Tatiana Supports the Arts

Category Archives: crafts

Ode to a 90 Degree November

November 20, 2008

So the other day I felt the need to Spring Clean. Then, another other day I felt the need to go tan outside. My mind and body have been so confused by the wackadoodle weather lately. Why is it still 90 degrees in the afternoon? Why am I still sweaty? Oh me, oh my.

Anyway, like I was saying, I was Spring Cleaning the other day and realized I had a bunch of half-completed projects laying around. I hate it when that happens. I feel guilt for neglecting projects that should be loved. One of which was completed but forgotten about, so here’s that one. (The bag, not the dress).

And then one that was half finished and then put aside while I worked on something else. This one was a custom order from my cousin. But good news for her! Her birthday is this Saturday, so her custom order has turned into her birthday present! Voila!

Shot #1

Shot #2

In other news, I’ve been really motivated to make some new clothes. Currently I’m working on a sleeveless variation of this pattern (the blouse on the right):

…. and a really cool (hopefully) lined vest that I started a year ago. I’ll post photos when finished.

Oh yeah! KUCI is having a Program Design Contest, so I’ll be working out a couple of design ideas in the next week or so to submit. How fun. I’ll be sure to post those as well. OH RAIN! OH COLD WEATHER! Where the heck are you?

Also posted in fashion, graphic art, knittery, sewing – 2 Comments

Monday Inspiration

October 27, 2008

Here’s a really sweet email my fellow knitting pal sent me a week or so ago. It brought a smile to my face, and hopefully it will make your Monday a little brighter.

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Subject: Warm Fuzzy

Hey Tati-

Random Story I thought would make you smile… I was sitting outside at lunch knitting like crazy (I mean I want to get to that uterus before mines out of usage you know) when this total stranger comes up and starts asking me about if I know any knitting clubs on campus or anything. Heheehe… it was this total fun crafters unite moment and I was telling her how I just learned from one of my awesome knitting friends (aka your awesomeness!).

Anyways… just thought you’d like to know that your lessons are bringing the world together… less war more knitting!!!

Love,

Traci

Also posted in inspiration, knittery – 2 Comments

You are an obsession, You’re my obsession

August 13, 2008

Recently, the Fair was in Orange County, and of course I had to go and eat my share of things that are bad for me. Apart from that indulgence, I was treated to a visual array of eye candy. No, I’m not talking about boys. Well maybe I am, as I was accompanied by a rather cute one. But no. I am referring to, naturally, the arts and crafts contests. And more specifically… the table settings contest. It was neat. Some of them were beyond bad, but this contest in junction with my daily dose of DesignSponge have been brainwashing me into caring more about what my living space looks like. This being said, I have been constantly brainstorming ideas for place mats. I know, it sounds lame, but I’m excited to make some. Kinda like these I found on etsy.com…

except mine will be different/cuter and I’m thinking of incorporating some rick rack, because I’m old school like that.

Of course, I cannot talk about the OC Fair without mentioning that my roommate, the amazing KENDRA, won 1st place in the memorabilia contest! You go girl! I’m such a proud roomie. As the description says (photo to be added later), she has collected over 100 Vivien Leigh items. That’s a lot of old stuff… and a lot of hard earned cash spent on that old stuff. Homegirl is going to be able to fill a museum soon. We should start charging when people come over to visit.

In other news, in addition to my ongoing attempts to finish reading the legendary Harry Potter series (I’m still on book 5), I am reading Tiny Ladies in Shiny Pants by Jill Soloway

At first, when reading through her 3 introductions, I got kind of annoyed with her cocky tone. A friend of mine got me this book for my birthday via my amazon wish list. I think I added it to my wish list because at the time I was really into reading as much feminist-y stuff as possible. I think the beginning of the book frustrated me because I felt like Jill was one of those feminists who give feminists a bad name, in my opinion. They think they know everything, and they think everyone who disagrees with them are inferior. Which, you know, is kind of lame. BUT. I continued reading and soon realized that I am actually really liking this book. It reminds me of Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris. So if you liked that book, you’d most likely enjoy this one. Anyway, I have about 50 pages to go. Oh, I’m on Goodreads, and highly recommend it if you like to keep track of what you’ve read, and/or like to see what your friends are reading.

