Friday 20 November 2009

Me and my big mouth...

Honestly, it's been a lifelong problem, and no further proof is needed than this: yes it's meant to be an Christmas tree ornament. The original idea came from the Better Homes and Gardens American magazine website. Last year of course. I have a problem with the supply of round tuits, so things get delayed. I made (yes, me of the fat fingers and absolutely zero patience) more teeny pom-poms than I care to count. And I chose a yarn (technical term) that apparently knits up like a hairy fleece. Well let me tell you, if you make pom-poms out of such a hateful texture, it catches on every snag and imperfection on your nails and fingers and makes you swear copiously. I cannot imagine why the manufacturers would build that into a product, but there it is. Has that destroyed any chance I had of this blog being sponsored by a yarn (technical term) producer? Probably. To be completely frank, at this moment, I'd stick two fingers up..but they're covered in blue fluffy bits and look more ridiculous than rude. So after the pom-pom trials, I used the Cricut to cut out the snowflake shapes from this stunning aqua mirror card. Lovely huh. Mr Dunnit says its not a very realistic snowflake and shouldn't it be white? Bloody realists. No romance in their souls.
So then I string them together, (well, ribbon them) the snowflakes are in 3 descending-by-half-an-inch sizes, to make the 'lovely tree ornament'. Only it's not at all what I envisaged and I have no time and frankly no other idea for the materials. Because I have to make eleven. Because I have to get them in the post. To America. Because I agreed to be in an Ornament swap. For this year. Because I thought it would be fun. FUN! All I've done so far is worry and whinge! I dunno. Do you think they'll pass muster or should I try something else with my ahem..nearly £20 worth of gathered materials? Bear in mind that the pom-poms look like shots of white light because of the flash...the reality is slightly less gasp-inducing....the bigger picture is non-flash, against an unpainted door. A bit like turning the light on at the end of a party, huh! Should I have the thick skinned courage of my convictions and send these to my unknown american friends anyway? I could always put a made up name on it. What a quandry. Oh and if I'm still blogging next year and I mention a swap of this sort of importance, shoot me.

17 comments:

Chrissie said...

Oh dear Julia! (apologetic snort!)
I'm afraid I shan't be any help, I have exactly the same problem with my mouth, it seems to constantly have a foot (or two or three!) in it. I also have the same fat fingers and the capacity to think awful tribulations sound like they'll be 'fun'.
In fact, if I didn't know better, I'd think you must be a long lost daughter, sister, something!

Pam said...

You do cheer me up and at the moment thats just what I need!! I'm not very good a finishing wool/yarn products I still have a half finished scarf I promised my daughter about 4 years ago, I keep hoping that when I next open the drawer I hid it in the knitting fairies will have finished it (they do exist honest!!) Hugs Pam x

Kaz said...

Now you've made the pom poms you should just go for it, then avoid any contact with those people from then on.
I like them actually, which is probably because I didn't have to make them. You could always swear blind that they must have got damaged mid-Atlantic xx

Unknown said...

I love them ... especially the blue one ... I would like to receive one and I would see instantly the time and trouble you had gone to ... what I say is ... don't leave them in any doubt ... scan your fingers ... pop in a piccie with each decoration ... if they don't like them then at least you will bring a smile to their faces ... and the ones that don't smile ... TOUGH :0)

Jo said...

Oh Julia you make my laugh so much, just send them at least they don't know you!!! Hugs Jo x

Unknown said...

Ah, I'm sure they won't mind - they might even think they're bang on trend ;)

Teresa said...

Oh Julia! What are we going to do with you?

These are gorgeous and as usual, you just cannot/will not see it (probably 'cos your poor fingers are suffering too much) and like all crafters, you are down on your own abilities.

Send them! They ARE cute and if it were me on the receiving end, I would be one happy bunny. So put your hairy fat fingers to good use, box 'em up and ship 'em out girly!

Neenie said...

Julia, you're such a hoot!! I can just visualise you effing and blinding in your frustration. How big are they and how will you pack 12 of them to ship across the pond, safely? I love Linda's suggestion of a photo of your fluffy fingers in the box. I think the recipient needs the backstory to go with them (be brave and send them a link to this post). They will be appreciated, m'dear!x :)

Kay said...

They seem very prettiful bauble thingybobbys and I'm sure they are even more lovely in person but I do have a question... why would anyone want to knit something that resembles a hairy fleece? Which begs the question why do they manufacture the yarn?

voodoo vixen said...

sorry Julia... not once but twice the interwebs played up on me... I left you this long rambling comment about icicles and snowflakes appearing to take on a blue hue in cetain light so Mr Dunnit knows nuffink... and not to worry and post them off and forget about them... till you get your swaps back and open the parcel in amazement (sometimes the amazement involves wondering what planet the swappees were from)....

Carmen said...

I bet all the other participants are looking at their ornaments in the same way as you are looking at yours and when you get each others you will all love them. I would love to get these. Who couldn't love pom poms? Lindas idea of a piccie of your fingersis brilliant, how about some droplets of blood on the envelope too?

Lyn said...

LOL! You made I chuckle as well. I don't think they are a disaster at all. Mind you, that is comparing your envialbe talents to mine. When I show one of my diasters to my crafting friend, after she stops laughing, she reminds me that art is in the eye of the beholder and somebody, somewhere, will love it!

Annie said...

Thanks Julia. I've just come on line to cheer myself up and you have done the trick very nicely. I'm certain once they have been thrown around in the journey between here and USA they will look perfect :-) A x

sarah copeland said...

Oh, I know the feeling of WHY did I agree to this! I am terrible with deadlines.... even at school/uni I would start my essays (that I'd had weeks, even months to do) at around 10pm the night before they were due in!!! And would have to sit up till 3 in the morning to get it done! All because I have some aversion to deadlines and things I *have* to do! I'm sure it must be an illness, and there must be a name out there somewhere for it.... Anyway, just carry on and send the pom poms, I like them :)

Unknown said...

lol. Not a disaster at all!

Paige said...

Julia try ebay for transfers and then buy nice Tee shirts to iron them on. that's the only way i have found to get them on a nice (non-boy cut) tee. although he's more Miss D's age...... he's all mine!!!! :)

Megan said...

JULIA - as hostess of the aforementioned swap - I am laughing so hard with tears in my eyes. I would hang a glittered egg carton on my tree if it came with a story that hilarious. I love the idea of sticking with the snowflake tree (i found the one on BHG) and Surprise they have my idea on there too BUT I swear I made it up myself. I just adore you!