Foam Mustaches

These were made for Shelby as her Valentine's Day gift. "Woah, Woah,...VALENTINES?" Yes, you read that right. My girlfriend has a strange obsession with upper lip facial hair. So, these suited her perfectly. Googly eyes on and object? Clever. Adding a mustache? Genius.

The idea for these came from the Tiffany Kelly Photography site and were designed as a photo booth prop. Well, they served that purpose magnificently as you can see. :D

Foam Mustache Photo Booth Props


Jesse the Catlaw

DJ Hero Turntable

I've been wary of posting this. It's the FIRST ever pattern I've made, but I'm not truly happy with the results. Although, for a first go it's still nothing to scoff at. Once again, this is another present made for the lovely Shelby. I wrapped this in a DJ hero game box to watch her freak out as she unwrapped it. This was later followed by a loving, but slightly disappointed smile when she opened the box. :P Later she unwrapped the actual and it was awesome to see the two side by side. This project may deserve another attempt someday, but a day in the long future.

Side-by-Side: Crochet vs. Real


Crochet DJ Hero Controller

Baby Cardigan

I started this project for a friend's baby shower. 1-2 YEARS later I've finally finished the product! This is the first cardigan I've ever made and I'm happy with the results. Even though now it is to small for the young baby girl, I'm hoping having it modeled on Royal the the Bear for her to have will be enough to keep her happy. The pattern is by Lion Brand. I also LOVE that it can be completed with only ONE skein of Lion Brand's Pound of Love yarn.

Knitted Baby Cardigan on Royal the Bear

Knitted Hand Warmers

These were also originally intended as a Christmas present for Shelby that never got done in time. The pattern was simple and easy. Even though self-striping yarn in usually tacky, I found that it worked well in this instance and was a combination of our two favorite colors: blue and green. The only thing I despise about my work on this project is a couple of ladders. I still haven't been able to rid myself of ladders in my projects. Although I did find an awesome article on TECHknitting to help me achieve success next time. Techknitting is also a great site to check out in your free time and helps to solve a lot of those regularly experienced knitting problems.

Knitted Hand Warmers

Balloon Bunny

I couldn't of been more happy when I found this pattern that combines two things I love: crochet and balloon animals. The pattern can be found here on Lionbrand's site. I do agree with a lot of the comments on Ravelry about it though. People have suggested decreasing stitches to, and increasing after those areas that would later be tied together. The tying was definitely the most frustrating part of this otherwise quick and fun knit.

This project was meant as a Christmas present, last year, for the great miss Dawn, owner of Balloon Inspirations. Once I started the project (which admittedly took a lot longer than I meant it to) I kept waiting until until I finished it to visit again. Once I finally completed the bunny I drove up to see a 'Space for lease' sign hanging in the window of the store. It was empty. I have seen this happen way to often with Kearney's small businesses and it breaks my heart.

On the bright side Dawn's website it still up and running. So, send her a message telling her Andrew sent you, and support Balloon Inspirations.

Purple Knit Bunny & Blue Balloon Bunny


Purl-ple Knitted Bunny :P

Crocheted Hammer & Screwdriver

I made this for my dad's birthday last November and forgot to post it. The pattern is from one of my favorite books. If you follow the blog closely enough you should be able to guess which book that is. Amigurumi Two!? You're correct!!! I love the patterns Ana produces. Turing hard hitting tools into plush couldn't be more fun. Also, I was able to supplement this project with the poetic side of me to.

Crochet Hammer


A Son's Learned Lessons from a Working Man

The Same Old Song & Dance

I seem to always give this speech before another long group of exciting posts. As always I apologize for the inconsistent posting, but I'm still here with an enthusiasm for crafts that will never leave me. I'll continue to work on my posting habits, but until I graduate college finding the time to do so is a chore. I truly believe that the secret to life is balance!
I'm extremely happy that one of the blogs I closely follow, that I had sadly feared was offline after over a year of inactivity, is back online. Geek Central Station has been a favorite of mine ever since a long ago search for 'Star Wars Crochet.' Over the summer I saw the blog featured in the book The Star Wars Craft Book by Bonnie Burton. Ecstatic I checked the blog again and sure enough it's back in full "force." :P So, never give up on your favorite blogs and I hope ACC is one of your favorites! :)

Stay Involved in School!

