tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12290219192983987842024-03-12T20:38:14.415-07:00Pixie KnitsKnitting obsession documented, with a lack of computer skillz (and spelling skillz) by a teen who needs to reduce the stash, and get some more sock yarnMelsbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730315257039508761noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1229021919298398784.post-1014361480766809742009-03-14T16:37:00.000-07:002009-03-14T16:55:28.654-07:00New Haircut<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SbxD51euKkI/AAAAAAAAAFY/QF4hpOAPsoU/s1600-h/CIMG1318.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SbxD51euKkI/AAAAAAAAAFY/QF4hpOAPsoU/s400/CIMG1318.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313196321277880898" /></a><br />Yeah, so I finally got my hair cut!Melsbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730315257039508761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1229021919298398784.post-74839692862484750302009-02-11T17:15:00.001-08:002009-02-11T17:22:47.373-08:00Hello, bad hair day!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SZN53NuHaaI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/8Xo0syXd7cg/s1600-h/DSC_0550.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SZN53NuHaaI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/8Xo0syXd7cg/s400/DSC_0550.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301715175828056482" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SZN52xbU3mI/AAAAAAAAAFI/m0UZtVIGOAk/s1600-h/DSC_0546.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SZN52xbU3mI/AAAAAAAAAFI/m0UZtVIGOAk/s400/DSC_0546.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301715168233053794" /></a>Melsbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730315257039508761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1229021919298398784.post-91985056110009067402009-01-19T17:28:00.000-08:002009-01-19T17:57:23.465-08:00Things you don't know about me1.I like ballet inspired clothes, especially legwarmers and shirts that have low scoop backs. Actually, I like almost anything that has to do with ballet.<br /><br />2.I'm captain of the Academic English Team because I love to read. I read when I'm bored, tired, crabby, and when I need to escape. <br /><br />3.I don't finish half as many projects as I start. I like casting on so much that I forget to cast off.<br /><br />4.I belong to the Loose Ends, which meets on Tuesdays at Coffee D'Vine. You can come at 7:00 PM if you know where that is.<br /><br />5.I'm not good at becoming my dreams. I dream high and far away and I get disappointed even when I know how unattainable some of my dreams are.<br /><br />6.I'm stingy and parsimonious, but I still never have enough money to do all the things I want to.<br /><br />7. I love "I Love Lucy" and I generally wish I had her life. Wouldn't mind Ricky Ricardo...<br /><br />8.My hero is Audrey Hepburn. There isn't a moment when I don't envy her, although I disagree with her fickleness concerning marriage. William Holden is my idea of perfect.<br /><br />9.In case you didn't notice, I love old movies and TV shows. I'm the one out of my friends that was born in the wrong time period. 1980 would have been my kind of time...<br /><br />10. My favorite TV shows are Grey's Anatomy, House, The Mentalist, and occasionally Private Practice. I watch them when they come on the DVR. Even if I have homework.Melsbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730315257039508761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1229021919298398784.post-74088267256677590282009-01-16T12:12:00.000-08:002009-01-16T12:17:54.401-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SXDq-v3A8uI/AAAAAAAAAE0/0vQc_hpvwsc/s1600-h/thali+mara.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 324px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SXDq-v3A8uI/AAAAAAAAAE0/0vQc_hpvwsc/s400/thali+mara.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291987925880337122" /></a><br /><br />This is a page from my new ballet book, First Steps in Ballet. I <3 it! I also got a dictionary of ballet terms from amazon. Both were under a dollar + 3.99 shipping (the dictionary ended up being $4 total!) I hope this will help me get ready for ballet class!Melsbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730315257039508761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1229021919298398784.post-35466949723788413182009-01-02T11:12:00.000-08:002009-01-02T13:20:52.574-08:00Warm Woolen MittensOkay, Let's get something straight: I am not a world class designer. I do not have hundreds of patterns available online, in books, and in magazines. Actually, I only have one, it's on this blog, and on Ravelry (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/warm-woolen-mittens">warm woolen mittens on Ravelry</a> or <a href="http://pixiestyxknits.blogspot.com/2008/05/warm-woolen-mittens.html#links">Pixie Knits: Warm Woolen Mittens</a>). I don't expect to have other knitters acclaim my talent, beg me to write more patterns, or even comment on my silly little blog which so very few people read, and thank you to those of you who do, if there are any.