29 July 2011

Friday Funny

Deer Creek Canyon Willow in Spring
Elyse White has finished creating (with permission) yet another masterpiece inspired by a photo I snapped. Wet Canvas wouldn't allow her to publish the proper name of the foliage. I wonder if Blogger will allow "that word" to go through (it's in the mouseover, or at least it was when I wrote this). I wonder if having "that word" embedded in this post will cause a surge in spam comments...

See Elyse's lovely artwork here.

26 July 2011

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Georgetown Loop Train
Georgetown Loop Train
Georgetown Loop Train
Georgetown Loop Train
Georgetown Loop Train

5:30 a.m. atop Mount Evans

I so hope this works for you; my stop-motion sunrise movie doesn't display on my, um, other computer, and I can't download the video on my slow dial-up at home. But it worked fine on the hotel wifi. Fingers crossed...


If it doesn't work, try this. Fingers still crossed...

25 July 2011

Snowflake Monday

Cinnamon Pass Snowflake Purse at Red Rocks
Today we will line last week's Cinnamon Pass Snowflake Purse. This tutorial is heavy on hand sewing. If you do not know how to sew or hand-sewing is not your cup of tea, you may want to leave the purse unlined or crochet a pair of solid hexagons to attach on the inside of the purse.

I wanted this purse to be strong enough to last throughout the winter, so I came up with what I think is a sturdy lining using recycled plastic. Old foam core/plastic placemats could be used instead of beverage bottles, as could cardboard from cereal boxes if waterproof fabric is used. Old raincoats destined for the trash make excellent waterproof fabric for a project such as this. Tent fabric might work, too, but I have not stitched with anything that thick in many, many years, and I suppose the absence of experience might mean the original attempt was a booger and not something I yearned to repeat.

Everything I used in making this purse, from yarn to thread to fabric, came from somewhere in my stash or from my recycling bin. I did not buy anything to make this purse. (What an exhilarating feeling!)

my weaknessI dispose of very few plastic containers. Milk, cranberry juice and orange juice containers come in very handy in the garden, especially during late-season snowstorms and periodic hailstorms. Smaller containers sometimes are used to grow spices in the kitchen. Pill bottles are used to store sewing supplies or beads. My collection of yellow containers that come with the no sugar added chocolate mix I use in my hazelnut or almond milk (which containers also get recycled in the garden) has been steadily growing because I just knew I would be able to make good use of them for something. Someday.

Someday has arrived! My husband kindly cut one up for me, using my specifications, and no blood was shed. Can't say the final result would have been the same had I tried to chop those things!

Because I designed this project in my head while I was on my bike, my first attempt at creating this purse includes a few steps I should have done in a different sequence, such as making the paper patterns for the snowflake lining. So if you haven't finished making your purse yet, make the paper patterns when you complete the 9th rounds and 10th rounds of the purse snowflakes as instructed below, then finish putting the purse together.

I also finally finished charting my Precipice Snowflake. I've included the chart here. Click the chart to biggie size.

The charting took much longer than I anticipated, although it wasn't necessarily difficult. It's just challenging to get anything crafty done during cycling season when I leave the house at 5 a.m. to ride to work (which employment is not related to photography or fiber arts) and don't return until 8 p.m., then water the plants and garden, make dinner, shower, sleep and then get up and do it all over again. Three or four times a week! Training, weed-pulling and church take up the weekends. So I might not be charting again for a while, but I do plan to work on more of my patterns so those who prefer charts will be able to use the charts instead of written instructions. (As well as make it easier for readers in Australia and Europe who have been converting my patterns all this time.)

Precipice Snowflake Chart
You may do whatever you'd like with snowflakes you make from this pattern and tutorial, but you may not sell or republish the pattern or tutorial. Thanks, and enjoy!

Chocolate Caramel Snowflake
Finished Size: 8.5 inches from point to point
Materials: Cotton worsted yarn, size H crochet hook, sewing needle, stick pins, sewing thread to match snowflake

Rootbeer Float Snowflake
NOTE: This pattern also works without adjustments with size 10 crochet thread. I used a size 9 crochet hook and Lizbeth's rootbeer float colorway to test the pattern, and to me, it's just as tasty looking as the Chocolate Caramel cotton yarn! The thread version is 3.5 inches from point to point.

Instructions

Chocolate Caramel Snowflake

Make one to decorate just one side of purse or two to decorate both sides of purse.

Make magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 1, *1 sc in ring, ch 6; repeat from * 4 times; ch 2, 1 tr in starting sc (ch 2 and tr counts as final ch 6 petal). Pull magic circle tight.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.

