My Happy Vida Loca!

This counts, right?

2005-09-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

Convertible Shorts Ken Originally uploaded by csabers. Not one of my better FOs, but an FO nonetheless. Adler asked me to make convertible shorts for Ken, which I did. You can see where they separate. They're a little on the Daisy Duke side (when separated), but Ken doesn't seem to mind.

R.I.P., Little Buddy...

2005-09-06T12:16:00.000-07:00

Feeling like a kid again...

2005-09-03T15:32:00.000-07:00

Summer vacation is now winding down and I have to admit that I'm a little sad. We've had such a good time I'm feeling a little of the back-to-school blues I can remember so vividly from my youth. Well, no matter - we've had lots of fun. It's time to reunite myself with this blog and my dear readers! I hope you all are well. I haven't been to Crochetville for almost 3 weeks - I don't know how

One Prize Left...

2005-08-16T11:43:00.000-07:00

So I still have one prize remaining from the flower contest - any Stitch Diva pattern. I've received lots of recommendations and most have suggested the Baroque Ladies' Jacket. I, however, have been waiting to see the new patterns coming out.Well, here it is: a hairpin lace cardi-wrap. Half cardigan, half shawl. Hmm...I'm not sure about this. Thoughts? Would you wear one?Oh, and I almost

I'm back!

2005-08-11T10:17:00.000-07:00

Miss me?I'm back from our camping trip. In fact, I've BEEN back since Sunday, but in addition to the 4 tons of gear I also seemed to have brought back some sort of virus that has been attacking me and giving me fever for 3 straight days.I finally went to see my doctor yesterday. Those of you who know me will know how sick I must have been for that to happen! Turns out I'm not going to die (now

Gone Campin’

2005-08-03T17:54:00.000-07:00

I'm off on vay-kay at Baker Lake.Come visit?See you when I get back!

I Guess I Have a FEW FOs...

2005-07-28T15:56:00.000-07:00

Tis finally summer in Seattle. Summer here, for those of you who don't know, is a 4-6 week period beginning the second week of July. And I'm telling you, we are weenies!As my mother likes to say, we don't tan, we mildew. When it gets to be in the upper 70s (or 80s!), we complain and flock to the nearest beach/movie theater/mall for the chance to cool down in air conditioned bliss.I must admit

It's a Different Country, Eh? (Part II)

2005-07-27T07:28:00.000-07:00

(Mostly crochet content!)While roaming the halls at Yaohan Centre in Richmond, B.C. I was delighted to find (gasp) a CRAFT STORE!Look what was in the window! JOY! Of course, THIS was there, too...To my dismay, the shop was closed; however, by the time we came out of the shop across the hall, the store had opened. With 40% off yarn racks in front, no less! The shopkeeper was less than thrilled

It's a Different Country, Eh? (Part I)

2005-07-20T07:03:00.000-07:00

(Note: no crochet content, but there's lots of photos!)Ever get that "I need to get the hell out of Dodge" feeling? How about out of the country?Well, since I live in Seattle, out of the country is achievable for me.The kids and I packed up and headed to Vancouver, B.C. last weekend to explore the city and have some "let the maid make the beds" fun.We were bummed to wake up to cold, cloudy,

I am a highly amusing, talented designer!

2005-07-15T12:10:00.000-07:00

Who knew?As I was catching up on my blog reading (blogstalking, as Lady Linoleum calls it), I was shocked to find ME the beneficiary of a shout out from Miss Kimberly. Thank you, Kimberly! You are so kind!Here's one right back at ya! AND, it turns out, flattery DOES get you everywhere. Guess what I'm doing with my KnitWhits kit? Hint: it yearns to live in the land of Clinique. Oh, yeah, and

Ok, who knits?

2005-07-14T14:23:00.000-07:00

Congratulations, Celeste - you've won 3rd prize in a crochet flower contest. Your prize is...a knitting kit?Now, I'm not dissing my fabulous prize or anything it's just that, well, I don't knit.Isn't this little flower cute? It's the May Rose kit from KnitWhits.What should I do with it?Now, as many of my fellow villagers can (and likely will) attest, many people both knit and crochet.

I was pretty sure I couldn't beat that dog...

2005-07-11T13:35:00.000-07:00

The results are in - I won THIRD PLACE in the Stitch Diva Flower Competition! Yeah! See all the winners here.Thank you all so much for your support of my "preppy flower". I appreciate it very much.Guess what my prize is? I get to pick any Stitch Diva pattern. Which one should I get? Check them out here and let me know. Also, there are new patterns coming out that I may hold out for. What

Biting fingernails...

