make it up as we go along

Second Chance Knitting

2010-11-30T06:59:00.000-08:00

I first learned to knit, then I learned crochet and fell in love with the quick production and easy recovery should you make a mistake. Then nearly a year ago I thought I'd give knitting a try again, my mistake was picking up with socks. Working with 4-5 needles in one project got the best of me and I returned to the comfort of crochet. I've signed up on ravelry (which is everything yarn, crochet & knitting alike) where I documented a couple of crochet projects and was impelled to pick up knitting yet again based on some beautiful projects I found there. But I haven't mastered the site just yet and need some place to stash projects not on ravelry I'd like to tackle in the future.

Beginning with:
http://purlbee.squarespace.com/hand-knit-lace-scarf/

In all likelihood I will simply stash any & all project links I'd like to one day do here so this title will be moot; sewing, food, soap-making, etc.

Maryland State Fair

2010-09-25T17:25:00.000-07:00

We went to the State Fair this year, for the 1st year in a very very long time. It was Bovie's idea and we went with him & Holly. I made Eric ride The Zipper with me, which is easily the best ride ever. I'm pretty sure Eric doesn't agree with me about that though, and I really wish I had a picture of us screaming our little heads off as we went round & round & round. We saw some prize winning flowers, fruits, & veggies, a few farm animals, ate fried Oreos, and I got a corndog.

Pipe Dream # 42

2010-08-20T08:46:00.000-07:00

Sell house. ~~Buy piece of land in middle of nowhere.~~
Live in this ~~while building little cabin in the woods.~~

Sigh.

Nervous

2010-08-17T06:43:00.000-07:00

I just absolutely adore this -- and think you should too.

Ta Da

2010-08-15T10:30:00.001-07:00

As promised.

Before:

After:

I feel like it doesn't look so impressive when you take out all the photos of all the steps in between the before and after, I might upload those but since they're probably not as interesting to others this will suffice for now.

Steps, Obstacles, & More Steps

2010-08-11T07:45:00.001-07:00

Okay, so really I have not lost steam on this new endeavor, just ran into a few unforeseen obstacles. Almost all of my supplies I had to order online through various sites. I suppose I could have ordered them all from one site but I was hesitant to commit a lot of money to a project that I might get bored with, which appears to be the trend with most undertakings of mine, and I shopped around for the best price on each of things I required to complete my first project. (Pictures coming soon, I promise.)

So I purchased the necessary implements step by step and was even lucky enough that my father-in-law has done some DIY upholstery himself in the past and lent me a few of his tools. He provided some webbing but it was not quite enough and I ended up ordering more online, as well as more horse/pig hair, and an invisible zipper foot. I only ended up getting the invisible zipper foot after I scoured the internet for a double cording foot for my Singer 5830C without any luck, and read on a few sites that double cording is possible (albeit a bit trickier) to do with an invisible zipper foot.

It would've been much easier to use a staple gun for attaching the fabric to the frame, but I felt I should be true to the trade and used tacks (carpet tacks in various sizes which I picked up for a buck 29 @ Home Depot). This worked quite well and I get a probably perverse satisfaction out of knowing that it's not a staple job, but I imagine it would've been a bit easier to hit my mark precisely with a staple gun rather than hammering in a tack that needs to be exactly 1/4" from the frame. That left all aspects completed except the double cording/welting.

I received my zipper foot in the mail and started playing around with different techniques and I just couldn't figure out a good way to do it -- no matter what I tried it kept ending up too loose between each cord and looking sloppy. So a few diligent google searches later, and I stumbled across this tidbit on Double Cording. No pictures, yet it was exactly what needed to happen and I've linked to it here so that I can always easily find it should my memory need refreshing. Now, I've finished one strip of the cording and now I have one more length of it to make before I can glue it to frame the fabric and cover the tacks and move on to project #2 -- which involves seat springs, this should be interesting.

Teach Yourself

2010-06-29T05:32:00.000-07:00

So for a while now I've been interested in taking a class. I was flirting between stained glass, clay, upholstery, or any other similar class that strikes a fair balance between the technical and the creative. After months of debate (ie: procrastination) I settled on upholstery and contacted the nearest place where I might take a class (northern Baltimore Co., home base) sending pictures of the two projects I'd like to tackle. I have yet to hear back. Granted it was only a week or so ago and perhaps the lady who runs the shop is on vacation or has some other legitimate reason for the delay in response....but I'm impatient, so I went to library, got a few books out on the subject, and began tackling one of them myself.