<br /><br />I might expect my flipping pattern to be higher up on the pattern search though. Out of curiosity, I searched "mittens" on Ravelry. 4145 matches, 208 pages of delight. Don't worry dear knitters, I have braved the surf of patterns, and Warm Woolen Mittens is on the <span style="font-style:italic;">33rd page!</span><br /><br />Narrow the search to "free patterns only" and mine will be on the 12th page of 79 pages, 1567 matches.<br /><br />Narrow it further to patterns available on Ravelry for free, and mine is on the 3rd page of 16, out of 301 matches.<br /><br />Oh, if you're looking for a super-bulky mitten pattern, then it's on the 2nd page out of 106 matches.<br /><br />My time was not wasted at all, as I found several things to add to the favorites, including several lacy versions of fingerless mitts that I will most likely never make. For the three people who actually decided to brave the new-designer's stigma, I hope they enjoyed the pattern. It is also queued by 24 people, most likely because I complained that no one saw it in about 4 different conversations. <br /><br />In case you're wondering, my new idea is to promote the pattern endlessly and to create more wonderful designs, including the Keira sweater, which I already have yarn for, and the Lucienne tank, but adult-sized and with better taste.<br /><br />My recent project status is as follows:<br />Minneco: needs a strap<br />Shawl: halfway completed<br />OPal socks: frogged<br />Everything else: on hold until I finish the shawl<br /> *As a precaution for anyone who reads this, I love Ravelry. I just wish that more people would read my pattern. It makes me feel important.Melsbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730315257039508761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1229021919298398784.post-67269454356780560942008-12-31T16:36:00.000-08:002008-12-31T16:48:39.233-08:00New YearOkay, as the old year is coming to a close, my Mom is washing the celebratory once a year krab, I'd like to say that this year has been a year of changes. Probably not as many changes as 2005, the year of "the drive" (move to Indiana), or 2001, year of the screaming 8 lb. 6oz. Livi (we haven't found out how to get her to stop screaming yet). This year was my first in AP Chem and US History (and may God have mercy on my soul for thinking that I could handle AP Bio as well). I started writing again and I never really stopped. And I stopped blogging, without really ever meaning to. I forced myself to knit some things, and I frogged more than I finished, so that brings me to the important part:<br /><br />Melanie's New Year Resolutions of 2009<br />1. Knit when possible, and even when impossible<br /><br />2. finally lose a few pounds and be healthy<br /><br />3. Get involved in ballet<br /><br />4. Up my GPA (have been working on that one since I found out what it was!)<br /><br />5. Blog... more. Like, at least once a month.<br /><br />6. Win academic team state competition (last year we got 6th place!)<br /><br />7. Read and read more. Read every book on my wish list and read beyond my normal boundaries<br /><br />8. Schedule and organize my life better<br /><br />9. Write every day, and finish my story<br /><br />10. Finally learn how to really be nice, especially to my brother and sister, who are wonderful most of the time, and my parents, who finally let me get my driver's license! (yesterday!)<br /><br />Happy new year, and holidays to everyone. I'll be in touch, most likely with some form of ten things you don't already know about meMelsbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730315257039508761noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1229021919298398784.post-88276978438178763872008-07-17T09:43:00.000-07:002008-07-17T09:58:44.916-07:00Pixie's Quest for more Yarn (and cookies)I wish you guys would comment! Please? Please? And yarn, I need more sock yarn. As for the challenge, I started Fanny with some yarn my mom found. Nick's socks are finished, to be photographed, Cot Blanket (which is on ravelry, and you haven't heard about or seen... yet) Has the first repeat of eight done, with the 2nd repeat halfway through. Opal socks are an ugh, because I can't get them lined up right on the needles. I frogged the first sock partway twice, but it refuses to get into optimum sock knitting position. The second sock, which is knitted straight from the ball, can't be finished until I know how long to make it to match the other one.