Knitting Escapades

     Here is an update on my knitting life and two of my most recent projects:

#1 - Laptop Case
     Way back in September or so of last year I had the brilliant idea (at least I thought) to create a case for my laptop. Originally my plan was to sew up a pouch with cotton fabric and a fleece lining for protection and cushion. However, going that route meant that I would have to visit a local fabric store, pick out my fabric and purchase it. I decided that I could knit a suitable case with yarn I already had on hand in less time than it would take me to sew it. How hard could it be? I thought.
    To be fair, the case wasn't really that hard to make. It was pretty simple technique-wise. The only problem with it was that it took way longer than I expected to make (I just now finished it this month). Part of the problem stemmed from the fact that I did not work on the project regularly. Every once in a while I would chip away at it, but I didn't commit myself to making an effort. Also, I misplaced the project for about a month before I found it again, so that certainly didn't help.
      Finally I was able to overcome my various difficulties and finish my case! It is a bit lopsided in my opinion, but considering I had no pattern to work off of and pretty much made it up as I went along, I think I did pretty well.

#2 - Beanie
      If you have read my blog before you might recall that back in October I made a quick loom-knitted hat for my minion costume. Spurred on by that experience and a cute beanie one of my friends owned, I decided I could modify my method enough to create my own beanie.
     This project wasn't especially difficult either, I just knitted the same hat that I did for my minion, but with a thicker yarn. Also, I made it a bit longer so that the beanie would have some slouch in it. After knitting the minion hat I was a little burned out on the knitting loom, so that slowed my progress. Still I managed to finish it!

DIY Sharpie Mug

     Recently a friend's birthday came up and I had NO idea what to get her. So, instead of floundering around in the dark I decided to ask her what she wanted. One of the ideas she suggested to me was a mug because she really likes tea. Now, mugs are pretty easy to find, but I wanted to do something a bit more special. So I decided to make her a personalized mug myself.

     My adventure started at Dollar Tree store to get my mug. Ideally, I was looking to get a plain white mug, but all they had in solid colors were mustard yellow and black. The yellow wasn't  a good match for the color scheme I was going for, so I went with the black mug. Plus, it was only $1!

     Next, I went to a local craft store to get the sharpies. Instead of using regular sharpies for this project I splurged and bought some paint sharpies. They were a little more expensive than regular sharpies, but they would be more durable and wouldn't wash off as easily. The colors I chose were blue, green, and pink.

     I decorated the handle of the mug, as well as adding a tea bag as an accent. When the design we done I let it dry for a couple days before firing it in the oven. I let the mug sit in the oven while it preheated  for 450 degrees. Then I baked it for half an hour, before letting it cool with the oven.

Spring Choir Concert

     Okay, technically this wasn't JUST at choir concert. If we are being official it was an A Cappella Choir and Women's Glee Club Concert with a guest performance by a high school Madrigal group. Also, this was a concert that I dragged my Dad along to (because who likes to go to social events alone?).

Isn't he great? :)

     So, as I was saying, this past Monday I went to a "choir concert" with my dad. It was an experience we both enjoyed. Out of the three groups performing, my favorite was the A Cappella Choir (ironically they had an accompaniment for one of their numbers). They had a great sound that resounded through out the auditorium. They also sang a wide variety of songs, from a pep-rally cheer for rutabagas (don't ask me, I don't know either) to a re-imagined African-American spiritual. 

     Also, one of my favorite pieces performed that night was a rendition of Ubi Caritas by the high school Madrigal group. 

     As a whole, the night was enjoyable. It was fun to get out of the house and hear some MUSIC!