2005-07-09T09:39:00.000-07:00

Well, voting has ended for the Stitch Diva Flower Competition. The winners were to be announced July 9; however, I noticed on the website it now says "Monday, July 9" (huh?). Looks like I'll have to wait a couple of days to find out how the preppy flower did!

Um, hello? Isn't this supposed to be a CROCHET blog?

2005-07-07T07:24:00.000-07:00

Ok, ok, I haven't crocheted at all this week (busy!) but I did manage to squeeze in a few projects over the holiday weekend that I haven't shown you yet. First is a Ribbon Hat for my friend Paula. This one is done in Cascade Alma with a Patons Divine band. It came out smaller than Kelly's, but still fits.Next is an I-Pod pocket for my friend Linda. This is done in Cascade Prisma. I didn't

My Very Own Engrish!

2005-07-06T07:09:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I went shopping with my friend Kathy, who was in search of misc. Chinese goodies to fill an apothecary cabinet. So we headed to the apothecary at Viet-Wah, where I discovered my very own Engrish!Here it is: Patch Remouing Pill. If whatever's inside helps me never to look like the model on the box - I'm in! (Is she dead?)Alas, this little treasure was the only real Engrish we

Stinkventure!

2005-07-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

Seattle was all abuzz last week about a very (VERY) stinky flower.It started on Monday when the Times ran an article about the giant Amorphophallus titanum that was about to flower. The aptly named "corpse flower", the largest flower in the world, hails originally from Indonesia and is difficult to coax into blooming, taking 8 years to grow into maturity.Anyway, ours, "Waldo", bloomed Wednesday

World's Ugliest Dog

2005-07-01T12:41:00.000-07:00

Yep - he's got MY vote! You can read more here.Speaking of votes - have you voted for my flower yet? Only one more week of voting in the Stitch Diva Flower Competition!

Happy Birthday, Lisa!

2005-06-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

I made a bag for my lovely red-headed friend, Lisa, modeled here by a not-so-willing Adler (please don't show my face, mom!)The bag has no formal "pattern" - I just worked from handles down and stopped at two skeins. I used Cascade Yarns Prisma and a mostly matching silk ribbon. The bag is lined, albeit poorly (If you've read this blog you know how I hate to sew!) AND I got to use one of my "

A Veritable Rainbow of Thready Goodness!

2005-06-28T07:23:00.000-07:00

Despite the fact that I live in a metropolitan area populated with oodles of crafty knitters and crocheters, I cannot find crochet thread anywhere. Well, that's not exactly true. I can find plenty of medicore quality, white or ecru in size 10. Apparently there's lot of people doing doilies out there. (Not that there's anything wrong with that, yarngirl!)What's a color-lovin' girl to do?Well,

Grandma's Scarf

2005-06-27T11:13:00.000-07:00

Grandma's Scarf Originally uploaded by csabers. Valerie asked me to make a scarf for her grandmother's birthday. Apparently, grandma likes blue feathers!I made a two-skein scarf out of Bernat Boa for grandma, modeled here by the lovely Maris.

Ready...Set...VOTE!

2005-06-24T09:34:00.000-07:00

Are you a Democrat? Republican? It doesn't matter! Please vote for me in the Stitch Diva flower contest.I made a bunch of Stitch Diva's flowers for the competition and submitted them, but I could only choose one. Here's my entry:Click here to be taken to my entry (you can only vote once): I may not have the best flower but I hope I have the most friends! I'm especially concerned about that

It was all a Buttercream Blur, Part II

2005-06-21T07:17:00.000-07:00

So, if you've read my last post you know I made FOURTEEN (14) dozen cupcakes over the weekend and that 8 were for a wedding.What about the other 6?Well, Sophie had her big kindergarten graduation celebration (say that three times really fast!) and we were treated to a "Smile Presentation" which was a slideshow of all the students one at a time - very cute! So, for the after party I made 4 dozen "

It was all a Buttercream Blur, Part I

2005-06-19T14:59:00.000-07:00

(No crochet content in this post!)So I spent most of my weekend making cupcakes. FOURTEEN (14) dozen cupcakes, to be exact, plus a 7" 2-layer chocolate cake as well. Crazy! You say.I agree!The first 8 dozen cupcakes were for Drew and Terra's wedding, which was held in Nathan and Adam's back yard. 4 dozen champagne cupcakes with white icing and 4 dozen chocolate with chocolate icing. Since there

Frangipani's Ribbon Hat

2005-06-18T08:48:00.000-07:00

Crochetville villager Frangipani created a pattern for this lovely Ribbon Hat, which I made for Kelly.After a struggle to find the right yarn, Kelly brought me some she found at The Fiber Gallery. It's Muench's Oceana, which is a multi-color viscose/nylon blend with little cotton flags.I loved working with this yarn! It's light and has a really nice feel. I think it would have been a cool hat,

I am WHAT?

