Long Term Review of Brooksbot75 Skull Purse

I got an awesomely wicked handmade metal skull purse from Brooksbot75 a while ago. I was lucky enough to interview him for my other blog, fell head-over-heals in love with this purse... which I then saved up all my precious pennies to buy to replace my busted and thread bare 'crocheted' purse monstrosity I bought at Target for 10 bucks about a year before to fill the need for a purse. I figured a freaking metal purse would last longer! I got it a little after the first of the year.

It took a little bit of time to get my purse because I ordered it right during the x-mas rush... but I was in no hurry. Pursey (that's what I named him) came with the custom length chain so I could put the purse over my shoulder. I dont know why most purses these days have short straps so that you cannot use both your hands while shopping or have to stuff it in your armpit... again impeding use of your arms. I am one of those crazy people who want a purse securely slung across my body, but I still want to use both arms and hands without having to worry about my purse falling either to my elbow or onto the floor... go figure.

Pursey is lined, which is nice. It saves my keys, pocket book and cellphone from unnecessary wear and lessens the amount of sounds coming from my purse. My purse does squeak on occasion (from the movement of the chain... think school yard swings) but that is easily stopped by resting hand on top of his very touchable cranium. I know that I am constantly fingering his smooth metal surface and tracing his copper grommets! This 'chrome dome' makes a great drum to pass the time, too!

Pursey is heavy, but it almost all comes from the chain. The chain is steel, while the purse itself is lightweight aluminum. I plan on some day replacing the chain with a leather equivalent to lighten the load. This purse, as a bonus, could definitely be used as a self defense weapon if needed. (I need to level up so I can get WP Chain.... gamer geek humor there) Given that it is a metal skull, I would imagine that that would also be a theft deterrent.

Pursey is a bit small inside. I can only fit my small pocket book, basic cellphone and my keys in him. That is okay with me, I have always been drawn to small purses. The opening mechanism is simple, but I believed it has been redesigned a bit (I have the first version of this purse, and I believe Brooksbot75 is onto a second version) I still like it. It can open unexpectedly if you bump it just right, so be warned.

Random people comment about him all the time. I frequently get "Is that a purse?", "Cool skull!" and "Did you make that?" from all kinds of people. I have even had people ask to take pictures of my purse with their cellphones!

Overall Impression:
Pros: Awesome design, small, graphic, can be a weapon, eye-catching, decent price, handmade.
Cons: Can be a bit heavy with the steel chain, can open unexpectedly, small, watch out when around things that can scratch... like the paint jobs on cars.

New Shop!

I am going to officially announce that I am opening a second shop that will focus on fiber goods of all kinds: Fuzzy Hearts Yarn! It will (eventually) have all my knitted and crocheted goods, handmade needles, hand spun yarns, stitch markers, destashes... and what ever else I think might fit. I hope I can keep two shops straight... because that is my biggest fear that kept me from opening two shops for a long time. I felt that my first shop was just too cluttered and it was time. I will slowly be adding stuff from my current shop into my new one as they expire and list new stuff directly to my new shop. My first item is a lovely hat, if anyone is interested!

WIP: Felt and beaded double sided headband done!

I had this idea a while back for a felt headband with leather straps for ties. I kicked it around in my head for about a month then decided to try it. In that month, the headband grew a skull and sported some bead embroider. Oh, and it also became double sided. This first one I finished is just a prototype for me to keep.



It took a lot of energy to make it, so I am unsure if I will make more for my shop. I might (and I will probably break out my sewing machine next time instead of doing all of the stitching by hand). I am not completely happy with the quality of some of the felt (hint, dont use craft felt unless it is the thick kind).



I like the way it came out. I haven't gotten dreads yet to test it out, but that is why I gave it braided leather straps: so I could wear it with either 'normal' hair or dreads. I also love that it has two sides. It is more versatile that way. I am definitely going to make templates out of card stock next time!

I am a writer!!!

I wrote a little article about future fashion in Viva La Mode magazine! And it is now out on the web for everyone to look at! The whole magazine is a great read... so check it out! I hope to have time to write an article or two for the next issue too!

New Vest Thing Design

I guess I lied.. I thought I wouldnt have time to finish the project, let alone blog about it, any time soon... but I was wrong. Last night I finished working on a design I had been kicking around for a few months. I am not an "advanced" crocheter, so I get a little intimated when I start creating stuff from scratch. I think, for a first try, it turned out alright.


This first version I will keep for myself. It took me over a month to make it, so I am uncertain if any will show up in my shop any time soon. It was fun making it.


