Crafty Creations by the Yellow Ribbon

Lucky you, lucky me!

2009-10-16T10:50:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was the New York City Yarn Crawl and I went with my Stitch n Bitch group. Friday, Saturday and Sunday 14 yarn stores in NYC and Brooklyn had a bunch of sales and things going on. There were also six baskets that the stores were raffling off. And guess who won a basket? Me! (duh!) I had a hunch that I was going to win and I did! The last time I had this hunch, I won a $75 gift certificate to the yarn store we hang out at. I only gamble when I get that hunch, and when I do I win. I like to think that my dad rigged it in my favor. Thanks Papa.

There's so much yarn and about 10 hard covered books and a bunch of pattern sheets. Paul had trouble carrying it. I'm so happy! Now I just need to stock up on needles. I don't have that many and my mom has given most of hers away. Once I have a spare $60 I'm picking myself up a pair of interchangeable circular needles.

That's the basket on our unmade bed.
And that's me and Paul on Tuesday before we picked up the basket. We met up with his cousins and had lunch at Cafe un deux trois. Very good food, I regret not ordering the pate since I've had a hankering for some.

In other good news, the apartment upstairs from my mom is opening up in January. Paul and I are debating the pros and cons of moving there. On the one hand, we would save a lot of money but on the other hand, I'm basically moving back home with my mom. Am I brave enough to leave the nest? I don't know.

My lap top refuses to stay plugged into the AC strip. I think my 5 year old lap top is on its last legs. No!

A picture post

2009-09-30T07:53:00.001-07:00

I've shared some of my knitting projects and some of my jewelry on here but I've neglected to share any of my stitch-work! So here are a few of my favorite needlework projects that I have photos of. (I really should photograph more of my work...)

More (and better quality photos) to come soon.

A tree grows in New Jersey

2009-09-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

Summer has left (it feels like it never really came to New Jersey this year) and now it's fall. I never really cared much for the summer, even as a kid my favorite time of year was the fall. September has always felt more like a new year was starting than January ever did. A new school year, fresh with hopes of better grades, better friends and better classes. My favorite parts of starting school was shopping for school supplies. I love the smell of a freshly sharpened pencil, pink rubber erasers, and a crisp notebook. I often think about returning to college and getting a Masters, if only to have new supplies to work with.

As a teenager I set up a few fall rituals that I still like to observe to this day. The chilly fall air calls for warm v-neck sweaters (maybe I'll attempt making one soon), a mug of coffee with lots of milk in it, listening to my favorite band the Smiths and reading my favorite book A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I make it a point to read it about 2 to 3 times a year, and every year I find something new in it to read and treasure.

Francie Nolan and I may be separated by a good 90 years but I was able to fully identify her. My family wasn't as poor as hers by the time I came along, but neither were we any where near middle class. My friends and I grew up in old converted tenement apartments, sharing rooms with several family members. Like Katie Nolan, my mother also saved spare change in a cracked cup and works cleaning the local grammar school.

I often wished that my father was more like Francie's father, Johnny, minus the drunkenness. My papa was far less gregarious than Johnny, but my dad was always whistling and making up funny songs. Thankfully, unlike Johnny, he was always working and finding ways of making an extra buck to either spend on us or to save for a rainy day. I wanted to have that close and warm relationship they had, but in time I realized that my relationship with my dad was what I really needed instead of wanted.

While I didn't have to collect junk to help put food on the table, I've always related to Francie's dreamy, sensitive and romantic side. I shared her joy of going to the library and I also attempted to read every book they had in the children's section. I also shared her love of writing and the pain of having a teacher not understand and demean our work. Unfortunately, much like Francie, I've largely given up creative writing. Writing too many deconstructive essays in college has made me very self critical.

Which relates to my love for the Smiths and most of Morrissey's solo work. Caving into my sister's request/nagging, I gave them a try and had my mind blown. I had grown up forced to listen to their music but at 15 I finally had the sense to pay attention the lyrics. And in his words, I found a world and someone that I could relate to just like how I related to Francie Nolan. Here was someone who wrote about "spending warm summer days in doors" writing. Here was someone who was able to cleverly quote Shakespeare in a song. I found someone who understood what being a devoted fan meant. In his songs I found and accepted myself.

