tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-286941302024-03-07T02:47:06.454-05:00KNIT OR GET OFF THE POT!Mariettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18345260939635040503noreply@blogger.comBlogger173125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28694130.post-29520214951039691542011-06-28T00:05:00.003-05:002011-06-28T00:26:59.420-05:00I Am A Robot<div><a title="Robot Birthday Party by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/5661838266/"><img alt="Robot Birthday Party" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5184/5661838266_5a79730184.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />So, one of the crazy things that happened in the last year was Max’s 4th birthday party. I figured it was about time that I threw the kid a birthday party now that we were in an actual house that could hold more than 6 people at a time and he would remember it.<br /><br />Max was, and is still, obsessed with Robots. I would like to blame The Backyardigans along with Star Wars and the Daleks for this craze of his.<br /><br />So how does one plan and create a robot birthday party? You troll the internet for ideas that you can <strike>steal </strike>,ahem, borrow and use for your own devious plans.<br /><br />The list started out huge, of course. I had this fantasy that I was going to hang fabric – something sparkly and shiny and cover the table and floors in textured shiny vinyl…but Reality left a voicemail and said NOOOOOO!<br /><br />So I contained myself with nice, simple decorations:<br /><a title="Robot Birthday Party by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/5661837438/"><img alt="Robot Birthday Party" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5185/5661837438_3aebefd8f0.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />Thanks to 2 fabulous webpages <a href="http://wendolonia.com/blog/2009/10/05/robot-birthday-party/">Wendolonia</a> and <a href="http://www.hostessblog.com/2011/02/modern-robot-birthday-party-free-printables/">The Hostess Blog</a>, I was able to create an invitation for the party and decorations.<br />(I am so grateful to those who are for craftier than I when it comes to the computer and Photoshop.)<br /><br /> There were lots of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/5661270507/">snacks</a> and a robot birthday cake.<br /><a title="Robot Birthday Party by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/5661250215/"><img alt="Robot Birthday Party" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5147/5661250215_03e6b29e38.jpg" width="334" height="500" /></a><br /><br /> Betty Crocker has a “pattern” and video on how to cut and decorate your sheet cake into a tasty robot cake. It was a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/5661816042/">bit rough</a>. I am sooooo much better with fabric than I am with cake. But Max loved it and that is all that matters.</div><div> </div><div> BTW – Did you know that there is <a href="http://www.michaels.com/Duff%E2%84%A2-Cake-Graffiti/bk0407,default,pd.html?start=50&cgid=products-bakeware-duffgoldman">spray paint for your baked goods</a>? Silver Spray paint to boot! (Where does that expression come from anyway?)<br /><br /><br /></div>Mariettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18345260939635040503noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28694130.post-75649404091484702732011-06-12T13:20:00.005-05:002011-06-12T13:50:46.599-05:00In our last episode........ we left our heroine (me) <a href="http://knit-or-get-off.blogspot.com/2010/03/how-to-find-job.html">desperately searching for a job</a>, studying for the Foreign Service, <a href="http://knit-or-get-off.blogspot.com/2010/06/ole-ole-ole-ole-ole-ole-ole.html">watching the World Cup </a>and getting ready to move house (that part you may have not known about).<br /><br />As you know, the Germans lost to Spain (<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/11/paul-the-octopus-makes-tw_n_640575.html#112030">stupid Octopus</a>) taking third when it was all over. They had some great team members this year: Klose, Mueller and Oezil - and my other favorite Schweinsteiger (because you know it is a fun name to say). It was shame to see the team captain Ballack out on the wounded listed.<br /><br />As for the FSWE, I did not pass (again). I knew it the second I finished the multiple choice, which is such a shame because my essay rocked! It was a topic that was catered to me – could have argued it any which way and I felt I could have given a solid, grammatically correct short essay. But they do not grade the essay unless you pass the multiple choice. I didn’t even bother to ask what my score was this year. I knew that I had failed and that was that. I decided to take this June off and will sit for the exam this fall (2011).<br /><br />By end of last summer we had moved into a large house with my brother and spent a fabulous week’s vacation with my sister’s family at OBX.<br /><a title="OBX VACATION 031 by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/5824878739/"><img alt="OBX VACATION 031" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5186/5824878739_9ca9540dfe.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><a title="OBX VACATION 059 by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/5825450408/"><img alt="OBX VACATION 059" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5034/5825450408_4ab1d333db.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /> This year I was able to plant a garden! (I know I kill things but we shall see how it goes – that is if the damn deer don’t eat it all first!)