friday faves.

music:

tinyfolk - mary poppins (hello shark cover)

etsy:

this print from NEW! seller formeforyou

food:

Funnel cake!!!! dave and i made some the other night from an old amish cookbook.  if anyone would like the recipe, lemme know!  even though we didn't have a funnel, they were lovely. we ate them so quickly i didn't have a chance to take a proper photo.  apparently, someone on flickr was able to excersize enough restraint...

untitled by rachel a.k. on flickr!

------------------------------------

my film still hasn't come back, i'm getting far too excited to check the mail.  i hope there are a few good shots.  

it seems like everyday i have off it is extremely gloomy.  today is the grey-est day.  i don't know how i'm going to get anything done.  i just want to drink coffee and read books.

<3

knitxcore.

friday faves.

music:

Happiest lion - Boys like me (paul baribeau cover)

reading:

my family and other animals by gerald durrell

an incredible summer read!  travel without leaving your block.

coveting:

this hat by etsy seller onnesti

i love it more than anything, it's just kinda out of my price range.

harmonica necklace by nycbird

a tiny, working harmonica.  nuff said.

i have to start getting ready for work, so i'm cutting this short.

i should have my first 2 rolls of holga film back in less than a week.

keep yours eyes peeled!

<3

knitxcore.

bubbles.

so, it's my day off.

i like to get bubble baths  (lush's karma bubble bar is my fave but mr. bubble runs a close second) and listen to this american life.

i chose episode #238 and by the end of act 1, i  was in tears.

it was about a mother dying of lung cancer who made a video for her developmentally disabled daughter to remember her.

it was soooooo incredibly sweet.

------------------------

first aid kit- tiger mountain peasant song (fleet foxes cover)

this is so raw and beautiful.  i need to order their album.

<3

knitxcore.

friday faves.

listening:

tinyfolk

drinking:

mellow mood tea from good4you - i have trouble falling asleep, i think too much when i'm laying down.  this magical elixir has me out cold in about an hour.

waiting:

i bought a holga on ebay.  it's being shipped from hong kong, but it was really cheap so i guess it's worth the wait.

have a great weekend and stay dry in the great northeast.

<3

knitxcore.

prism.

i've been thinking about light a lot recently.

so i bought lil' prism to hang in my doorway.

according to feng shui, a crystal should be placed where steps lead to a door to create a greater and smoother energy flow.

at first i was sad and thought i put it in the wrong space, or it didn't work right or something.

but later in the day, i went to get the mail and found these lil' light fairies on the wall:

i found this reasonably priced one on etsy from jerseyjewel and right now everything is  15% off, if you buy 2 or more items.  she's quite a lovely shopkeep <3

-------------------------

elvis perkins in dearland - shampoo

<3

knitxcore.

easter parade.

free pattern @ wee wonderfuls.

i spent most of the day yesterday watching chitty chitty bang bang and sewing the wonderful little creatures to give as gifts.

the pattern was pretty simple, i just drew on the fabric to make the face and embroidered over it.  instead of weighted stuffing, i tossed some navy beans in the bottom of each one.

i really do have a billion things to do today, and i haven't even had any coffee yet.

have a great easter :-)

---------------------------

fred astaire and judy garland - easter parade

<3

knitxcore.

1957.

i bought a really old camera on ebay.

i love it more than anything.

i hope it's good for ghost hunting in the forest.  

it didn't say in the description.

i'm knitting a sock, but the yarn keeps splitting.  

i really like the way it looks so i'm determined to finish it.

i really should be cleaning today, it's gotten quite dusty.

______________________

billie the vision & the dancers - i miss you

<3
knitxcore.

the 59 sound.

i'm going to see these guys tonight.  YAY!

---------------------------

the gaslight anthem - the 59 sound

<3

knitxcore.

learning to love you more: assignment #11

take a photograph of a scar and write about it.

(1995) i stayed with my grandparents all summer that year. they gave me a camera, a stack of national geographics, some acrylic yarn and a crochet hook to keep me busy. We went on tons of day trips. Antique malls, farms, fishing... one of those day trips was to skyline drive. it's 105 mile trail along the crest of the blue ridge mountains. we had quite a long day, punctuated with nature walks and tiny waterfalls. at the top there was a small gift shop where i bought a book about drawing flowers. there was also a lil lookout point where you could sit down or take pictures. you know what it's like when you're a moody tween and you can do everything? well, i wanted my family @ home to see just how great the view was. i walked a little to close to edge, and took quite a spill down the side of the ol' blue ridge mountains. that polaroid was the result of my clumsiness. i haven't seen my paternal grandparents since that summer. all i have left is this scar, the polaroids and half of a crocheted tote bag.

___________________________

this frontier needs heroes - marxists and marigolds

<3 

knitxcore.

a week of favorites: day 7

i love shoofly pie more than almost any food.it's so rich and gooey.
it was a surprise from dave, along with a huge jar of local blueberry honey.the man knows what i like :-)

"Shoofly pie (or shoo-fly pie) is a pie considered traditional among the Pennsylvania Dutch and also known in Southern cooking.  The term "shoo-fly pie" first appeared in print in 1926.[1] The pie gets its name because the molasses attracts flies that must be "shooed" away."

