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Showing posts with label dreads. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dreads. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

RIP Dreads

Well, due to some unforeseen circumstanced that will most likely have me going to job interviews at some time in the near future, my dreads have been killed. They lasted one month shy of a year. I am very very not happy about this, but I know that I will have a better chance with interviews with 'normal person' hair. I had to send my husband off to the local store to get the conditioner because I started crying just thinking of it. It took a week of work to get them all out. We did a good amount on the weekend (starting in the back and working forward) and a few each day after that. We did not cut my hair short, because with how 'red' this state is, we figured long 'feminine' hair would also be more desirable. It hurt so bad, after a while I started taking tiny (like a half a teaspoon) swigs of rum after each one was done. We also broke my dread comb, loosing 3 steel teeth. Here are some before pics. Can you tell I am not happy about this?
 Take  a look at all the hair that came off my head (yes, that is a quarter next to the massive hair ball)! Even if I do get a job where I can have dreads, I am going to have to let my hair regrow so it isnt so thin!
I got a haircut after this because it was just too long. Nothing fancy though, just a normal.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Dreads: 5 months

I am updating you on my dread journey (and coming up soon I am actually going to update my blog with a couple product reviews, yeah!). I have had my dreads for a little over 5 months now, and they are coming along slowly but surely. I am trying to keep up my maintenance with ripping the roots. I hope to soon strong arm my husband into sitting down with a tapestry needle and helping me sew in some of the errant hairs. I have some pics of me with my hair down (a rare event) and some of my more 'special' dreads.



You can see in the pic of me that I got an awesome purse! I will be writing about that soon, because I am just so stoked to get it! I also got some BaconSalt (they sell it at the Kroger around here!!!). It took all my willpower to not just crack it open last night when I got it and eat it all right there. I havent even smelled it. I am cant wait to write that review!




Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Little Dread Update: 3 months 3 weeks


I know I am a little late... but I just wanted to show some pictures of my dreads after a particularly painful ripping session. They are being a pain... my hair texture is probably one of the hardest to dread... but I am not going to give up!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Best Freaking Hair Dryer EVER!!! (story included)

This is my saga of the elusive Hot-n-Gold Ionic Soft Bonnet Dryer Model #Gh2138. Listen and learn, my children, to my story.

Once upon a time, there was a girl interested in getting natural dreads. She pined away for years, waiting until she had the time and resources to do it (mostly) right. She researched and found the most perfect ideal (and highest rated and well reviewed on Amazon) bonnet style hair dryer to dry her dreads in a timely manner. She found the fabled Hot-n-Gold bla bla bla (see my first paragraph). It works reliably, is hot, can be used hands free (so she can blog while drying her hair), durable and all around great design. But lo, can she find anyplace on the whole interwebs to buy such a magnificent hair drying machine? No. Amazon is out of stock, eBay is useless, Google just laughs.

Dejected, she buys a warming conditioner cap by mistake (which was returned, but she was out postage). She then found what she thought would be a suitable substitute... but the much anticipated package never arrived (being diverted to her old address which she forgot to update... then stolen because the tracking info said "delivered").

After months of frustration (and loosing a bunch of money on a priority packaged that SHOULD have been re-routed given the USPS's own rules and admission...grr) the poor girl had all but given up hope of ever finding her magical golden cap. A life of feebling attempting to dry a full head of dreads with a normal dryer which would not fit a bonnet attachment because it was shaped abnormally mixed with hours of air trying awaited.

To sooth her wounded soul, the girl (along with her prince charming) went to the local mall to eat hot soft pretzels with mayonnaise (it is really good, try it!). While they walked around, the girl spotted a beauty supply store (not a chain one). One look couldnt hurt right? Maybe she could at least see if they even had bonnet hair dryers for sale, but she didnt think they would.

Much to her surprise, on the lowest shelf.... lay the Hot-n-Gold beauty she had been hoping for all along! Throwing fiscal conservancy to the wind she quickly grabbed the box and hurried to the register (thank god they took plastic)!