His songs are quiet, reflective and cozy--just how I feel about A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Also, I have seen quiet a few pictures of Morrissey in v-neck sweaters and cardigans. I feel like he would appreciate the gift of a hand knit pull over.

So on those blustery, grey, rainy fall days there's nothing more I like than to listen to some Morrissey while I knit, or curl up in bed and find my self in 1912 Brooklyn.

It's here!!!

2009-08-16T18:20:00.000-07:00

My socks are done!! I did it!! They feel wonderful on my feet and they were a snap to make. I'm officially addicted. I can't wait to make a pair for my husband. Perhaps this time I will venture into incorporating a pattern into the sock as well.

Now I can really concentrate on finishing off my sweater.

Treasury!!

2009-08-07T07:06:00.000-07:00

Once again, I've been featured in a treasury! You can look at it here and see it above!

ARGH!

2009-08-05T05:51:00.000-07:00

I'm turning the heel on my socks but it just won't work out.

Any knitters out there have any suggestions? I'm using this pattern. I want to get this done before I go into work at noon!

(I know it's a short post, but hey! I'm trying to get in the habit of staying regular...hee!)

I'm making science and I'm still alive!

2009-08-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's been quite some time since I updated. Oops! But I'm still here, I'm still knitting away and still making jewelry.

I did start that sweater and I need to make the cap sleeves, join them and then I can make the neck and wear it. It's been smooth sailing but I've stopped at making the sleeves. No I'm not quitting. I've just been busy knitting these soft fingerless gloves. The pattern is up on Ravelry, just search for "Best Friends Mitts". It's for free, which is always a plus! My friend Sandy wrote the pattern and showed me how to make them. I did not take that advanced knitting course (she teaches it) but I've now mastered the art of double pointed needles. (I used Punta del Este Space Dyed wool for them. They are so warm and soft and squishy).

Up next are socks! I'm also making a different pair of gloves that have an owl cabled on the front. That pattern is also on Ravelry and also done by Sandy. I will post pictures of those when I'm finished as well.

In the jewelry making portion of my life, I have also been brewing up a bunch of different bejeweled delights. I've finally learned how to make basic wire wrapped rings. This one has to be my favorite so far. It's been a great way to finally use the odds and ends of beads that I just can't fit into any of my necklaces, earrings or bracelets for whatever reasons.

Two weekends ago I was at Brooklyn's Artists and Fleas fair and had a great time. I split my booth with my fellow EtsyNJ street team buddy, Beth where she ran into a former coworker. I sold a few items really learned a lot from Beth. She's such a pro and so kind for willing to help out a newbie like I am. Thanks Beth, you're the best!

I would love to go back to A&F or do another craft show in general. It's great to see what catches someone's eye--even if they don't purchase it, I still feel like I learn a lot more than counting on views and item hearts through Etsy. Anyone out there doing shows anytime soon? Any recommendations for good shows in NYC or Hudson County NJ?

Speaking of which, I have as of 6.13pm 123 hearts! I'm thinking of doing something to celebrate that. Please post your ideas in the comments below!

What a way to start a week...

2009-07-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

What a weekend! What a week it's starting to be!

I woke up this morning to find that I've been featured in two treasuries! They can be found here and over here. The flower earrings that I listed have sold out this weekend as well. I'm so happy that so many people responded to them. I don't want to give away too much but I am going to do more with those beads, so stay tuned for that!

AND yesterday my local yarn shop, The Stockinette is offering an advanced knitting class. The class is focused on knitting using DPNs to make either a slouchy hat, a beanie or fingerless gloves. I think I will be choosing the gloves. What's even cooler is that since I am the Assistant Organizer of the Jersey City Stitch n Bitch group I get a 20% discount. PLUS, I still have $40 left on a gift certificate from them. So that means a $75 class becomes a $17 class out of pocket for me. I love saving money!