Round 2: *Ch 2, 1 dc in same sp, 1 tr in same sp, ch 7, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each of next 3 ch, ch 5, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each of next 2 ch, ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in next ch, ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 2 ch, ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in next ch, working back down "tree," sl st in next ch, ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each of next 2 ch, sl st in next ch of "tree," ch 5, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 3 ch, sl st in next ch of "tree," ch 1, 1 tr in next ch 6 sp, 1 dc in same sp, ch 2, sl st in same sp; repeat from * 5 times. Bind off. Weave in ends.

Finish: Position snowflake on purse and pin in place. Sew on using blind stitches with coordinating thread.

Cinnamon Pass Snowflake Purse
Lining for Cinnamon Pass Snowflake Purse

Finished Size: 16 inches wide from point to point, 2 inches thick, 40-inch strap
Materials: Cinnamon Pass Snowflake Purse, about half a yard of fabric to match or coordinate with the purse, two sheets of plastic needlepoint canvas, one plastic milk or orange juice jug or other suitable plastic container large enough to cut 4 panels approximately 6 inches wide and 2 inches tall, scissors (NOT your sewing scissors) or art cutting blade, pins, sewing machine, needle, sewing thread to match purse and/or fabric, sewing scissors, strong and helpful assistant to do the cutting for you, chocolate or other suitable treat to properly thank said assistant for helping with the dangerous hard part

Make a Pattern
Make a paper pattern by tracing around the purse snowflake, ignoring the points. I didn't think to do this until after I put the purse pieces together. It's easier if you trace around a single snowflake. Use the paper pattern to cut four pieces of fabric the same size as the snowflake without the points. Position the pattern over the purse again and trim off the equivalent of the 10th round. This is another step that would have been easier if I'd done it before I finished the snowflake, by tracing around the 9th round before working the 10th round. Cut two sheets of plastic needlepoint canvas (NOT with sewing scissors!!!) to fit the snowflakes up to the 9th rounds.

Measure
Measure the edge of the 9th round between two points (mine was 6 inches) and around between five points (mine was 24 inches).

Measure
Measure the side of the purse. (Mine was 2 inches.) Adding half an inch on each long side for the seams and an inch on each end for hems, cut two strips of fabric the length of the 4-point measurement and the width of the purse side. (Mine were 26 inches by 3 inches.)

measure and mark the plastic
To make four side and bottom panels, mark whatever plastic you are using to stiffen the purse with the measurement between two points and across the side. (Mine was 6 inches by 2 inches.)

cut the plastic
Cut four pieces of plastic. Or have your favorite guy who's good with a knife cut the pieces for you.

Halfway Done
Halfway done!

Yum!
Cheerfully and affectionately (if appropriate) reward said helper.

tube
Hem the short ends of the purse sides. (This is another step I didn't think to do until after I'd finished stitching everything together. I was able to salvage the project by tucking the raw edges into the tube and then stitching tightly across the top, but it would have been much, much easier to do this step first instead of last.) Make a tube by sewing the two pieces together along the long sides, leaving a half-inch seam and leaving the short ends open.

top
Using two fabric hexagons, sew two sides and one point together, leaving a half-inch seam. Repeat with second set of hexagons.

clip the tip
Clip the tips on each of the two sewed points, one on each fabric hexagon sandwich.

turn inside out
Turn front and back pieces inside out. I used a crochet hook to gently shape the points before pressing.

pin front to side
pinning
Starting half an inch down from short edge of tube, pin single fabric hexagon lining to tube along four unsewn edges, leaving second hexagon free. (Do front and back one at a time to prevent pins on the side you're not working on from poking you as you work.) The piece of fabric you are leaving free will be hand-stitched into place, covering the seams, later.

clip and ease tube at points
Clip and ease the tube at each of the lining points. Stitch, using half-inch seam. Repeat with back purse lining.

insert recycled plastic strips
Insert recycled plastic strips into tube and slide into place. Your lining should now begin to take a snowflake/hexagon shape! Stitch tube ends closed. (I did this by hand.)

insert plastic needlepoint canvas
Insert plastic needlepoint canvas into lining front.

pin
Pin lining edges along side seams, encasing seams inside lining.

hand stitch
Stitch along entire edge by hand. Repeat for back of purse.

Finis!
Your lining is done! Insert into purse.

more hand sewing
Tack top of purse to top of lining by hand. Put all your stuff inside the purse, sling it over your shoulder, and go have fun!