The yarn is super soft and warm, but MAN! I used a lot of it! I probably used almost a pound! The self-striping yarn looks a little odd in the round, but I think it has some potential and charm. The colors are just perfect, and now my mom can stop complaining that I dont wear anything white. (BTW, I dont wear anything that is white, this is a very light grey).


Let me know what you think! I have no idea what to call it... a vest? A chest warmer?

Orange and Black Striped Loom Knitted Shrug 1

Orange and Black Striped Loom Knitted Shrug 1
Originally uploaded by fuzzy_izmit

I finally got my first ever (for sale) loom knitted shrug all photographed and up on my etsy shop. I am really excited about the way it turned out. I hope to make some more soon, but I already have an other new item in the works already. It might take me a while to create, but I think it will be worth it.



My poor skinless mannequin had to be covered with one of my favorite sarongs to make her presentable. I hope to have something more permanent soon, but I have to wait until it gets hotter out so we can paint outside. She is made of foam, so I dont know what kind of paint I can use that wont make her melt. My lightest sarong makes a good background, but it was hard to find a good place in my apartment that I could put it and still be in the light. You cant see in my photo, but my mannequin is actually on top of a cat carpet/bed thing, and two plastic litter buckets... all stacked on each other!

Product Review: Custom Silver 8 gauge Earrings with Coral Drops from Lisa's Lovlies

I saved up all my etsy money to buy myself something really special, and I decided to go with a pair of custom earrings from Lisa's Lovlies! While I make jewelry myself, I dont made large gauge earrings. I have 8 gauge main holes and there arent many sellers on etsy who cater to those with stretched lobes. Lisa's Lovlies is one beautiful shop where you can get larger gauge earrings, along with normal sized jewelry.

I contacted Lisa and we quickly worked out exaclty what I wanted, which was a pair of sterling silver 1 inch diameter hoops with beautiful coral drops. She made them in a few days, and I had them at my door with in a week of finalizing the design. I was so giddy when I got them, I just had to get them in as soon as I got them! They are extremely solidly made and they have a great weight to them. I am so happy to have dangly earrings again! I wear them 24 hours a day, and they have been a dream!



Overall Impression: Lisa has excellent customer service and is very attentive. She is great to work with and works extremely fast. These earrings are well made and will last a long time. They are worth every penny for the wonderful quality!

My First Cable!

My First Cable!
Originally uploaded by fuzzy_izmit

I'm so excited! I am actually doing an honest to goodness cable! I took the plunge! I have only had to start over once... so that's not to bad. I even tried a new way to cast on AND made a small button hole in this one! I am learning a lot... like to remember the salvages... because now I have to figure out now to fix this when I finish it. I hope to make this into another neck warmer. Hopefully it will be in my shop soon!

Corset Neck Warmer Prototype

Corset Neck Warmer Prototype
Originally uploaded by fuzzy_izmit

Here is another design I have been kicking around for a while in my head. It is a corset style neck warmer. The corset actually doesnt really do anything, but it looks cool. I am still fiddling with it, like I want less eyelets next time, but I think it has some potential. I wish I had a different color of the red cording... because I know not everyone will want red! It is very warm though. Let me know what you think!

Shrug Done!

First Try Shrug
Originally uploaded by fuzzy_izmit

I have been dutifully plugging along on my purple shrug for a couple of weeks now. I finally finished it... but with a little bump in the road. I constructed this by first completing both of the sleeves, then creating a panel to connect the two. Well, about 7 rows from where I planned on ending the panel... one of my two skeins of yarn ran out! To remedy that I decided to try and take what was in my remaining skein in half and try and finish. Well, if I wanted to actually JOIN the pieces together... I had to end it like 4 rows before I wanted to. I decided to give it a shot shorter just to finish this puppy.

Well, it fits... barely. I dont think I will ever be able to wear this with anything with sleeves. Because of the size issue, the sleeves are shorter than I wanted, and they hang at about 3/4th length level. That bugs me, because personally, I hate sleeves that are anywhere in between short sleeve and full sleeve length. I guess I will have to get used to it. It is super warm because I used 2 strands of homespun for the whole thing... so maybe I can wear tank tops in the winter now! I hope it will stretch out a bit with use. I am going to probably make another one... but thinner and a little bit longer, a different pattern. I also want to try making it as one complete piece next time, so I dont have to join the sleeves etc. That means no cuffs, but thats okay.

