Thursday, December 16, 2021

Thursday Art Walk

 

In Which Art Is Hard.


I've been working on a bunch of art ideas, none of which are coming to fruition, sadly, but hey, that's life. Sometimes your art goes smoothly & well, and sometimes you're hurling sketched-upon notecards around your room like shuriken in frustration.

Today has been a shuriken day.

It's not due to any sort of horrible nightmarish scenario that I'm struggling to make art. I'm just having an off month. Happens.

That being said, today was another nice warm day (I think it reached 50℉/10℃!) and we had a thick fog roll in, so the cat got to go out again. Yesterday, she came face to face with poor Skye-Kitty from next door, who she loves to flirt with and then attempt to batter (poor dude). He wisely didn't come back today when she went out, but she did settle on the grass and look out into the fog, wistfully, as though she wished he was there (presumably to punch in the face like she always tries...).

So I made a little homage to that!

"Trouble"; colored pencil sketch on notecard; 2021


The cat in the foreground is, of course, the disastrous Ms. Evie, and the indistinct blob in the background is Mr. Skye-Kitty.

I hope I can make a larger version of this some time, maybe in watercolors, using their actual colors, because I didn't have my hot pink colored pencil with me when I was drawing this, and that's what color Evie's harness is lol.

Sadly, that's the only art that's come out even close to acceptable lately. And I'm not talking just "oh, I don't like it because I'm the artist and we're not allowed to like our own art", I'm talking "is that an elbow or a chair?" bad.

Then again, I do still have a *lot* of Christmas presents to finish, so I think that's what I'll focus on!

I hope you're all doing alright!

Go Enjoy Something!
FC

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Talk About Tuesday

 

In Which I Am Frustrated A Bit
(But That's Okay!)


Creative types, is this you?

You wake up too late because you were up all night and into the dawn working on a fun new idea you had and you were super excited to be working on it, so you figured "this is fine, I'll just sleep when I'm tired!" Except then you realize you've woken up at lunch and you're still tired, but worse, your brain has way more ideas for you to work with, and you're even more wound up! And then it's suddenly night time because you couldn't do anything with all those ideas because they were all shouting over each other, but finally one hits you just so and you start working again, and you stay up too late again and you figure "This time I'll sleep, right?"

But you don't and it just keeps going...

No?

Just me?

Huh. Okay, maybe I should take a freakin chill pill lol.

So if you've been wondering what's up with me, it's that. I've been having an overabundance of creative energy, but only at the worst times, and only on projects that I know I don't need to be working on just now. Instead of finishing my Christmas Projects (again) I'm back on my nonsense of "What if I try this new thing?!".

Don't worry, I'm still getting plenty of work done!

It's just very difficult to focus on what I need to focus on and also get sleep.

It'd probably help matters if I wasn't so squirrel-brained...

Regardless, here's the plan for this week:

Tomorrow - work on projects
Thursday - hopefully the art goes smoother this week than it did last week
Friday - more projects
Saturday - still more projects, possibly (hopefully) light-gazing
Sunday - chill with partner & family
Monday - post progress on Mystery Project
Next Tuesday - projects & blather on here!

The weather this week has not helped my focus. We went from below-freezing with about an inch of snow to upper 40s-low 50s (around 7-11℃) and pouring rain. Sometimes I wonder if I'm part plant because I'm as easily distracted by rapidly changing weather systems as a delicate flower or something. I literally cannot focus if the weather isn't sensible!

Currently, I'm throwing red rounds onto the Mystery Project and hooking as fast as I can through some other projects for family. I hope I can do a supply run tomorrow at some point so I can finish some of the ideas I have!

That being said, it's probably gonna be an early night for me tonight. Several days of staying up past dawn and then getting up after 10AM (yes, that means I've only been getting between 4-6 hours of sleep the last few days) are really catching up with me.

I hope you're all doing well!