After all, paying to take a class is really just self-insurance that you won't get frustrated on your own and quit your project, right? Your paying for knowledge that is available for free @ your local library, right? Well, that's what I'm telling myself. So far, I'm still in the stripping stage but I haven't lost interest yet which is a good sign. I even have a couple of photos so far to document the process (to be posted, eventually, one day). In the meantime, here's a photo of the type of chair I plan on tackling next should the current project prove successful.

I got two of these beauties @ a Saturday morning yard sale for $5 a piece -- firm. Mine are not in nearly as good condition as the one in the picture, with the upholstery literally coming apart at the seams -- but I see their potential. They're Viko by Baumritter, which after a tiny bit of research may even be worth something once I complete them. I was initially thinking a heavy canvas for fabric, but now I'm second-guessing that and leaning towards sticking with the traditional vinyl. But I probably shouldn't get ahead of myself and remain focused on project #1 for now.

Hamilton Crop Circle

2010-05-04T06:26:00.001-07:00

When we were home buying, I have to admit I knew absolutely nothing about the neighborhood of Hamilton but was okay with the move based on friends that already lived in the area and the fact that Eric's family has lived along the Harford Rd corridor since his grandparents.

Now, approaching the beginning of our 5th year in our lovely little abode, I am thrilled to be a part of a community that is so environmentally active. If you follow the link below, there's a really informative 10 min video that fully explains their effort. I'm donating to this project and hope you have a small amount of money to donate as well. The minimum pledge is only $1 and according to their site, if 1500 pledge $10, they will meet their goal to move forward with this amazing project.

I am a keeper.

2010-01-26T17:20:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure this is an evolutionary trait accompanied by a terrible memory. It certainly runs in the family -- both sides. I picked up an old journal recently and had so much fun reading my mundane & trivial thoughts that it prompted me to ask Eric for a new one for xmas (which I would like to refer to here on out as giftmas, a term coined by a friend that I find quite appropriate). In a strange way, it made me feel like I knew myself better and makes me regret that I haven't been so steadfast in the documentation of thoughts these past several years. However, I'm happy to have the medium back even though it will inevitably lead to dwindling posts here (as if they weren't already infrequent). Perhaps this blog will be better suited for when I have beautiful babies that family will be wanting fast & furious updates on. We shall see.

My dad will be listing his place in the spring, so last time I was out there I made sure to grab anything that I wanted to keep. There wasn't that much left as I've been through those steps more than once before, but there were a few older (elementary & middle) tidbits to help me reminisce -- names I don't remember, even. Mainly letters, how I adore a good (or for that matter, bad) letter. Even in the beginning phases of email (Prodigy, anyone?), I preferred the tangible stuff and quite frankly still do. Please send me mail. Please.

It saddens me to no end to know that old email correspondence will/can never be discovered when you're cleaning out a cluttered closet and stumble across a shoebox filled with old letters (be them yours or a relatives or a strangers) that indefinitely digresses you from the task at hand. Everything is password protected and must be found by intent. Depressing, if you ask me. I think it's good & healthy to encounter unsolicited remembrances of feelings, friendships, and follies. So here's to my own encounter in another 10 yrs or so.

Gordon - You, baby

2009-12-19T12:37:00.000-08:00

We inherited a lot things with this old house. We found a gold (wedding) ring in the window behind the kitchen sink when we replaced it. And, we recently found a postcard sent to some prior (if not previous) residents and it's inspired us to commit to our 2014-15 vacation. Someone should hold us to this:

Dusted Off

2009-11-01T15:59:00.000-08:00

I've been fairly productive. I finally finished the elephant I started for Esther's 2nd birthday just in time for her 3rd. It's pretty cute, but I fear she may be too advanced for mere stuffed animals anymore.

As is The Prince from Katamari. I started him over a year ago and -- surprise, surprise -- lost my gumption. But he's complete now as well, which leads me to the next two unfinished projects, the biggest of the unfinished projects: the paint-by-numbers Eric got me for xmas last year and the quilt I stupidly started, which I must now finish before returning to the comforting repetition of crocheting afghans.

The Beginning of the End

2009-09-30T06:59:00.000-07:00

So, my intention with this post was to boast about finally finishing my first afghan. I started over 3 years ago before we bought the house and was 3/4ths finished when we bought the house. Then we bought the house. And any hobbies I might've been cultivating then were quickly squashed with the never-eding list of home improvements and repairs. For instance, I've deluded myself into thinking that I can somehow paint the exterior of our house all by my little lonesome. (Didn't realize how tall 2 a story-house was until I was either on a ladder halfway to the top or dangling from a 2nd story in an attempt to caulk up any cracks.)

