madam0wl

This just in from madam0wl.stitches...

2021-04-30T08:39:00.001-04:00

This afghan* popped up in my Google Photos memories from 6 years ago this week so I thought I would share as that was prior to this IG account. Now that I am working more I haven't been able to #crochet as much lately (which is OK, my current creative outlet is putting together #secondhand outfits to wear to work)... but seeung this photo I am inspired to start up a series of afghans for family & friends. Afghans are far easier to meditatively sit and work a few rows on each day instead of oh I don't know wasting time scrolling social media... *6 years ago I made this afghan to ship up to Iowa as a comfort gift for my Dad who was entering last month of his life. I am grateful I was able to fly up there myself a few weeks later in order to help as he started in-home hospice care. RIP "LD" 5/29/15 I believe mom still has the afghan in use in her apartment and I hope it becomes a family heirloom much like the ones we have from Grandma Dargin (his mom). I have made a couple more afghans since then, which Stew & I have claimed, so now it is time to make some for the boys. (I believe Grandma Dargin made one for each of her grandkids.) via Instagram

This just in from madam0wl.stitches...

2021-01-24T11:39:00.001-05:00

Another weekend morning hat. This one in a "grape" color to match a fave pair of boots. As I was checking the fit in the mirror Stew asked me if I have ever counted how many hats I have. It was 8 in the general vacinity (handmade ones I have worn this season) and there are 13 more handmade ones in closet drawers, plus 6 purchased handmade/secondhand/inherited and 1 purchased new in 1990s. So 28 in personal collection. That is fairly average right? LOL #crochetersofinstagram #crochettherapy #crochet #crochetaddict #handmade via Instagram

This just in from madam0wl.stitches...

2020-11-21T13:39:00.001-05:00

Another Saturday morning hat, this time in a chunky blue yarn and a modification of a #yarnspirations Slouchy Peaked Cap pattern. #crochettherapy #crochet #crochetersofinstagram #crochetaddict #handmade via Instagram

This just in from madam0wl.stitches...

2020-11-15T13:39:00.001-05:00

Felt the need for some #crochettherapy so cranked out a beanie between breakfast and lunch. #crochet #wanderlustbeanie pattern by @kirstenhollowaydesigns (with a couple small variations of my own) done up in solid black this time to show off the texture, plus I wanted a new black hat to add to my collection. Has been several months w/o a completed crochet project, feels good to make the time to get the mojo back. #crochetersofinstagram #crochetaddict #handmade via Instagram

This just in from madam0wl.stitches...

2020-09-20T14:39:00.001-04:00

Well it has been about 3 months but we finally sat down and finished the commissioned troll hat today. I cut more yarn, Milo untwisted, Stew brushed out sections and I crocheted them into the hat. I imagine he'll take it into work tomorrow for the guy who wanted it for his daughter. Glad to see it go as I haven't wanted to start another project while it still needed finishing. Grateful for my helpers. ❤ #crochet via Instagram

From facebook...

2020-08-06T07:45:00.001-04:00

I always say the beach reminds me of Iowa... it's the breeze and being able to see the clouds on the horizon. via Facebook

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2020-08-01T21:49:00.003-04:00

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2020-08-01T21:49:00.001-04:00

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2020-07-30T16:54:00.001-04:00

Got Wiley his community college ID and parking pass this morning. He'll have 2 classes there, one in person class on M/W and the other all online, plus every 3rd week (?) he'll have in person afternoon classes at high school, the rest being online. Out of the options he chose that weird "going back" option, I think because it will be his Senior year and he hopes some form of Band will remain. So frustrating to not know what to expect and sad that it won't be typical Senior experience. But glad we were able to get him in these two community college classes because they are "Intro to Simulation and Game Design" and will help him decide if that is really what he wants to go into. via Facebook

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2020-06-27T20:28:00.007-04:00

22 years today! Stew likes to look up what traditional anniversary gifts are, this year he made me a flower out of copper piping. 💗

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This just in from madam0wl.stitches...

2020-06-26T08:39:00.001-04:00

Had a mid-week "3 day weekend" and for most of it the boys were gone camping, so in a quiet house I was able to disappear into some projects mom-guilt free. Got my closet pared down and reorganized (winter stuff stored and ill-fitting clothes out to donate or repurpose). Finished the beanie & ears for commissioned troll hat & started on the hair. And yesterday for fun I started and finished a little C2C (corner to corner) butterfly. (pattern by @thepurpleponcho ) 🦉 Back to work this afternoon through Monday. and today is pay day, yay! #crochet #crochettherapy #crochetaddict #crochetersofinstagram #handmade #secondhand #thrifted #closet #slowfashionseason via Instagram

This just in from madam0wl.stitches...

