maryMCK

2012-01-14T09:43:00.001-08:00

Finally broke out my spinning wheel in our new house. Merino batts core spun over commercial cotton. I still can't find my knitty noddy, but some coat racks I haven't found a new home for worked in a pinch. There's 120 yards, now to find a project!

Found the crochet hook!

2012-01-13T13:22:00.001-08:00

The beginning of an idea. Rediscovering my love of free-form crochet/texture.

2012-01-08T11:18:00.001-08:00

On the hunt for one of the bazillon crochet hooks I own but can never find. This is my "extra" needle bin. I rarely use anything from here but considering 90% of these belonged to my mom/grandma I'll never be able to get rid of them. I like to think they bring me good crafting vibes.

Hey girl

2012-01-06T14:44:00.000-08:00

Hey girl,

Sorry it's been so long. I promise I will be back soon.

Love, M

Unexpected perks of motherhood

2010-04-13T11:07:00.000-07:00

Suddenly it's a whole lot easier to schlep my sewing machine to be serviced

-- Post From My iPhone

Rainy Days Be Damned

2010-03-30T13:48:00.000-07:00

I have a Liberty of London coffee mug and I know how to use it!

Giant Knitted Animals? Yes Please!

2010-03-17T18:51:00.000-07:00

Who wants to make a giant argyle giraffe? I do! I do!

Lion Brand isn't where I normally look for amazing and inspiring knitting but man, these photos have me sketching up a storm and trying to figure out how I can rearrange Dori's room to accommodate stuffed animals that are 4ft tall. Who needs a crib? I hear they're overrated.

PS Happy St. Patrick's Day! While there was no holiday knitting, there was a holiday themed outfit

You're Welcome.

Manny the Marshmallow Kits

2010-03-09T10:22:00.000-08:00

Did you miss the City Bakery's Knit night, but still have a hankering to make Manny the Marshmallow? Brooklyn General just made up some great kits! Only $10 for all the supplies(yarn, embroidery floss, stuffing, DPNs) and a print out of the pattern. Super exciting!

Here's a visual recap of my day

2010-03-04T13:29:00.001-08:00

-- Post From My iPhone

LeSigh

2010-03-02T09:46:00.000-08:00

Pattern drafting with colored LePens. It makes me happier than is entirely appropriate.

a Dear John of the weather variety

2010-02-26T10:05:00.000-08:00

Dear Snow,

Please stop trying to sweet talk me with pretty views out my window and a napping baby. I've moved on with spring, it's over.

Love, me

-- Post From My iPhone

Manny the Marshmallow

2010-01-24T19:16:00.000-08:00

What's better than marshmallows in hot chocolate? Marshmallows anytime you want!

Manny was designed for Brooklyn General's workshop at The City Bakery's 18th annual Hot Chocolate Festival knit night, February 18th from 7-10pm. If you want to learn how to make Manny in person, just stop by the event or click here for the pattern!

Getting back to business

2010-01-14T17:04:00.000-08:00

For the last few years, I have purposely crafted my work life to make having a kid "easy." Easy is in quotes because it's one of those words I used pre-motherhood that I don't think even passes my lips anymore. Motherhood is many many many things (and most of them wonderful) but easy is not one of them. I would talk about how I was so lucky to be able to have the kind of job that I can work and stay home with our child. I now would like to time travel back a few years and give my naive former self a good wallop.

But that being said, I have started to get back into the design business and am lucky enough to work with wonderful choreographers who don't mind me bringing Dori with to rehearsal.

She loves watching the dancers, not to mention the chance to show off El Tigre (she smile stalks people. She will stare a person down until they look at her and then break into a 1000 watt smile that causes anyone with in 10 feet of her to ooh and ahhh. We're working on teaching her to use her powers for good and not evil. Not sure where to find the flash cards for emotional manipulation, but I digress.) Now we just have to work on getting any sort of sewing done during daylight hours(have mentioned the kid isn't a napper) and things may soon be back on track

Rough Job, I Know

2009-11-04T10:20:00.000-08:00

So as part of one of my part-time gigs, I have to look through the weekly tabloids. I wish I could say I was above them, but really I love them and all their horrible tackiness. Right up there with 80's fashion and Cheese Wiz. This gem of an article was in last weeks InTouch

Part of me is incredibly horrified the other part is all like, dude where do I get Dori a leopard print poncho? I have to draw the line at gigantic flower headbands, but that is just a personal choice, right up there with acrylic yarn and faux hawks

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T11:24:00.001-07:00

Ladybug Time!