But enough about the never-ending projects, this post is to celebrate the finishing of one of the many unfinished projects I've started over the years. Behold, the afghan:

So, it's great. It's huge so the both of us can get under cover without any limbs sticking out and getting chilly. Plus, it's adds a perfect punch of color to what I realized is our very monochromatic living room. I love it (and I'm a little embarrassed that it took me so long to complete it). I also can't wait to start my next one, even though I have several other unfinished projects that must be attended to first.

R.I.P. Zissou

2009-08-20T07:39:00.000-07:00

So, Zissou passed away last night. He had a good run of nearly 5 years. I got him for Eric as a make up gift after our first fight ever, which in retrospect means it probably wasn't even really a fight. It was sad. We flushed him.

Big Boyz Bail Bonds

2009-06-25T15:57:00.001-07:00

I never thought I'd ever be blogging about bail bonds. Ever. Unfortunately, our up&coming neighborhood still has some real obstacles to overcome. Namely, that people are willing to defile their one and only vehicle for a shitty job.

This thing is parked outside our neighbors house. There is no garage. I am mortified.

I recently watched an episode of MadMen where the characters were bemoaning the addition of a divorcee to their neighborhood -- oh the property values! What I wouldn't give for a divorcee as a neighbor right now. It's bad enough that our very humble home is currently worth less than what we purchased for, even with the full remodel and of two bathrooms and a kitchen. But this! This certainly can't be helping home values on our block, right?

Souther Salazar

2009-06-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

So, we went to NYC for Souther Salazar's Jonathan Levine opening on May 16th.

There is a reason they offer free booze to attendees, my judgement was certainly loosened enough that I would've broke down and purchased something if Eric hadn't been there to prevent me. He was adorable and looked a little alone (since most of his friends I imagine are on the west coast). We have a print from Giant Robot but I thought an original would be a little treasure. Alas...

He also had these adorable little hot air balloons he fashioned out of light bulbs. Since I can't afford them I have made Eric promise to help me make them for when we have a little one. Pretty cute, huh?

While we were up there, we decided to stop by the American Folk Museum since they have a Henry Darger exhibit up and we really like him too. Enjoy because we got yelled at for using a camera even though there wasn't a flash.

This will probably be the last of our art perusing for awhile, but it was well worth the trip.

Once in a Blue Moon

2009-04-30T16:29:00.000-07:00

I created a Twitter account -- between that, this, facebook and pictureslastlonger I'm feeling a little over extended with my social networking, which is pretty arbitrary to begin with, but something I need to figure out how to manage none the less.
I've been recently obsessed with Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush thanks to a top 5 list on friendsrecommend.blogspot.com and am even considering re-reading the book thanks to it.
I've hit a small road block in my motivation for pictureslastlonger.com
I've realized that as far as we've come with our humble little home, we have just as much to still complete (a more dedicated blog to come soon on this).
I started going to kickboxing class about 2 months ago -- it's great!
I need to pick up one of my many unfinished projects and just finish it, goddamnit!
I'm looking forward to celebrating my one year anniversary with Eric, dinner with Abacrombie scheduled among other things.

Pictures Last Longer

2009-03-06T06:54:00.000-08:00

I really haven't forsaken this blog quite yet, I've just distracted myself from it temporarily by getting another, wordless blog established. Here, see what I mean by that: http://pictureslastlonger.wordpress.com/
I initially enlisted around 15 people who mostly seemed very enthusiastic about the idea, however it wasn't until recently that 2 additional people started to contribute, and we'd love more!

Locks of Love

2008-12-17T17:25:00.000-08:00

So nearly a year ago I decided that I wanted to donate my hair to Locks of Love for various reasons (knowing people going through treatment and others who have generously donated themselves), despite secretly believing that no one would want a wig made from my fine, limp hair. However, I'm beginning to think that my hair grows to a certain length and then just stops. Don't laugh -- I've confirmed that others have experienced this phenomenom as well, perhaps it's a medical condition.

It's been nearly 4 months since I got my hair trimmed (in an effort to stimulate growth, so merely an inch) and it feels like it hasn't grown anything but that inch back and I'm ready for another trim. So I implore you, dear readers, to donate your hair instead. Well, not instead -- I'm not giving up the fight or anything, I just would like to test a theory out that anyone who attempts this will succeed much quicker than I because of aforementioned genetic defect. So, come on, whaddya say?

Good luck & good night.

Decision '08

2008-11-05T06:59:00.001-08:00

Yay!

Yay! Yay! Yay! Yay! Yay!

