastic was definitely more my thing lol.

Normal, plain jane cozy it was then...but as I crocheted the bright green yarn I was working with I thought about the mermaid doll I had made. That was the last time I had used this green and I found myself thinking, "it really IS such a pretty color for a mermaid tail." Then I thought--HEY! No plain jane cozy for me! I'm making a MERMAID cozy!

And thus the project I had begun to lose hope in was revived. :D

I really wanted to give my mermaid cozy red hair--like Ariel (The Little Mermaid was my favorite Disney movie growing up before I became obsessed with 101 Dalmatians :P). But I don't have any red yarn... (it's because every time I see red yarn in the store it just doesn't look right to me...it puts me in a bad mood. Idk why honestly. But then I get mad when I actually need red). I tried orange first but...I just couldn't. I kept thinking of carrot top and I couldn't. So I went with the same colour scheme as the mermaid doll. Whatever, it's pretty, it works. Next time I'll get over my weirdness and buy freaking red yarn.

I wanted to avoid doing the torso for as long as possible by working on other things, like adding the flap (which is her hair) and button and what not. I knew I wanted a belly button, star fish pasties, and (of course) a face--but I've never worked so....blocky...before, so I was really nervous about how it was going to turn out. I was also worried I may have made the tail portion go up too high and might have to start over as a result. When I thought of that I figured I better try doing the torso before I put in the work for everything else only to be mad later.

I really like what I ended up with. I mean...if I'm unhappy with anything it's the face. I don't know why, exactly, it's just sort of boring I guess--but the starfish pasties came out so cute and (in my opinion) make everything work out just fine. Haha.

By this point I was basically done. I added a little flower (did make the face more interesting), her fins, some cute stubby arms. I could have said it was done there, but then I really started to think about what I would like from an iPhone cozy.

Last year a friend of mine gave me this awesome Hello Kitty cell phone cozy that I used all summer. It had a strap so I just wore it like a mini purse/wallet. I stuck my ID in there, my money, my credit cards, my chapstick (if I felt like wedging it in there). It was a real tight squeeze though and a pain when I wanted. I was thinking about this as I worked on this project and I thought about what could have been added to that bag my friend gave me to make it better.

I already added a hole at the bottom for the head phones to come out, so the charger part is up where the flap is and the phone could be kept in the cozy, with the headphones, in while charging (this may seem like a "whatever" type of thing, but it actually WAS a bit of an issue with my over cozy.

More needed to be done though and I thought about all the stuff I tried to wedge in my little cozy. It really wasn't very safe for me to have things like my ID, money, and credit cards wedged in with my phone. I took out my phone so often, any of that stuff could have fallen out and gotten lost. A separate pocket for that stuff though, would be perfect! I could take out my phone as much as I wanted and the rest of that stuff would be safe.

When I decided to make the pocket I wasn't sure at first what colour it should be. Then I thought it would be even MORE perfect if I made it "invisible" so no one would even know it's even there unless they checked it out.

I wanted to add a strap as well so it could be worn like I worn my other one. I debated adding yet another pocket to it just to wedge the strap in, but was concerned that it was was going to start getting too bulky. I figured that the crocheted material had enough yarn that if I (or someone else) wanted to tuck the strap away they could wedge it in the secret pocket too. Or in with the phone itself.

I wanted the strap to be able to be tucked away for times when the cozy wasn't worn but put in a bag or pocket or something. It was really annoying when the strap from my other one would get tangled up with other things.

Overall, I loved this project. It was an unexpected success and I'm really looking forward to making more of these in the future. In fact I might...real soon. ;) There's really not more I can say except that. This was a lot of fun and I'm proud I made something cute AND functional.

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures right now with my phone actually IN the cozy, because my iPhone is my camera D: But when I get the chance I'm going to borrow my fiance's phone and take some more pics of the cozy "in action."

For now you'll just have to enjoy these :)