2009-10-24T11:57:00.000-07:00

As you can see in the photo I have some ends to weave in and black dots to add but over all Dori's Halloween costume is almost done! With a week to spare no less.

Anyone want to lay down a wager those dots are going to be added around 1am the night before Halloween?

-- Post From My iPhone

2009-10-22T16:36:00.001-07:00

So taking pictures of peoples outfits anonymously via iPhone and ridiculing them on one's blog is catty and mean. I had to remind myself of that SEVERAL times today walking through Soho for work. It was like Ugly Betty Exploded all over Broadway. I may be wrong but I think 6" heels are a wee bit over kill while standing in line at the bank, no? All though this is coming from a woman whose new fashion objective is to not leave the house with any visible spit up/milk stains.

This also comes from a woman who is not so secretly living out her Punky Brewster fantasies on her child

And who also might put her child in all things holiday related until the child can verbally beg her not to

But thankfully that day is far far away

Apparently somebody else at Coffee Den has a thing for mermaids too

2009-10-21T08:02:00.000-07:00

-- Post From My iPhone

Meet Sydney the Stash-Busting Snake

2009-10-20T05:51:00.000-07:00

I've had the idea for Sydney for awhile, but it took a bit to work out the details to make him coil on his own (funny what lack of sleep will do to your knitting skills). basically he's just a three row repeat with short rows, switching up the colors as you choose. pretty simple, and a great way to practice wrap and turn short rows if you're just learning.

And best of all he's Free!(pattern link)

The sample is knit in Lamb's Pride Bulky (by the lovely Kusi Coya), but anything would do. Just make sure all the scraps are roughly the same weight, or switch up your needle size accordingly so the fabric stays tight, and you will have one interesting looking snake :)

The Grand Marshall of the Parade Makes Her Apperance

2009-06-16T15:29:00.000-07:00

So not the finished object I was expecting to post, but the most important one by far. Welcome to the world Doreen Mae Kelly

Born June 13th 8:26am 7lbs 8ozs 20 3/4”

And I have to say, the kid has spectacular timing, I went into labor about 6 hours after finishing her crib skirt. She was apparently very excited that her mother managed to make matching curtains and crib skirt, BEFORE she was even born. She just had to see them in person.

The rest of her room still looks like a tornado hit it, but dammit, her crib looks awesome.

And the Parade Begins....Shortly

2009-06-11T06:45:00.000-07:00

So things are getting down the wire here in the McKenzie/Kelly household, only 6 days till my due date. Due to blood pressure that would just not behave itself I have been doing a lot of hanging out around my house on modified bed rest for the last few weeks. Actually not to bad of a gig, I don't just have to stay in bed, I really just had to cool it on the compulsive Ikea runs, oh and working.

That leaves time for a lot of nesting/crafting. Unfortunately the sun has decided to take a vacation from NYC this week, making photographic proof of the crafting kinda impossible. Here's a shot of my finished Hemlock Ring Blanket(Ravelry) to wet your appetite and I promise a Finished Object Parade will begin shortly, or as soon as the weather Gods permit

Again with the mermaids

2009-05-20T08:44:00.001-07:00

Saw this at my local coffee shop. Not sure why she's so angry but I kinda like it

-- Post From my iPhone

Seriously

2009-04-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

I hate to admit it, but in college I had a brief love affair with Kate Spade. Sadly it all had to end when I moved to Chicago and every Northwestern Sorority girl was carrying a Kate Spade like their life depended on it. There have been a few times since that I have been reminded of exactly why the break up was neccecary (like here) but dear God, never so much as when I walked passed this window display near my office.

The woman has gone and lost her damn mind.

Magnum P.I-tastic

2009-04-24T06:34:00.001-07:00

My new obsession,

More the screen printing with felt, less Robert Pattinson. Thought the recipient of the pillow was definitely more thrilled with the Robert Pattinson aspect.

The technique is something I really want to explore more. Here is my second go around

Not sure if it's going to end up a pillow or just framed. But one thing's for sure, nothing says Friday like a little Tom Selleck

Who"s got two thumbs, and in extreme need of stitch markers?