<br /><br />The sparkly buttony sweater is boring, and going far too slowly for me. I have it listed as 40% done, but I have the midsection half done and sleeves to go. Luckily, there's no sewing up to be done, except for the buttons. <br /><br />I bought a book! Knitting Lingerie Style is supposed to come in the mail soon... hopefully tomorrow, before I leave for vacation. South Haven is the perfect Beach knitting getaway... I'm Taking Fanny and Cot Blanket, and maybe even Sparkly Buttony. <br /><br />I'm working on a pattern for the new book being talked about in Teens Knit and Crochet on Rav. Should just cast it on and work it out, but I have so many other projects to do!<br /><br /> Oh, and I dropped Caliormetry from the challenge list, cause I don't feel like making it anymore. In case you were wondering, I just add all my project hopefuls to favorites on Rav until the challenge is over. I really don't think I'll get the socks done, with the shortage of sock yarn here at my house, and my vow not to buy anymore (except to finish projects). <br /><br />I'll post more pictures later, probably instead of reading my summer assignment in English or AP US History. Ciao!Melsbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730315257039508761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1229021919298398784.post-81953233007175093592008-07-11T09:29:00.000-07:002008-12-09T06:49:27.811-08:00Pixie's new and great ideaOkay, this is gold, and I hope that lots of people try it:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">I'm going to finish everything in my queue and break down the stash before December 24th</span><br /><br />I know it's ambitious, but sock yarn doesn't count. It's kind of like a yarn diet, a destash, and a new year's resolution all rolled up into one. In case you're wondering (which I know you are!), I'm only going to knit things from the queue I have saved today.<br /><br /> <br />1 Elefante <br />2 Fanny <br />3 Ballet Slippers & Mary Jane Footies <br />4 Evangeline <br />5 Queen of Cups <br />6 Pomatomus <br />7 Love.Long.Life Smittens <br />8 Snowdrop Leg Warmers - old MAGKNITS <br />9 Beaded Cami <br />10 BFF Socks <br />13 River Rapids Socks <br />14 Hedera <br />15 Monkey <br />16 Fitted Ribbed Turtleneck <br />17 Anne Elliot Spencer <br />18 <span style="font-style:italic;">Water Sprite Swim Suit</span> <br />19 Calorimetry <br />20 Audrey Hepburn <br />21 Marilyn Monroe <br />22 Super Simple Short Sock <br />23 Shetland Shorty <br />24 Mineco <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">The water sprite doesn't count, it's made on size ones and I have no idea when I can get that kind of yarn</span><br /> <br />They won't get done in this order, plus I have to finish my other projects first, but it will get done! This is my queue: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/pixiestyx/queue?view=list"></a><br /><br />And this is my cat:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SHeOPYodcSI/AAAAAAAAADU/3nH9vipRa40/s1600-h/philly.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SHeOPYodcSI/AAAAAAAAADU/3nH9vipRa40/s400/philly.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221798687920714018" /></a><br />His name is Phil, and he has a twin sister named Lil. He doesn't like yarn, but he'll cuddle when I knit outside. (He's an outdoor/barn cat)Melsbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730315257039508761noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1229021919298398784.post-20858529674912112682008-06-23T13:22:00.000-07:002008-06-23T14:17:28.534-07:00Emergency Knitting suppliesWe've all done it: taken a not-so-uncomplicated project knitting with us on vacation. Believe me, knitting supplies and packing don't go well together. We all inadvertently forget the scissors, the yarn needle, the cable needle, or the stitch markers. So, I pulled together a list of emergency knitting supplies for when you forget a piece of the project (I can even help you out if you forget the yarn!)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The nail clippers</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.firstaidmonster.com/images/products/FAM_NAIL_CLIPPER_2-5385.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.firstaidmonster.com/images/products/FAM_NAIL_CLIPPER_2-5385.