Go Enjoy Something!
FC

Fiber Monday(ish)

 
I Was So Busy Working On Crochet I Forgot To Write!!!

I won't get into my dumb butt's steadfast belief in overworking myself right now, but suffice it to say I have crocheted a lot this week, I just can't show you most of it.

Also, we're on to a brand new part of our very interesting Secret Project, so if you're just joining us, here's the pattern so far:

Round 1: sc 6 into magic ring (6 sc)
R2: 2sc around (12 sc)
R3: [2sc, sc] around (18 sc)
R4: [sc, 2sc, sc] (24 sc)
R5: [2sc, sc in next 3 sts] (30 sc)
R6: sc around (30 sc)
R7: [sc in next 2 sts, 2sc, sc in next 2 sts] around (36 sc)
R8: [2sc, sc in next 5 sts] around (42 sc)
R9: [sc in next 3 sts, 2sc, sc in next 3 sts] around (48 sc)
R10: [2sc, sc in next 7 sts] around (54 sts)
R11: [sc in next 4 sts, 2sc, sc in next 4 sts] around (60 sc)
R12-13: sc around (60 sc)
R14: [2sc, sc in next 9 sts] around (66 sc)
R15: [sc in next 5 sts, 2sc, sc in next 5 sts] around (72 sc)
R16: [2sc, sc in next 11 sts] around (78 sc)
R17: [sc in next 6 sts, 2sc, sc in next 6 sts] around (84 sc)
R18: [2sc, sc in next 13 sts] around (90 sc)
R19-21: sc around (90 sc)
R22: [sc in next 7 sts, 2sc, sc in next 7 sts] around (96 sc)
R23: [2sc, sc in next 15 sts] around (102 sc)
R24: [sc in next 8 sts, 2sc, sc in next 8 sts] around (108 sc)
R25: [2sc, sc in next 17 sts] around (114 sc)
R26: [sc in next 9 sts, 2sc, sc in next 9 sts] around (120 sc)
R27-30: sc around (120 sc)
R31: [2sc, sc in next 19 sts] around (126 sc)
R32: [sc in next 10 sts, 2sc, sc in next 10 sts] around (132 sc)
R33: [2sc, sc in next 21 sts] around (138 sc)
R34: [sc in next 11 sts, 2sc, sc in next 11 sts] around (144 sc)
R35: [2sc, sc in next 23 sts] around (150 sc)
R36-40: sc around (150 sc)
R41: [sc 2 together, sc 23] around (144 sc)
R42-47: sc around (144 sc)
R48: [sc 11, sc 2 together, sc 11] around (138 sc)
R49-55: sc around (138 sc)
R56: [sc 2 together, sc 21] around (132 sc)
R57-64: sc around (132sc)
R65: [sc 10, sc 2 tog, sc 10] around (126 sc)
R66-74: sc around (126 sc)
R75: [sc 2 tog, sc 19] around (120 sc)
R76-84: sc around (120 sc)
R85: sc around, sl st to first sc (120 sc)
R86: ch3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in each sc around, sl st in top of ch3 (120 sc)
R87: ch3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in next 10 dc; yarn over, insert hook into next dc, pull through 1 loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops (does not count as 1st foundation dc), foundation dc next 96 stitches, then (being careful not to twist) dc in the 12th dc from the end of the round, dc to the end of the round (24 dc, 96 foundation dc = 120 dc); sl st to top of ch3, fasten off.

You should now have something that looks like a hinged ring or a handle attached to an odd, pear-shaped pouch. Now we’ll begin the underside of the lid (this is going to be weird, I’m sorry).

Form a magic ring from the same color as you’ve been using. I use a double-magic-ring for added security but you can start this in the round however you like.