Cinnamon Pass Snowflake Purse at Red Rocks

22 July 2011

19 July 2011

Wordless Wednesday

Henson Creek
Capitol City
fresh air vents
a room with a view
built-in air conditioning
The Lizard along Engineer Pass
Ice Sculpture atop Engineer Pass
Asters below Cinnamon Pass
Sunshine Falls with the iPhone
Me pedaling below Cinnamon Pass, photo by The Lizard

Six Weeks and Counting

14,110 Pikes Peak and spring blossoms
-------- Original Message --------
From: Summit Cycling Productions, llc
To: Snowcatcher
Subject: 2010 Assault Results - We Need Yours

July 14, 2011

Dear Snowcatcher,

We have had many requests to put up the "entire" list of times from the 2010 Assault. And we need your help because we do not have your final time!

We are quite sorry our results were incomplete last year, and we have done a number of things to ensure that doesn't happen in 2011. If you happen to know your time at the summit please email that info along with your name. If you don't remember, maybe you can tell me who you may have finished with or near. Any info will help us rebuild the COMPLETE list. We understand some of you may have not finished, but if you can send me an email letting us know where you may have turned around, we can verify the information we do have. We will do this on the honor system.

All the best and hope to see you on the road!

Pat McDonough
Event Director - Assault on the Peak

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: 2010 Assault Results - We Need Yours!!
From: Snowcatcher
Date: Fri, July 15, 2011 9:07 am
To: Pat McDonough

Good morning! You picked me up half a mile from the summit, perhaps three minutes after the cutoff. I was the Last Rider on the Road. :(

It was very exciting to see the ride listed in Bicycle Colorado News this month!

Snowcatcher

-------- Original Message --------
From: Pat McDonough
Subject: RE: 2010 Assault Results - We Need Yours!!
To: Snowcatcher
Date: Friday, July 15, 2011, 10:52 AM

I remember well. I hope your cycling season has gone well this year. Look forward to seeing you again this year....at the summit. (I won't be driving support. I will be at the top all day!)

Good Luck!

Pat McDonough

Summit Cycling Productions
www.ridepikespeak.com

Lanterne Rouge

18 July 2011

Snowflake Monday

Autumn Gold below Cinnamon Pass
I've always wanted a snowflake purse. Who knew I'd come up with a tasty one!

I've about run out of Middle Fork peak names, and the colors in this project reminded me of... dare I confess??? Chocolate, caramel, cinnamon, vanilla, chai... heavenly scents. Yes, that's the ticket. Scents. Not flavors.

Thanks to scrumptious (did I really say that?!?) colors of Peaches & Creme and Sugar & Cream, I decided to name this pattern after a pass on the other side of the Cimarron Ridge. Cinnamon Pass, between mountain towns Lake City and Silverton, holds yet another romantic memory for me.

Uncompahgre PeakWhile The Lizard and I were flirting but not yet dating, I climbed Uncompahgre Peak, one of the most gorgeous mountains as seen from anywhere high along the Cimarron ridge. In my trip report, I commented on lovely waterfalls along the dirt road leading to Nellie Creek, the Uncompahgre trailhead. I didn't know the the pass had a name back then. Actually, I didn't know there was a pass. I just wanted to climb a mountain, and I had to take a dirt road to get there.

The waterfall conversation evolved into a list of waterfalls The Lizard thought I should see, including several along nearby Cinnamon Pass. "Plenty of magic to be found along Cinnamon Pass," The Lizard commented. Cinnamon?!? I couldn't believe we had a landmark by that name. A delicious name! My curiosity and imagination spun out of control.

Cinnabon!!!I boldly suggested Cinnabon as a fitting treat atop the Pass. The Lizard didn't bite that day, but I think I did cause a bit of drool. We enjoyed our Cinnabon cinnamon rolls atop Cinnamon Pass about two months into official dating. The San Juan magic was indeed powerful, with or without calories! Cinnamon Pass remains a favorite destination to this day.

Cinnamon Pass is the seventh highest automobile pass in Colorado at 12,615 feet. Unpaved, it connects with neighboring Engineer Pass (and the Uncompahgre trailhead) to form the popular 4WD Alpine Loop, which is one of The Lizard's favorite mountain bike rides, all 70 miles of it! Cinnamon Pass offers access to trailheads for 14ers Handies, Sunshine and Redcloud before leading into American Basin, one of the most beautiful wildflower viewing areas in the San Juan Mountains. Many of the roads in the San Juans were built by miners seeking gold and silver, and many remnants of mines and mining towns along the Alpine Loop offer a peek into Colorado's rich history.