<br /><br /><a title="evil deer force vegtables to be caged by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/5824971679/"><img alt="evil deer force vegtables to be caged" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/5824971679_3ffd77ae6e.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />And what about my job situation? After almost 8 years, Jacqui decided to sell <a href="http://www.woolwinders.com">Woolwinders</a>. It was obvious her heart was not into it anymore as she had started a new amazing business that was meant to be a side thing, but really took off. Paige, one of the teachers and employees made an offer Jacqui and Lew could not refuse. She bought the store, remodeled and opened an all new Woolwinders one month later. The store is beautiful! It is a different atmosphere but still a beautiful place to shop and visit. During this time I was offered two jobs, one of which was sort of of out of the blue as it was something that I had interviewed for 2.5 previous and had heard nary a word. The other was a job at another yarn store as a part-time manager, which I WOULD HAVE LOVED!!!!! But alas, medical benefits and larger salary came in to play – even Fritz and my brother were sad for me since they knew how much I really wanted the yarn shop gig to begin with.<br /><br />All things work out for the best! On August 10th I began my training as a store manager for one of the 2 major fabric chains in the country. I don’t plan to ever link to it or say its name because I know they troll the internet (like all bosses these days) to see what their employees might be saying about them. It's the one that is less craft more fabric.Yes, it says it on my Facebook account and I will leave it at that.<br /><br />The initial downside of the job was that I was offered the store in Leesburg, VA – 50 miles away – not the one in Gaithersburg only 13 miles away. I had a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/5824656507/">beautiful remodeled store </a>with a fabulous crew (minus an assistant manager) that I hand-picked and it was a breeze – almost no customers really. But then I got my wish and as of February 28th I was moved to the crazy, insane, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/5825044017/">floor falling apart </a>Gaithersburg store and I LOVE IT!!! More than half my crew is Spanish speaking to go with more than half my spanish speaking customer base. I have been learning to understand a lot of sewing-Spanish.<br /><br />No more 15 hours of commuting a week and less money spent on gas and no toll road! More time spent with Max and I was able to plan his fabulous Robot themed 4th birthday party!<br />That is another post for another time (and I promise there will be more other times now that I have caught up with my life – almost)<br />Mariettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18345260939635040503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28694130.post-90167160680409485282010-06-11T09:10:00.003-05:002010-06-11T09:24:23.051-05:00OLE OLE OLE OLE OLE OLE OLEIT IS WORLD CUP FEVER here in my home...well only in my sewing room as Mr. Fritz is not a football aka soccer fan. So silly of him.<br /><br />Watching the first match as I type, getting ready for my second shot at the <a href="http://www.careers.state.gov/officer/register.html">FSOT/FSWE</a> this afternoon...oy!<br /><br />For those who may not care about the Beautiful Game but want to know if they look good or not, read <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=lukas/100607_world_cup_uniforms">here</a>.<br /><br />And in crochet news - if you are free this sunday and in the neighborhood, come check out my Sunday in the Salon at <a href="http://www.woolwinders.com/">Woolwinders</a>:<br /><br /><a title="crocheted tomatoes by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/4680106358/"><img alt="crocheted tomatoes" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4680106358_f60fd01e3b.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a>Mariettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18345260939635040503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28694130.post-29628322411491897812010-06-03T17:59:00.003-05:002010-06-03T18:01:41.783-05:00Ten years ago today!!!Happy Anniversary Fritz!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/4667096837/" title="mar and fritz june 3 2000 by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4667096837_cfd8fdafd1_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="mar and fritz june 3 2000" /></a><br />(if you would like to know how we got here, read <a href="http://knit-or-get-off.blogspot.com/2006/06/you-know-when-you-know.html">here)</a><br /><br />btw: WORLD CUP IN ONE WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Mariettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18345260939635040503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28694130.post-42731396531902165782010-04-26T21:41:00.002-05:002010-04-26T21:48:49.836-05:00Four<a title="Four by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/4556768142/"><img alt="Four" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3374/4556768142_c5973f4bda.jpg" width="500" height="500" /></a><br /><br />4 days until the end of the 4th month<br />4 shows that I designed and opened earlier, closed this month<br />4 loads of laundry (possibly 4 times 4 loads of laundry) waiting to be washed<br />4 weeks plus 2 and I will be sitting for the <a href="http://fsot.wikidot.com/">FSOT </a>againMariettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18345260939635040503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28694130.post-16213443168604026682010-03-10T09:42:00.002-05:002010-03-10T09:45:07.327-05:00Three