After feeling bummed out last week, this has been a nice reward. Getting one inch closer to adding the sleeves of the sweater I'm making for myself it also a sweet treat. This is the first sweater that I'm making and so far, so good. My sister had some trouble with the sleeves but hopefully I can figure it out. Once I get this sweater done, and the fingerless gloves from the Stockinette class, I will attempt to make a pair of....SOCKS!

I have also considered maybe asking if they want someone to teach a beginner's crochet class.

*sigh* so many things to do, so little time.

Bolt of blue...

2009-07-08T11:41:00.000-07:00

I bought these beads last week and I lamented the fact that I bought so few. I originally thought about making a charm bracelet with them (I still will most likely) but I wasn't sure if it would look good. So instead of playing around with them, I did what I normally do.

I set them aside and sat like a sad lump on the couch. Last night, I was in the Etsy chat rooms internally lamenting the fact that I feel as if I've peaked at 8 sales (...ok I still do but I gotta keep trying!) and that I'm out of any creative mojo it hit me. I knew what to do with those darn beads! Earrings! DUH!

Here they are in all their cutesy glory. They will be listed in my Etsy store through out the day (I like to space out my listings) so go check them out!

What inspires you? Have you gotten a flash of inspiration when you're feeling down? How do you get the urge to create when you may not feel like it?

Fourth of July

2009-07-03T08:19:00.001-07:00

Happy Fourth of July everyone! Be safe and God Bless America!

What a way to start the day!

2009-06-25T08:23:00.001-07:00

This morning I woke up to find an email notification from Etsy. I was hoping it was a sale but it was just as good! My necklace, Red Delicious, was featured in someone's treasury! I'm hoping that more page views or sales come from that extra (and free!) promotion.

If it doesn't, that's OK by me. Right now, that notification makes me feel so validated. The fact that someone (and really it's been a bunch of someones!) really likes my stuff is really cool! You like me! You really really like me. /Sally Fields

I hope you all have as good and rewarding a morning!

The Yellow Ribbon--a history

2009-06-23T20:06:00.000-07:00

Hm, never got around to that Father's Day post, eh? Well...better late than never I suppose! Here we go:

The Yellow Ribbon is a one-woman show. My late father taught me how to make necklaces and bracelets. His techniques were a little primitive but they worked for him. He would use fishing line and a needle and make a five stranded necklace. Five strands of seed beads would be "cut" into puffs by a larger bead until the whole piece measured a good 70" or so. These weren't necklaces to be worn but more ceremonial altar pieces as part of his religion, Santeria. My siblings and later myself would help him; he would then sell them to the local botanicas (the store for all your santeria needs) who would then sell them to other santeros. Many times it was the only way he would have enough money to put food on the table.

As a priest (santero), he would make simpler necklaces that would be worn. These were special and only he could make them for other followers that needed some extra luck or health or general protection from the evil eye.

In March 2009 my father passed away at age 79. He left behind few possessions but he did leave behind a truckload of beads. I had taken a jewelry class once and enjoyed making some hipper pieces but had stopped creating. Going through Pop's things, I felt a sadness about tossing out his bead collection. He worked hard at sorting all those beads and he was proud of the necklaces he had made over the years.

So I've decided to take up his hobby and bring it into a new direction. I work at the same table he worked at, in the same room of our basement and I think of him every time I pull out my tools. Jewelry design is my way of paying respects to my Dad and celebrating his memory. And now I want to share that joy with my customers. Every sale I make isn't about making money but more about sharing my Dad's spirit with the world.

I miss you Pop, but I know you're looking out for me. Thanks!

New items in shop!

2009-06-20T18:43:00.000-07:00

New items and new pictures added.

A more thoughtful entry on how I got into beading because of my dad will be coming soon!

Good morning to you!

2009-06-17T07:34:00.000-07:00

Good morning Internet!

This is the first blog post for my Etsy shop, The Yellow Ribbon. We sell beaded bracelets, earrings, and necklaces and will be expanding to include wire wrapped rings and beaded stitch markers! Not only that BUT a portion of sales from earrings will be donated to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.

So come and check us out both here and on Etsy. More products will be uploaded soon!

Be sure to follow us on twitter as well. www.twitter.com/theyellowribbon