2005-06-17T07:08:00.000-07:00

You are What Rejected Crayon Are You?

Ask and Ye Shall Receive...

2005-06-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

On Monday I mentioned I was going to try to do a Darth Vader helmet for Monkey, Adler's most loved possession.I did.Following are some WIP (work in progress) photos: I made the helmet using crochet nylon and the lens from a pair of Sophie's old sunglasses. The helmet is in two parts, helmet and face mask. The face mask is attached to the helmet at the top only and has a band around the

Groovy combo

2005-06-15T11:06:00.000-07:00

I made this back in February with some DMC embroidery floss I had leftover from Valentine bookmarks.This particular set is sized for Sophie's Groovy Girls, modeled here by the lovely Brenna.

Such a perfect zombie color!

2005-06-14T06:55:00.000-07:00

In reference to "Jealous Much?" below, several people have asked me what I sent to Lady Linoleum.What else would one send to Ms. Monster Crochet but a zombie tape measure? Duh! Can't even believe you had to ask!(lol)

got RSS?

2005-06-13T16:09:00.000-07:00

By request I've added an XML feed button to my header (see above).Have no clue what that means? Ignore this! :)

A sweater for Bunn

2005-06-13T12:14:00.000-07:00

When Will saw the hat I made for brother Eric's Po, he asked if I would make a dark blue button up sweater with a yellow moon on it for Bunn.Well, it took a while, but here it is. One navy blue, button up sweater with a yellow moon on it for Bunn.The hardest part, of course, was loaning Bunn for the fittings (Bunn is VERY well loved, as you can see!).Next...a Darth Vader helmet for Monkey (why

Jealous much?

2005-06-10T12:08:00.000-07:00

Chicken!Originally uploaded by csabers99. I love Lady Linoleum's site, Monster Crochet. I've been blogstalking there daily for several months now. Haven't been there? Check it out! She does some of the most creative and hilarious things I've ever seen in crochet. I also love reading her entries - she always sounds like someone I know.Anyway, imagine my surprise when the Lady herself left a

I Oughta be in Pictures!

2005-06-08T19:12:00.000-07:00

As much as I like to read people's "top 10" (or 100!) "facts about me", email surveys, personality profiles, etc. I rarely participate. Recently, however, I came across this meme from Kay at Mason-Dixon Knitting via Jessica at Rose-Kim Knits.Wanna join me? Great! Just put your link in the comments. I'd love to see yours!Here we go:The place I grew up:The place I live now:My name:My

Failed experiment

2005-06-06T07:08:00.000-07:00

Pineapple squareOriginally uploaded by csabers. I've been working on bookmarks lately for the Crochetville bookmark swap and noticed that everyone pretty much makes the same bookmarks since we're all accessing the same free patterns on the internet.I decided to try doing some vintage motifs in size 80 thread, put a tassel and chain on the diagonal and call it a bookmark.It didn't work.You can

"M"mmm..cake

2005-06-03T17:06:00.000-07:00

M is for Maris - happy birthday!This is my Flourless Chocolate Cake with Ganache Icing that I made up for my friend Susan who has gluten allergies. Today I made it for Maris.It's decadent and easy and quick to make. Here's the recipe:Celeste's Flourless Chocolate Cake1 lb. Semisweet dark chocolate (I use Trader Joe's "Pound Plus" 70% dark Belgian chocolate)10T. unsalted butter4 eggs1 T.

Found it!

2005-05-31T22:06:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a photo of a doily centerpiece I was trying to find the pattern for. Well, thanks to Rebecca at Crochetville, I now have the pattern. Rebecca recognized the centerpiece as "Wings" from a 1983 copy of Magic Crocet magazine.I was able to find a copy at ebay and received it today. Yeah! I'm still not sure if I can do this, but at least I have the pattern

Daring Danica

2005-05-31T11:15:00.000-07:00

This is a halter I made over the weekend for my friend, Danica. It's the"Brave New Bra Top" by Margaret Hubert from the Interweave Knits 2004 Crochet edition.I used 3 balls of Lily's Sugar'n Cream in cornflower blue. As you can see, 2 of the three balls were a different lot. I HATE that! Luckily, it doesn't show up as much in natural light (see below). I've never used the Sugar'n Cream

Why yes, I DO live in paradise!