-wikipedia.com

_________________________

lykke li and bon iver- dancdancedance

(she's so cute!)

<3

knitxcore.

a week of favorites: day 6

these owls are hanging up in my bathroom.  

they make me smile. the one on the right is from dave's aunt.  

she was going to sell it at a yard sale, but i had to have it. i found his mate on etsy.

________________________________________

soko - i'll kill her

<3

knitxcore.

a week of favorites: day 5

i've loved gnomes ever since i was a lil' boy.

i have them hidden all over the house.

i even have a big one that lights up.

____________________________________

chantal goya - david le gnome

<3

knitxcore.

a week of favorites: day 4

tiny marshmallows! i could eat a whole bag.

i did actually, one day for lunch.

______________________________

stephanie dosen - it's only getting better.

(she's quite a fantastic knitter!)

<3

knitxcore.

my favorite book. 

this collection of short stories is quirky, original, childish (in the best way possible, i mean), and uncomfortable at times.  

if you pick it up, read "the swim team", first.

__________________________

me, you and everyone we know - fish scene

<3

knitxcore.

a week of favorite things: day 2

i still feel gross.  i've been walking around in a dayquil haze for 2 days now.

another one of my favorite things is roller skating.

it seems like no matter how much time passes, it's always 1975 at the roller rink.

when i was a kid, our parents would drop us off on friday night with $6, and for 2 hours a week it was bliss, it was xanadu!

simpler times, i guess?

----------------------------------------

olivia newton john & elo - xanadu

<3

knitxcore.

a week of favorite things.

i saw this @ meetmeatmikes, and after my post yesterday i thought i would join in.

old records. i love the the tiny imperfections of a well loved LP.

i like when they sound a little scratchy, and even when they skip a little.

they're like friendly little ghosts.

there's a thrift store nearby where you can get 20 for $2.

it's like buying someones memories at a penny candy store.

______________________________

nina simone - feelings.

nina simone is one of my favorites, too :-)

watch it!  you won't be disappointed.

<3

knitxcore.

snow.

it snowed all night last night.

i didn't have to work today, so it wasn't a huge deal.

i feel kinda sick, anyway.

i waited all day for the black apple update on etsy.

recently, i've become sort of obsessed with her art.

apparently, i can't tell time.

i missed the whole thing, except for one $700 original.

i don't have a spare $700 laying around anywhere.

i checked the couch cushions and in between the mattress and boxspring.

we're having lentils and sausages for dinner (from apples for jam), so maybe it'll turn my day around.  it's one of my faves from tessa's lovely book.

what's your favorite comfort food?

_______________________________________

chantal goya - ce matin, un lapin...

this is definitely another one of my favorite things.

<3

knitxcore

felicity.

love this hat.
pretty sure i'm gonna wear it everyday.

Pattern Particulars

Pattern Source: free ravelry download : felicity 
Needles: addi turbos 16" circular US size 8 and 9.
Materials: malabrigo worsted merino in glazed carrot.
Time: 2 hours?
loved: the fit!!!!
hated: nothing.

mods: i casted on 90, instead of 70 and started with 8's and switched to 9's.

________________________

it's a musical - lazy artist

(cutest video ever!)

<3

knitxcore.

old folks need glue.

valentine for charity. 

hand embroidered on linen.  

handmade envelope.

this took wayyyyy longer than it should have, but don't all the good FOs?  i was originally going to just embroider right on the cardstock, but i punked out at the last second.  i'm super in love with the envelope, too!  i just made it up as i went, and i came out perfect.  i didn't write anything inside b/c i hate cards that are already written out.  they're usually kinda cheesy, or just kinda sad.  

i keep drawing this lil' guy on everything. i love him :-)

SnailMail Valentines will be online @ Fredflare.com and in the brooklyn shop around the end of the month.
proceeds go to elder craftsmen. a NYC based organization that brings craft workshops to local senior citizens.

___________________________________

Of Montreal - Id Engager

i just can't get enough of them recently.

this is from their new album "skeletal lamping"

<3

knitxcore.

another gift for a co-worker.

based on the pattern from last minute gifts. i used seed stitch instead of the thermal pattern b/c i had to finish this quickly. the mushroom is needle felted on with lambs pride. the teapot is a vintage arnel, found on etsy.

it was kinda hard to give this one up. i almost gave them something else. i've been searching ebay to find another of the same teapot for myself.

i have so much to do today, and all that i've done so far is read blogs and watch kate bush videos on youtube. i'm such a slacker.

my to do list is jam packed today:

-vacuum

-mop

-bake bread for dinner tonight

-go grocery shopping

-put away xmas gifts

-do load of laundry

-make bed

-put away decorations

-take down tree

-fill up the fish tank...

it just keeps going. i haven't even got a shower yet. all i want to do is darn some socks and read a book. i guess if i can chug enough coffee, i'll get moving. maybe.

what do you do to get motivated?

-----------------------------------------

Kate Bush - Wuthering Heights (i'm currently reading it, actually...)

i know this video is for accquired tastes,and 90% of people will hate it. i just can't get enough. she's soooo magical...

