GHOSTFACEKNITTER

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With fall here and the holidays right around the corner, let me make your custom items/gifts! Pretty much anything you see knit/sewn/crochet I can make for you! My pricing is very affordable and I work hard to get you exactly what you dreamed!

I have done custom embroidery orders, scarf/cowl, baby bibs, kleenex coozies, crochet people/objects, dresses, skirts, blouses! Don’t forget about the pets either – I can make any costume idea or fun accessory for them too!

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custom cake

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ghostfaceknitter
ghostfaceknitter

one of khalessi's dragons
one of khalessi’s dragons

carnival set of towels
carnival set of towels
embroidered tea-towel for my Grandma's birthday.
embroidered tea-towel for my Grandma’s birthday.
Baby B likes his sweater.
Baby B likes his sweater.
Amy Bulter Pillow well received.
Amy Bulter Pillow well received.
new pj shorts for the STAKBE club.
new pj shorts for the STAKBE club.

1000 BLEEPING Cycling Miles

It’s no surprise that I LOVE  my bike. In fact, I’m pretty sure I’m in a relationship with my bike.  I commute to work everyday on it, choose to ride long distances because it’s just so fun, and prefer to take a ride on my bike rather than use the car. From Memorial Day to Labor Day I managed to hit 1000 miles, despite one nasty crash (sprained the membrane between my ulna and radius), a car wreck, and three flats.  Here are some funny/nice/awesome moments of my first summer cycling in Chicago.

BICYCLE RIIIIIIIGHTS.

Me and Yoshi right after reaching 1000 miles on 8/29/2014.

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That time I wore this white Nike top and there was a surprise downpour on the way home….. AWKWARD.

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Giant Bike Packs. Gotta be prepared I guess.

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One Year exactly. 8.26.2013 vs 8.26.2014. HUZZAH.

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On the ride air pumps. This was the first of 3 flats I encountered – all within the same week too!

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Gorgeous view from my long University of Chicago Campus rides – total distance that day 35 miles.

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Work is nice enough to have an indoor bike rack. Yoshi never has to brave the elements without me.

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The aftermath of Yoshi vs. Car. Twisted handlebars… thank goodness no other damage was done.

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Sorry for my butt… about a week after my first crash. It took two months for that bruise to totally disappear.

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On the road with Yoshi and Leopold. If only that squirrelly little pug would sit in a basket… sigh.

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Here’s to many more 1ks on Yoshi!

Huzzah!
xxxx
GFK

The Crochet Virus

Last month I contracted the crochet virus. Sigh. It has been getting in the way of my knitting and aside from the Harry Potter Heliopath KAL I’m co-hosting, I haven’t touched my knitting needles in three weeks! (GASP) Anyways, here are a few pictures of the crochet things I’ve been working on. Overall, I think crochet is just so easy. I don’t wanna discredit it as a craft because I’m not into craft shame-ing, but it’s just mindless for me. Single, Double, Triple crochet is like the best/easiest way to make something so pretty and as long as you’re in the groove it’s way hard to mess up like knitting. PLUS my knitting projects have become quite complex in terms of patterning, so crochet in the round has been the jimmy jam for me lately too.

boris wearing a cowl as a robe dressed as mrs horowitz.
ghost face cowboy bandana single crochet cowl.
double crochet cowl in the round with phydeaux design yarn from the FEB 2014 yarbox
ghostfacecrocheter? nah.
first cowl. single crochet in the round.
the craft cult.

Pet Projects: The Animal Knit Bible

After my ‘finishing faux paw’ (harhar) on Boris’s new sweater of sewing the arm holes closed I realized I’ve knitted too many pet sweaters to be making such a silly mistake! So I’ve been inspired to share a few of the patterns I’ve made here.

a cat straight-jacket is okay with me too.
a cat straight-jacket is okay with me too.

Obviously I knit a lot. I knit for people and of course animals. I have talked a little bit about the knitted items I’ve made for the animals before, but without a doubt all the patterns are from Pet Projects: The Animal Knit Bible. I can’t even tell you how many sweaters I’ve made for mine and others’ pets, but here are a few of the patterns and a lot of sweaters I have made from this book. (PS If you click the book link it takes you to the Ravelry page with other knitters’ works too!)