Cinnamon Pass Snowflake Purse below Cinnamon PassThe Lizard and I spent the sixth anniversary of our wedding training on the Alpine Loop over the weekend. Photos from along both Cinnamon Pass and Engineer Pass will be featured in Wordless Wednesday this week.

I considered taking the Cinnamon Pass Snowflake Purse up Cinnamon Pass in my pack, but The Lizard pleaded, "No, please don't do that. It's too nice. I don't want anything to happen to it." So I shot it where we started up the pass.

The Cinnamon Pass Snowflake Purse is not lined in these photos, but I've come up with a great way to recycle the plastic in large milk or orange juice jugs with a custom lining, and I'll share those instructions plus the decoration snowflake pattern next week. (You'll never guess what I'm naming that mouth-watering snowflake!)

Reader Beverly pointed out last week's kitchen set is missing beverage coasters. How could I have forgotten those?!? I've included a matching pattern below. Because the pattern is identical to the El Punto Snowflake, just worked with cotton yarn and a large hook, I'm not changing the name.

El Punto Snowflake Coaster and Afterthought Snowflake Coaster

You may do whatever you'd like with snowflakes you make from these patterns, but you may not sell or republish the patterns. Thanks, and enjoy!

Cinnamon Pass Snowflake Purse
Finished Size: Cinnamon Pass Snowflake Purse, 16 inches from point to point; El Punto Snowflake Coaster, 6.5 inches from point to point
Materials:
Purse: Two 56 g skeins worsted weight cotton yarn, one skein contrasting color if desired; button or small amount of stuffing for purse closing if crocheting bobble; two sheets of paper paper large enough to trace finished snowflake if you plan to line the purse
Coaster: One 56 g skein worsted weight cotton yarn, and one of contrasting color, if desired, will make six coasters and a Redcliff Hot Pad, featured in last week's Snowflake Monday
Both Projects: Size H crochet hook

Instructions

Cinnamon Pass Snowflake Purse
Cinnamon Pass Snowflake Purse

Make magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), [1 dc in ring, ch 1] 11 times; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3. Pull magic circle tight.

Round 2: Sl st into next ch 1 sp, ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same sp, 2 dc in each ch 1 sp around; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 3: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), 1 dc between 2/dc groups directly below; ch 1, 1 dc in same sp, ch 1, *1 dc between next 2/dc groups, ch 1, 1 dc between next 2/dc groups, ch 1, 1 dc in same sp, ch 1, 1 dc in same sp, ch 1; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 1, 1 dc between next 2/dc groups, ch 1, sl st into 2nd ch of starting ch 3.

Round 4: Sl st into next ch 1 sp (immediately next to final sl st of Round 3), ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same sp, 2 dc in each ch 1 sp around; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 5: Sl st into top of next dc, sl st between 2/dc groups directly below, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), ch 1, 1 dc in same sp, ch 1, 1 dc in same sp, *ch 1, [1 dc between next 2/dc groups, ch 1] 3 times, 1 dc between next 2/dc groups, ch 1, 1 dc in same sp, ch 1, 1 dc in same sp, ch 1; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 1, [1 dc between next 2/dc groups, ch 1] 3 times, sl st into 2nd ch of starting ch 3.

Round 6: Sl st into next ch 1 sp (immediately next to final sl st of Round 5), ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same sp, 2 dc in each ch 1 sp around; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.

Round 7: Sl st into top of next dc, sl st between 2/dc groups directly below, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), ch 1, 1 dc in same sp, ch 1, 1 dc in same sp, *ch 1, [1 dc between next 2/dc groups, ch 1] 5 times, 1 dc between next 2/dc groups, ch 1, 1 dc in same sp, ch 1, 1 dc in same sp; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 1, [1 dc between next 2/dc groups, ch 1] 5 times, sl st into 2nd ch of starting ch 3. Bind off here if making a round in complimentary color. Do not bind off if making solid color dish cloth.

Round 8: Sl st into next ch 1 sp (immediately next to final sl st of Round 7), ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same sp, 2 dc in each ch 1 sp around; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 9: Sl st into top of next dc, sl st between 2/dc groups directly below, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), 1 dc in same sp, ch 1, 1 dc in same sp, *ch 1, [1 dc between next 2/dc groups] 4 times, ch 4, sl st in top of dc just worked (picot made), ch 1, [1 dc between next 2/dc groups, ch 1] 4 times, 1 dc in same sp, ch 1, 1 dc in same sp; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 1, [1 dc between next 2/dc groups, ch 1] 3 times, ch 4, st st in top of dc just worked, ch 1, [1 dc between next 2/dc groups] 3 times, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3. Bind off here if using contrast color for final round.
If you plan to line this purse, make a paper pattern now by outlining the snowflake on piece of paper, ignoring picots. Cut out pattern and set aside for Part II of these instructions.