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Don't saw your yarn with a table knife! They work in a pinch if you forgot scissors, and most people have them stuffed in their cars somewhere. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Paperclip</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://qpmstationery.com/Images/Products/EplOfficePaperClipE350.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://qpmstationery.com/Images/Products/EplOfficePaperClipE350.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />It is the ultimate knitting tool! You can bend it and make it a stitch-marker, or you can use it as an impromptu cable needle!!!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The plastic bag, turned plarn</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://kenny.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/image008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://kenny.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/image008.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Start a new project, to make a knitting bag to hold your lovely, forgotten project!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Bobby Pin</span> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/47660/2/istockphoto_47660_bobby_pins.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/47660/2/istockphoto_47660_bobby_pins.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />It works as a yarn needle for sewing up socks, but for a regular weaving-in project, wait till you get home.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">AND, the piece de resistance,</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The pencil</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:L1cGIv0eyiAfSM:http://www.remarkable.co.uk/downloads/wooden_pencil.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:L1cGIv0eyiAfSM:http://www.remarkable.co.uk/downloads/wooden_pencil.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />You can use it to write, and you can use it to cable. You can even use it to knit with, as long as you wash out the graphite stains. Or, you could always use it's good friend, the pen.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.google.com/url?q=http://content.etilize.com/500/11960979.jpg&usg=AFQjCNExMR66-XXe1pWDuj1-UKINcTVukA"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://images.google.com/url?q=http://content.etilize.com/500/11960979.jpg&usg=AFQjCNExMR66-XXe1pWDuj1-UKINcTVukA" border="0" alt="" /></a>Melsbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730315257039508761noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1229021919298398784.post-18174586517973590582008-06-18T10:53:00.000-07:002008-12-09T06:49:31.052-08:00NOW the pictures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlPhoZuUuI/AAAAAAAAACo/hSdA-2CWD9A/s1600-h/CIMG0765.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlPhoZuUuI/AAAAAAAAACo/hSdA-2CWD9A/s200/CIMG0765.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213285482857648866" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlPhoYy_QI/AAAAAAAAACw/aUiVePA0MoU/s1600-h/CIMG0779.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlPhoYy_QI/AAAAAAAAACw/aUiVePA0MoU/s200/CIMG0779.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213285482853760258" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlPh7839TI/AAAAAAAAAC4/L6xloJWIu7s/s1600-h/CIMG0780.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlPh7839TI/AAAAAAAAAC4/L6xloJWIu7s/s200/CIMG0780.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213285488105354546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlPhzSvJAI/AAAAAAAAADA/INWFkWstAZg/s1600-h/CIMG0778.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlPhzSvJAI/AAAAAAAAADA/INWFkWstAZg/s200/CIMG0778.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213285485781132290" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlOl7fPZ6I/AAAAAAAAACA/BFbB2vwUITg/s1600-h/CIMG0756.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlOl7fPZ6I/AAAAAAAAACA/BFbB2vwUITg/s200/CIMG0756.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213284457188911010" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlOmAKFQNI/AAAAAAAAACI/pFnLIvxc0Xc/s1600-h/CIMG0760.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlOmAKFQNI/AAAAAAAAACI/pFnLIvxc0Xc/s200/CIMG0760.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213284458442342610" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlOmK7n1wI/AAAAAAAAACQ/_9vGkNwkS7g/s1600-h/CIMG0761.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlOmK7n1wI/AAAAAAAAACQ/_9vGkNwkS7g/s200/CIMG0761.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213284461334484738" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlOmq4wQjI/AAAAAAAAACY/EM04C93skos/s1600-h/CIMG0764.