Despite his grumpy demeanor he's warm.
Despite his grumpy demeanor he’s warm.
This was for a furry friend. Too short for Vlad.
This was for a furry friend. Too short for Vlad.
All dressed up and no where to go - also ever since I took this photo I've wanted to make an all grey 'knight' suit for Lee.
All dressed up and no where to go – also ever since I took this photo I’ve wanted to make an all grey ‘knight’ suit for Lee.
My first sweater for Vladimir then it became Leopold's.
My first sweater for Vladimir then it became Leopold’s.
Although short, he prefers this sweater because he can run around.
Although short, he prefers this sweater because he can run around and you know grab a cup of coffee.
Pet bed, perfect for two.
Pet bed, perfect for two.
Vladimir's favorite summer spot.
Vladimir’s favorite summer spot.
"The Anti-Firework" Balaclava..... aka "The Laugh Hysterically at Your Animal Hat"
“The Anti-Firework” Balaclava….. aka “The Laugh Hysterically at Your Animal Hat”
Again "Laugh Hysterically"
Again “Laugh Hysterically”
I modified this hat to make Lee transform into RASTA PUG MAHN.
I modified this hat to make Lee transform into RASTA PUG MAHN.

They have a LOT of wonderful color pattern knits in this book too. I think I’m gonna turn the page from the sweater section and start making a few other fun animal items. Coveting it now? Buy it here.

SERENITY NOW!!!

Gee Whiz, it has been quite the week here in ‘Chiberia’ and it’s only Tuesday. First let’s just get it out of the way – it’s so cold I can’t even believe it. Second, Chicago has really sucked it up on being ‘prepared.’ The CTA (our transit system HA) ran yesterday with MAJOR DELAYS – that meant that instead of waiting an average of 5 minutes for a train or bus (even less most days) the wait for the bus was 15 minutes each way to work (exposed mind you) and 15 minutes for the train. The only saving grace yesterday was that a lot of people stayed home. This morning we were not so lucky because the buses are back to business as usual but the train still for some reason is running incredibly infrequent and late.

let's not even talk about this cold.
let’s not even talk about this cold.

Regardless, the crap weather didn’t stop me from taking an amazing class at The Needle Shop on Saturday to learn the famous Amy Butler Gumdrop pillow. I had a blast. I met some great women and learned some awesome new patterning and hand sewing skills.

Amy Bulter Pillow
Amy Bulter Pillow
Amy Bulter Pillow well received.
Amy Bulter Pillow well received.

I also started a new sweater for my sick kitten Boris.

Boris' new sweater.
Boris’ new sweater.

My neighbors and I exchange little ‘trinkets’ from time to time and this was what I made for their pup Lola.

Handkerchief for the neighbor doggie Lola.
Handkerchief for the neighbor doggie Lola.

I made some ‘winter shorts’ notice I’m wearing long underwear under them haha.

new pj shorts for the STAKBE club.
new pj shorts for the STAKBE club.

Sewing is interesting with two nosy sphynx cats.

my two 'assistants'
my two ‘assistants’
the inspector.
the inspector.

Finally – a chuckle at how ridiculous Leopold looks in his winter outfit.

a man with a mission.
a man with a mission.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a great day of new beginnings. I woke up with some congestion that has been upsetting my asthma and driving me insane. I’m going to grab some Mucinex for later, but any respiratory ailment scares me, because it can get so out of control so fast for someone with asthma. Bleh – woe is me!

Other than that, I embroidered (which is fast becoming addictive) and knitted on a little surprise gift for someone. I’m determined to get the pattern out of my Harry Potter book and start on the ‘Luna’ vest I love from there too this week. Anyways here is a few photos from my lazy 2013/2014 switchover.

Life is pretty tough for a small sphynx cat.
Life is pretty tough for a small sphynx cat.
Blizzardy New Year here in Chicago.
Blizzardy New Year here in Chicago.
First Project of 2014 Complete - Cowboy Pup.
First Project of 2014 Complete – Cowboy Pup.
Close up of Cowboy Pup
Close up of Cowboy Pup
Cowboy Pup the Robber.
Cowboy Pup the Robber.

2013 In Picture Collages

Let’s see… 2013 was a HUGE transformation year for me. From weightloss, to choosing a clear path, embracing my hobbies, adding to the tribe, ditching booze, finding a job, and traveling to Thailand – it was a year full of experiences and fun too.

Here are some picture collages to show case a very very few of the THOUSANDS of moments I caught on camera.

select crafts of 2013 (all from december)
select crafts of 2013 (all from december)
Knits/Sews from the last half of 2013
Knits/Sews from the last half of 2013
Tattoos of 2013. Josh Howard, Arajan Bpom, Artbrutis, Alisha Rice, Dusty Neal.
Tattoos of 2013. Josh Howard, Arajan Bpom, Artbrutis, Alisha Rice, Dusty Neal.
The new addition (his first two days with me)
The new addition (his first two days with me)

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The Holiday Knit Files

Well, all the knits have been gifted and received so here are some of the items I made this holiday season. Notably missing is my holiday sweater (ribbing done ha ha!), Harry Potter Knits (again HAHAHAHA), and Vintage Knits (a giant haha). I am excited now that ‘gifts season’ is over to work on some color switching patterns, vintage knits, and then embroidery/sewing. I’ve been incredibly knit-biased for the past few months and it will be great to get back into some fabric arts.