is the Magic Number<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/4421879247/" title="Three by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4421879247_c2e14cf9c5_m.jpg" width="240" height="240" alt="Three" /></a><br /><br />3 years since my dad passed away<br />3 fabulous children left behind<br />3 amazing grandchildren miss him too<br />3 shows in tech this month<br />3 shows in tech next month<br />3 months later and I still have my menorah out<br />3 sewing machines to go to the repair man<br />3 days time my mom will visit (SO NEED TO CLEAN THE HOUSE)<br />3 times 3 times 3 times 3 and then some are the number of projects on the needles and hooksMariettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18345260939635040503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28694130.post-44198738552016154312010-03-05T09:54:00.002-05:002010-03-05T10:06:09.485-05:00How to find a job -This is my new approach to finding a job:<br /><br />DEAR SIR OR MADAM:<br /><br />LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT ME!<br /><br /><em>This is how I feel I should start all my cover letters when applying for a job!</em><br /><br />LOOK AT ME!!!! I really want this job. I would not be wasting your time with my whack costume designer/ costume shop management resume/retail experience if I really did not want to work for your organization. I have no interest in killing myself time and time again, getting my hopes up even, about a position I didn’t think I was qualified for and capable of doing.<br /><br />LOOK AT ME! Why would I spend all this time and energy researching your organization and what you are about if I really did not want to be there? Do you actually read these cover letters? Do you see that I am trying to tell you about how I want a career in International something or other so I can go into the Foreign Service? Did you not notice the whole “has experience working overseas” bit or the “years of management and über-multi-tasking” bit or that this applicant and speaks another language and would happily take on 5 more if it meant I had the job? <br /><br />LOOK AT ME! And what about the fact that you have posted this job *3 times* in the last 9 months? If you did not like my resume the first or second time, why did you tell me to apply again? Why don’t you send an email, postcard or voicemail and tell me you are not interested? Why, when I call to confirm that you have received my information, you tell me to call back as you are just too busy to check? And when I call back at the time and date you proposed, you get snippy with me? (See, you *do* need and assistant – you are overworked and need someone to help you get it done.) <br /><br />Now here, let me hem those pants for you as they are a bit too long.<br /><br />Call me!<br /><br />Thank you for your time,<br /><br />Marietta AFGH<br /><br /><br />PS Check out my cute new hair!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/4408163325/" title="more fab hair by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4408163325_b8d46a651c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="more fab hair" /></a>Mariettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18345260939635040503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28694130.post-47839501259039252082010-03-01T19:21:00.004-05:002010-03-02T09:56:35.335-05:00How did it become March already?In KNIT OR GET OFF THE POT fashion, I have not blogged in 2 months and then some. I try to be consistant in my errors.<br /><br />Why? Well, some for being busy and some for trying to find the perfect job (not happening) and some for sheer laziness.<br /><br />And now I am super busy again just like last spring - with the Skating Costumes and 2 College productions - both Shakespeare and knitting <a href="http://knit-or-get-off.blogspot.com/2009/10/so-heres-what-happened.html">ANOTHER sample for Mission Falls Yarns </a>(YIPPEEE) and then there were those Olympics to watch in which I lost track of all time while <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/winter_olympics_2010/galleries/2010_vancouver_winter_olympics_female_ice_skating_/2010_vancouver_winter_olympics_female_ice_skating_.html">bedazzling skating costumes</a>. There were also some <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE61L3FD20100222">scary costumes </a>too.<br /><br />Something I did teach myself this January was Double Knitting - ohhhh it is so very cool:<br /><br />here is side one:<br /><br /><a title="teapot - the first side by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/4207467753/"><img alt="teapot - the first side" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4207467753_510ba680ed_m.jpg" width="240" height="159" /></a><br /><br />and if you flip it over, you get this:<br /><br /><a title="teapot- the other side by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/4207468011/"><img alt="teapot- the other side" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2647/4207468011_27dc964ab3_m.jpg" width="240" height="169" /></a><br /><br />I am still looking for a new career/job - but until then I am in Tech rehearsal on March 15th until the end of April. Not only are there the two University productions, there are 3 other shows coming up too! All good - just very busy. And I have to plan Max's 3rd birthday.... I so want a Pirate Themed party :)Mariettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18345260939635040503noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28694130.post-81757867418323550352009-12-24T22:35:00.001-05:002009-12-24T22:36:33.780-05:00Happy Holidays!