Magritte Appliques

Ok. I make a lot of applique type thingies, and I enjoy making crocheted tableaux with my appliques. I dream of making more and getting gallery representation. But my mind skips around a lot and I focus on odd things at odd times, often even forgetting that I love to make my little appliques.

Case in point, I've been thinking and scheming and crocheting and ripping and re-crocheting a lot lately around the idea of a bowler hat patterned with clouds, a la Magritte. Not terribly original, but it's been in my head forever. Ever since I saw this umbrella at a museum (MOMA?) gift shop:

Lifted from Google Images

Which I saw over ten years ago in a catalog and still think is one of the coolest things ever.

I digress.

I've been trying to make a full size wearable hat out of yarn. Mainly because making a life size hat out of thread seems like a madness that even I couldn't sustain. It dawned on me (well, actually it smacked me upside the back of my head while I was crocheting along) that I would like the end product better as an applique motif. Duh. I had this realization last time I was on the Magritte hat train of though (maybe 6 months ago - or a year?) but that was after years of "Oh, I'll try that later after I get the right yarn". And I forgot again! But this time I didn't let it go. And... tada!:

Stormy Magritte

Why Stormy Magritte? I couldn't find my ball of thread in my favorite shade of blue for skies. I had put it away in a nice container and couldn't find it. Please imagine a silly sheepish grin while rolling your eyes.

Back to the applique. It's about 1.5" across. Forgot to measure it. Did I mention that I also filed my rulers away the last time I was in a cleaning jag? All my measuring devices are still currently in limbo somewhere. Anyway. Standard size for my projects. Then - Lo and Behold! For on this great day was found my blue thread. Hallelujah!:

Sunny Magritte, small

This one is about 0.75" - ie tiny. Hard as hell to photograph due to that minuscule state especially since we all know full well that I suck at photography to begin with. But I really like the way the clouds look. So I tried again, going bigger:

Sunny Magritte, large

Ah. Comparable in size to the Stormy one but a freaking struggle to make (and photograph - again!). The clouds came out awful. I had to do a lot of over-stitching with needle and thread to even them out and I absolutely did not want to simply embroider the clouds on. Wanted them to be in the matrix. sigh.

This happens to me occasionally. At the best of times, I can't reproduce an applique identically but then there are times when I can't seem to get my hands to cooperate with my brain. I get frustrated and angry and usually quit. But lately, I've discovered that physically putting the piece down for even 10 minutes hits the mental refresh button. Pretty cool. Who knew that getting up to get a glass of water or even taking a short side trip to make room for said water could loosen up the bats packed so tightly in that belfry?

Still, I like the hat applique idea overall. (No big surprise, that.) Even thinking of making more to decorate a sketch book or two for the etsy shop. Hmmm.

Hook on
C

One Million Giraffes

An e-buddy told me about this website: onemilliongiraffes.com That's http://www.olahelland.net/giraffes in case the link doesn't work - I don't trust my luck on blogger.

Anyway, apparently the gauntlet was thrown down between two guys about whether or not it is possible to collect one million giraffe images by the year 2011. Why giraffes? Hell if I know, but the challenge is fascinating on a few levels:

1) The call is for only handmade giraffes. I'm always in for a handmade challenge. I like thinking and solving such puzzles. Keeps me awake and happily tying knots in string with my little metal stick.

2) Grass roots efforts are always cool to be in on. The world is big physically, but that doesn't have to keep people separate. We are all the same functions of biology and it is powerful and moving to connect with people all over the world in reaching a common goal. Especially those that seem to meet no identifiable need. This isn't about banding together because of a common threat, or a hideous act of nature, or the ultimate folly of partisanship and conflict. 111111111111111111111111111111111

Fucking cat!

Where was I? Oh yeah; peace, love and unity. ;-) It's just a bunch of people doing the same thing in their own ways, in their own homes to accomplish one unified thing.

3) It's a tactile display of the power of the internet. Not only in connecting people worldwide, but in asking for and receiving help on a massive scale and in a fairly immediate time frame.

4) It's also a great way to remind us that the internet is only the tool, not the builder. It promotes the use of our hands for something other than clicking keys on a keyboard, interfacing with a digital portable device or zapping through channels with a remote. Nothing at all wrong with tech - God knows it's beyond great to have electricity and access to virtual anything - ;-) - sorry, but I love the puns and will not stop. We do collectively run the risk of never looking up at another human being in person nor of ever seeing the light of day again. I'm almost already there and don't mind a reason to take a small break from the warming glow of the monitor.

5) It's as ironic as hell and therefore amuses me to no end that it uses the internet to promote taking a break from the internet.

6) It's a kick to see how different people interpret the same theme.

7) Giraffes are fun to draw, crochet, build... etc

So my internet buddy subtly dropped a request for a pattern of a crocheted applique version of a giraffe. And if you have read the rambling reasoning list above and are still with me: I love a challenge... and sharing - I guess.

