Friday, January 29, 2010

Getting organized (and a few ATCs)


Okay, don't judge me too much.

This is what my knitting needle drawer looked like up until a few hours ago. Needless to say, I had a really, really hard time finding what I needed. Not to mention there were another dozen needles scattered around my bedroom.

Enter this expandable file thingy I bought at Wal-Mart for storing important papers. It's been sitting empty underneath my desk for several months. (Sorry for the ugly picture but I didn't feel like getting out of bed.)

I numbered each pocket with a needle size and put the corresponding needles inside. It worked out really well-- it's large enough to hold circular needles and the extra-long straight ones, too. We'll see if they stay in there.



The theme for one of my artist trading card (ATC) swap groups this month was "You." I picked the theme, and then I had all sorts of trouble figuring out what to do. I finally drew a golden bird with colored pencils and added fiber and beads. It's not too fancy, but it was fun because it's the first time I've created a hand drawn ATC.

I also picked the theme for my second ATC swap group. The theme was "wild card", meaning we could do whatever we wanted. Again, I had trouble getting started on it. Having a specific theme really does help. I finally went with a vintage-style collage, and I like how it turned out.

Would you like to win some sock yarn? Pop over to Jenny's blog on knitting for her 100th post giveaway. I just met Jenny through the Adventures in Lace KAL and she is adorable with mad knitting skills. (Can I get away with saying "mad knitting skills", or am I too old? Or maybe that phrase is just way out of date. I picked it up from watching Buffy.)

Thank you for your get well wishes earlier in the week. Boy did I get sick. I've been in bed all week and will probably stay here through Sunday. I felt so awful I couldn't even knit for a few days. I think I'm on the mend now.

16 comments:

Jenny said...

Glad to hear that you're slowly getting better, it really sucks being sick! And thank you for those kind words (and you can definitely use that expression, btw, I LOVE Buffy!), I still consider myself a knitting newbie. I only learned to knit about two years ago, so I'm still learning a lot with every new pattern :)

Oh, and another thing: What is APC? I LOVE your cards, especially the second one, it is sooo pretty!

/ Jenny

Theresa said...

Girl, get yourself better! We can't have you being sick! LOVE your bird you drew:) Wowza-you have talent. Love both cards and the organization of the needles... right up my alley:) Have a blessed day, get plenty of rest and yell LOUD if you need some chicken soup!

Ronna said...

Love your ATCs!! (And get well soon.)

M.E. Greene said...

I would definitely not judge your knitting basket... mine often looks just like that! (And it does right now, but shhh...please don't mention it. People think I'm organized.)

Kitty said...

What a great idea! I throw all of my needles into a bag. That's it. Maybe I should try out your system- it's really brilliant. I've seen other people who do subcategories of needle lengths and such, but that seems over the top. Thanks for the idea!

Suz said...

Why Goldenbird you are very talented...I loved the bird you drew
such pretty cards...
and you knit too!
glad you are feeling better

Rachel said...

A few days in bed is probably just what you needed! Sounds heavenly to me haha. Glad to hear you're on the mend and getting back into knitting. And I'm sure you will be excused for the knitting drawer mess. We all have our dirty little secrets - you should see my sewing room (no you shouldn't, actually).

Love your ATCs. I think the Wild Card idea is great too!

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

WOW...you were very sick :( I just had a reglar cold...
great idea with your needles.
Love the ATC cards...the vintage one called to me!!
Watch a good movie and stay warm
Warmly,
Deb :)

ImplausibleYarn said...

Drink lots of tea and get lost of rest! I'm glad to hear that you are getting better. Your ATC's are beautiful! You are one talented individual!

Dogwood said...

Organization. What a great idea for all your knitting needles.

I love my golden bird ATC. Thanks. I will mail my February tomorrow.

Hope you have had a fabulous restful weekend and health.

Debra said...

Yep!! i love organisation...it means we can find it when we want it...well thats my theory anyhow, trouble is sometimes i am so organised i seem to hide things away....LOL
Love your ATC's...gorgeous, love the golden bird.:)

Woollywotnots said...

Glad to hear you are on the mend. I love your yellow bird. Can't believe you are tidying when you are ill!!! :-) Get better soon and stop doing house work!

Maiden Jane said...

I like your organizer! I made a hanging organizer for my circs, but my straights are in a craft bin.

I'm sorry to hear you were sick. Jan/Feb is always a tough time. Rest is the best medicine.

I have to pick your brain some time about technical writing - I saw that on the Rav KAL intro.

Teresa said...

Hope you are all better!

Way to get organized- what a creative idea!

Thimbleanna said...

Wow! What a great idea! I need to do something like that -- my needles are all over the place -- I currently can't find my size 6 circs -- got any ideas LOL? I hope you're feeling better by now!

Jill said...

Tagged ya' Stacy - check out my blog!