<3

knitxcore.

happy new year.

i resolve to:

1. excersize everyday; it's a good habit.

2. buy handmade or vintage in every situation possible.

3. stick to my schedule and to-do lists.

did you make resolutions this year?  what are they?

_______________________________________

ABBA - Happy New Year

<3

knitxcore.

i didn't feel like making cookies for all of my co-workers this year.

other people in the store already told me that they would be baking, and i didn't want to steal their thunder or overwhelm everyone with piles of baked goods.

i opted, instead, for mini-terrariums in canning jars.

i used pebbles and potting soil i had on hand and picked up jars from the grocery store.

the vintage deer and tree picks are from HeyYoYo's etsy shop.

i picked up a bag of moss (for frog terrariums) on ebay and VOILA!!!!  easy, unique gifts!

my only regret is not taking better pictures, but it was dark and rainy so those were the best i could do...

what handmade gifts did you give this year????

____________________________________________

Mama Cass Elliot　-　Make Your Own Kind Of Music

i just can't get enough 60's-70's music.

<3

knitxcore.

happychristmas.

pointy kitty.

another gift FINISHED. YAY!!!!

free wee wonderfuls download. 

vintage tweed from etsy seller MsLegacySews.  

the tweed kept pulling apart, but i just couldn't imagine it in any other fabric. it was worth the extra work. 

i'm almost finished all the handmade x-mas gifts.

----------------------------------

holiday entertaining special!!!!!

Charles Phoenix's Astro-Weenie Christmas Tree

<3

knitxcore.

MixTapE MonDAY: christmas edition

I. Sufjan Stevens - The Friendly Beasts

II. Saddle Creek Records - Little Drummer Boy

III. Sufjan Stevens - Get Behind Me, Santa!

IV. Bright Eyes - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

V. Bright Eyes - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

VI. Rilo Kiley - Christmas Cake

VII. Sufjan Stevens - Come On!  Let's Boogey to the Elf Dance!

<3

knitxcore.

the owls are not what they seem.

gift number 2 = finished!

the owl transfer i used is from sublime stitching.  

the awesome faux bois hoop is from michaels.

it took about a week, but i didn't really a big block of time to just stitch away.

i'm pretty sure the recipient doesn't read my blog but he's really into twin peaks and "the owls are not what they seem" is a clue THE GIANT gives to Agent Cooper.  researching twin peaks got me sort of intrested in the show, i've only watched a handful of episodes though.  so don't give anything away in the comments :-)

so that leaves like 5 more gifts to make, at least.  

what are YOU working on??????

_______________________________________________

Hair (1979)- Good Morning, Starshine

i love to watch this clip as soon i get up, it makes me smile.

<3

knitxcore.

WIP Wednesday.

too many to even count.

hopefully everyone will recieve some sort of gift.

i may have overwhelmed myself just a little.

__________________________________

cat stevens - peace train.

(i watch this almost everyday.)

<3

knitxcore.

it's my birthday!!!!!! YAY!!!!

_______________________________________

The Sugarcubes - Birthday (English)

late to the party.

MY FAMILY AND OTHER ANIMALS.

it seems like everyone in blogland has already watched this movie or read the book.

i finally got a chance to watch it tonight.  it's was adorable and soooooo very nice to look at.  the whole movie could be a spread in french vogue.  i swear.  don't take my word for it, go watch it.

My family and other animals

<3

knitxcore.

if you want to sing out...

harold and maude is one of my favorite movies.

films just aren't as special anymore.

when was the last time a movie actually meant something to you?

any suggestions?

<3

knitxcore.

blank.

i'm trying to post everyday this month.

i wear this one hat everyday, and people always compliment it.  i made it out of cheap-o homespun years ago.  i always direct people to my shop if they say they like it.  but, i don't have any for sale.  i guess i should whip some up.

I'm waiting for the water to boil.  I'm making baked macaroni and cheese.

it rained all day, but i kinda like when it rains.  maybe b/c i'm a scorpio?

-----------------------------------

The Rifle by Alela Diane (official music video)

<3

knitxcore.

  

change that we can believe in.

mixtape monday.

whimsy

  (hwĭm'zē, wĭm'-) 

also whim·sey n., pl. -sies also -seys.

1. An odd or fanciful idea; a whim.
2. A quaint or fanciful quality: stories full of whimsy.

[Probably from whim-wham, fanciful object.]

playlist.

1. Vashti Bunyan - Glow Worms

2. Chantal Goya - Un Lapin (A Rabbit)

3. Butterfly Ball - Love is All

4. Joanna Newsom - Monkey & Bear

5. Theme from Amelie

[photo via Shorpy]

early x-mas.

i finished my first xmas gift!!!!  these are for dave's niece.

i embroidered a free pattern from wee wonderfuls on a piece of linen i had sitting in the fabric stash and used vintage tweed i found on etsy for the back.  i really need to take a picture of it, it's fantastic!

one down, ten to go...

who else is trying to stick to handmade gifts this year???

___________________________________________________

Little Self Centred Queen - Clare Bowditch

i wanna play musical chairs.