A queer, divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest

“There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, not how it compares with other expression. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.” - Martha Graham

More fantastic etsy finds.

Can you believe this shirt is handknit?! I couldn't; it turns out there was some machine knitting involved but we all know that can be really time and labor-intensive as well. F-f-f-fantastic!



Isobelandcleo's etsy shop is full of other inspired knits; I really want to make myself some tights like this!

isobel and cleo at etsy

Don't be sore at me; I'm entitled to one mistake (Hey!)

Where do you get cutouts of your most beloved characters like the one below? Where do you acquire a lush red carpet for your pitifully carpeted stairway?


It's been busy, you know? 3 craft shows in 3 weeks and no time for loungin'.

This has been my dream Halloween costume since I started knitting. Collective unconscious?

I'm planning to knit myself a glorious CAPE; I have so many ideas and not enough time; there's never! any! time!!

Fantastic etsy finds!!!

Maybe it's the early morning talking but I am pretty into this handknitted cardigan I saw on etsy! The seller describes her knits as "fresh"; I couldn't agree more.

AlexKnitwear's shop

There's treasure everywhere/there's inspiration everywhere!

Scrappy shrug recipe / tutorial

Scrappy shrug in recycled yarns: angora, wool, mohair, linen, handspun and handdyed wool, acrylic, cotton. Make your own with my little recipe!

This tutorial is more like a recipe; I am an intuitive, non-pattern-following knitter, so my attempts at pattern-writing are always a bit vague. This shrug is supposed to be a bit slouchy, and yours will still look great if it comes out a bit bigger or smaller. I got my original inspiration from the Baggy Bolero at Pickles; they do a much better job than I at explaining how-to!


I used my favorite circulars: size 15 and 19. This will seem huge to most knitters but this is how you achieve the loose, lacy effect. Big needles = super fast!

Gather your favorite scraps of yarn. (I never throw mine away! Even very short lengths of a beautiful handspun or brightly dyed yarn will stand out.) Make sure you have both bulkier and thinner yarns for the lacy effect of my shrug.


I (loosely) cast on about 24 sts with my smaller needles (size 15). The idea is basically to start with a small circle for the armhole, increase a lot until the circle is large, then cast off and do the whole thing again for the other arm. You finish by sewing up the back.

I knit in the round for about 5 inches, increasing about 10 sts in this section (I used yarn overs, but you can use whichever increase method you like). I switched yarns whenever I felt like it, and added random garter ridges for texture. Again, whichever stitch you want to use is fine!

After about 5 inches, I switched to the size 19s. I knit for about another 5 inches, increasing to about 60 sts total. You can try on your circle as you knit for guidance on how slouchy/fitted it will be! Keep in mind that most yarns will "grow" a bit after washing, so you can keep it on the smaller side as you knit.

Cast off loosely when you like the size of your big circle, then make another one in the same size. I kept good notes about how many stitches I actually increased in each round so I could do the same on my second circle.
Sew up the back (as much as you want!) and you are ready to show off!

Should I add a button? What color?

Recent inspiration

1. crystal Baphomet
2. Pipistrello means bat in Italian.
3. Everything about this is insane. Y'all see those Predator heels?
4. unexpected mysticism
5. THAT HAIR
6. a natural menace 2 society
7. we had the clear and the peach
8. MORTICIA (my favorite)
9. I need those golden eyelashes.
10. Bone flute/bone man!

We gladly feast upon those who would consume us.

Yo. I "made" this crop top by cutting off the neckline and cuffs of a little boy's shirt...easiest reconstruction ever!

I found some Noro (esque?) at tha thrift!! What a sick find; I love color-changin' yarn.



A necklace/collar I made a while ago. All materials from my fabric scrap stash; some pieces are handdyed.

Photos from Carrboro Artisan Market!

I love doing craft shows in the winter!
People are so much more inclined toward my knits:

MASTER OF T-SHIRTS/Tommy Long Legs, aka Sir Bozzington, aka Thomas Dean of Lost Woods Print:

(in the center)

Thomas is an elusive printmaster; his creations are difficult to buy on the internet so I recommend tracking him down in person. Start a petition HERE for a Lost Woods etsy shop!

Allyson and Jeremy, who not only do amazingly detailed and thoughtful work, but are also genuinely sweet people. I love seeing their friendly faces at craft shows (NC-VA connexxion!).

You can see the rest of the photos here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/carrboroartisanmarket/

(This market was sponsored by Roulette Vintage in Carrboro, NC...awesome ladies!
If you're in the area, you must pay them a visit.)

Cain't nobody do it quiiiiiite like this

Margo and I took a bunch of photos today; I thought a few accidentally came out really nice. Got2go; Stefano's taking me to get late-night (fake) ice cream!

