Saturday, December 31, 2011

Merry Christmas 2011

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Christmas 2011 has come and now is gone, but it was lots of fun. I have to say that this holiday was a very good one indeed. Since long ago, I decided to be Happy during the Holiday even when I am not a Christian any more. I like gifts and celebrating love and friendship. I don't give what I can not afford and I definitely buy myself a gift every year and wrap it. I know that no matter what happens there is a present for me.
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There are always fantastic gifts that I receive, a lot of what I want and always everything I need. I learned a long time ago that I want a lot of things, but I can deal with my wants as they come along. I am more into the things I need, and few things I want lol.
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Is always nice to get some fiber magic and this year was no exception. MikeEtAndyXmas2011 (27)
This was something I really wanted and I am hoping to play in the new year with friends. MikeEtAndyXmas2011 (29)
I got a Nook Tablet and it is amazing to use, very fast. If you are looking for a Tablet in the Market, you are better off with an Android tablet by itself. Barnes and Noble as of Today does not allow any applications that are not from their market. I was a bit disappointed as I wanted to get stuff from the Android Market, but maybe they will change this policy and add the Android Market to the Nook. Otherwise unless you are looking for a very powerful E-Reader, this tablet is not for you. There are many Hacks to make this tablet a Rooted Tablet, but I am not Interested in doing that just yet. Maybe when my 1 Year Warranty ends, but in the meantime, I am enjoying this Tablet Reader for what it is. MikeEtAndyXmas2011 (36) 
This is a Vanilla Extract from my friend Kyle, WWW.KyleWilliam.com what a thoughtful gift, something I am planning to use a lot. Along with a tasty (yes I already had some) Citrus Marmalade from my friend John, nothing like homemade gifts to say Happy Holidays.
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This was one of my gifts to Mike and to Myself from RickShaw Bags which you may find at http://www.rickshawbags.com/ .  These bags are made locally and they are called zero waste, because there is almost zero waste when making the bags, locally in San Francisco. Thanks to my friend Kyle that alerted me to a great LivingSocial deal. I got two bags about 3 or 4 months ago. My Christmas was fantastic.
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The best gifts are my friends and most of my family lol. Amazing as you can see that most of the cards on my door are from my Galactica Group on Ravelry, a bunch of fun people that make me laugh all the time. Nonetheless, my Internet friends always count, people I have known since I started blogging about 8 or more years ago. Thanks for your friendship and may you have a Happy New Year 2012. It may be the end of the World once more, but just in case, keep calm and carry some yarn with you at all times.
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Thanks for stopping by!

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Nook Soft Touch Bag


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 Here you have the finished project. I enjoy weaving a lot, but more than weaving, I enjoy the finishing touches. I am learning as I go. Stitching by hand is another story all together.
 
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This is the stitching that is hidden inside the bag liner and below you have a band at the end of the bag to hide some of the would be fringe.  It was stitched by hand as well. I am as pleased as possible, given the fact that I am learning a lot. I made a small I-Cord for the loop.

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Below you have the Nook as it looks without the stand case that I got for it. The bag is a bit roomy, but is perfect. I like the color and the fact that it is machine washable and dryable. I say the HiKoo Simplicity behaved fantastic for a weaving project.

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I put a button to help with the closure. You see the liner as well. Below you can see the Leather Stand that I got. Is not an overkill, because when you are knitting, the stand is holding the Nook. If you have seen this Stand-Case on the Net and wonder if it is worth the money.  You bet it is. It is the perfect companion for your Nook Soft Touch. Have a great Holiday and there will be more bags to weave and more projects to come. I am hoping to have a Crochet and Knit Pattern for the Nook touch in the near future for free, but as always it takes time and inspiration, and I have the time, but the inspiration is focused on hats at the moment. Happy New Year and Thank for Stopping by.
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Wednesday, December 21, 2011

HiKoo Weaving for the Nook SimpleTouch

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So here is my entertainment today as I am relaxing. I am using some of the HiKoo Simplicity to make a case for my Nook Touch.  I am hoping to test some of my finishing techniques on the hems.

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I made up the pattern inspired by the pattern from the Simple Summer Scarf from Schacht. I am hoping I can finish the weaving today.  I am also hoping to do a nice hem, following Jane Patrick's instructions on her DVD. As they say, anything is possible. Thanks for stopping by!

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Monday, December 19, 2011

Nook Touch Review

BSGNook

I am very happy to promote this device, from the Colonies of Men. It is a good technology and you can cut the wireless before the Cylons hack into it.  Seriously, if you are looking for a good E-Reader, the Nook Touch is a basic yet fantastic e-reader. It is not an IPAD, nor it is competition for the IPAD, but it is a great pocket size  E-Reader. I can tell you that given  the latest software update, version 1.1, the e-ink is more crisp and the system is very fast. If you look at some of my previous posts you will see my old Nook ,(1st Edition), which I traded in for an upgraded Tablet, but that is for Xmas.  This Nook has a touch screen, it weighs  a bit less than half a pound, or 8 ounces. It feels like a paperback novel and at night with a bit of light you can read your book under candle light. No email, no ads, you have access to the Barnes and Noble shop,   It is easy to bookmark, search and I am very happy with the device.  I am hoping to make a nice cover so that I can take it with my and know it is protected.  I am hoping to make a pattern in the next few days. I hope this review helps you with the selection of your E-Reader.  I do like paper, but I am more happy with the idea that no paper is ever getting lost, I can archive my books once I am done and they are still available in other devices. I think this is the best compact, pocket size, E-Reader on the market. Thanks for stopping by!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