WIP update

I was thinking that if I keep tabs on my WIP, I would feel more responsible and get the darn things done! I blogged a while ago about starting a blanket for myself. I knew it was going to take a while to make, and I am right on track. I finished my first strip last week. I am going to create several 5 foot strips then sew them together and give the whole thing a boarder. One strip down... I have no idea how many more to go. I was suprised I couldnt get the whole strip in the photo!


This sucker is going to be warm! I only work on it when I dont really have anything else to work on... so it might take me all year to finish it. I think it will be worth it.


I have also started a loom knitted shrug. It is a bit of an experiment, but so far I think it is going well. I have one arm done. I just need one more arm and the back... then sew the whole thing together and I should have one WARM shrug. This sucker is made with two strands of homespun yarn, which makes it really thick. I think I could wear tank tops under it in the winter just about!


I think it will turn out really good... but we shall see! If it does turn out, I may make a few for my shop, modifying and improving the design along the way. I dont know how many different sizes I can make though... since I am knitting this in the round, and that limits the diameter of the sleeves. I just cant wait to get mine done though!

Third time is a charm!

Third time is a charm!
Originally uploaded by fuzzy_izmit

Well, there we go! I finally finally finally have a neck warmer! I know it is a bit hard to see, since it is black and I am wearing a black shirt and a black hoodie (can you tell what my favorite color is?) I can wait to turn out a few more (in different colors) and put them up on my etsy site. There are few little things I will do differently to tweak the pattern, but I really like it. I have worn it all day and it is really super comfy. All these neck, arm, and ear warmers are coming in handy as we have to keep the heat low to conserve on our energy bill. I sorta envy my cats, they have fur coats! My husband doesnt feel the chill because I am convinced he is half yeti.

Fail... at Neck Warmers

This weekend I was determined to work out a neat neck warmer I can wear all day while I am at school, teaching etc. I set out with some lovely red yarn and my knitting loom. Well, first, I ran out of the red yarn.... so no problem, I will make it double sided. I really want something that hugs my neck so I worked out a nice ribbed pattern to try. I got to learn and practice how to make the purl stitch on my loom, which was neat. I go on my merry way, knitting along. Well, I finish everything off and....


The binding off is too tight... while most of it will slip over my head, that darn binding stitch wont budge. Dang. Well, it does make a nice and warm ear warmer!



And dont forget, it is revertible! That is great because I really want to wear these items with the majority of my t-shirts during the winter. You can see that the black matches my knit arm warmers too! Those are a mess up as well, they were supposed to go all the way up to my armpits, but I didnt make them wide enough on one end and they were too tight on my elbows... so they are now a pair that sit below my elbows and are scrunchy. At least they still work!

Yesterday I tried again. I dont have any pictures of it because it was so messed up, I made my husband pull it apart. The second one was made from a nice grey and black combo. I fixed the "constriction" problem by not knitting in the round on my loom. Well, I also wanted to add some embelishment in the form of a cowl that you could fold over your nose and mouth if it was really cold, fold it down when you were inside. That didnt really work out... it ended up looking like a bib. Epic fail! I was so disappointed because I couldnt even salvage it. Well, I salvaged the yarn.

I tried again today. Plain and black, no cowl. I dont have any good buttons to close it, so it isnt done just yet... until I can make a trip to the local craft shop. I really hope it works. If it works, I may make a few more for my shop.

Blogging Hiatus

I know I have been a little lax on blogging lately, but I have some good reasons. Not only has my research life sorta taken off, but I have been doing a lot of custom orders etc for customers. I just haven't had the time to blog! I just sent off a great hat for a trade that I really am kicking myself now for not taking a picture of. The color combo was really nice and I wanted to show it off! I hope to make another similar one to sell, so we will see how that works out. I have to take photos to put it up on etsy right?! I have also been putting more items on sale, and in particular PIF sales, lately. I have sold a couple of older items that way too, which is great. My arm warmers seem to be doing good, sale wise. I even have two more pairs to put up in my shop, but the sun has not been cooperagting with me to get good pictures. Arm warmers also take more time to make than the hats, it seems, so that is another reason I haven't listed more. Keep checking my shop, because I hope to get more stuff in it soon! Enjoy a picture of my latest PIF sold!