Round 10: Sl st in next ch 1 sp, ch 2 (counts as 1 dc) (use chainless dc start instead of sl st and ch 2 start if working in contrast color), 1 dc in same sp, *ch 5, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, 1 hdc in next ch, 1 sc in next ch, ch 7, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, 1 dc in next ch, 1 hdc in next ch, 1 sc in each of next 2 ch, ch 5, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, 1 hdc in next ch, 1 sc in next ch, 2 dc in next ch 1 sp in main body of flake, [2 dc in next ch 1 sp] 3 times, 1 dc in next ch 4 loop, [ch 2, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 dc in same loop] 3 times, sk next ch 1 sp, [2 dc in next ch 1 sp] 4 times; repeat from * around 5 times, ending with sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 instead of last 2 dc on final repeat; bind off. Weave in ends.

If you plan to line this purse, make another pattern by tracing finished snowflake on paper, ignoring picots and points. Cut out and set aside for Part II of these instructions.

Strap

Leaving long tail, ch 100 (or desired length).

Round 1: 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook (2 ch skipped will be connecting point after joining strap to first snowflake) and in each ch across. To connect to purse, working on back side of one snowflake, continue dc across top of 9th Round, starting at any point. Work 1 dc in each ch 1 sp on each side of each lone dc of 9th Round for four sides, leaving two sides unworked. In essence, you will have 2 dc between each 2/dc group of Round 10. While working final dc on 4th point, taking care not to twist strap, draw up loop through top ch of starting ch 2 (counts as 1st dc yo), insert hook into final ch of ch 100 AND into bottom ch of starting ch 2, draw up loop. YO, draw through 2 loops, which secures strap to purse body. YO and draw through final 2 loops on hook. Sl st in top ch.

Round 2: Ch 2. 1 dc in each dc around. Sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.
Round 3: Ch 2. 1 dc in each dc around. Sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2. Bind off, leaving long tail (about 3 feet). Use ending tail to sew just completed purse sides and bottom to 2nd snowflake, matching points. Use starting tail to weave together the two stitches between the strap and purse when initially joined. Weave in both tail ends.

joining strap
Bobble

Make magic ring, and leave long tail. 6 sc in ring. Do not join. Pull magic ring tight. 2 sc in each sc around for a total of 12 sc. 1 sc in each sc around twice. 1 sc in every other sc around for a total of 6 sc. Stuff lightly. 1 sc in every other sc around for a total of 3 sc. Draw up loop in each sc around. YO and draw through all 4 loops on hook. Bind off, leaving long tail. Use tails to attach to one top point on one snowflake. Weave in ends. Top snowflake point on other snowflake will loop over bobble to serve as closure. Large button also may be used instead of bobble.

Part II instructions for lining have now been published and are located here.

El Punto Snowflake Coaster
El Punto Snowflake Coaster

Make magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), [1 dc in ring, ch 1] 11 times; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3. If working 2nd round in contrasting color, bind off here. Pull magic circle tight.

Round 2: Sl st into next ch 1 sp, ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same sp, *ch 5, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, 1 hdc in next ch, 1 sc in next ch, ch 7, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, 1 dc in next ch, 1 hdc in next ch, 1 sc in each of next 2 ch, ch 5, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, 1 hdc in next ch, 1 sc in next ch, 2 dc in next ch 1 sp in main body of flake, 2 dc in next ch 1 sp; repeat from * around 5 times, ending with sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 instead of last 2 dc of final repeat. Bind off. Weave in ends.

Afterthought Snowflake Coaster
Afterthought Snowflake Coaster

Make magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), [1 dc in ring, ch 1] 11 times; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3. If working 2nd round in contrasting color, bind off here. Pull magic circle tight.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.

Round 2: Sl st into next ch 1 sp, ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same sp, 2 dc in each ch 1 sp around; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2. Bind off.

Round 3: With contrast color, 1 sc between any 2/dc groups, *1 hdc in same sp, 1 dc in same sp, ch 3, sl st in top of dc just worked, 1 dc in next sp between 2/dc groups, 1 hdc in same sp, 1 sc in same sp, 1 sc in next sp between 2/dc groups; repeat from * 5 times, ending sl st into starting sc instead of final sc of last repeat. Bind off. Weave in ends.

Afterthought Snowflake

UPDATE: I made the Afterthought Snowflake in thread for my 2014 special project, and I think it turned out rather cute!

Whitmore Falls
Related Posts with Thumbnails