Cowl for Secret Santa at Work:  Möbius on chunky weight acrylic.
Cowl for Secret Santa at Work: Möbius on chunky weight acrylic.
Tannith's Boneyard Shawl. DK weight acrylic.
Tannith’s Boneyard Shawl. DK weight acrylic.
Blocking the Boneyard Shawl. I ended up pressing the sides after blocking too.
Blocking the Boneyard Shawl. I ended up pressing the sides after blocking too.
Boneyard Shawl on mannequin at Nina's.
Boneyard Shawl on mannequin at Nina’s.
Cym's seed stitch cowl with FiberHound yarn DK weight.
Cym’s seed stitch cowl with FiberHound yarn DK weight.
Cym's seed stitch cowl close up - FiberHound DK.
Cym’s seed stitch cowl close up – FiberHound DK.

If you didn’t take the hint about FiberHound do yourself a favor and check them out. Best yarn ever…… EVER.

NOT a holiday knit but forgot I made this. Sea Shells Baby Blankie on Sport Acrylic.
NOT a holiday knit but forgot I made this. Sea Shells Baby Blankie on Sport Acrylic.
December YarnBox delivery! So stoked.
December YarnBox delivery! So stoked.
Drop stitch cowl  for Jandra. Made several (5) of these.  LOVE THE PATTERN.
Drop stitch cowl for Jandra. Made several (5) of these. LOVE THE PATTERN.
Jandra's cowl - bulky acrylic patton's
Jandra’s cowl – bulky acrylic patton’s
Sara's Pop Chevron Cowl - DK weight in Alpaca and Wool. SOO SOFT.
Sara’s Pop Chevron Cowl – DK weight in Alpaca and Wool. SOO SOFT.

The Christmas Round-UP

Surprise Surprise I blew the 12 days of Christmas blog challenge. BUT – as soon as I landed in Denver, I hit the ground running. It was the most filled, fun, and best holiday I have had in years! Roll the Photos!

Worst flight out ever.
Worst flight out ever.
Biggest Gingerbread house EVER.
Biggest Gingerbread house EVER.
Filled in that Dragon by Alisha Rice @alisharice
Filled in that Dragon by Alisha Rice @alisharice
MMMMM. Green Chili.
MMMMM. Green Chili.
Moar Gingerbreads.
Moar Gingerbreads.
Even MOAR Gingerbreads.
Even MOAR Gingerbreads.
Dim Sum with ma bhuds.
Dim Sum with ma bhuds.
Afternoon Tea with Dad and Cym
Afternoon Tea with Dad and Cym
Tea Roof.
Tea Roof.
Arizona Ricecakes in the fur and blood. @arizona_ricecakes
Arizona Ricecakes in the fur and blood. @arizona_ricecakes
Krampus Tags.
Krampus Tags.
Blitzkrieg & Me.
Blitzkrieg & Me.
Making mints with Lori.
Making mints with Lori.
Nita's Mass Book.
Nita’s Mass Book.
Look I got my Wish!!!
Look I got my Wish!!!
Fammmmily.
Fammmmily.
Palestinian Eggs.
Palestinian Eggs.
New running swag.
New running swag.
New pics + new LG photo printer.
New pics + new LG photo printer.

BEST HOLIDAY EVER!

XXX
GFK

4th Day of Xmas Post: Goals.

Five goals you wish to achieve this Christmas vacation

1. Fill in that empty dragon on my arm.
2. Knit a few cowls/projects.
3. Go on a mini-adventure (more on that later)
4. Drink five million Americanos with Peppermint/Chocolate flavors (it’s my holiday drink since 99% of places don’t have almond milk as a ‘dairy’ option)
5. Eat at Las Cazeulas – I miss green chili so effing much.

Those are all entirely attainable goals. Well maybe 5 million Americanos is a bit much, adjust that to 1 million.

I’m off to Denver tonight through Christmas Day and I cannot wait to see friends/family! Last night I had to run over to the DHL that is by O’Hare (approx. 30 minute drive) to pick up a package that they would not leave at my house. I spotted a super cute window santa on my way there and decided to stop for a soda water/picture of him on the way back.

Then I finished a fun cowl I just started on my lunch break – it only took about 1.5hrs to make! I haven’t ever really done a quick/simple project like this so I was over the moon about it. The pattern is free on Ravelry here.

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