The next couple of videos feature a couple of the other activities I've been involved in on campus. Tip for all students: Stay active in campus activities. It will get you more connected to campus, you'll meet new people who'll help you in your journey, and students who are more involved also have a higher chance of graduating.

Fashion Show


One Homeless Night

Ambassador Posters

Maple Woods is proud to have student ambassadors to provide a positive, friendly face to incoming students. These are posters I designed for three of the new ambassadors to be hung in the admissions hallway at the school!

Amanda


Chris


Crystal

More Roving Reporter

Here are the latest two episodes of the MCC Maple Woods Roving Reporter!

April Roving Reporter


March Roving Reporter

More Graphics

I'm still working for the college life office at my school and continue to be blessed with the opportunity to make more graphics. These are my latest creations for the monitors.

Laser Tag (not as cool as having a
Star Wars Blaster, but I like to pretend)


Let's Talk about Sex Day (Interesting day. Seriously Wow,
and I got to make the flyer for it. haha)


Earth Day (GO EARTH!)

More Apologizes

Oh boy, it has been a long time hasn't it? Well don't fret. As I say, I'm always busy. I really need to break the cycle I have going. I give you a massive amount posts all at once, remain silent for a couple months, and follow up with another round of massive posts. I do apologize for this and ask your forgiveness. Now off to the posts!

3.14

HAPPY PI DAY! That's right, it's already March 14th. Call me a geek and a math dork, but pi day is probably my favorite holiday. Eat circular foods, break out that protractor, and have a blast. Unfortunately I didn't have my geeky friends to hang out with, because their busy enjoying the spring break. The up side? I was finally able to get a good start on my pi hat!

Monitor Signs

Another new and exciting part of my job is making event signs to go on the monitors around campus. Here are the pictures of my latest assignments:

Roving Reporter

For those wondering my Valentine's posts will be coming later this month. (I forgot to take pictures :P) Anyways, my job has starting allowing me to do some very cool assingments lately. I am now part of a "roving reporter" segment for MCC television. This means people put a mic in my hand, I put the mic in people's faces, ask questions, and look like a dork. My job can rocks sometimes. :)

Christmas Creations- Emily

Emily is great soccer player and after some ravelry searches this pattern fit perfectly. Little did I realize how much of an undertaking this was. It's made out of 20 white hexagons and 12 black pentagons. Each piece took approximately twenty minutes to make with at let 5 hours of sewing time. The sweet thank you message from her made it very rewarding though.

Because of the crazy amount of time this project took I told myself I wouldn't be making it again for a long while, but there are some definite changes I'd like to do he second time around.

1. Make 1 instead of yarn over. In the pattern there are spots where it says, "p1 between stitches." After searching I couldn't find what this meant. I ended up doing a yarn over in these places which ended up leaving holes. Instead where the pattern says, "p2, p1 between stitches," I would p1 and kfb to increase without leaving holes.
2. Make sure to sew the right sides together. This is a simple tip for better looking edges. The places where it's most prominent that I didn't do this is where the white meets the black and the whip stitch is highly visible.
3. Split up the sewing into small pieces. This way you'll avoid the 5 hour sewing marathon at the end. This would especially help those like me who hate the finishing process by splitting it up into smaller bunches.

Knit Soccer Ball


Soccer Ball Pattern

Christmas Creations- Dad

Dad is always the hardest person to make something for. After a bunch of searching I found an awesome pattern for a beer coozie that looks like a sweater. This was also my first time using double pointed needles an I'm very happy with the results.

Knit Beer Sweater


Beer Sweater Pattern- avalible as a free Ravelry download

I also wanted to do something video game related and decided to try my hand at perler beads. After looking at the Sprite Stitch forums I found a free cross stitch charting program called KG Chart. It works great & provides more uses than just cross stitch. My dad's favorite vintage video game is Duck Hunt, so I set out on making some Duck Hunt perler bead magnets. I hadn't used perler beads since daycare and am now happy to present these two Duck Hunt fridge magnets.