2005-05-26T15:22:00.000-07:00

No crocheting today! In fact, not much working, either! I got to play hooky and go to the beach with Sophie's kindergarten class (and two others).It's a beautiful day here in Seattle. 84 (gasp) degrees. So of course we're all dying and worried about heatstroke (I'm not kidding!). We Seattleites are HUGE weather weenies!Anyway, had a blast at the beach. Today was an ultra-low tide day, which is

'Cause really - plain tape measures are soooo boring!

2005-05-25T09:47:00.000-07:00

Pinky tape Originally uploaded by csabers. This is a sheep. It's pink. It's also a tape measure.Sometimes one just needs to whip up a little project to feel like SOMETHING has been accomplished!Thanks, Cheryl, for sharing your pattern!

Stuff Pouch for Mom

2005-05-23T15:57:00.000-07:00

Stuff Pouch for Mom Originally uploaded by csabers. My mother's birthday is Wednesday and I made her this stuff pouch to coordinate with the rest of the gift I made her. I love this ribbon!Since I didn't have the "right" button I decided to make one. I just took a small plasic ring and sc around until it was covered and then fastened off.

Isn't it lovely?

2005-05-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

Maryanne forwarded me this photo of her mother's lovely pineapple centerpiece doily. It's got some slight damage and she's hoping to have it repaired and/or a copy made. I've asked the villagers at Crochetville if they've ever seen something like this and no one has. Several of us are intrigued and I think we may just create our own pattern! I've never made a doily before...

Secrets Revealed!

2005-05-16T13:49:00.000-07:00

I've been playing with bookmarks in anticipation of Crochetville's bookmark swap. I thought that this was a "secret pal" sort of thing so I've purposely not been posting these little guys. Now that the rules have been posted, I realize that there is no need for secrecy. So, here's what I've been working on. The tulip is my own design, the rest are from patterns:

Yummy yarn, boring color

2005-05-15T15:07:00.000-07:00

yummy yarn, boring color Originally uploaded by csabers. Ok, so the testing's secret, but I guess the yarn doesn't have to be! This is the yarn I've purchased for the project I'm testing - it's absolutely fabulous!There are two skeins of Knit One Crochet Too's 2nd Time Cotton in Irish linen. The yarn is 8-ply and, as the name implies, made from recycled fibers orignating from the textile

Where have I been?

2005-05-13T16:06:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been so long since my last post! I guess I don't call this "My Happy Vida Loca" for naught!Well, it really has been crazy for me in all areas of my life this past week. It's a busy time for me at work, I am doing some important (at least to me!) testing that I'm trying to find the "right" yarn for, my PC at home isn't working and I haven't had time to fix it, and...oh

Happy Mother's Day!

2005-05-10T12:54:00.000-07:00

Now that Mother's day is over I can blog this...I made this teeny, tiny columbine bookmark for my mother for Mother's Day. Despite it's small size, or more accurately because of its small size, this bookmark took a really long time to do! It's made using size 80 crochet/tatting cotton, which is about the consistency of sewing thread. I used a size 12 (1.0 mm) needle. The flower was stiffened with

I made buttons!

2005-05-05T22:33:00.000-07:00

My blog is now two weeks old. In that time I have been an HTML freak, learned the word "avatar" and how to make them, added buttons, links and images and basically spent my all of my free time (like I've got copius amounts!) playing on the PC. Well, it was getting dusty from lack of use anyway! The one thing I haven't quite managed yet is making my own buttons. I have PhotoShop and Illustrator

Quick - appreciate, appreciate!

2005-05-05T12:16:00.000-07:00

I got a call last night (Wednesday) at 9:00 p.m. to inform me that it is Teacher Appreciation Week and since I'm room parent for two classes, I needed to bring in a latte or some such for the teachers on Thursday morning, as well as come up with other little treats.Yikes!! Now, don't get me wrong, I'm all about appreciating the teachers, but a little heads up, people!? AND, to make matters worse,

Made for You by Me!

2005-05-04T16:57:00.000-07:00

I now have my very own sew-in labels! I ordered them a few weeks ago, received them, and then lost them. Now I've found them! Kind of boring - I'll have to try and find some more exciting ones online - these are straight from 1954(44?) by the looks of them.So, if you are in possession of something I've made and would like a label sewn in I'm happy to give you one. You can also bring (or send

I am a Hippy Sheep!

2005-05-04T16:42:00.000-07:00

Who knew? Which flock do you follow? Peace dude, flower power, ban the bomb... more grass please.

Poll: Which is a better me?