2020-06-22T22:39:00.001-04:00

Haven't been crocheting as much but have been enjoying figuring out what to wear to work at the consignment store. @secondflinginc Coincidentally much of what I have worn so far has been purchased there over the years, or just in past month as I have been on the lookout while straightening up the racks. Case in point, I wore these funky wrap "shorts" to work today knowing my co-worker would get a laugh out of them as we had been stumped about them the other day. I had brought them to the counter while straightening because at first I thought it was a skirt that was hung on wrong rack and she was like "no girl, look at the tag, they are shorts... they have been here years now, none of the customers know what to think of them." So I was intrigued and took them off the hanger to investigate and sure enough they were sort of a wrap skirt / gaucho short combo. When I saw they had bottomed out price wise to like $2 I decided to buy them because I love a "lonely orphan" / unusual design garment, especially in a loud colorful floral print, and 100% silk too. Once home I moved two of the buttons so I could fasten & wrap them tighter (was tagged a size 22) and thought they looked cute pulled up and tied highwaist over a simple black top (which I had found and purchased at end of yesterday's shift). Today's outfit made me happy as reminded me of something Grandma Long might have worn. It was a hot day today and at times can get warm in the store, but these were nice & lightweight. 👍 And fun side note- after googling the label "Noreen Phillips, Antigua W.I" it looks like they originated from a famous Caribbean designer owned /couturier shop of same name and were probably close to $100 originally! @noreenphillipscouturiere #secondhand #wardroberemix #wardrobe_remix #slowfashionseason via Instagram

From facebook...

2020-06-10T14:14:00.001-04:00

"Caught in the rain during our walk so may as well stay standing in it to take a selfie" selfie. Cyrus took off running when it started so was already inside with his clothes in the dryer. via Facebook

This just in from madam0wl.stitches...

2020-06-07T14:39:00.001-04:00

I haven't been crocheting much since that second fat cat project about 3 weeks ago, because... I got a part-time job! In early March I had applied for a part-time Sales Associate job at my favorite local consignment store (👋 @secondflinginc ) and once they reopened in mid May I got hired and started getting trained same day. It has been fun to work outside the home again, especially in an environment I enjoy, but it has taken some getting used to time management wise here at home. Now that it has been a few weeks I am settling in more and this morning I made time to finish a #crochet project (before Milo and I went out and mowed the lawn). He had requested a Fez hat for his big fat cat and I had started it last weekend. So this morning it just took a little bit to finish. It is my own improvised design, stabilized with black card stock on inside and I used a little stuffing too. We just have it secured with bobby pins right now. Next #crochet project will be another extended one, as it is another commissioned troll hair hat. Stew has said he will help (brushing out yarn strands) as it is for a work friend of his. #handmade #crochetersofinstagram #crochettherapy via Instagram

This just in from madam0wl.stitches...

2020-05-17T10:41:00.001-04:00

Wanted to try making a @yarnspirations #bernatyarn "fat cat stuffie" closer to the designed dimensions, but using the same bulky yarn I used for Milo's, which turned out jumbo sized. Which meant I followed same pattern but scaled down all the stitch counts. I got the body done a week ago, the face and ears a few days later and finished up hands, feet & tail this morning. I had time to do it due to a change in plans... we were going to head to the beach today but after some research I saw there were red flags for rip tides, 6 degrees cooler than here inland with a chance of rain, AND the public access parking areas are open but bathrooms are still closed. #crochetersofinstagram #crochettherapy #crochetaddict #crochet #handmade via Instagram

This just in from madam0wl.stitches...

2020-05-09T16:46:00.001-04:00

I had seen @mooglyblog share a post about the @yarnspirations "Fat Cat Stuffie" pattern and had showed it to my fellow lover of cute, Milo, who ooooed and awwwwed about it with me. So I had decided I would make him one for his birthday once I was done with the #bernatblanketyarn color pooling blanket. Therefore I had about a week to work on it and then got delayed a few days when I needed to get more yarn, sourced from two separate places, one being @joann_stores curbside pick-up and the other my local WalMart. The pattern actually calls for worsted weight Bernat Baby Velvet yarn & a D hook, with cat to be approximately 10" by 10". But I had started it with some brown tone bulky weight #Bernat blanket yarn I had on hand, and an L hook... so it turned out twice as big LOL. And by yesterday's birthday I only had the base round body done plus ears (I improvised my own ears while pinching the top of body closed before last several rounds, since head was looking too cone-y), so I gave it to him that way and finished rest of details to his specifications this morning. It's so squishy! I kind of want one for myself now. Plus it would be fun to see the smaller version worked up as like a baby kitty next to this big daddy. #crochet #handmade #crochetersofinstagram #crochettherapy via Instagram

From facebook...

2020-05-08T19:36:00.000-04:00

This just in from madam0wl.stitches...

2020-05-08T09:16:00.001-04:00

Last day of this week's #havefunwithdressing2020 hosted by @dressing_dawn & @frisky_gatos is a challenge to "try new ways to layer." I like to think I layer like a champ on the regular so tried to think of what I could do to "make it fresh" as prompted. I thought about wearing this #thrifted #crochet crop top earlier this week so it was on top of a pile and it occurred to me I don't normally layer my #crochet pieces... so from top layer to bottom we have- #thrifted fast fashion crochet crop top; my #handmade #crochet black mesh convertible top; my handmade crochet sleeveless asymmetrical tunic; thrifted sundress; old capris; thrifted shoes. Oh I layered my dangly earrings too! OK now off to decorate cake & try to finish a gift for my youngest who turns 13 today OMG I am officially a mom of 3 teen boys now. #wardroberemix #wardrobe_remix #wiwt #ootd #secondhandfirst #slowfashionseason via Instagram

This just in from madam0wl.stitches...