Enjoy: (also available at Ravelry)

Giraffe CA Lira 2010

Yarn: Aunt Lydia’s Classic Cotton Crochet Thread- Goldenrod
Hook: size 9, 1.25 mm
Gauge: not important for this project
Abbreviations: chain (ch), slip stitch (slst), single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc),double crochet (dc), stitch (st), skip (sk), dcdec (dc decrease), scdec (sc decrease)
Notes: dc decrease is also known as dc2tog = dc 2 together as follows, yo, insert hook in st indicated, yo, pull loop through, insert hook in next st indicated, yo,
pull loop through, (yo and pull through 2 loops on hook) twice scdec is also known as sc2tog = sc 2 together as follows, insert hook in st indicated, yo, pull loop through, insert hook in next st indicated, yo, pull loop through all loops on hook

Begins with first front leg at chest level

1) ch 15, sk 2 chs closest to hook, work hdc into next ch (the 3rd ch from hook), slst into next ch, sc in each of next 7 chs, hdc in each of next 4 chs,

2) ch14, sk 2 chs closest to hook, work hdc into next ch (the 3rd ch from hook), slst into next ch, sc in each of next 7 chs, hdc in each of next 3 chs

3) ch3

4) ch14, sk 2 chs closest to hook, work hdc into next ch (the 3rd ch from hook, slst into next ch, sc in each of next 7 chs, hdc in each of next 3 chs

5) ch1

6) ch14, sk 2 chs closest to hook, work hdc into next ch (the 3rd ch from hook, slst into next ch, sc in each of next 7 chs, hdc in each of next 3 chs, ch1 rotate piece 90 degrees to the right (continue working along sides of previous sts and chs)

7) sc in each of next 12 sts (including one sc in side of each hdc), ch1 turn,

8) sc in 1st sc of prev row (same st as turning ch), sc in each of next 11 sts, sc in turning ch of prev row, ch1 turn,

9) sk 1st sc of prev row (same st as turning ch comes is worked from), sc in each of next 12 sts, 2sc in turning ch of prev row, ch1 turn,

10) sc in 1st sc of prev row (same st as turning ch), sc in each of next 13 sts, sc in turning ch of prev row, ch10 turn,

11) sk 2 chs closest to hook, work hdc into next ch (the 3rd ch from hook), slst into each of next 7 chs, slst into sc of prev row on body, ch 1, sc in next sc, hdc in next sc, dc in next sc, hdc in next sc, sc in each of next 6 sc, hdc in next sc, dc in each of next 3 sc, 2 dc in turning chain of prev row, ch2 turn,

12) dc in first dc of prev row (same st as turning ch), dc each of next 3 dc, ch2 turn,

13) sk 1st dc of prev row (same st as turning ch), dc in next dc, dcdec over next 2 dc, dc in turning ch of prev row, ch2 turn,

14) sk 1st dc of prev row (same st as turning ch), dc in each of next 2 dc, dc in turnng ch of prev row, ch2 turn

15) sk 1st dc of prev row (same st as turning ch), dc in each of next 2 dc, dc in turnng ch of row12, ch5

16) sk 2 ch closest to hook, hdc in next ch (3rd ch from hook), hdc in each of next 2 chs, 2 dc in next dc of prev row, dc in each of next 2 dc, dc in turning ch of prev row, ch3,

17) sk ch closest to hook, slst into next ch (2nd ch from hook), scdec across next ch and next dc of prev row, slst to that same dc,

18) ch3, sk ch closest to hook, slst into next ch (2nd ch from hook), scdec across next ch and the same dc of prev row in step 17, slst into that same dc, slst to next dc on head,

19) ch2, sk ch closest to hook, sc in next ch (2nd ch from hook), slst into the same dc as last slst (same dc as this ch2 was worked from), slst into next dc on head,

20) ch2, sk ch closest to hook, sc in next ch (2nd ch from hook), slst into the same dc as last slst (same dc as this ch3 was worked from), endoff

Happy New Year 2010

So long 2009, don't let the door hit you on the ass on your way out. Or maybe you should let that door spank you rosy just like the economy did to most of the world this past year. Oh, enough about the suckage that was, time for fun:

"Old" 2009 and Kitten 2010


I really enjoy the whole passing the crown to the baby new year gambit. Probably because of the "Rudolph Saves Baby New Year" animagic/claymation special I saw every year growing up. Or maybe just because it's a fun idea. Conjures images of office parties gone awry. No on wants to see Jones from accounting in a diaper and sash but when the alcohol starts flowing you never know what will happen.

happy new year

An installment in the Surly Kitty Chronicles for all those out there riding the morning after hangover express to hell. Here's hoping at least that you got the day off to wallow in champagne's revenge.