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/4212510784/" title="happy holidays to all! by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4212510784_abaf37c0a3.jpg" width="500" height="302" alt="happy holidays to all!" /></a>Mariettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18345260939635040503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28694130.post-76438313076553188662009-12-15T10:22:00.010-05:002009-12-15T11:37:13.642-05:00And another 2 months has passed.....Of me not posting on my blog<br />But you can always find me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/">Facebook</a> – I just spend way to much time there – it is true.<br /><br />Since last posting, there was Halloween…well, so I heard. I have been told of a fabulous holiday where children WANT to dress in fun costumes and got Trick-or-Treating for yummy candies….not my son.<br /><br /><br /><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7TufrSfdMJWoJus-G-QTi0k_ag5aeh8x0icyGowEunSQEZP0TC8dVhub9SjhK6Mg7YI-cKYwvv15jmGQBL44tvY73uAZ2WNjcWbMTtIgC1HWrlWHP3gdzMR9pfumdxdJYrvH/s1600-h/sad+halloween+baby.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415501332021203826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7TufrSfdMJWoJus-G-QTi0k_ag5aeh8x0icyGowEunSQEZP0TC8dVhub9SjhK6Mg7YI-cKYwvv15jmGQBL44tvY73uAZ2WNjcWbMTtIgC1HWrlWHP3gdzMR9pfumdxdJYrvH/s320/sad+halloween+baby.jpg" /></a></p>After a lovely morning of “Thanks Mommy! It is so cute!” - all I got was his back and cries of “Take it off! I don’t like it!” A morning of Mommy–love turned into an afternoon of cranky, crying, not going out baby. I was C-R-U-S-H-E-D! I cried too…I had fantasies of a fab motherhood/childhood moment of going to the parade and Maxim in cute Halloween costume….dashed away by the whims of a 2.5 year old…oh wait he is 2.5!!! Of course! So reality checked back in and then there was alcohol after he went to bed<br />(There were chaps by the way. And a hat.)<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VbBdMHwPfhkDrOcaN8zwxX8HNLSf8NisC8wPb5I0nO4GLkVKQ4n6iwURnDYst9NRRYir173JELAMXVT7OXpx2Vv0neps-01dhxf6FwPQbF-FDP-gxK5OskVJ1x0alpiWoq6h/s1600-h/max+in+stripey+sweater.JPG"></a><br /><br />So then November flew on by…<br />In the first week – actually the first 2 or 3 days of the month, I got a last minute text message and was asked to make <a href="http://www.showbizradio.net/photos/2009/2009-sig-show-boat/l8.jpg">this dress.</a> For <a href="http://www.signature-theatre.org/showboat.htm">SHOWBOAT at Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA </a>(Did I mention they won a <a href="http://www.signature-theatre.org/regional_theater_tony.htm">Tony</a> last year?)<br /><br /><br />As quick as possible – as in cut and sewed on Wednesday, fit on Thursday, altered and fit again on Friday, and then the finishing was passed on to someone else to have ready for photo call on Saturday evening. . I hope nobody looks to close to the inside……For a quick faking of a Victorian day outfit complete with fake bustle, it was not bad. I do wish I had changed a few lines, such as knocking the shoulder seam down the back or the doing the front princess seams a bit differently, but you do what you can….<br /><br />Then there were the doll clothes!!!! OMG! Tiny seams! Tiny pockets (for their tiny handkerchiefs of course)! And I had the easy lot – there were also tiny jean jackets with all that top stitching! This was another <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/">Simplicity project </a>that I was a part of and the moment it was done there was *another* Simplicity project and there is even another one to be finished before the end of the year. So yeah – I have been a bit busy...<br /><br />And I have not even gotten to Thanksgiving! Another story, another time...<br /><br /><br />Before I go I will show you a cute little sweater that I actually did make for Maxim- This time it is crocheted:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VbBdMHwPfhkDrOcaN8zwxX8HNLSf8NisC8wPb5I0nO4GLkVKQ4n6iwURnDYst9NRRYir173JELAMXVT7OXpx2Vv0neps-01dhxf6FwPQbF-FDP-gxK5OskVJ1x0alpiWoq6h/s1600-h/max+in+stripey+sweater.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415500682607494674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VbBdMHwPfhkDrOcaN8zwxX8HNLSf8NisC8wPb5I0nO4GLkVKQ4n6iwURnDYst9NRRYir173JELAMXVT7OXpx2Vv0neps-01dhxf6FwPQbF-FDP-gxK5OskVJ1x0alpiWoq6h/s320/max+in+stripey+sweater.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Pattern:</strong> Milo the Owl Sweater from CROCHET DESIGN FOR KIDS by Lucinda Guy<br /><strong>Yarn:</strong> Rowan Pure Wool DK in Navy 011 (5.5 balls), Glacier 005, and Earth 018<br /><strong>Hook:</strong> E<br /><strong>Extras:</strong> none<br /><strong>Changes</strong>: no Owl or cross-stitch detail - may make the sleeves a bit longer by adding 3 rounds of single crochet in brown.Mariettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18345260939635040503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28694130.post-18898227913069304072009-10-26T08:07:00.005-05:002009-10-26T08:39:35.576-05:00so here's what happened...Last Spring a customer, who happens to be a designer, at <a href="http://www.woolwinders.com/">the store</a> was looking for a sample knitter who could fair isle. Well, believe it or not, I fair-isle pretty well (in wool anyway, I am currently realizing that the act of fair isle combined with cotton and me are not as pretty on first try, or second...but that is another story).<br />So she offered me the one time chance to knit a sample for her and she liked it and the yarn company liked it and now is in print in the <a href="http://www.cnsyarns.com/missionfalls/duet.php">MISSION FALLS DUET </a>pattern book!