2005-05-03T17:09:00.000-07:00

The following are some avatars (representations of me online) that I've made. Which do you like better? Let me know and I'll change by the end of the week!

Coco the kindergarten bear

2005-05-03T10:16:00.000-07:00

The trifecta for Coco Originally uploaded by csabers. So my FO quotient (that's finished objects for you non-crocheters out there) is a little low of late due to the fact I just haven't been crocheting very much. Therefore, I think I'll post some older projects that I haven't talked about before or put in my online photo album.This is Coco the bear. Coco is the mascot of Sophie's kindergarten

Makes me want to get a dog!

2005-05-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

Soph & Molly Originally uploaded by csabers99. Forgive this non-crochet post:Last Saturday Carmen watched Adler & Sophie while Kathy and I went to dinner for my birthday. I took this photo when we came back from dinner - so cute! I'm afraid playing with OPD (other people's dogs) will have to do for now - like I need ANOTHER thing to take care of!

Adam's black, albeit glittery, heart

2005-05-02T10:57:00.000-07:00

Adam's black heart.jpg Originally uploaded by csabers. I whipped up this heart bookmark for Adam's birthday as a companion to his Cuisinart stick blender.I bought this thread to go into a pillow I plan on making. Despite the metallic qualities it is still soft. It was also easy to work with it.I wonder what it would look like make into a bear? Hmmm....

Pink Pom-Pom Po

2005-04-30T17:29:00.000-07:00

Pink Pom-Pom PoOriginally uploaded by csabers. Remember that gawd-awful pink yarn from this week's WIP? I finally found something to do with it! Eric and Will spent the night last night with their myriad of stuffed animals. Sophie helped out by adding Teletubbie "Po" to Eric's collection. Eric asked me if I'd make him a hat because her/(his??) head was cold. I gladly consented and whipped up

I am so inspired!

2005-04-29T10:18:00.000-07:00

Kim posted super cool links on her blog from two Chicago crochet designers. I feel so inspired by their desgins. Certainly they are not all my taste, but I definitely admire their work. check it out!DI•O Original Wearable ArtQuicktime Fashion Show from Double Stitch

Preppy flower

2005-04-28T16:04:00.000-07:00

This is a flower I made from scraps using a pattern from Stitch Diva Studios. I made this one over a month ago and while it has a purpose it involves, yep, you guessed it, sewing. Therefore it remains alone and unattached. Sigh.This is the front side with and without flash. I also took a copy of the wrong side because I think it looks pretty cool, too.I'm calling this the preppy flower of

WIP Wednesday

2005-04-27T15:04:00.000-07:00

Today is WIP Wednesday at Crochetville. This marks the first time I've participated.I have to admit to a fair amount of embarassment over the number of unfinished projects I have. Who knew? Some I've abandoned because of icky yarn, others I didn't like, and a couple I just forgot about!1) Cardigan for Rebecca H.: This was actually supposed to be for Sophie but I quickly realized it was going to

Bunting?

2005-04-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

bunting bikini Originally uploaded by csabers. This is a bikini I made for my uber-fit boss for her 40th birthday. She has a swimming pool at her house and a new boyfriend, so I thought this would be fitting. I haven't seen her in it, but she said it fits well.She's agreed to be my model for future bikinis. I am designing some brazilian-style bikinis to consign at a boutique in Fremont. I'm

Happy Birthday to me!

2005-04-25T16:27:00.000-07:00

DSC01838.JPG Originally uploaded by csabers99. Ok, so it's not crochet related, but I thought I'd pop in a quickie that yesterday was my birthday. Adler and Sophie each gave me their very own gift. Their dad gives them an allowance and he took them shopping. Really nice, I thought.They each decorated their own package as you can see. Sophie gave me a little frog (love frogs!) and Adler gave

Comfort Pack

2005-04-25T15:57:00.000-07:00

Comfort PackOriginally uploaded by csabers. It's been ages since I've completed a project! Between our spring break trip, car troubles, spring cleaning, etc., I just haven't had a chance to pick up a crochet hook.But finally, I have something to post. I made Yarntomato's Comfort Pack from Crochet Me.I made this using Jo Sharp Soho Summer Cotton in Crete.The pack is shown sans flax seeds and

The beginning

2005-04-22T15:35:00.000-07:00

Ok - here's me jumping on the blog bandwagon. I'm creating this blog to document my crochet projects and maybe some other things, too.My name is Celeste and I'm a 36 year old (for 2 more days, anyway!) mom of two, Adler (9) and Sophie (5). I hail from South Dakota and now reside in lovely Seattle, Washington. I've been crocheting since my paternal grandmother taught me as a girl. I think I