You know that Glee crafts swap I posted about awhile back?  Somebody's partner went missing, so I volunteered to do another package.

I did most of this bag while sitting in traffic on the way to Michelle's.  I dithered back and forth about the yarn, but decided that this way the only possible choice for someone who liked pink and brown together (and natural fibers, since this is Bernat Cottontots)

The handle is Vanna's Glamor gold.  I originally planned to make a gold star using the Super Mario pattern, but the yarn isn't thick enough.  I got through a few rounds of the star before realizing that, even if it worked, it wouldn't work well--the star would be too small and/or impossible to stuff.

I went through a few crochet star motifs before finding a pattern that made sense and was incredibly quick: Crafty Nerd's Star Scarf.  I made two of the stars (in a much smaller hook, but I can't remember what I actually used), and put one on each side.  The handles are rows of 10 (?) double crochet.

Ahead warp factor fun

Depending on my cruel masters' instructions, I am done with my TNG cross stitch.  I could go either way on adding metallic outlines to the logo.  And by "go either way" I mean I'll do it, but I won't enjoy it dammit.

Trying to make the badges two colors was probably a mistake.  I used the same technique for the TOS delta, but the silver doesn't really show up against the gold.  I think I'd need to make the base bigger to make it worth the effort but, like a total nerd, I've tried to approximate the comm badges in one square.

I decided that Data shouldn't be smiling, so along with changing his hair, I also changed the backstitch for the mouth.  Had I planned ahead, I would've also incorporated the Riker lean.

I don't know what's going on with that one eyebrow, but I want you to know that I'm really proud of myself for giving Troi cleavage.  That is the sort of attention to detail you get from my stitching.

Sauntering through a Summer Sweatshop

I don't know about you, but when it's hot as balls out and I should probably be taking mid-day showers, all I can think about is makin' gloves.  I used the Lion Brand pattern for Green Thumb Wristers (which appears to be completely identical to the Touchdown Wristers pattern except for the yarn color)  The pattern as written is too small for my delicate, ladies' hands--which I assume you are quite small, as I am a lady--so you may need to adjust.  Several times.  I ended up going with Chain 16.

Assuming you know how to a half double crochet stitch and can adapt a pattern to the tiny, daintiness of your feminine hands, it's pretty easy.  The biggest problems I had were getting used to the bulky yarn and the big ass hook.  The yarn (Hometown USA in Minneapolis Purple) splits easily, and I'm not really sure how to describe working with the big ass hook.  Really, my first instinct is make remarks that could be interpreted as lewd, yet are innocent descriptors of a crochet hook.

To sew the first glove, I sewed up part of the seam, then tried it on.  Being incredibly awesome, I got it just the right length to stop for the thumb hole.  Using my incredibly brilliant technique of "holding fabric", I marked off where the thumb hole should end and went back to sewing.

Mad with hubris, I crocheted the next glove, then decided to just compare it with the other one.  I had no need for rulers or other math-based implements!  Even the gods themselves could not match my skill or wit!

Let me tell you, internet, if you're making something that comes in identical pairs, it is probably a good idea to actually measure things--such as thumb holes--with a ruler or other length-measuring tool.  Because if you're making...oh, I don't know, fingerless gloves, and you decide to "eye it", you will somehow end up with different sized thumb holes.  Even when you try the second one on, mid seam sewing, and frequently hold them up to each other.

Also, it is not really possible to sew up part of a glove while you are wearing it.  Even if it's on your left hand.  How art thou fallen, O Kate, Star of the Late Afternoon!

Once you have removed the glove from your hand, it becomes easier to adjust the thumb hole size.  By an astonishing coincidence, I've already got a scarf I made last year that happens to match.  It's not exact, but there's a light purple shade that is pretty close for a completely different brand of yarn.

Next up: a matching hat.  I've started using my big ass crochet hook and the hat part of the kitty hat pattern. I might tighten it up since I really dislike hats where you can see the person's head through the fabric.

Gotta catch 'em all

I am now one of the chosen people.  I have found vintage/old fabric at Goodwill.

I found an actually (maybe) vintage Pokemon sheet which is probably worth more just being sold intact on eBay than attempting to be creative with it.  I also managed to get a set of Diamond/Pearl/Platinum era curtains and a matching full sheet.  I think I'm going to actually use the sheet for its intended purpose.  (Is there any point in upcycling something thats still usable?)

One curtain has already been sectioned up.  I was going to make a tote bag/reusable shopping bag, but I think this fabric is too thin to really hold up.  It may eventually become a cat/visiting dog pillow.  One that might actually be washable even!

As for the rest of the curtain, my mother helped me make it into ConKerr Cancer's pillow pattern.  I don't really understand the pattern, but keep in mind I don't actually know how to thread the sewing machine.  I can use it, but I didn't think I was up to the small seams to make the body of the pillowcase (which is another reason for making a cat bed.  The cat won't care if the bed she refuses to sit on is poorly made!)

For the border we used a piece of orange fabric left over from Kristen's owl quilt.  As of this writing, the owl quilt still isn't done, but my pillowcase project inspired the old woman to pull it out of the trash bag it's been living in.  You're welcome, Kristen.