Children's Activity Book and Knit-a-Thon

I have been involved with the Terminal City Rollergirls for a few years now, and one of the first things I ever did with the league was to design a series of graphics to explain roller derby to the unfamiliar. Not really knowing anything about graphic design, I had and idea that I threw together with Adobe Illustrator, and I think the result was fantastic. Several years down the road, I think the rules explanations themselves could use an update, but I'm still proud of the images.

My graphics are also being used on Rollergirl.ca, and are now going to be included in a roller derby-themed kids colouring/activity book! I can't wait to see what the finished product looks like!

Also, I just found out that Baad Anna's is having a charity knit-a-thon this Sunday. Anyone who brings in a donation of canned food or ca$h for the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre in between now and then gets 10% off at the store that day. Done! They are also taking yarn donations for the knitting, and I know I have a few skeins of leftover that would be totally usable for scarves and hats. Also, anyone can join in the knitting on Sunday. I am so there!!

Companion Cube Footstool!

A little while back I posted saying that I was going to try to finish my WIPs before the end of the year. Well, here is one of the projects I have had sitting on my shelf for a while - a fun fur Companion Cube footstool! It's made of an old milk crate with a cushion on the top I made by cutting up some leftover bits of fleece.

Here's Mike with an action shot: I love this thing!

Book Thong and Stitch 'n' Bitch!

K.Z. came over for some beading the other night, and I made my very first book thong! I can't help but find the name of these things funny...

I also know that with the way I treat my books, it would likely fall apart in no time. As much as I need more book marks, I don't think anything beaded is such a good idea. I made a fabric book protector out of an old pant leg a while back, but even with that, I don't think it would stand a chance.

On an unrelated topic, I am finally re-instating the monthly stitch 'n' bitch! As it stands, they will be the last Wednesday of every month. If anyone reading this wants to join and hasn't been invited, just leave me a message!

SOAP

I finally made my first bar of soap. It was unbelievably easy.

I used the melt-and-pour soap blocks I bought from Deserres, added colour and lavender oil I bought in Croatia, and bam! Done! If I did this again, I would probably buys the soap somewhere cheaper, but it was a fun experiment. If I had enough space, I would make proper soap with lye and glycerine, but in a pinch, this works. And I'm pretty sure the soap is vegetable based, for all the vegans out there.

Also, cleanup is easy, since all you're working with is soap...

Socks on a Plane!!!

Lack of posting lately has largely been due to a long trip I spent backpacking in Europe. There wasn't much crafting to be done, though we did come across a once-a-year craft fest in Pula, Croatia. It was mostly jewelry, but it was nice to feel at home again...
One thing I did bring with me for crafting was a set of needles, some merino wool, and this free online sock pattern. I have never attempted to make socks before, but thought they would be a great project for traveling because 1) they are made with small needles, so they take a while, and 2) they are small and portable.

Most people don't know that you can bring knitting needles on a plane. I have had some people tell me that they don't allow metal needles, but I have also gotten metal needles on planes, so it could be airline (or airport) dependent. To be safe, I brought bamboo needles, but acrylic would also work.

I love knitting on planes because they make the terrible movies easier to bare. I'm usually too tired to keep my eyes open on a book for too long, and I don't sleep well on planes, so knitting is a way to keep me from getting restless, while still staying in one place. I highly recommend it!