Ice age

I always listen to this song to get pumped to venture out into the world:



I was looking at old posts randomly and discovered that I was sick last year on the EXACT same dates I was sick this year! Eerie.

New lovelies on etsy every day! Don't miss!

etsy etsy etsy

Platinum plus

Look at me, featured on Etsy Trends! Dang!

They featured my cloud cowl:





I can make this cowl any color, by the way.

UNRAVEL YOUR SWEATERS TO MAKE NEW CLOTHES

Do it! One of the best tutorials is at neauveau fiber arts.



Here's another tutorial from craft. Her advice is mostly the same as I would give, except I don't avoid intarsia sweaters; they take longer but actually yield more yarn in the end!

(images from Craft.)

Then, use your "new" yarn to make a cowl to keep you warm!

Some free patterns from 'THE INTERNET':

Chunky knit cowl
XO UO cowl (longer)
Cashmere (ribbed) cowl
Crochet chunky cowl

The one that got away

Alas, I never got to take proper photos of this amazing dress before it sold...I'll just have to knit more.

Margo got cold so I let her wear some winter warmers!

Knitting machine madness:

I have so much stuff to show you; do you ever feel like there aren't enough hours?

agosto - ispirazione

A tattoo idea??

I live in a Treehouse (of horror).

Best nails!

There goes Stefano tryna take me to the prom on his motorcycle.

(unicorn hair)

Modern Magic Vintage

One of my very best friends just listed a bunch of fantastic vintage treasures on her etsy; I just wanted to share them!

A Morticia Addams dress!

Some amazing slips and nightgowns (to be worn as dresses, of course):

Add her to your faves; she will not steer you wrong!

I am pumped; how about you

!!!Energizing fall!!!

Dying and drying things on the back porch!

Clockwise spiral:
Our globe collection, Frances Mananses, the Tarot, obsidian arrowheads.

Our friend Jim is visiting. He says, "JUST GIMME THE LIGHT"

YARN PARADISE

GOOD NEWS!! I got a (cheap-o, manual) knitting machine! Here's my first scarf:


What do you think? I love how the different thicknesses of yarn create a wavy effect. I finished this in probably 3 hours total...with the manual knitting machine, you're still moving a "carriage" holding the yarn across a row of needles, back and forth, but it's wa-a-a-ay faster than handknitting with needles that size. I let the stripes begin randomly in the middle of rows and left the tails of the knots a bit long...just some little details to show that it's unique.

Also, I made a "page" on Facebook for Mi Scusi! It would make me so happy if even one person would become a "fan."

link link link

Ma cos'e? What is it?

(Can you tell what it is?)

(It's a bolero, a shrug, a little minisweater. Photos on an actual human to follow!)

Handspun, wool, cotton, linen, acrylic.

Vegas dress (I want to knit one for you!)

Did I ever show y'all the dress I made for my best friend's wedding in its finished state?
It started as a pile of this:
I want to start selling this dress (or similar knitted dresses) as a custom order in any color. Good idea/yay or nay?

attention: CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA, USA

Never-before-seen Mi Scusi magical clothing, accessories, and knits will be in the flesh at the

Charlottesville Arts & Crafts Fair,
Saturday, August 29th!

Ooh, let me see, let me see. Y'all better be there!!

(fb page)

Oh snap.

Uh-oh, dudes! There is a Malaysian band named Mi Scusi! Looks like we have similar ideas regarding blood font...

Video games about knitting

Thanks, CanarySanctuary!

Dudes. I won a sick giveaway from my homegirl CanarySanctuary of Canary Knits (and I never win anything)! It felt like my birthday when the package arrived:
Sweet vintage patterns (including one for a hamburger sweater!) yarn, and a handknit bear.

I couldn't wait to start knitting with the silvery-green-grey yarn (it's so soft!).

(it's on etsy if you like it!)

The quiet of books, the sound of that ocean.

My dad gave me some jute yarn (given to him by my friend's mom, an awesomely crafty lady). I'm making rugs for our little apartment!

Much softer on the hands: handspun wool, sent to me in order to be knit up into my signature windowpane berets. I love this job; mani, don't fail me now!

Oooh yeah, Sunday coming

Some tidbitz from around the house:

Hulk light switch!!

I found this dress at the thrift store and thought it was kind of witchy. I got home and found out it is a real Betsey Johnson! I also found a way to make planets in Photoshop???
Finally, a bookshelf for all the yarn.

Sick thrift score! All from the same spot; maybe all from the same kid's closet.

Pizza plate collection. Broox has the 3rd set.

Sarah I see you peeping at me from BR!!