To this day, the dready girl sits, typing away, drying her dreads quickly and hands free, gladly thanking the bonnet dryer gods for allowing her the joy of sharing her story and inspiring others with soaking wet hair that they too... if they are lucky, can find their own golden crown to hotly blast their worries (and wetness) away!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Dreads at about 3 months



Just took these yesterday. Dreads are a slow progression, but it is what it is.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Dread Journey: 1 Month 1 Week

I know I said I would take a picture of my dreads each month, but right now I think it is going to be when ever I can. This picture was taken at one month and one week. They need a lot of tightening, both at the root and at the ends. My ends tend to curl when they are just washed too... which is a bit strange, but cute when I have them up in a pony tail. I like them about 150% better when they are up in a pony tail. I worry about back combing them too much and having the hair break.



I know they are just baby dreads, but I want them to lock up as fast as I can make them! So far, my hair regimine is: wool sleeping tam, 1:1 dilution of Dr. Bronners Tea Tree Oil soap, spray with saline solution occassionally, spray with lemon juice solution occasionally, one a week no-poo baking soda/vinegar rinse treatment, and backcomb/crochet hook when ever it is clean and I/my husband have the time. I dont think I have ever put this much work into a hairdo ever!

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Stuff Just For Me

I just wanted to show off two of my latest creations.

The first is my attempt at the Wren pattern. I used some Lorna's Lace Shepard Sock Yarn in Hermosa. I like how it came out, but I may reposition the button.


The second item is a tam, just for me to sleep in. I have heard that sleeping in a wool hat will help them dread... so bingo! That what I want to make! I used Fisherman's Wool from Lion Brand in Nature's Brown. The yarn was different to work with... as it felt at times slippery or greasy. I dont know how to explain it, but the final product was just fine. Maybe it was because it was 100% wool and I had never worked with wool like that. I started out using a pattern from a book I had, but pretty quicky I went off the 'chart' and just went free form. It still worked out just fine.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Second Try at Real Dreads

WARNING: Long and full of pictures!

I have decided to take the plunge again! I have been itching to get my hair redreaded for ages now, but I had to wait until after I got my new job. Then I had to wait until I was sure I could get them in said job (another lady in the office has them, so I figured they couldn't stop me, right?). Then I had to try and find someone to do them (cause, as much as I love my husband, I know he didnt want to dread my hair again)... It is tough moving to a new city in a new state and trying to find someone to put dreads in! I found Nature's Outer Beauty on line, and decided to give them a try. Right on their website they said they use the latch method, and no wax... so bonus! The ladies there were very nice, but it was a long wait even with an appointment (I think they had some walk ins). The salon was a tad small, but nice. Everyone was very chatty, and I got a some work done on my knitting while I waited. The waiting didnt really bother me. I had waited probably close to 6 months to get this done, another hour and a half wasnt going to kill me. Did I mention they have hours on the weekend? Another bonus!

Well, here is a before picture. I know what most people think... why would you ruin your hair?!?! I dont see it as ruining, but improving! If/when I dont want them any more, I will just shave my head like I did last time. I love having my head shaved as well, and the only reason I grew out my hair this long (I HATE this length!) was for the dreads.



All I ever do is put my hair in a pony tail anyway wit it that length! It took about 2-2.5 hours of chair time, but even after they started on my head, I had to give up my seat occassionally so they could finish other people up. I got there for a 4pm appointment and didnt leave until like 8pm or so. I was HUNGRY... but that isnt as important. I was hoping they would do the crochet hook method seen HERE but they just did the latchhook-pull through method. That is okay, it will help secure the roots, but I would have liked a bit more back combing and locking going on.


It didnt really hurt that much, but sleeping that night was a bit tricky. The latch hook method didnt work all that great on the hair at the base of my neck because it is so short... they tend to want to flip around. Wearing head bands to work (for a more professional look until they lock up) isnt helping. I think those will need the most work, and they are the hardest for me to see.



She also didnt back comb or try and dread the ends at all. Go figure. I was a bit miffed, but I figured for the price (which was totally reasonable in my opinion) I could work on the ends myself (and with the help of my hubs). What I really needed help with was sectioning my hair and getting them started.

This last photo is of me 1 day post dread. The stray hairs and loose ends are driving me mad, but I know dreading is a long process. I will try and take a new picture every week or so. If I dont blog about it, I will have it up on my flickr account. I just hope this poofy/messy stage doesnt take too long!


Thursday, August 13, 2009

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!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Kitty Toes

I know it has been a while since I blogged, but I have been super busy. Moving, starting a new job, being separated from my husband and (trying and failing) to write my dissertation has kept me pretty much strapped. I did snap this photo of my kitty Mesha's toes. I just wanted to share them and say "I am still alive!"