2009-02-03T05:41:00.000-08:00

This girl.

An Open Letter

2009-01-05T19:25:00.000-08:00

To every pregnant woman that I have ever made a comment about your body, I am sorry. I had no idea what an asshole I probably sounded like. I’m sure the comments were meant to be complementary. I was probably thinking of how cute and adorable you look, but I would still never have made those comments if you were not pregnant. It’s not a topic most women are comfortable with, and shouldn’t become fair game just because you’ve been turned into a human incubator.

And why might you ask am I now apologizing for a comment I don’t even remember making? Well you see, Karma is a wicked bitch, and she knows how to put you in your place.

How else can you explain being 4 months pregnant, getting looked you up and down with a barely audible “tisk” and wide condescending eyes that settle on your growing stomach and hearing something to the effect of “ oh wow, look at you. How is your eating going?”

And because I didn’t want anymore karmic retribution, I refrained from punching them in the face. I’m expecting some karmic bonus points for that one. Do you hear me Karma? Bonus Points. Preferably in the form of a gifted massage or two, I think that is an excellent trade for good behavior.

Deal? Deal.

Imagine some clever witty Pretty in Pink quote here...

2009-01-01T18:46:00.000-08:00

Introducing Duckie!

Duckie is a clever fellow; he enjoys a good game of scrabble. Can probably beat the pants off you in Trivial Pursuit, and may or may not have a bit of a crush on Jeopardy’s Alex Trebek.

You can check him out in more detail on Ravelry or Etsy

Home Sweet Home

2009-01-01T11:20:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years everybody!

We are back in Brooklyn and seem to have brought the cold Chicago weather with us. Nothing that a cozy apartment and all day Bones marathon on TNT won't cure. It is also giving me the ample time I pretended not to have during the holidays to actually translate my written pattern notes into PDFs.

This is probably my least favorite part of pattern writing. No math, no knitting, just me and my serial killer chicken scratch. I wonder if I can make a deal with the Gremlins that steal my seam rippers. I will gladly buy them every type available if they would do a little transcribing. Not a bad deal eh?

The Church of Mr. T

2008-12-24T12:56:00.000-08:00

We are safe and sound in the Chicago Suburbs with a plethora of chips, dip and Grandmotherly love, though sadly no internet. As I write this from a McDonald's (don't ask, it was the closest place with wifi, sigh) with a Kenny G soundtrack, I just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas/Chanukah/whatever holiday you celebrate and leave you with a little bit more Mr. T festivity

It's almost like going to mass, almost.

Charming Holiday Traditions

2008-12-19T18:28:00.000-08:00

So in the Kelly household we seem to be starting a tradition. One in which we try to travel and are brutally re-buffed by the elements. Once again Mother nature has given us a big ole F-U and kept us in Brooklyn. Thought I have to say the universe isn't a total bitch, we were notified of our flight cancellation at midnight the night before and were able to re-book for later in the weekend. I have a feeling that wouldn't have been the case if we had waited till morning.

But the flight killing storm that rolled through NYC today did seem to kick off the holiday season in my mind. Today was the first time in 8 years I have wanted a Christmas tree, not to mention a little Baileys in hot chocolate. While I ended up with neither I did find this little gem on the internet

that my friends is how the Holidays are done, with a little bit of Mr. T

But Daddy, I Love Him....*

2008-12-14T20:19:00.000-08:00

Because who doesn't want a needle felted mermaid marionette?

*any resemblance to Ariel was completely unintentional and purely a random act of my subconscious. We'll ignore the fact that the husband and I still use a little mermaid alarm clock that plays Under the Sea as the alarm...I'm just saving it for the kid....maybe.

Why so blue, Panda Bear?

2008-12-08T21:29:00.000-08:00

This little guy was found in the impulse area of Ikea on our way out today. On our way out with nothing. Let me repeat that, NOTHING. Ikea has failed me for the first time ever and not even the yummy meatballs could cure the disappointment. They didn't even have lamp shades that would work with the lamps we just pulled out of the closet. It was a sad sad retail shopping day. Although I think what really made me sad is the thought of having to claw my way through the Target at Atlantic center for two freaking lamp shades, sigh.

knitting monogamy

2008-12-03T18:27:00.000-08:00

It takes quite the knitting pattern to keep me from straying. I get bored or start re-designing it or just end up knitting something completely different. It's almost never the pattern(I promise beautiful lace hoodie from Interweave, it's me, not you.) I just don't really have the temperament for following directions when it comes to making things. But all that was out the window when I started the Fiddlehead Mittens. They have become a sort of knit-a-long at Brooklyn General and I figured, eh why not, I've never knit mittens or fair isle. Lets just say I am a huge fan of both now.