Blue Duck Hunt Pixel Magnet


Black Duck Hunt Pixel Magnet

Christmas Creations- Aunt

One of my aunts asked me to make some baby hats for her. I assumed it was for one of my cousins. So, I set out on a pattern from Michaels Book of Needlecrafts. I bought this book when I was starting knitting to have a multitude of knit and crochet crafts, but now I've realized that I don't like enough of the patterns. This is a book I recommend as a library rental first. Anyway, since my aunt lives on a farm, I wanted to make the blueberry hat. When I did the specified number of increases it looked too small, so I did an extra row of increase. When I finished, the hat ended up being big enough to fit my head. She didn't deserve to be left with just an over sized, albeit cute, hat. I made another hat using a pattern I found on ravelry. This one was knit so it could stretch, but was only big enough to fit an infant. She was thankful for both. Luckily she wanted to use the hats to take pictures of other babies (she's a photographer). I still want to try again someday, but was happy to at least provide a finished product.

Blueberry Baby Hat




Knit Infant Hat

Christmas Creations- Cousin (Once Removed)

A couple of months ago my cousin, her husband,and her daughter came over. was excited to show them all my crafts and books. When my cousin (once removed- there was a debate with a friend of mine when I just said cousin!) saw the little bunny from my often used Amigurumi World book she was desperate to have it. The smile from her was priceless.

Amigurumi Bunny

Christmas Creations- Cousin

I've been wanting a record player for awhile and when my cousin's husband heard me say this at a family get together he informed me he had one he'd be willing to part with. After that I knew Christmas would rock (and have a little white noise with it). :) I just had to make him something. I had a cool pattern in mind from the Son of Stitch and Bitch book, but didn't have the time or resources it is left queued for another day. I settled on a quick Lion Brand Keyhole Scarf pattern. I gleefully purchased my first set of bamboo knitting needles and two skeins of both Pink & Blue Thick & Quick yarn. Now my cousin's husband and her are stylin' with their new scarfs. :P

Thick and Quick Pink Keyhole Scarf


Thick & Quick Blue Keyhole Scarf


Keyhole Scarf Pattern

Christmas Creations- Aunt

My aunt has been bugging me for a while to make her something (bless her heart). She loves chickens & roosters, so the pattern from lionbrand was simple and cute enough for me to enjoy making it. :D

Crochet Chicken


Lionbrand Pattern

Christmas Creations- Mom

The latch hook kit for this has been sitting in my closet for years with only an inch of completion. It was purchased with the intention to make it for my mom. Every time I'd get something from the closet I'd see it and wonder when I would ever finish it. Well, now it's finally done! I also followed the instructions for turning it into a pillow, but crocheted my own back for it.

Latch Hook Bear Pillow

Christmas Creations- Shelby

I love this pattern from Pretty in Punk. I thought the mohawk was awesome, but after looking through pictures on Ravelry of people who didn't felt the fringe on their hats the results didn't look satisfying. Since i was using acrylic yarn I decided to go with a cute pom pom.

The reciever liked it, but after having some suggestions I'll be sure to do a few things different next time:

1. Use wool & go for the fringe

2. Make the large version

3. Find a way to line the inside for extra warmth.

Pretty in Punk Hat

When making projects always keep the reciever in mind, ask them question, and don't be afraid to try again. :)

Christmas Creations- Alex

This was made using the Lucha Libre pattern from the book Son of Stitch and Bitch. It's one of the few books with patterns for guys. Even though not all the patters aren't that attractive, there's still enough good content to be recommended as a great project book for guys.
I'd also like to mention this is my first time trying intarsia. I like how it turned out,but it could definitely be better. I'd liked to try it again to improve my skills. :D

Lucha Libre Ski Mask


Check out this link! Domiknitrix has a great tutorial series for intarsia.

Andrew's Christmas Creations

It's sad that my last poster was way back in summer. We've gone from Christmas in July to it actually being Christmas. I've worked my tail off jetting these projects done (Seriously, I don't have one :P). Mom also so rightly named these posts Andrew's Christmas Creations in order to keep with the ACC aesthetic. So without further ado...