R1: ch3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout), dc 11 in ring, sl st to the top of the ch3 (12dc)
R2: ch3, fpdc in same dc, (dc in next dc, fpdc in same dc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (12dc, 12fpdc = 24st)
R3: ch3, dc in next st, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 2 st, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (24dc, 12fpdc = 36st)
R4: ch3, dc in next 2 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 3 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (36dc, 12fpdc = 48st)
R5: ch3, dc in next 3 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 4 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (48dc, 12fpdc = 60st)
R6: ch3, dc in next 4 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 5 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (60dc, 12fpdc = 72st)
R7: ch3, dc in next 5 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 6 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (72dc, 12fpdc = 84st)
R8: ch3, dc in next 6 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 7 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (84dc, 12fpdc = 96st)
R9: ch3, dc in next 7 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 8 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (96dc, 12fpdc = 108st)
R10: ch3, dc in next 8 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 9 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (108dc, 12fpdc = 120st)

Take your hook out of the disc you formed (which we will now refer to as the “Lid”), then choose a spot to attach it to on the weird flap/hinge part of the first piece (which we’ll now refer to as the “Body”). With the ridged pattern facing downward (towards the open mouth of the Body), insert your hook back through one stitch of the Body’s hinge/flap and back into the loop of the Lid. We will be making our stitches through the hinge/flap stitches and back into the Lid for this round.

R11: ch3 (pull the first loop all the way through the hinge/flap stitch to make your 1st ch), dc in next 9 dc going through the corresponding flap/hinge stitches as you go; on the next stitch, do not go back through the hinge/flap stitch to make your fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 10 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around until the last fpdc, which is basically impossible (if you figure it out, great!) so just fake it til you make it; sl st in top of ch3. (120dc + 12fpdc = 132 sts)

You should have something that looks a bit like a sand dollar stuck in a ring.

R12: ch3, dc in next 10 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 11 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (132dc + 12fpdc = 144 sts)
R13: ch3, dc in next 11 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 12 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (144dc + 12fpdc = 156 sts)
R14: ch3, dc in next 12 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 13 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (156dc + 12fpdc = 168sts)
R15: ch3, dc in next 13 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 14 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (168dc + 12fpdc = 180sts)

This week:
R16: ch3, dc in next 14 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 15 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (180dc + 12fpdc = 192sts)
R17: ch3, dc in next 15 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 16 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (192dc + 12fpdc = 204sts)
R18: ch3, dc in next 16 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 17 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (204dc + 12fpdc = 216sts)
R19: ch3, dc in next 17 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 18 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (216dc + 12fpdc = 228sts)
R20: ch3, dc in next 18 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 19 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (228dc + 12fpdc = 240sts)

And here's what I've done this week:

R21: ch3, dc in next 19 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 20 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (240dc + 12fpdc = 252sts)
R22: ch3, dc in next 20 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 21 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (252dc + 12fpdc = 264sts)
R23: ch3, dc in next 21 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 22 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (264dc + 12fpdc = 276sts)
R24: ch3, dc in next 22 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 23 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (276dc + 12fpdc = 288sts)
R25: ch3, dc in next 23 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 24 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (288dc + 12fpdc = 300sts)

You'll have a nice big weird ribbed disc now, but we're not done yet!

It doesn't look.... great yet, I'm sure. Mine's super lumpy lol!


R26: ch3, insert hook through back loops of next dc - by this I mean the back loop usually used and there should be a very small wrapped section just below that loop that you can wiggle the hook onto. If you cannot find that, don't worry, just work in back loops only to the end of the round, otherwise, dc into both loops around, change to your second color in the end of the last dc, sl st in top of ch3 to join. (300 sts)

It's very unclear, but there is a small horizontal bar under the back loop.
I'm using that bar plus the back loop!

Another angle, but unfortunately it is blurry. Sorry!


Did you catch our color change?! We have begun the finishing touches, my friends! If you missed the color change or if you just hate doing them, don't worry, you can actually just tie off the first color and attach your second color in this first stitch of the new round!