<br />I made the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/indie-vest">Indie Vest by Simona Merchant-Dest</a> (rav link).<br />So here are my pictures of the vest:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/4045916365/" title="indie vest inside by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2784/4045916365_c4567ed838.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="indie vest inside" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/4046659630/" title="indie vest finished by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2767/4046659630_539993d2e8.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="indie vest finished" /></a><br />BTW - I LOVED knitting with this yarn and knitting this pattern, there are plenty of ends to weave in, which was a bummer, BUT the pattern was simple (for me) and the yarn was a dream.<br /><br />I am currently working on another sample for the same designer and company. And once it is approved and out in print, I will let you know about that one too :)<br /><br />On the more personal side of life, still job hunting. Had a couple of very good interviews. One of which I did not get, but an impression was made and she passed my resume onto another department. So I am not certain where it all stands. Just keeping my fingers crossed since I really like this new opportunity and the characters involved :).<br /><br />And on a Max note - we are debating between a cowboy or a pirate for Halloween 2009 :) I want pirate but I think he would rather be a cowboy. I am taking the day off from the store and Max and I are going Trick or Treat-ing in the Apartment bldg...maybe we will go to an event at a bookstore or something terribly stay-at-home mom like :) (I cannot wait!)Mariettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18345260939635040503noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28694130.post-41738540632558383922009-09-06T17:17:00.005-05:002009-09-06T20:10:51.466-05:00RoadblockJust over 3 months since I last blogged. ACK! It is a disgrace in the land of blogging, I know.<br /><br />Sad – pathetic even! (Imagine <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EikXugZhGxk">Snagglepuss</a> saying that)<br /><br />What was I doing? You really want to know?<br /><br />Well let’s take a look in the life of me in pictures:<br /><br /><br />Studying for the <a href="http://careers.state.gov/officer/testinfo.html">FSOT</a> (and did not pass - barely - there is always next year)<br /><a title="Studying by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/3893842771/"><img alt="Studying" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3472/3893842771_3bb594cb7d.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><br />Knitting<br /><a title="austrian knit vest by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/3893803649/"><img alt="austrian knit vest" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3429/3893803649_1980cb188f.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />Jan’s wedding (for which I sewed the veil and made my own dress to wear – but no good pics yet)<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/3704849194/" title="chicago wedding 016 by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3473/3704849194_3ce313e365.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="chicago wedding 016" /></a><br /><br />Max looking cute in suit<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy_Oe0ZN8_sALD1DyowUbRmZgmumFz0fiC3WiFRdBXjXJlGUUBEK41qjvCEXCPnjkOTyLpe215qpNg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Me sitting on couch<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/3893813509/" title="daddy and max napping by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2527/3893813509_632a64b8fa.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="daddy and max napping" /></a><br /><br /><br />Okay that last one is obviously Daddy and Max on the couch. I admit - I am vain and any pictures of me sitting on the couch other than the one of the cool hair and studying for an exam, are absolutely horrendous!<br />Although that last one is mostly what I have been doing. Theatre is quiet in the summer and the lack of work has turned me into a non-creative couch potato.<br />No bueno.<br /><br />The lack of employment is very frustrating. Financially and creatively.<br /><br />I know. I know. Many of you might think to yourselves that this would be a perfect opportunity to use my time wisely and market myself more or become more creative and more productive. Maybe sew more for myself or Max or others even…..<br /><br />Ummmmm…… not so much. I think that it is hard for those who have creative jobs to become more creative in these times. This is one of those moments that I am considering taking the other fork in the road and becoming more businesslike in my endeavors. I find it hard to create when the thing that has kept me in the black is the thing that is keeping me from getting a job.<br /><br />There seems to be a roadblock in the employment department.<br /><br />That roadblock is the so often heard phrase of “But you’re an artist….” or “But you work in the arts why would you want to work in an office?”<br />The second roadblock is my résumé and those who see it in a professional/non-theatrical setting.<br /><br />I have an amazing résumé. (Of course I believe this :) afterall, it is MY résumé.) It just seems to me that the word THEATRE has been written in N1H1 flu ink or something and very few look past the titles and not see what I have actually accomplished. It is possible that I haven’t been clear enough. I have had some really good friends look at it for me and offer some brilliant advice on how to change the language and style a bit. Which I think has helped.