Spinalcat's Crafty Adventures

Which is much tastier than it sounds. ;) Sorry, no pics. We ate all this stuff way too quick. I've been doing a lot of baking lately to keep myself busy. A month or so ago, I made this raspberry-rhubarb pie from the May Cooking Light twice in a few days. I used the frozen crust from Whole Foods, and it was fine. I would probably rate this recipe 5 stars (big surprise). Whole Foods sells boxes of powdered tapioca (next to the baking supplies) so you don't have to buy big tapioca and process it yourself. I didn't have the currant liqueur. I drizzled in some of the liquid from a jar of blackberry preserves. I went with Maria to Gizdich Ranch at the end of June. We picked strawberries, olallieberries , and boysenberries. It was a whole lot of fun. I've heard fantastic things about their bake shop and juice as well. I made a couple recipes out of a Cooks Illustrated "Cooking For Two" book I bought at Cosentino's . The strawberry shortcakes were ...

So I'm actually already finished with this except for finishing the i-cord and throwing everything in the wash. WIP: Indigo Ripples Skirt , originally uploaded by Buxtrosion . Indigo Ripples Skirt by Kat Coyle, from Interweave Knits Spring 2007. I didn't make most of the modifications other knitters have. (I'll describe these real quick- A lot of people cast on the waist stitch number for one size larger than desired then increase just until the hip stitch count for the desired size is reached. This makes the skirt sit lower. A lot of people, maybe most, lengthened the solid part to 15" from the waistband instead of 12.5" for a more modest look.) I don't mind that it sits at the waist instead of lower, and I don't mind that it might be slightly scandalous. If it comes out way too short after washing, I'll surgically insert a panel and wash it again until the amount of fading is about the same. A lot of people have changed the gauge for a slimme...

Hand dyed self-striping socks. Self-Striping Socks , originally uploaded by Buxtrosion . I'm still here, I just haven't felt very chatty lately. If you see me, I could probably use a hug. I've finished a few things, but most of them aren't bloggable. I think I need an accountability buddy for getting patterns submitted or published. Things are starting to pile up, though I do think I'll be meeting some Sept 1 deadlines. I have a tendency to put off things that are just for myself. I need to get my business license to start putting things in my Ravelry shop which is all set up. I've got my free patterns off to the side over here -----------> You don't have to be a Ravelry member to use the "download now" link. I'm beginning to learn the lesson that I need to speak up, take chances, and let other people help me. I got brave and asked somebody for a favor a couple of weeks ago and it actually happened! I'm moving into a sup...