Also posted in books, contest, exhibit, feminism, orange county, sewing – 1 Comment

Calling all Crafters!!!

August 1, 2008

So, my good friend over at PNN.com has put together a wonderful contest for those who love to spread the love of crafting.

Here’s the info, taken verbatim from the site:

“How To” Craft Contest on PNN
Are your knitting needles always clicking together? Your scissors perpetually snapping? Your brain constantly dreaming up new projects that you can’t wait to start making?

Both Hobby and Professional Crafters are welcome to participate in PNN’s Craft Contest. All you need is a well of knowledge about your favorite craft, and a desire to share it with the rest of the world.

Create a “How to” video or written piece (with photos) that teaches your audience how to do any craft of your choice. Submit it on PNN, and wait to find out if you’ve won the grand prize.

Winners will be named PNN’s Featured Craft Author and will be given a craft goodie basket.
Contest ends September 26, 2008.
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I will helping to judge the contestants, so start sending in your videos! One of my favorite crafty people, Corrine Leigh of Threadbanger.com, is another of the many amazing judges. I’m super excited to see what everyone comes up with… and also to learn something new! One can never stop learning.

Also posted in contest – 0 Comments

World of WarCraft, minus the “War”

May 27, 2008

I’ve been thinking lately about how lucky I am to be friends with such creative and talented people. All in their own magical ways. They never cease to inspire or amaze me.

So, last night I got back into my knitting after trying to think of something to make a friend for her 24th birthday. She too knits and crochets. It’s always a little hard thinking of things to make for someone who can make anything they want themselves. (I feel like that last sentence had a lot of pronouns, sorry). Anyway, after perusing my roommate’s Stich N Bitch Nation book, I decided to make this:

So far it’s coming out really well. I’m using a vintage-looking mustard yellow yarn. Homegirl will totally be able to pull this off, whereas I would probably not be able to. )

In other news, being in close proximity to yarn and new patterns makes me itch for bigger projects. I REALLY want to make an afghan. I was thinking of going to the library after work to check out some books but then it dawned on me… YOUTUBE. And I found all of my answers! The best video (series) I’ve found so far is this one. And not only does it show you how to switch up the colors… a man is crocheting. Yes, a MAN. I love it.

In other, more dramatic news, check out my friend’s play! Watch the video to get a better idea. The costumes look amazing.

I Gelosi

Where?
3116 2nd St
Santa Monica, CA 90405

When?
Now running through June 14th

How Much?
$20, or $10 with Student ID

I STILL don’t get it.
This may help.
Here’s the synopsis according to the website:
I GELOSI (“The Zealous Ones”), written and directed by David Bridel, tells the story of Italy’s first great traveling theatre troupe. In the late 16th Century the Gelosi company takes the provinces by storm, thanks to the beauty, wit and charm of Isabella Andreini, one of the very first women ever to play on the stage. Invited to perform at the Court of King Henri III of France, the Gelosi become the toast of Europe – until they risk the wrath of the Pope with a virulent theatrical satire. Hounded from the French Court, the company’s fortunes sink, despite the increasing brilliance of Isabella’s talents. Finally the company returns to the poverty from which it came.

Featuring masks, music, and costumes from the period, I GELOSI lovingly recreates the world of the commedia dell’arte and the actors whose life’s work consists of portraying the vivid archetypes Pantalone, Arlecchino, Il Capitano, and others. Yet dwelling beneath the glittering comedy of the play lies a vital question: is the theatre merely an entertainment, or is it a voice for the dispossessed?

Also posted in crochet, knittery, los angeles, theater – 2 Comments