Oh Fiddleheads, the fact that you were able to keep my attention through not one but two pieces of knitting and I still like you enough to knit you again, well It speaks very highly of you.

I am also ridiculously in love with the inside of the mittens. Having never done fair isle I am amazed at how pretty it looks on the back side.

see look

Isn't it the prettiest thing you've ever seen? Well maybe not the prettiest but between my enthusiasm for fair isle and my new love of Malibrigo I might be a little biased.

PS sorry for the crappy iphone photos my camera cord is apparently on some top-secret government mission at the moment.

Introductions are in order

2008-12-01T20:27:00.000-08:00

Why hello there, long time no post huh? well I do have an excuse this time that is fairly legit, I'd like to introduce Spider-Man the 1st/Princess Bunnycakes VonCutenstein.

Spidey/bunnycakes is 12 weeks old and finally letting his/her mother go an entire day with out wanting to dry heave all over Brooklyn. Needless to say we are ecstatic here in the McKenzie/Kelly household about the kid and the lack of dry heaving.

That also means many a project has been started for the the kid and with any luck could be finished by their 12th birthday. Fingers crossed.

Project updates soon....girl scouts honor..wait was that three fingers or four?

mmmm.....magic bacon

2008-12-01T20:16:00.000-08:00

One of the many many reasons I love my friend Wendy,

Just in time for a little work day procrastination

2008-10-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

I can't decide what's better, the yarn on the mantal or the handspun dirty talk lol

Meet Albee

2008-09-24T15:38:00.001-07:00

Posted with LifeCast

Getting Stabby, in a Good Way

2008-09-15T10:54:00.000-07:00

Last spring I joined the Handmade Pincushion Swap Group on Ravely. We've been through a few swaps so far but this guy is definitely my favorite. The theme was Alice in Wonderland, which handy for me has been an obsession since college. Combine that with my new obsession of needle felting and you get this guy

I had aspirations of needle felting the tree for him to sit in, but I came to my senses and am pretty pleased with the results. Now I need to get back to whole work I get paid for stuff, but it's not nearly as much fun, sigh.

Results From The Project Runway Session

2008-09-11T20:06:00.001-07:00

Posted with LifeCast

My Own Personal Project Runway This Evening. Sadly I Don't Have A Tim Gunn.

2008-09-10T15:22:00.001-07:00

Posted with LifeCast

I Might Have To Jump On The Malibrigo Band Wagon

2008-09-06T10:35:00.001-07:00

Posted with LifeCast

My Knitting Is Apparently A Djokovic Fan, Who Knew?

2008-09-04T22:08:00.001-07:00

Posted with LifeCast

Knitting and Rock Band, A Pretty Awesome Weekend

2008-09-01T11:19:00.001-07:00

Geolocate this post

Posted with LifeCast

The Sweater That Lived

2008-08-16T12:39:00.000-07:00

It's a rare ocurrence around here, but I actually finished something. I know, I know, I will give you a moment to collect yourselves. The sweater for Smax is finished! Also out of the ordinary it was finished with days to spare not even hours. I'll gloss over the part where it was technically finished in the San Fransisco airport at 3:50am after a 10 hour flight from JFK but I digress. The wedding was beautiful, filled with good people, amazing views (not to mention real estate) and a ridiculous amount of love for two of my favorite people in the world. And with out further adieu, let me present Sarah and Steve, and of course the sweater...

In which smax gets a sweater

2008-06-18T05:04:00.000-07:00

So just to keep with the "all pictures, very little words" theme of the blog so far, here is some more eye candy.

Meet Sarah Max's Sweater-to-be.

That would be a pile of the softest freaking fibers you could ever lay your hands on. Cashmere, silk, yak, camel, merino and angora to be exact.

mmmm...cashmere

New Blog Coming Soon!!

2008-06-09T14:19:00.000-07:00