Oh, and if anyone knows of anyone who can help me dread my hair in the Cincinnati area please let me know!

Monday, November 10, 2008

Dread Tutorial

I finally got off my bum and worked up a video tutorial on making wool double ended dreads. I just posted it on youtube. I hope it gets a lot of views, not only because wool dreads are fun to make, but also because I am trying to win a great contest on DIYscene.com! So come and check it out, and help me along in the process!

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Taking the Dreads Out

Well, my handmade wool dreads made it a little over a month. I think if they would have been installed a bit more securely they would have made it two months. I think maybe the texture of my hair makes it hard for stuff to stay in... because these were double secured and some of them still slipped down with in a week. Getting them out took a little under an hour. For some reason, I love the way my hair looks when I take extensions out. If I could just keep that half dready piecey look I would. The next part wasn't so fun... my husband brushed out the knotty mess that was my head after a month of being tied to wool. Man, that hurt a bit (but not as much as putting in real dreads, trust me) He had to clean out the brush several times because of all the hair that was coming out. For those of you who think that is a lot of hair, take these factors into consideration.
1. During the whole month my dreads were installed, the hair that would naturally fall of my head couldn't.
2. Putting the dreads in and taking them out puts some extra stress on hair too.
3. You didnt see the tub after I finished washing my hair, so you only see about half the hair that came off my head!
Anyway, brushing it out came me quite the hairdo! I hope you like all my embarrassing pictures! And, yes, my husband is a saint for doing all this for me. He is just glad he can run his fingers through my hair again!

Monday, May 12, 2008

Update... its been a long time!

Man, it has been a long time since I blogged. Sorry about that everyone in cyberspace. There have been some interesting things going on in my life, plus I wanted a little down time before my summer semester started up again.

First off, the Amazing Technicolored Dream Hat sold a few days after I listed it, and that was super exciting. I have another one that is almost ready to list and I hope that one goes just as fast. I also whipped up another similar hat but it uses different granny squares, different colors and is smaller. I hope to list that soon as well.

We have a new addition to our home, and her name is Mesha and she is about a year old. She is really uniquely colored, and her eyes are the color of the sky. We got her about two weeks ago from the local humane society. She is still very shy and skiddish, but when she decides to come out from under the bed all she wants to do is be petted and loved. Her purr box is very loud! Our other cat Dot is still working on adjusting from being an only cat to sharing the love. They occasionally get in each others faces, but it is quickly over. I hope that all these little scuffles disappear soon.

Also, about 2 and a half weeks ago my husband and his sister installed my roving wool dreads, and you can see how they came out. I like them and they are very light. They are slightly easier to clean because you can wring them out, which you cant really do with synthetic dreads. The next batch I made is going to be longer though.

I also bought an old wool sweater from a local thrift store and did some needle felting on it. While the colors arent my favorite (I never wear pastels) I think it is cute. I also hope to list this, but I think I am going to try and sell in on Vampire Freaks first. I hope it sells, because it was a blast to make!

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Congrats fauxtograph!

Well, my "Name the Hat" Contest is over... and the winner is Fauxtograph with "The Amazing Technicolored Dream Hat"! Fauxtographs entry garnered 37% of the total vote. It was a close race and I want to thank everyone that entered. I hope you all had fun. Fauxtograph has won a $5 gift code to my etsy shop and free shipping on their order! Look for The Amazing Technicolored Dream Hat in my shop soon!

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Name the Hat Contest Part 2


First off, thank you to everyone that entered my contest! It was a great showing with nearly 40 comments, many of which had multiple names! It was hard to narrow it down to just five, but we did it. Drum roll please....

The five finalists are:
fauxtograph with "The Amazing Technicolored Dream Hat"
heatherfuture with "Grannystafarian"
gypsycaster with "Reclaimed Rainbow-licious!!"
quietsleeper with "Dandy Candy Tam"
tjmetz with "Fantasta Rasta"

The voting will go on for one week, at the end of which, the winner will be notified and told how to claim their prize. Good luck to all of the finalists!

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Brand New Blog Contest!!!

This is the official announcement of:

Fuzzy Izmit’s Homemade Tomfoolery’s Name the Hat Contest!