<br />It doesn’t help that more than 10% of the country is out of work (I believe it is more than 15% due to those who have stopped looking for work are no longer on the official register and there are those like me who are “self-employed” artist types who are not eligible for unemployment based on your State’s unemployment laws). There are many talented people looking for work…so I know I am not the only one.<br /><br />And maybe discussing this on my knitting blog is not one of my better ideas….but if the employers find this post then they must be truly interested in me and want to know who I am. Basically, they Googled :). There are some fabulous ‘made for Marietta’ type jobs out there (Museums and companies who deal with Language training…department of commerce is also very interesting to me …maybe going back to school?)….alas……<br /><br />On a positive note (there are some good things here): I AM spending more time with Max, who is ridiculously cute, and I have been working more at the yarn store this fall and teaching a new Safari class on Saturday mornings.<br /><br />I am also looking into teaching workshops at a local Art Co-op as well as teaching knitting and crochet at MC to students who have developmental disabilities - expanding on my experiences of designing costumes for <a href="http://www.art-stream.org/">ArtStream</a> (who I will be designing for again spring 2010).<br /><br /><br />So it is not all bad.Mariettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18345260939635040503noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28694130.post-37525946771413201652009-05-29T09:35:00.004-05:002009-05-29T10:29:32.426-05:00once a month bloggershould probably be my new name....<br /><br />things in chez knit-or-get-off are a bit rough at the moment...basically the economy sucks for all and it hits the arts pretty hard first (or in my opnion as that is what i am the most sensitive too)...I have been working crazy but not at all normal like. One moment there is nothing and the next it is everywhere and every second and too much but you have to do what you have to do....okay so the depressing part is over.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">On to the fun and wacky of me!<br /></span></strong><br /><br />One of the crazy things i did this past month was attend and judge at COSTUME CON 27. I am a geek and I am proud :)<br /><a title="Costume Con 27 by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/3512303981/"><img alt="Costume Con 27" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3344/3512303981_e2a068a270.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a><br /><br />on the left is my friend and sometime employer, Andrea Schewe. Andrea is a pattern designer for <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/">Simplicity </a>as well as an amazing opera singer and just plain cool person. The other Simplicity Judge was unable to attend the Con last minute and since it was only 45 minutes away, I was able to help out with a bit of rearranging and babysitting help from friends and family :) The young lady in the middle in the fab SteamPunk outfit is French Canadian and her Mom is Marie Antoinette (a simplicity pattern). There are some great close-up shots of her dress <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/patterns-from-the-past/3511342911/">here</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kathykl/3502341412/">here</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ljinto/3522597926/">here</a>. You should also check out the some of the fabulous <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/miaja67/3508861611/in/photostream/">Historical Garments </a>(if you are so inclined) especially the late <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kathykl/3502281528/in/set-72157617701487194/">18th C gown in Hello Kitty Fabric</a>! (I can't make this shit up.)<br /><a title="Costume Con 27 by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/3512303707/"><img alt="Costume Con 27" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3601/3512303707_8edb223843.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />I ...also...modeled...for Simplicity...ahem. I am sharing this with you since i know there are only , what 5? of you out there? Simplicity and MGM are re-releasing the WIZARD OF OZ patterns as sexy and sassy. They also pushed for more plus-size sexy and sassy costumes...so Andrea created the patterns last year and used me as a dress form (as i am a 22 in their patterns)....so <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bovil/3527190115/in/set-72157617988155669/">here i am as the Wicked Witch of the West<br /></a><br />And <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bovil/3528005432/">here I am with Dorothy and Glinda</a>.<br /><br />There is video of us on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/">YouTube</a>, but you can find it yourself<br /><br /><p>Just search "costume con" or "cc27" on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/">flickr</a> and you will see some amazing work. </p><p>One of the impressive things about all this weekend was that many many many of these people are not costumers in real life - more like lawyers, and teachers, and engineers and employees of state...just with a serious love of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenthies/3499978186/">costume</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/demode/3504935235/">costume history</a>, maybe comic books and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/conventionfans/3497057539/">anime</a> too!