Now I don't have to worry about how to move out of the country anymore.

Sigh of relief.

Corn Dogs

2008-08-13T06:02:00.000-07:00

They're a little piece of Americana that I hold near & dear to my heart.

You may not appreciate it, but they're hard to come by unless you're at either an amusement park, state fair, or ball park. I occasionally indulge in the Morning Star variety when I'm utterly desperate, but it's just not the same as the real thing. I've always made a point to get one every time we go to Camden Yards because I'm rarely at any of those places. However, this year it seems that Camden Yards has 86'ed the corn dog. It's very upsetting, indeed.
So, unless any of you know where I can get my hands on a corn dog without paying an extravagant entrance fee, I'm thinking of starting up my very own push cart of corndog variety. We could have cornbrats, veggie corn dogs, and even some weird "breakfast version of the corn dog consist[ing] of a breakfast sausage deep-fried in a pancake batter" -- it could be quite the business venture!

ISO 78s

2008-07-15T18:21:00.001-07:00

Silvertone
Originally uploaded by erichop

So I always feel a little shallow when I get excited about a material possession, but I just can't contain my amazement about the new addition to our home sweet home. We visited my mother a couple of weekends ago because some of her family was going to be in the area for their summer vacation, and lo and behold she had a surprise wedding gift for us -- a phonograph! in working condition!

Figuring that acquiring a phonograph was just unrealistic, not to mention beyond my means, we had been looking for just a basic music stand to fit into one of the odd and small corners of our old home (new furniture intended for new gynormous homes tends to be a bit imposing in our older house).

So, here's a picture of it....If ever there's a blackout in Baltimore, swing by our place because we'll be entertaining ourselves with some Andrews Sisters, Hawaiian Bing Crosby tunes, and the occasional hymnal, at least until we have a chance to broaden our collection. So, if you know of or see any good deals on old 78s, let me know!

P.S. In case you were wondering, that fabulous art hanging above it is by our dear friend Bovie. It's called Don Keyote [sic] -- he currently has a piece up in a group show at The Mt. Royal Tavern, but I'll be sure to update with his next solo show.

something to remember me by

2008-06-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

The Visual Blog

I'm trying to improve my efforts to document our life visually. Honeymoon made it especially easy since there was little-to-nothing else to do, but I've been slacking ever since.

the me i want you to know

2008-05-17T17:45:00.000-07:00

sooo, i'm sure this is pretty common but it's been bothering me lately that i have two blogs: one for everyone to see and one just for me. it's feels duplicitous, even though it's not (at least not intentionally). plus, i'm pretty sure it's standard practice, but maybe that's just me trying to rationalize. on the other hand i know that there are people out there who spill all in one blog open for viewing by anyone and i admire that, even if i may be repulsed by it in the same breath. i mean, who wants to hear about your romp in the sack or your unrequited love or your abortion, or for that matter your recent bout with indigestion and/or diarreaha? furthermore, do you want family, and in-laws, and co-workers to know about those things?

i don't like hiding things about myself that are integral to who i am, but i do it anyway. we all do. (there's no major secret here by the way, just antiquated decorums of etiquette, i guess.) but i find myself thinking about things, things that i'd like to document somewhere (because i have such a lousy memory) and i find myself asking, "is this appropriate for public knowledge?" and i hate that. having to draw the line between what's benign to people's perception of me and what's potentially malignant. i feel like 90% of life's misunderstandings are the result of misinformation by way of miscommunication, and i don't want to be a contributor to that. but i don't think i'm brave enough yet to just be me, it's safer being the me i want you to know.

just enjoy it

2008-04-29T19:17:00.000-07:00

In the weeks, and now days, ahead of our wedding this is by far the most often dished out advice -- which leads me to believe that the actual participants of most weddings usually do not "just enjoy it".

I'm really going to try my hardest.

once a spring

2008-04-18T13:49:00.000-07:00

it's sort of become my own personal tradition that each year i develop a fondness for new and exciting plants (new to me that is), expanding my knowledge of horticulture and further my increasing my risk of killing things that i so desperately want to keep alive.

anyway, it was ranunculus last year, and this year's winner is
chaenomeles, more commonly known as the flowering quince. i can't wait to add one to my collection.

when the familiar becomes new again

2008-03-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

something happened to me last night that rarely happens, but i love it when it does. it's not anything exciting or spectacular or weird, so don't get too riled up.

as we were driving home from...places...on roads that i travel with frequency, I had the sudden feeling that i was on a road that i had never been on before, traveling through the neighborhoods for the first time. i wish (& should probably bet) that there's a word for this feeling.