I need your help! I am having trouble coming up with a name for the latest hat I created. This hat is created from granny squares from an old forgotten ugly afghan. As you can see, the hat is quite colorful and it is not my normal style… which is why I am having trouble naming it. All I can come up with are names like “Rainbow Puke” or “Ugly Hat” which probably doesn’t make this hat as appealing as it could be. That is where you guys come in. I want you everyone out there in internet land to help me come up a name! Your job is to come up with as many (family appropriate) names as you can and leave them as comments here on this blog. You can enter as many times as you want, just make sure that your comment has some way for me to contact you (like you sn and site you found this from etc.) if you name is picked. Any names deemed offensive or inappropriate will be deleted. Please do not list names more than once, only the first person to list a name will be counted. This "brain storming" phase of the contest will run until April 26th. At that point, the five best will be placed in a poll (also on this blog) and after a week, the name with the most votes wins!! The inventor of the winning name will receive a $5 gift code they can use in my shop and free shipping on anything they order at that time. I will also give you credit (if you wish) when I list this hat!

On to the hat! Like stated before, this is made from granny squares and is (to the best of my knowledge) make from 100% acrylic yarn. I have a few squares left, so I may make a few more similar, but each one will be unique because no two granny squares are the same! There is elastic cording that helps to keep it on your head and it is made to keep a bushel of dreads under (colorful) wraps. Hopefully with a great name this special hat will find a good home!

Hat on Head side 1

Hat on Head front

Hat on Head Side 2

Hat Back

Hat 2

Hat 1

Good luck!

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Wool Dread Extensions: Part 4


That looks nasty...
Originally uploaded by fuzzy_izmit
I know that you are thinking... wtf is that picture?!? Well, I just finished dying my dreads and I am giving them one final rinse in the bath tub. I cant wait until they are all done and are dry. Then I can start making arrangements with various relatives to install them! I am so excited! I have never made anything for my hair quite like this! I have brown, red and some brown with red tips. I think they look great for my first try, but I will have to wait for a final judgment until I install them. They are on the short side because I knew I would be walking around campus a lot and I hate to be too hot. Tell me what you think!

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Wool Dread Extensions: Part 3

Well, I am almost done! These are my dreads as of right now. Right now my total is 66, so all I need is four more to meet my total of 70 dreads! They are over powering the plastic hanger! I took a picture zoomed on the dreads. Now I just have to make the last few and to dye them. I have been making dread bands like crazy and picked up a new crochet book with lots of hat ideas. I cant wait to make a mess of new dread accessories! I even made a pair of pony tail things tonight.. but they arent quite done yet, so I cant post pictures, but I will once they are done. There is a great pattern for a total head wrap thing that is just awesome that I cant wait to try! The only issue I have with this book is 80% of the patterns involve elastic cord, which I dont have. Guess that means another trip to the craft store.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Crochet Frenzies: Dread Accessories

Well, in anticipation of my future wool dreads, I have resurrected an ancient hobby of mine; crocheting. I actually learned the summer between my junior and senior year in high school because (just like quilting, sewing, etc) I didnt have a summer job so I got bored. I actually first taught myself from resources I found online... and this was before things like "youtube" existed :P

Anyway, take a gander at what I have whipped up in the last weekend. Once I get going, I can crochet a pretty good clip!

My favorite one is first. I just love the way the camo looks, plus it is a nice size.
Camo Dread Band


Simple, but depending on the light it looks too pink for me.

Reddish Mauve Dread Band

This didnt photography well. The yarn is black and it has silver strandy things woven into it... that is probably why it looks gray. It has bobbles in it too, but they are hard to see.

Black with Silver Stingy Things Dread Band with Bobbles

I dont think I am going to become a professional crocheter any time soon, but I have a wagon load of rainbow colored yarn that I bought for a project that fell through.... maybe rainbow dread wraps would sell? It would at least keep my hands busy :)

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Dreads


IMG_2161
Originally uploaded by fuzzy_izmit
Well, I did get my synthetic dreads and had them installed last weekend. Here is the results. The installation was done by my husband and my SIL. They arent perfect, but it works. Hopefully they will get better from here! I also tried to non-permanently dye my hair closer to the auburn color of the dreads... and that didnt work at all! I am now debating on making my own wool dreads from roving in the future, but I dont know how much that will cost or how much roving I would need.

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