R27: ch3, dc in next 74 dc, hdc in next dc, sc in next dc, sl st in next 146 dc, sc in next dc, hdc in next dc, dc in last 75 dc, sl st to top of ch 3 to join. (150 dc, 2 hdc, 2sc, 146 sl st = 300 sts)

The Project So Far (on my laptop lol)

As You can see, we made a bit of a gradual drop to the sl sts!
Also my beige yarn is very dirty and I'll need to wash this before I block it...

As for why we just added those slip stitches, I will explain now, but show you next week:

We're making another opening! This one is only half as wide as the project's current width (150 stitches wide, to be specific) but it's waaay wider and more open-looking than our little lid/mouth that we made on the body. We'll be building up the top after we establish the opening in this red section, and once we're done with that, we'll make some finishing touches, but we really are nearly done with this! It just... doesn't quite look like it.

Also, fair warning, you may want to get a pair of zippers that are as long as the openings we're making. You could probably hold these closed another way, but zippers will be more convenient for future use!

Any guesses so far as to what we're making?

Also, I'm going to say this here: you can customize this to any size you want, really. It just takes a bit of math and understanding how the repeated parts of the pattern work together. What I'm providing here will hopefully be a jumping off point.

And of course you can sell items you make based off of this pattern. I'd love it if you'd credit me with the pattern itself, but I can't tell you not to sell objects you made, that's silly. It's not as if this is based off of any licensed characters or anything. It's just... a mysterious project ;)

That'll about do it from me tonight! Tune in probably halfway through tomorrow when I remember that I committed to writing a blog on Tuesdays lol!

I hope you have fun working on your own projects, and...

Go Enjoy Something!
FC

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Talk About Tuesday

 

In Which My Window WILL NOT SHUT UP


Several years ago, we got our siding redone and new windows put in. It was part of an effort to keep the house livable, since windstorms had torn both shingles & siding off, and we were all tired of desperately trying to stuff the windows with towels to prevent leaking. And these new windows do not leak. At all. They're really, really good at keeping the weather outside of my room when I want them to.

They just have a few tiny flaws...

See, they don't open from the bottom, so I have to snake my hand up between the shade and the middle of the window where the lock is to open or close them, which is a pain. That's something I'm fine with, though, because I don't open/close them very often - my room is on a side of the house that rarely has rain driven towards it from spring to fall, so once it's open, it stays that way until the weather gets too cold or we have a really bad storm.

The other problem is what happens after a storm or heavy rainfall.

My window talks.

It chirps, it squeaks, it makes weird digestive sounds, it makes frog noises, and more than once, I've thought someone was trying to turn on a car in the driveway and the starter had gone bad, but no, it was just my stupid window jabbering away.

It only does it when two criteria are met:

1) It is raining or has rained recently and
2) The ambient temperature is fluctuating.

Since it was a balmy 53℉ (11.7℃) yesterday with a two-part storm (poured all morning, stopped from about noon to nightfall, poured until dawn today), and today's high was a sudden (yet quite nice) 36℉ (2.2℃), that window chatter has been going for quite a while.

I have not been able to catch a wink of sleep because every time I close my eyes and start to drift the window sounds like a half-drowned Tasmanian Devil skulking around at the foot of my bed.

As a result, my brains are molasses today.

Still managed to finish the first of many gifts, though! I still have... a lot to go, but one down is good progress.

Since my noggin is cloggin, I've been playing video games today. One of those games is Pokemon Masters EX, and I'm very mad because I've been trying for Guzma since he appeared and he just WON'T GET IN MY STABLE DANGIT, YOU'RE MY BOI AND I WANT YA!

Mild frustrations with certain Alolan fellows aside, I've also been doing some planning for artwork and some mild picking away at the Secret Project. I've also tried to do a little planning for the upcoming week in general, so here are those slightly sludgy efforts:

Thursday: Present an Artwork or two, heavily winter-related.
Monday: Present more work on the Secret Project, preferably with instructions on how to add the next layer!
Next Tuesday: Blather at you all some more.