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlOmq4wQjI/AAAAAAAAACY/EM04C93skos/s200/CIMG0764.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213284469912388146" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlOmg2jqXI/AAAAAAAAACg/Ixs0Agbc8CY/s1600-h/CIMG0759.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlOmg2jqXI/AAAAAAAAACg/Ixs0Agbc8CY/s200/CIMG0759.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213284467218819442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlM60okArI/AAAAAAAAABY/o8-aUNbOs-E/s1600-h/CIMG0699.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlM60okArI/AAAAAAAAABY/o8-aUNbOs-E/s200/CIMG0699.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213282617102959282" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlM66HIAeI/AAAAAAAAABg/mOGgQQWLYt4/s1600-h/CIMG0750.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlM66HIAeI/AAAAAAAAABg/mOGgQQWLYt4/s200/CIMG0750.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213282618573324770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlM7XE41VI/AAAAAAAAABo/dxXC60nKWmQ/s1600-h/CIMG0751.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlM7XE41VI/AAAAAAAAABo/dxXC60nKWmQ/s200/CIMG0751.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213282626348569938" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlM7jwdc_I/AAAAAAAAABw/zwjO9X71EXc/s1600-h/CIMG0752.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlM7jwdc_I/AAAAAAAAABw/zwjO9X71EXc/s200/CIMG0752.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213282629752550386" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlM7tkxcBI/AAAAAAAAAB4/Bq86EVIRtmU/s1600-h/CIMG0753.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SFlM7tkxcBI/AAAAAAAAAB4/Bq86EVIRtmU/s200/CIMG0753.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213282632387883026" /></a><br />Well. Now I've figured out how to upload pictures without moaning and crying in frustration, I will show and tell you all about my summer (so far). The pictures are of myself, the opal sock, the market bag/earth day project, and Mom's lacy socks.Then there's the pictures of the tinkerbell slippers, which I made several pairs of and conveniently didn't take pictures of, my messy room, my knitting basket, piles of junk. Then there's the pictures of Florida, and Crochet hat, and (almost) finished opal sock. PLUS they're all in reverse order of what I told you! Isn't blogging fun?Melsbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730315257039508761noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1229021919298398784.post-7862153051465507412008-06-12T10:09:00.000-07:002008-06-18T10:53:11.406-07:00All the stuff I haven't blogged about in a long timeWell, I haven't had a very good blog post in a LONG LONG time, so I figured I'd give it to y'all in one big swoop. I cleaned my room. Then I went to Florida, had my first kiss, and came back, all brown and peely. My room is now somewhat messy, but I'll show you anyways. And, strawberries are coming in the garden, so I whipped up a batch of strawberry jam. I started a crochet evening-purse, but all my other projects are at a stand still. Now the pictures! Just Kidding, they're not working!Melsbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730315257039508761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1229021919298398784.post-67007470917065208432008-05-19T16:10:00.000-07:002008-12-09T06:49:31.242-08:00Ravelry users<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SDIJIVD3xXI/AAAAAAAAABQ/bvsuHy5iHSM/s1600-h/IttyBittyBob.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/SDIJIVD3xXI/AAAAAAAAABQ/bvsuHy5iHSM/s320/IttyBittyBob.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202230558263330162" /></a><br />I found itty bitty bob!Melsbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730315257039508761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1229021919298398784.post-86839431366540597862008-05-14T13:21:00.000-07:002009-01-02T11:18:00.637-08:00Warm Woolen MittensIt's a little late for mittens, but I had to post this gorgeous pattern made by MUAH!