<br /></p><p> </p><p>that was just the first weekend in May - there is always more too tell...just need to get to the telling<br /></p>Mariettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18345260939635040503noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28694130.post-61388214238076496662009-04-24T20:50:00.005-05:002009-04-24T21:25:44.278-05:00Spring Cleaningi know, i know - another month has gone by and i haven't blogged.<br /><br />It isn't that i don't want to - it is just that there doesn't seem like there is much of anything to share. Nothing exciting I guess....i think i am in a bit of a slump.<br /><br />I was so crazy busy for so long and now everything seems to be in a big long pause...and the work is not coming in as regularly as i would have liked ...but that means i have time to take on this disaster:<br /><a title="Before by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/3471666181/"><img height="375" alt="Before" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3306/3471666181_65e28c217f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />and make it look like this:<br /><a title="after by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/3472476110/"><img height="375" alt="after" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3585/3472476110_2167e98fb3.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />It may not seem perfectly clean - but there has been more labeling and organization going on which *is* making it easier for me to use my space again.<br /><br />One of the things i seem to be taking on is bridal alterations. It is that season after all!<br /><br />And i spend alot more time with Max. He is talking so much! And he is a dancing cheesehead :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/3386760978/" title="max's 2nd birthday by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3654/3386760978_22db4ea186.jpg" width="365" height="500" alt="max's 2nd birthday" /></a><br />I really need to take some pictures of the items i have been working on - a sweater for Max, more crocheted toys, and a gift for my friend Jess.<br /><br />One of the new and crazy things in my life is the time and energy that I am putting into a possible career change. It would be a huge change...not theatre at all. I think the last 6 years fried me a bit. I am loving the new groups that I am working for, but I have lived this dream for almost 20 years, why not live another?Mariettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18345260939635040503noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28694130.post-61595121377344763152009-03-18T22:11:00.004-05:002009-03-18T22:25:21.103-05:00do you love fabric?<div>well i love fabric...and <a href="http://www.fabric.com/"><strong>Fabric.com</strong> </a>has realized how much i like fabric and how much i like to order fabric from them sooooooo</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>this means that any of my readers will get $5.00 off their next order between today and March 25th (one week only!!!)</div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>all you need is the special code....</div><div></div><br /><div>oh you want the special code? Okay it is:</div><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;">blogknitorget</span></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div>just type that into the promo box at check out and you will get $5 off your total purchase - whatever the total. And while you are at it sign, up for their emails - they have some really good deals.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>They have <a href="http://www.fabric.com/apparel-fashion-fabric-bridal-fabric.aspx?Source=LeftNav">bridal</a> and <a href="http://www.fabric.com/quilting-fabric.aspx?Source=LeftNav">cottons</a> and <a href="http://www.fabric.com/notions-patterns-sewing-patterns-by-designer.aspx?Source=LeftNav">patterns</a> and <a href="http://www.fabric.com/notions-patterns-sewing-notions.aspx?Source=LeftNav">notions</a> and all sorts of things - also great with the shipping and great with the returns if need be. (and they are in MARIETTA, Georgia so how could i not like them?)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I think i will use mine to buy <a href="http://www.fabric.com/notions-patterns-sewing-patterns-by-designer-lj-designs-sewing-patterns-lj-designs-venetian-cape-pattern.aspx">this pattern</a>.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>gratuitous pic of Fritz and Max on the Mall:</div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIVwcDmJNACZH0HMQMhkj4wavKUMwTipwWIgcIGYn4bI1MeAVdi45yh52JtlnE2gDgayW2rasoxv7ZLnPZvNngDFxMzLlDasBC9BhOeLacWL3f22KvtE4HF-0wlGd7zQadzfk/s1600-h/fritx+and+max+on+the+mall.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314734486884594306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIVwcDmJNACZH0HMQMhkj4wavKUMwTipwWIgcIGYn4bI1MeAVdi45yh52JtlnE2gDgayW2rasoxv7ZLnPZvNngDFxMzLlDasBC9BhOeLacWL3f22KvtE4HF-0wlGd7zQadzfk/s320/fritx+and+max+on+the+mall.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Mariettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18345260939635040503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28694130.post-72707418270269643902009-03-17T11:33:00.003-05:002009-03-17T12:11:49.166-05:00No political affiliation elephant (long lost item 2)<a title="henri the elephant by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/3343616858/"><img height="375" alt="henri the elephant" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3371/3343616858_ca0e92ea84.