Full of Fun Loom Knitted Adult Santa Hat

Full of Fun Loom Knitted Adult Santa Hat
Originally uploaded by fuzzy_izmit

I finally did it! I made and listed a Santa hat similar to my husband's in my shop. I think I can make one more, but a baby size, out of the yarn I have left. I wonder if they will sell... I hope so! They are a lot of fun to make. I wish you could see it (I think it come across better in some of the photos in my listing) that the brim is not only very fluffy, but has a little bit of sparkle as well! These hats are just too cute! I was also thinking of making some in different colors, but I need the right yarn to go on sale. Figures, once I find that I really think Homespun works really well in this application, all the sales end. Pompoms are a new adventure too. I tried making them years and years ago, and they turned out horrible. I think that is because I got confused and made them wrong. Now they seem much easier and hold together. I even got a pompom maker to help with the process (so I wouldnt have to cut out tons of cardboard circles).

Arm Warmer Frenzy!

I have been in a fiber frenzy lately. I have made something like 3 pairs of arm warmers (4 if you count a pair I messed up on). I am still working on a blanket and another set of red arm warmers, plus I have another blanket and an extremely long pair of arm warmers floating around in the back of my head. My first two pairs (red and black pair and the sparkly cranberry and black pair) are crocheted and the gray ones are knitted. I retaught myself how to knit because my still WIP red pair (not pictured) will be created using a yarn were the stitches just disappear when they leave your crochet hook! I really want to use this yarn because of its color, red and slightly darker red, and it is really light and soft. As a bonus, while I was balling it up, the original skein looked like a flopping blood clot dancing around my floor. That was great! I found a "new" techinique for balling up my yarn where it will pull from the middle of the ball... yeah I know I am behind on my fiber arts learning curve.. I have only been crocheting for something like 10 years now. HERE is where you can find it. The only issue I have with it is if you get a knot... you are missing one of your thumbs to help unwravel it. More views of my arm warmers can be found on my Flickr site. If you like what you see, just let me know! I am always willing to do custom work (through my etsy shop, of course!)!.

Memory Wire Bracelet

Lake Shore Memory Wire Bracelet
Originally uploaded by fuzzy_izmit

This is my first attempt at a memory wire style bracelet. I really like it, it isnt my personal colors, but I still love the way the colors play off each other. I am listing it as I write this, so if you like it, take a look in my shop! It is a bit tricky working with this wire... I think my cheapy pliers may snap some day trying to work it... but I will take that chance. Enjoy!

WIP: Flower Hair Accessories

WIP
Originally uploaded by fuzzy_izmit

Pay no attention to the mess in my craft room! I went crazy last night with some fake flowers and hair clips and barrettes! I have to figure out which ones I like enough to keep, but I think I will put a few up in my etsy shop soon. If you see anything that you just have to know more about, just let me know! I had fun going to Joann's yesterday and browsing their 70% off flowers and just having fun mixing and matching. I cant wait until their fall/Halloween stuff goes on sale because those are more my colors. I want to get my hands on the fall leaves and possibly black flowers. Hot glue is a wonderful thing... except all those wispy thread things that get everywhere! I know the pink and while ones will go up... and I dont own any clothing that are either of those colors. I cant believe how large some of these are! Let me know what you think!

I also have been working with a new product; memory wire! I have a couple of things created that I will blog about later... and I hope those will go up in my shop too!

Product Review: Two Pairs of Wrist Warmers from Ariadne's Island

I have a weakness for hand warmers... and I finally indulged myself in two light pairs for the summer from a great and affordable shop on etsy called Ariadne's Island. Her wrist warmers are so cute and come in lots of colors. I stuck with my two favorites, red and black. Ariadne is also open to custom orders. I had been watching the shop even since I had saved up a few extra bucks to see if she had any colors I liked and inquired on a custom order of red and black... but to my luck she was planning on listing those same colors so all I had to do was to wait and pick them up in a few days! I have to say, they came very quickly and in great shape. They are made of t-shirt like material (I am no fabric expert, but I am sure if you really wanted to know you could just ask her!) and are perfect for summer. When I got them, I wore them for about 2 weeks just about every day. I absolutely love them! I have to say, I also love the price too, great deal for an awesome look!

Overall Impression: Great customer service, comfortable and affordable product. I look forward to ordering more items in the future!

The images are used with permission from Ariadne's Island. Mine are full of cat hair... since I have two cats and I wear them so often!

Bondage Doll Necklace 1

Bondage Doll Necklace 1
Originally uploaded by fuzzy_izmit

I am so excited that I have to tell the whole world! I made my first mature listing on etsy! I wonder if anyone will buy this little doll, but it is waiting for the perfect person to come along! It was quite a pain to make, it seems like every time I tried to work on it, something else would go wrong. I dont know if I will ever make another one because of the difficulty level in both execution and finding a good used doll body w/o any damage to it and the correct head attachment. While it was difficult to make, I am very happy with the result!