I'm racking my poor gooey brains for anything worth talking about...

I helped set up Christmas decorations at my grandmother's house with my dad and my boyfriend! That was fun and I only lost most of the feeling in my hands!

I have gotten very, very good at wrangling the cat into her harness, despite her best efforts.

I've been keeping an eye on said cat because she's having respiratory symptoms again, so I'm not really looking forward to pilling her again :(

I went out to dinner with my boyfriend on Sunday - we had delicious curries made at our Thai date joint, which is a wonderful place to eat. Everything they make is truly delightful!

We then came back to my place and enjoyed a supper of pulled pork while also hanging out and discussing writing plans. My boyfriend was facing the foot of my bed and pointed out that something was making a weird buzzing sound, but since I don't hear any electronic whining (for once), I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that perhaps the culprit was my stupid window again lol.

As for tonight, I will continue to slowly de-gel my brain until it works properly, and then I'll sleep.

Go Enjoy Something!
FC

Monday, December 6, 2021

Fiber Monday

 

Secret Project Continues To Grow


I have been working on the Secret Project, but slowly. After all, it is now the Gifting Season, which means my little hands are hard at work trying to make nice things for my friends and family. I... might include a group photo (after Christmas!) of the things I made this month for friends & family, but I will still be pecking along at the Secret Project!

Hence why we're continuing from last week!

Here's the whole pattern:

Round 1: sc 6 into magic ring (6 sc)
R2: 2sc around (12 sc)
R3: [2sc, sc] around (18 sc)
R4: [sc, 2sc, sc] (24 sc)
R5: [2sc, sc in next 3 sts] (30 sc)
R6: sc around (30 sc)
R7: [sc in next 2 sts, 2sc, sc in next 2 sts] around (36 sc)
R8: [2sc, sc in next 5 sts] around (42 sc)
R9: [sc in next 3 sts, 2sc, sc in next 3 sts] around (48 sc)
R10: [2sc, sc in next 7 sts] around (54 sts)
R11: [sc in next 4 sts, 2sc, sc in next 4 sts] around (60 sc)
R12-13: sc around (60 sc)
R14: [2sc, sc in next 9 sts] around (66 sc)
R15: [sc in next 5 sts, 2sc, sc in next 5 sts] around (72 sc)
R16: [2sc, sc in next 11 sts] around (78 sc)
R17: [sc in next 6 sts, 2sc, sc in next 6 sts] around (84 sc)
R18: [2sc, sc in next 13 sts] around (90 sc)
R19-21: sc around (90 sc)
R22: [sc in next 7 sts, 2sc, sc in next 7 sts] around (96 sc)
R23: [2sc, sc in next 15 sts] around (102 sc)
R24: [sc in next 8 sts, 2sc, sc in next 8 sts] around (108 sc)
R25: [2sc, sc in next 17 sts] around (114 sc)
R26: [sc in next 9 sts, 2sc, sc in next 9 sts] around (120 sc)
R27-30: sc around (120 sc)
R31: [2sc, sc in next 19 sts] around (126 sc)
R32: [sc in next 10 sts, 2sc, sc in next 10 sts] around (132 sc)
R33: [2sc, sc in next 21 sts] around (138 sc)
R34: [sc in next 11 sts, 2sc, sc in next 11 sts] around (144 sc)
R35: [2sc, sc in next 23 sts] around (150 sc)
R36-40: sc around (150 sc)
R41: [sc 2 together, sc 23] around (144 sc)
R42-47: sc around (144 sc)
R48: [sc 11, sc 2 together, sc 11] around (138 sc)
R49-55: sc around (138 sc)
R56: [sc 2 together, sc 21] around (132 sc)
R57-64: sc around (132sc)
R65: [sc 10, sc 2 tog, sc 10] around (126 sc)
R66-74: sc around (126 sc)
R75: [sc 2 tog, sc 19] around (120 sc)
R76-84: sc around (120 sc)
R85: sc around, sl st to first sc (120 sc)
R86: ch3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in each sc around, sl st in top of ch3 (120 sc)
R87: ch3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in next 10 dc; yarn over, insert hook into next dc, pull through 1 loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops (does not count as 1st foundation dc), foundation dc next 96 stitches, then (being careful not to twist) dc in the 12th dc from the end of the round, dc to the end of the round (24 dc, 96 foundation dc = 120 dc); sl st to top of ch3, fasten off.