2020-05-07T10:46:00.001-04:00

#havefunwithdressing2020 prompt was to "use accessories to switch up your look" so this is me turning back into my former Textile Design Lecturer persona, during which when I wasn't wearing some crazy print vintage dress, I was featuring jewelry I inherited from my Grandma Long's collection. She was the OG accessory queen, all hail Wavie Ellen. Happy to have a chance to wear some of her "gems" again, which I usually only do on special events & holidays these days. So this morning I put on ALL her wooden necklaces in a nice stack, her wooden bracelet, and wood clip-on earrings. The coordinating patchwork bag is #thrifted #vintage from my collection, and unseen brown clogs, black dress & leggings are #thrifted also. #wardroberemix #wardrobe_remix #wiwt #ootd #secondhandfirst #slowfashionseason via Instagram

This just in from madam0wl.stitches...

2020-05-06T13:11:00.001-04:00

Today's #havefunwithdressing2020 is to "Try a different way" and I harkened back to 2008 #wardrobe_remix / style blogger days when I was inspired by another blogger to wear a pair of old jersey knit gaucho pants (there was a craze for those in like '06?) as an off the shoulder top. (Check bio for link, I temporarily republished it from my all-set-to-hidden-drafts archives). I still had those gauchos up in my hoarde (of course I do) but when I fell down the google hole to find my original inspo (anyone remember the-coveted.com?) she had also mentioned you could do the same with a skirt. At first I was like hmmm how would that work (as with gauchos you have an actual sleeve [one of the legs]). So I pulled out some of my fave stretch waist skirts and gave it a go. Basically sticking your head & one arm out through the waist is enough to have a sort of cute poncho look. With this #thrifted tie dye skirt I wanted to keep it simple like that yet also add something to break it up and give some shape. In came the vest ftom Monday... which I can tie at the waist or leave open like this. I have my hair rolled around a headband (trying out a "loose waves" tutorial I saw @micha.bella share) and with the long earrings I realized I had a bit of a Ancient Rome vibe going. Thus the statuesque pose LOL. Definitely "having fun with dressing" today! #wiwt #ootd #secondhandfirst via Instagram

From facebook...

2020-05-05T15:55:00.002-04:00

This just in from madam0wl.stitches...

2020-05-05T12:11:00.001-04:00

"Pop" of color for #havefunwithdressing2020 challenge. In fact I had to edit the tones on this pic since this red was poppin' so much. It is a long ago #thrifted #vintage woven blouse that I haven't worn all that much and almost took off this morning but decided to stick with it because if not today then when really. It has cute details that are hard to see in an outfit shot, specifically a basket weave type yoke and buttoned puff sleeves. I was happy these also long ago #thrifted #vintage Levi's buttoned. Still a little snug but getting there. Red sandals are #thrifted too. Wearing DIY red/blue yarn earrings. #secondhand #wardroberemix #wardrobe_remix #wiwt #ootd via Instagram

This just in from madam0wl.stitches...

2020-05-05T09:11:00.001-04:00

Finished my second #bernat #colorpoolingcrochet blanket. Took about a month, as it looks like my first progress pic was from end of March. The first blanket I made with the yarn is still bagged up waiting for a fundraiser, but I think I will keep this one. Apparently this mixed batch of 6 different colorways from the sale bin at JoAnn were like the very last balls available, because when I started looking online for more, I found it is all out of stock. May have been discontinued as the reviews for it were pretty low, mostly due to people having issues with getting the pooling to work, but once I figured it out (from reading helpful comments online) it was easy peasy. Nice brain numbing work I could do while listening to something else. So I am sad I can't find anymore of it. Apparently you can do color pooling with any multi-color striping type yarn as long as the color lengths are consistent so maybe I will look into that. #colorpoolingblanket #crochet #crochettherapy #crochetaddict #crochetersofinstagram #handmade via Instagram

This just in from madam0wl.stitches...

2020-05-04T11:11:00.001-04:00

Going to do the #havefunwithdressing2020 challenge this week hosted by @frisky_gatos & @dressing_dawn as Monday is "play with patterns" and I just happened to have already put on my favorite #patchwork patterned dress before seeing their posts. Serendipity and all that happy horseshit. Also I guess my checkered Vans colored in with Sharpie can count as playing with pattern too. Outfit is #secondhand #thrifted except maybe the capris, they were probably Target clearance, but years ago so getting good use out of them. Plus this is an #outfitrepeater since a quick scroll shows I shared this vest/dress combo last July too. Oh well. #wardroberemix #wiwt #ootd #wardrobe_remix via Instagram

From facebook...

2020-05-01T18:05:00.001-04:00

Home is where the gold is. 💗🌈 via Facebook