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Warm Woolen Mittens</span><br />CO 22<br />K1 P1 rib for 1 1/2 inches<br />*K10, K2tog* around (should have 20 stitches)<br />Knit 2 rounds<br />*K3 M1* around<br />M1 between needles 1 and 3 (should have 28 stitches)<br />Knit 8 rounds<br /><br />Thumb gusset<br />K2, K4 with scrap yarn<br />Slip "scrap stitches" back onto left needle and knit with regular yarn<br />K for 2 inches, or until the top knuckle of the pinky<br /><br />*K2, K2tog* around (21sts)<br />Knit 2 rounds <br />*K2, K2tog* around (16sts)<br />Knit 2 rounds<br />*K1, K2tog* around (11sts)<br />Knit last round, decrease 1<br />Kitchener stitch or graft the remaining 10 stitches<br /><br />Thumb<br />Pick up 12 sts (including the "scrap stitches")<br />divide on 3 or 4 needles<br />knit for a while<br /><br />when your thunb is <span style="font-style: italic;">just</span> short of long enough, <br />*K1, K2tog* for a round<br />knit your last thumb round<br />then thread your remaining yarn through the <span style="font-style: italic;">very last</span> 8 stitches<br /><br />Weave in your ends (especially around the thumb gusset) and enjoy your first mitten! Yup, you should have the 2nd one done by Christmas.Melsbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730315257039508761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1229021919298398784.post-9570095841370783572008-05-12T15:29:00.000-07:002008-05-12T15:33:27.655-07:00Well, didn't I almost have it all?I started a new sweater! This one should be done in a few days... 2 weeks tops. I'll post pics later. I've been pretty busy. Academic team took 7th at state and next year we'll do even better. I made another pair of Susan's Christmas socks and I got back into jewelry making. Plus, I just got a magic loop! Hopefully, after finals, I'll be able to post more often and actually post picture once in a while. See you later!Melsbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730315257039508761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1229021919298398784.post-84458050253355387132008-04-14T16:48:00.000-07:002008-04-14T16:55:06.456-07:00Should Be StudyingI should be doing some homework or studying or cramming for Academic Team (of which the last meet is tomorrow, which I have decided there is no room for error and we must make it to state), but I'm posting to you guys because A) I love you and B) I haven't posted in forever and C) I'm getting no comments!<br /><br />I'm writing a book-sized story and I may post excerpts of it here. I've officially got an editor who will ruthlessly cut it to bits and make me sew it together again, but I'd do the same for him. We have an interesting relationship... He's on the E.A.Team too and he's going to either kick my butt or I'll kick his.<br /><br />Pics later, have been on ravelry too much and neglected my blog... Lots of projects though! G2G, study and do homework. I'll let you know the results Wednesday, as I will be dead tired tomorrow!Melsbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730315257039508761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1229021919298398784.post-16297155056837825982008-02-27T09:07:00.000-08:002008-02-27T09:09:40.886-08:00E A Tgoing to my first English Academic Team meet today- wish me luck! We have to wear these nasty old rugby shirts: mine is an XXL and I wear a Small! That was the smallest size that they had! WE're going to state this year (because I said so!) so maybe they'll get us new shirts! Wish me luck!Melsbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730315257039508761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1229021919298398784.post-34161210454406915012007-12-17T06:30:00.000-08:002007-12-17T06:40:45.315-08:00Pay it forward!I hereby pledge to send a handmade gift to the first three people who comment on this entry. No real promises about time frame, but it’ll be within the next 365 days. In return, you have to post the same offer on your blog, and prepare to send a gift to three other people.<br /><br />Okay, now that that's over with, TODAY IS A SNOW DAY!!! Finals are in 2 days (Wednesday, Thursday, And Friday) and Christmas knitting is in overload... Grandma's mittens/scarf/sweater aren't started because I frogged them so many times. It's definitely not a sweater any more and Grandma never wears hats, but I really want to use up that yarn! Any ideas?<br /><br />Susan's socks are almost done, but I foresee that I'll need more yarn! I'll have to get Mom to buy some from Walmart tomorrow since today it is too unbelievably snowy and dangerous to go out. <br /><br />I have no idea what I'm going to get my best friend, short of hot cocoa mix and an i.o.u. Any ideas there would be greatly appreciated also. And I've decided that I'll make my aunt Suzie something for Christmas, but I don't know what. Probably mittens because I won't be able to finish socks in time. <br /><br />That's all the updates I can think of at the moment. If I don't update this for a while, it's probably because our internet is blocked off or the satellite isn't working. Drop me a line if you get bored, I'm probably watching a movie, drinking hot