A new Hat is born

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The hat above is a modification of the Solstice Arrow to show that Andorians can wear the hats with Pride.  Even if you are not Andorian, with a few modifications you can create the same hat and blend among the Andorians.  Benjamin even has a Spock Doll. The true reality of this post is the hat below.  I have started the Philosopher's hat and hopefully will be publish in the new year.  This will be a magnificent hat as it will have some very challenging features that will incorporate many techniques that are Tapestry Crochet, yet it will be easy to make.  I am not sure if I will be able to make it for many sizes, but I will do my best to accommodate the whole family.  It will just take a bit of thinking and just some thoughts, no need to fold the Space-time continuum, but I may have to travel to the past if not satisfied.  I hope you  are having a great week and there will be more fun coming up , maybe weaving or spinning.  Thanks for stopping by!
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Saturday, December 10, 2011

"Solstice Arrow" A Crochet Hat

SolsticeTrio
"Solstice Arrow" A Crochet Hat by Crafty Andy ©. I want to give special thanks to R. Buffalo Jr. for helping me with the testing and proof reading of this pattern. His help is always appreciated, along with the other testers that happen to want a challenge of color and texture. This is a hat to celebrate the Solstice and to bring some cheer into your life. It is a very simple Tapestry Crochet Hat.  You can use almost any kind of yarn, but dk weight is the yarn suggested. The yarn featured here is HiKoo  Simplicity, but any dk weight yarn is acceptable. I like superwash merino like HiKoo, it makes it easy to wash, dry and wear.
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The Techniques used in these hats allow for some breathing at the crown and it allows you to block it to size. The technique makes a dense fabric. If you are making a hat for an infant you can add chin straps to hold the hat in place.  When you block this hat, it may grow in circumference 2 to 4 inches, and 1 to 2 inches in length. I block my hats by getting them wet in warm water and allowing them to dry over a bowl. The bowl may be plastic or stainless steel. Solsticeduo
This is another hat that is perfect for the family and you can make different sizes taking advantage of yarn weight, hook size and tension, thus creating a gauge that will allow you to make the perfect hat. You need to know your Front Post stitches and the basics of hat construction. Weaving the ends should be a breeze. Color combinations is limitless. This pattern is PDF format and it has a video link to a demonstration. Great for the Holidays!
  SolticeTrio

Thursday, December 01, 2011

Culebra Holiday

Isla Culebra (Spanish pronunciation: [kuˈleβɾa], "Snake Island") is an island-municipality of Puerto Rico originally called Isla Pasaje and Isla de San Ildefonso. It is located approximately 17 miles (27 km) east of the Puerto Rican mainland, 12 miles (19 km) west of St. Thomas and 9 miles (14 km) north of Vieques. Culebra is spread over 5 wards and Culebra (Dewey) Pueblo (The downtown area and the administrative center of the city). The island is also known as Isla Chiquita ("Little Island") and Última Virgen ("Last Virgin", reflecting its position at the end of the Virgin islands archipelago). Residents of the island are known as Culebrenses.
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The trip was about 1.5 hours for such a short distance. The ferry is ok, but could use some upkeep. People writing with markers on the seats is sad, but mostly ignored. Otherwise clean, the Ferry is the one connection to the outside world. There is a freight Ferry that brings merchandise on Wednesdays and Fridays, Produce on Fridays and Milk on Wednesday, but like the past week, no ferry , so no Milk or Produce for a week. It is a nice place for vacation, I just would not like to live there. Too small in many ways, yet friendly and cozy.
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The houses are colorful, lots of bottles and cans around, plastic and such. I believe tourist and natives need to keep a better record of putting trash where it belongs. There was no visible pharmacy, or any kind of store besides tourist stores. Local Convenience stores called Colmados are around for groceries and such. Lots of businesses close by 3 PM. Definitely good for vacation. Internet and Cell service is fantastic and Taxis are cheap. One Post Office below someones house.
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The Flamingo Beach or Playa del Flamenco. Flamenco Beach Ranked # 2 in the top 10 most exotic beaches in the world.This is a great beach and there are showers, bathrooms and changing rooms. There is also Food Establishments with great local cuisine and of course hot dogs and hamburgers to order if you like.
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We finally departed the coast at 5PM and saw an interesting group coming back from the Main Island with Cakes, TV's and other things like diapers , furniture and other toiletries. The round trip is $4.50 at the time of this posting. If you go to Puerto Rico, this Island is a great place to visit and stay. There are some nice Hotel areas, which I believe is a great destination. There are plenty of bars and restaurants for the size of the Island, but I would rather stay in a hotel , so no cooking or cleaning, lol. This was my first time to this Island, maybe next time I can take a Snorkeling tour, Thanks for stopping by.
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Almost two years without blogging August 2020

Life can be a bowl of strawberries when cheries are not available.   It has been almost two years since I have been in this blog.  I have s...