Ahh. Those were the days. Champagne alone in your living room is apparently considered "unhealthy" - whatever. Maybe next year I'll take the time to find some fellow hooligans with which to welcome the new year completely blotto. No party like the one you can only vaguely remember.

Too old to booze the night away anymore, but not too old to grab that hook.

Hook on! (with quiet yarn)

C

Merry Christmas...

... to those that celebrate - love and good cheer to those that don't.

Jingle-Back Rattle Snakes

The rattlers are my contribution to the festivities this year. My cardstock-backed, hand-crocheted ornament posing as present. I've been spending effort instead of money for a few years now. This year I thought I'd expend a little extra effort and photoshop/powerpoint my guts out.

Ticked-Off Kitty in a Wreath

Ah well, at least it makes me smile...

...like a big 'ole goober as a matter of fact! ;-D

MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL!!

Much Love and Hook On!
Cecinatrix

Happy Holidays - Surly Cat style

I finished these a while ago but haven't been able to photograph them worth a puny little darn. (That is the weeniest swear I have ever perpetrated.) But I wanted to share the joy:

Happy Hanukkah!

I know little about Hanukkah but I don't like how most non-Jewish crafters seem to ignore this wonderful ancient holiday. Besides, how often is royal blue an appropriate cat color?

Merry Christmas!

Something I'm more familiar with, although we weren't much for holly in the Rio Grande Valley. Never snowed down there during my Cretaceous Period youth so evergreens were pretty limited to fuzzy artificial trees and fake wreaths under the Advent Candles. "Fresh" trees were available but they were so dry by the time they got all the way down to the RGV that the huge trail of pine needles through the parking lot in town, the car, the garage and then the house was too much hassle for the regular folk. Ooo. And my aunt, the hip working divorce', had a trendy silver tree. I loved that thing. Even if I can't remember if the ornaments were blue or pink. It was like visiting Hollywood. But I loved assembling our tree back home with my parents and brother even more. Cats underfoot, TV specials playing in the background and of course a happy, funny family now halved and tired.


Anyway...

Surly Turkey Kitty

At least it's a great excuse to have ridiculous amounts of turkey and stuffing and pumpkin pie and pecan pie and cool whip and those cool "heat and serve" rolls all over again. Just have to remember not to try and dress up the cats.

Hook On!
C

Holiday Bangle

In a slightly subversive nod to the holidays, I made the following:



Not so subversive you may say.



I guess not, but I couldn't bring myself to use the proper term nor the rougher euphemisms "frickin' " ,"freakin' "or even "friggin' ". Just a little ennui on my part not a full on hating of the season.

Hmm. Words are funny. "Subversive" - My little bracelet doesn't mean I want to overthrow, destroy or corrupt Christmas (as dictionary.com defines it). Just want to poke at the falseness of certain excesses in the more secular rituals affiliated with the season. I guess its then a gentle irony.

Can irony be gentle? The defining terms of "mean-spirited" and/or "disrespectful" seem to have barnacled themselves to "irony" lately.

I'm not some Stepford-bred Pollyanna. I am, indeed, a fairly damned sarcastic individual, mean-spirited and disrespectful in my own right, but even I don't get the hate seething just beneath the surface of some of the "ironic crafts" out there.

Socio-politico-xenophobic-ethnocentric commentary - all good. Land of the free, home of the brave, holding rights to be self-evident and all. Just seems you shouldn't have to hate something to have fun with what you think is wrong with it.

Matter of degrees? or simply lily-livered posturing?

Ok. No one asked to see any of the fitful stream of consciousness I must endure in my waking hours. I'll stop now.

Happy Flippin' Holidays

Hook on!
C

Snow in Purgatory

It's snowing! So what??? Its 10 in the morning and there is snow. Real flurries (okay jr sized flurries but come on!)

Click on the pictures - look real close. It was so much cooler and heavier than the camera caught.



So what, again? This is Texas, it was 90 degrees yesterday. Well maybe last month but still the weather didn't dip below 70 until last week and here we are.



Yeah sure it snowed last Christmas too but that was at night. The photo above is the same view not the same shot. I'm excited not insane - I'm ill prepared to venture out into the actual melee. I like cool weather not slippery fluffy rain. Anyway.

I just got so excited. Me. Queen of the jaded ennui. I run hot and cold (so to speak). I'm either blase and cynical or excited and rather giddy. For some reason the snow has me talking fast and smiling like a goof. I even put on my Horton hat and let my brother take a picture.



Ahhh. The wonderful wizard of odd.

Okay I need to calm down and get back to work on my Christmas cards. I'm usually pushing these things to the last minute but even for me, I'm running behind.

More on the cards later.

Tee hee.

Snow.

My God I'm still geeking out!

I AM the princess of planet geektron. sigh

Who cares? Life's too short!

Hook on, me maties!

C