cocoa, or avalanched under some final review books.Merry Christmas!Melsbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730315257039508761noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1229021919298398784.post-38719217527847414442007-12-03T16:46:00.000-08:002007-12-03T16:56:35.156-08:00New jeans, new lifestyleI finally got some new jeans that actually fit. And I haven't gotten new jeans in... (drumroll please) 2 years. Pretty good, since I've gained about 20 pounds since then (shut up, it was a growth spurt). <br /><br />Jeans symbolize more than just the outside of you. And they don't just show the body type either(athletic, lazy, naturally skinny, etc.) They show who you are and who you want to be. If you wear bootcuts levi's or lee's, you're probably pretty classic. If you wear skinny jeans, you're either brave or stupid and follow the crowd (or break away, depending on how fashion forward your city is) And you know I'm just generalizing. But you know what? I think that I'm trying to grow into a kind, smart, beautiful person. Intelligent, but not geeky. All a's but not obesessed. Thin but not anorexic. Nice, but not a marshmellow. Speaksing up for myself and my friends. Confident enough to get what I want. <br /><br />Good luck with that... when I find someone like this, I'm going to hate her forever while I suck on a big old hershey's bar. Life sucks, then you die. But there's always time to improve it a little.Melsbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730315257039508761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1229021919298398784.post-22559231159401349742007-12-02T17:24:00.000-08:002007-12-02T17:37:22.417-08:00Whatever will I do?I just bought the most BEAUTIFUL brown metallic Patons Brilliant yarn. I have 10 50g balls just waiting for me to sink my teeth into (500 grams, math whizzes). What should I do with it? Should I make a sweater? A shawl? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.<br /><br /> I know, I have to post pics of the dumb brown socks, the beautiful brown yarn, and all my other yarn goodies. Maybe next Saturday, I'll blog my stash. It's not really that impressive, but I do need to quit buying. I just like to have yarn on hand to play with! I might even have a yarn giveaway contest. Or maybe just see if anyone wants to swap or something. Fair warning: most of it is acryllic and inherited (i.e. from Grandma or goodwill) and some of it I don't even know what it is. <br /><br />Blogging time cuts into sleeping, homework, and knitting time, so ttyl. Honors English and Honors Chem and Honors Algebra II homework doesn't do itself, you know! But it does get done at 6:20 when I arrive at school. Yes that's early, but I get up at 5:00, leave at 5:30 and get to school at 6:20 (it takes me 45 minutes to get to school). The on top of all that, school doesn't start until 7:55 and ends at 3:00. Yeah. Sleeping isn't very high on my priority list when there's school. Maybe I'll just catch up on it in Latin and in the car.Melsbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730315257039508761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1229021919298398784.post-2469993642976568992007-12-01T04:11:00.000-08:002007-12-01T08:29:31.102-08:00Christmas projectsOkay, I finished my dad's stupid brown all wool super thick socks. He said that they're not thick enough. It's like, if I'm going to spend weeks of my time knitting something for anyone, they had better be at least somewhat grateful, you know? Anyway, my dad and brother are going to the Lake for a graduation party and my mom, me, and my sister are staying home. Scary movie and fudge time! I think I'm getting sick, so it's probably better if I stay home and knit anyways. Mom doesn't like scary movies and Livi's 6, so if I have nightmares at 3am, you guys are the first ones to hear about it, okay?<br /><br />As for the inevitable Christmas projects, I'm making 3 scarves and 1 set of mittens (as of now). I still don't know what I'm going to give my carpool, my favorite aunt who gave me the rest of grandma's yarn when she died (she was my favorite aunt before that), and all of the small presents for my friends. And some stocking stuffer type things so that my family can't rattle the boxes and find out what they have. <br /><br />My Grandma (the living one) called and asked me for christmas present ideas. Well, thanks gma! She never gives me ideas for what to give her! And they have to be tangible presents, not gift cards. Dang it, I want iTunes money! Last year, with a total lack of present ideas, we got socks with a $50 bill inside. So what do I want? I don't know. What do you ask for that's not uber