You should now have something that looks like a hinged ring or a handle attached to an odd, pear-shaped pouch. Now we’ll begin the underside of the lid (this is going to be weird, I’m sorry).

Form a magic ring from the same color as you’ve been using. I use a double-magic-ring for added security but you can start this in the round however you like.

R1: ch3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout), dc 11 in ring, sl st to the top of the ch3 (12dc)
R2: ch3, fpdc in same dc, (dc in next dc, fpdc in same dc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (12dc, 12fpdc = 24st)
R3: ch3, dc in next st, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 2 st, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (24dc, 12fpdc = 36st)
R4: ch3, dc in next 2 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 3 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (36dc, 12fpdc = 48st)
R5: ch3, dc in next 3 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 4 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (48dc, 12fpdc = 60st)
R6: ch3, dc in next 4 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 5 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (60dc, 12fpdc = 72st)
R7: ch3, dc in next 5 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 6 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (72dc, 12fpdc = 84st)
R8: ch3, dc in next 6 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 7 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (84dc, 12fpdc = 96st)
R9: ch3, dc in next 7 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 8 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (96dc, 12fpdc = 108st)
R10: ch3, dc in next 8 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 9 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (108dc, 12fpdc = 120st)

Take your hook out of the disc you formed (which we will now refer to as the “Lid”), then choose a spot to attach it to on the weird flap/hinge part of the first piece (which we’ll now refer to as the “Body”). With the ridged pattern facing downward (towards the open mouth of the Body), insert your hook back through one stitch of the Body’s hinge/flap and back into the loop of the Lid. We will be making our stitches through the hinge/flap stitches and back into the Lid for this round.

R11: ch3 (pull the first loop all the way through the hinge/flap stitch to make your 1st ch), dc in next 9 dc going through the corresponding flap/hinge stitches as you go; on the next stitch, do not go back through the hinge/flap stitch to make your fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 10 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around until the last fpdc, which is basically impossible (if you figure it out, great!) so just fake it til you make it; sl st in top of ch3. (120dc + 12fpdc = 132 sts)

You should have something that looks a bit like a sand dollar stuck in a ring.

R12: ch3, dc in next 10 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 11 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (132dc + 12fpdc = 144 sts)
R13: ch3, dc in next 11 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 12 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (144dc + 12fpdc = 156 sts)
R14: ch3, dc in next 12 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 13 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (156dc + 12fpdc = 168sts)
R15: ch3, dc in next 13 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 14 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (168dc + 12fpdc = 180sts)

This week:
R16: ch3, dc in next 14 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 15 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (180dc + 12fpdc = 192sts)
R17: ch3, dc in next 15 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 16 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (192dc + 12fpdc = 204sts)
R18: ch3, dc in next 16 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 17 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (204dc + 12fpdc = 216sts)
R19: ch3, dc in next 17 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 18 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (216dc + 12fpdc = 228sts)
R20: ch3, dc in next 18 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 19 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (228dc + 12fpdc = 240sts)

If you have the pattern (dc in the top of every stitch, fpdc in fpdc), then you can take this as wide as you like. With a crochet thread and a 1.9mm hook, I have my disc at 7.5" (19.05 cm) in diameter, and you can keep that going as wide as you want, because we'll be changing colors once we get it to our desired width!

I might go another 5-10 rounds (depending on my attention span lol) before my switch, but as long as there's some overhang, it'll work!

