I'm a bee!

Well, busy as one, anyway...

I recently did a painting for Gray Construction, which was fun (and challenging- RUSH job):

I love doing commissions! And this house looks like it will be AMAZING.

Now, if only I can get something for myself done...

Sausalito Blythe Meet Up!

Kathryn and I went to our very first Blythe Meet Up on Saturday (I'm slowly talking her into taking the Blythe plunge)! It was in lovely Sausalito, which I have never stopped in before, and I would love to go back to again. Everyone at the Meet was so very nice, and I can't wait to go to the next one! Here are some of the pics that Kathryn took (proof versions):

Here is the rest of the flickr set!

Garden-y

Where I've been most of the time:

Sometimes with a friend or two:

Vegetable Garden

Obitsued Licca

I couldn't wait for the garden to produce, so I had to buy an armload of veggies to tide me over... I made fresh pickled veggies (Italian style):

Nom, nom, nom.

Hello.

Sorry I've been so absent... I seem to get quite busy for someone who should have too much time on their hands... I promise to post more soon! I've been gardening, knitting, dogsitting, show going, painting, tv catching-up-on, puttering, partying, and so on...

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What I do need to tell you is that you NEED to make this show if you're in the (SF) bay area:

Young Americans
Mills College MFA Exhibition
Mills College Art Museum: May 3 - 31, 2009
KQEDondemand video: Stoked Americans

This is where Chris is going to grad school, but he's not in this show (it's this year's graduates). Anyway, it's seriously the best show in the bay right now, and you only have until the 31st to catch it!

What?

That's how I roll.

Judge Judy

Oil on Canvas, 8x10

Foxiness

Psssst.... I made a fox.

He likes to play hide and seek.

I got the pattern from a japanese book, but the instructions were for a solid colored one.

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Also, I've been working on the dollies...

Cotton (in green) and my still unnamed J-Doll got new lip paint:

And, I started my first custom Blythe:

Wish me luck!

Bits & Bobs

Here's what I've been up to lately...

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Trying out for dream jobs...

Sketches and miniature display for a Display Coordiator job at Anthropologie... I didn't get it :( But I can use the display at home for spring!

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Playing with dolls...

In the dollhouse I just finished making! I'll post more/better pics when I get some furniture done. By the by, these dollies still need names. I'm thinking of "Wren" for the Petite Blythe (2nd one)...

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Making crazy posters.

Poster I made for my friend Todd's movie (his design).

New and Improved!

Lemon Drop's new dress (with ReMent boots). I had meant to make her candy themed from the beginning, and I finally got to it! She also has a candy striped heart for her new pull. I was a bit put out when I saw the new My Little Candy Blythe, but I like mine better!

Lemon Drop & Astrid (yes, I finally decided) showing each other their new pulls!

Gifty Paintings

Two paintings, same frame:

This one was for my mom (for her birthday)... Pudge is her Pomeranian/Chihuahua (that's right, pom-chi) and is always with her. It's gouache on paper.

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And this one was a commission by Joan, my MIL's best friend, who has a new little nephew! It's oil on canvas.

I'm taken with ovals at the moment... and I love that frame! I may have to go stock up on them at some point. Now I have to get around to painting something for myself...

Bobble Coif: Now with FREE PATTERN!

I made this headband/hat thing after being inspired by this one worn by Emily (here too). I had to make up the pattern, since there is no Seaplane near me (sad face) and I Had To Have One. I can post the pattern if I get a few requests...

UPDATE!

Here's the pattern:

MATERIALS
1 skein Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted in Aran
#6 DPNs
#7 straights

Tapestry needle

GAUGE
4 sts.=1 inch (exact gauge is not vital)

DIRECTIONS
With DPNs, CO 3 sts.
Work I-Cord for 6”.
Switch to straight needles and begin to work from chart (download here).

When chart is completed, switch back to DPNs and work 6” of I-Cord.
Weave in ends and block.

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Please let me know any errors you come across... I've only knitted this once! And I'd love to see any completed projects!

New Girl!

Lemon Drop getting to know Miss Sally Rice

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MSR needs a new name... I'm thinking about Astrid or Lily maybe... suggestions? I think Lemon Drop looks pretty good in the Pullip Greggia outfit I picked up (since I can't afford Greggia!).

Also, I sandmatted Lemon Drop... it turned out really well! My very first custom work... I think I will try carving her lips next. I'm pretty sure I will keep MSR stock, though, I like the Takara shine on her! Thanks to pariszhenpink on TIB for sending MSR my way... I'm in love already.

House•Work

Chris and Kathryn are having a show opening this weekend! The show is really fantastic (I'm not being biased, really!), and anyone in the Sacramento area should try to make it out. If you haven't done Second Saturday, you're really missing out, so this is the perfect time to start! It will be up the whole month, though, if you can't make Saturday.

The show is at the Viewpoint Gallery, which has a nice slideshow of some of the work.

Kathryn Mayo and Chris Fraser: House•Work
March 11 to April 4, 2009

Second Saturday Reception — March 14, 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Tinies!

Introducing Cotton & Candy!

They are Petite Blythes (originally Squiggly Squirrel and Feline Fancy, mohaired by I Love George, Re-Ment accessories, outfits by me!)... re-named Cotton & Candy by me. I wish I could find some blue/green boots for Cotton's outfit...

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She needs a name:

She's a Mini Pullip Anne Shirley (in Squiggly Squirrel's outfit), with Re-Ment and mushrooms knitted by me! Any name suggestions?

Dogs Named Laika

I started a flickr group recently for Dogs Named Laika...

You've all seen my ridiculous beast.

So if you know any Laikas... send 'em my way!

Happy Day.

Knitty Pattern

(imbellished, of course, and worsted instead of fingering)

Valentine's Day gift for Chris...

Beatrix's New Dress

Beatrix needed a dress to wear that isn't a wedding dress...

I decided to go with grey/silver tones because I thought they would go with her coloring really well... I just used scraps of fabric and ribbon I had around.

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I'm working on a dress for my Blythe right now... it's candy themed! Of course, you say, if you've ever met me. By the by, I named her Lemon Drop. Perfection, no? Here is a lovely pic of her by the ever talented Doug.

And here is everyone:

I'll have pics of the Mini Pullip & Petite Blythes soon...

Finally.

Best Friends

16x20 oil on board

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I haven't finished a painting since graduating... until now! Yaaaaaay! I have been so engrossed with new hobbies and burnt out on 2D that I just couldn't get anything done, but now I have a new (well, old and re-gessoed) stack of canvases waiting to break the curse. Although I did start a quilt and make some doll dresses last week while staring at said canvases. Wish me luck.

Slouchy Pirates (now with more eyepatch!)

We Call Them Pirates (pattern here)

My first fair isle!
I added an eyepatch to the middle row of skulls a la vikingmaid on Ravelry.
Sooooo… I had gauge, but I didn’t do a swatch to wash. I know, I know. It grew quite a bit after washing, but I think it looks pretty darn cute slouchy. I’ll just have to check if Tasha likes it that way (it was a request).