expensive and is easy for my gift-challenged aunt to find? (she does all of my gma's Christmas shopping. And she has a notorious history of getting the cheapest version of anything even if it breaks the next day and even if you <em>*specifically*</em> ask for a brand name thing because you knoe the cheap one will rot and break before you even open the box)Not that I'm mean or picky about gifts. It's the thought that counts, right? But I don't want my family to waste their money, especially on me. I mean, I don't want anyone to buy me a present and spend time and money on it if I won't use it. That's the other thing. They never include gift receipts. So, if whatever it is breaks, it's garbage. I really don't care if you spend $1 or $100 on me, it's the thought that counts.Melsbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730315257039508761noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1229021919298398784.post-51656280274498963852007-11-13T14:08:00.000-08:002007-11-13T14:17:04.379-08:00QuiltingOkay, don't freak out, my mom is making a quilt for my baby sister. This weekend, I decided to help. Quilting is pretty fun, but waaaaaaay too time consuming and not portable enough for me. If I plan on going to U of M Ann Arbor for college, I'm going to need something that doesn't take much time in between all of the classes, jobs, and studying. It's pretty bad, I'm already feeling the college crunch, and I'm only a sophmore! You have to realize, at my school, everything is competitive. You get ahead or you fall behind. You ask for help and you fall in with people that share your goals, or you won't have any friends in any of your classes. I have the same classes with the same people all day long and it bothers me VERY much. I can't help but think that I don't fit in well at this school, but that's okay, because I was born to stand out. I've got my good friends, and that's all I need. But, I'm always open to more!Melsbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730315257039508761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1229021919298398784.post-83435752255526031282007-11-02T17:24:00.000-07:002007-11-02T17:29:33.711-07:00Problem!OK, did anyone notice that <i>everyone</i> online knits the same patterns, reads the same books and blogs, and uses the same yarn? I'm all for KAL's and stuff like that, but come on! Can't we branch out, just a little? What happened to all of the funky fashionistas who flirt with the edge between cool and insane? Use vintage, follow a pattern, improve your pattern, or make up your own! We need a little craziness! Please?Melsbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730315257039508761noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1229021919298398784.post-67714464141095534902007-10-30T13:32:00.000-07:002007-10-30T13:33:47.031-07:00OMG!I'm on ravelry! my username is pixiestyx<br />see you there!Melsbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730315257039508761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1229021919298398784.post-39361387092964480102007-10-23T14:25:00.000-07:002007-10-23T14:29:51.579-07:00Those darn socks!Okay, you all saw the beige sock I finished? It turned out mongo huge! I gave the pair to my Cough, little, cough, brother. Dad is finally getting his socks. They're brown all wool ones... Post pics soon. I started the soft as a bunny makeup bag from hollywood knits. Only 3000 people in front of me for ravelry! woo hoo! It's all I can think about when I go online! And I'm going to start those spiral boot socks from interweave knits summer 2007. Later!Melsbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730315257039508761noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1229021919298398784.post-19544661568283729862007-10-14T13:32:00.000-07:002008-12-09T06:49:31.624-08:00New socks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/RxKV6nArhdI/AAAAAAAAABA/vfyCj_8d9r4/s1600-h/mel-socks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CpqEvPedRnw/RxKV6nArhdI/AAAAAAAAABA/vfyCj_8d9r4/s400/mel-socks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121320560410461650" border="0" /></a><br />okay, I <3 my sock pattern! I made this one, same as Livi's but with a smaller leg cuff. It's in caron yarn (color-bone) (which I got for a quarter at Goodwill!) It took me about 2 1/2 hours to make the first one and I already started the 2nd! Next, Mom and Nick's socks. Dad asked for a pair of really thick wool socks that won't wear out. Sorry, I haven't found that kind of wool yet! When I do, I'll make everything out of it!Melsbellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05730315257039508761noreply@blogger.com2