It still doesn't look like much, sure, but I promise we're making gains!

As for the gifts I'll be working on... I strongly suspect one or two of my readers are on that gift list, so I cannot post them until after the gifts are given and opened, but rest assured, I'm having a blast with them!

How is the Christmas Crunch going for you guys, by the way? Any Nightmare Project stories you have to get off your chest? Did Aunt Ethel demand a whole-ass afghan for your cousin who set your Barbies on fire as a kid at the last minute? Or are you progressing calmly through your list, more concerned with how you'll wrap your masterpieces than how you'll finish them in time? (I hope it's the latter - after the last couple years, y'all deserve some rest!)

That'll do it for me today. I'll have excuses and blather for you all tomorrow, so stay tuned!

And Go Enjoy Something!
FC

Thursday, December 2, 2021

Thursday Art Walk

 

In Which I Have Finished The Big One


I sometimes bite off more than I can chew. In the case of my supposed "Thanksgiving" artwork... well, y'all can maybe tell it took longer than I wanted.

I'm pretty damn proud of it, though.

This has to be the largest amount of characters I've drawn in a scene in my life. I showed the sketches a couple weeks ago, and I've actually been working on this since then. My first two attempts failed because I was trying to sketch straight with colored pencil instead of regular pencil. Also, you'd think sketchbook paper would hold up better to erasing than it does...

So it's instead on my big watercolor paper.

The 11"x15" (27,9 x 38,1 cm) 140lb/300g stuff.

So yeah. It's pretty freakin huge lol!

"Anyone For Dessert?"; Colored Pencil on watercolor paper; 2021


Oh my god the detail I put into this made my hands and eyes ache but I'm very proud of myself! Each critter has their own personality, and there are some... references within (plus one very silly in-joke between my boyfriend and I, since I made this for him!).

Southern Hairy Nosed Wombat (detail); 2021

Here we see a Very Done wombat who deeply regrets asking an owl to bring dessert to a Friendsgiving with primarily herbivores. He's not surprised, not at all, but he is quite disappointed. In himself.

Groundhog (detail); 2021

Did I base this groundhog off of Chunk the Groundhog? Yes, of course I did. I love that little guy! I drew him with his trademark open-mouthed horror and butterfingers. The tomato will, of course, get scooped up momentarily. Five second rule and all that...

Beaver (detail); 2021

Nothing like nibbling on a twig and then finding out your friend has brought a horror show for dessert, eh, Mr. Beaver? He's knocked over his log chair in surprise!

Sea Otter (detail); 2021

If you know me, you know I've spent the bulk of the panini watching the livestreams of Joey the orphaned otter pup growing up. I've rendered him in watercolor pencil, cautiously stashing a clam in his shirt pocket as he wonders what this dessert thing is all about.


Lop-Eared Rabbit (detail); 2021


A few years ago, I started following Insta-famous bunny "Tato" (short for "Worried Potato") and fell in love with his floopiness. How could I resist putting an homage to the first bunny-blogger I ever followed?! Obviously, a bunny will be nervous around an owl, but now they're 100% convinced they'll be the main course next time! Don't worry, lil buddy, Dedbert's got two bunnies as adoptive brothers. You're safe!


Dedbert (detail); 2021

Here's my boy, proudly showing off the Chocolate Mouse he made. He has no idea what the fuss is about. Wait, what do you mean there's a second S? Why are you guys freaking out? This is good stuff! He hunted all night for those mice!!!


All in all, I am insanely proud of this piece, and I cannot believe how well it came out. Are there things I'd change? Yeah, of course, but being an artist always means stopping before it's "done" or you'll never finish anything.

This won't be the last time you see any of these critters, by the way. I have... plans for this month. Starting in 10 days, in fact.

Do with this information what you will.

But for now, I am exhausted and my hands smell like watercolor and wood. Good night folks!

Go Enjoy Something!
FC