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Pattern:</strong> Henri the Elephant from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crochet-Designs-Kids-Projects-Girls/dp/1570763879">CROCHET DESIGN FOR KIDS </a>by Lucinda Guy<br /><strong>Yarn:</strong> Rowan Pure Wool DK in Damson 030 (2 balls), Lavendar 039, Quarry 035, and Cypress 007<br /><strong>Hook:</strong> E<br /><strong>extras:</strong> buttons for the stars<br /><strong>changes:</strong> no fringe on blanket or tail<br /><br />I wasn't paying attention when making the belly section and made it too long so there was a little tummy tuck action, but you can't see that so you wouldn't know anything about it:)<br /><br />And since i made him this past october or september - i have to name the no political affiliation elephant as too many people assumed that he was representing a certain political party that i am not a part of. Really? He's purple....maybe follows the path of the purplre Tele-tubby - so not that KIND of elephant :)<br /><br />Btw - I really love this book. I am currently making the MILO Sweater and <strike>i am forcing </strike>my mom offered to crochet the MARCEL THE SNAIL TOP for Maxim too.<br /><br /><br />And in case you have forgotten what he looks like, here he is in snow from January:<br /><a title="hep! more snow! by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/3363379392/"><img height="375" alt="hep! more snow!" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3462/3363379392_08e5e13029.jpg" width="500" /></a>Mariettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18345260939635040503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28694130.post-91992364405416499372009-03-11T11:12:00.001-05:002009-03-11T11:13:47.324-05:00under constructionNo i will not let this lag another two months - heck not even a week - but i am trying a few new things with the blog new header and background - i just have to re-load the illustrator on the computer before i can do anything :)Mariettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18345260939635040503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28694130.post-31331850848091375272009-03-09T22:42:00.009-05:002009-03-10T00:30:58.535-05:002<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/3343556802/" title="two by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3352/3343556802_58db1f0d1d.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="two" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />2 years since my dad'd passing<br />2 weeks until Max's 2nd birthday<br />2 shows i am designing in<br />2 different states<br />2 weeks until they both begin tech<br />2 weeks since one of my best friends went into the hospital for chemo<br />2 days a week at the store<br />2 fat kitties on the couch<br />2 days a week in german class<br />2 very important men (one big, one small) in my life<br /><br />2 many projects on the needles and under the sewing machine<br />2 much time spent on facebookMariettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18345260939635040503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28694130.post-60856411030501796842009-01-07T01:07:00.002-05:002009-01-07T01:36:46.510-05:00long lost item 1There has been some crocheting here and i cannot believe that i NEVER posted about it. Really!<br /><br /><a title="crochet necklace - silk 2 by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/2910357230/"><img height="240" alt="crochet necklace - silk 2" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3266/2910357230_5a572f2c78_m.jpg" width="220" /></a><br />Pattern: Wisteria Necklace, book - Colinette Arboretum<br />Yarn: <a href="http://www.yarndex.com/yarn.cfm?yarn_id=4011">Colinette Tao Silk</a><br />Hook: US C (2.75)<br />started and finished: November 29, 2008<br />changes to pattern: use needle and thread to sew flowers together rather than silk yarn - too slippery otherwise.<br /><br />crazy? right? that i forgot to blog about it - it has been on my flickr account forever, so you might have seen it already but maybe you haven't.<br /><br />This was made for one of our Sundays in the Salon at <a href="http://www.woolwinders.com/">Woolwinders</a>. Actually - it was my freedom Sunday - the last day that i was officially on the books as Costume Shop Manager at ISI.<br /><br />In other news, i finally went down to the <a href="http://www.goethe.de/ins/us/was/enindex.htm">Goethe Institute</a> to get more information about language courses and to see where i rank. Basically, I am still where i was - B2 level (some international rating system) - a bit better than i thought considering it was a written test and that means GRAMMAR!!!!!!!!!! So, hopefully I will be taking a class beginning in February - but that depends on sooooo many other things.....Mariettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18345260939635040503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28694130.post-52269585241962048902009-01-01T13:44:00.005-05:002009-01-01T14:06:10.010-05:00Happy New Year!<a href="http://www.virtualvienna.net/holidays/xmas/xmasimages/06347.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.virtualvienna.net/holidays/xmas/xmasimages/06347.jpg" border="0" /></a> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.virtualvienna.net/holidays/xmas/xmasimages/06347.jpg"></a></p><div> </div><div><div><div align="center">Wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year! </div><br /><br /><div>(image from <a href="http://www.virtualvienna.net/holidays/xmas/xmas_new_year.html">here</a>...which got me thinking about wanting to do something like <a href="http://www.bluedanubeholidays.com/c-New_Years_on_the_DanubeMsAmadeus.htm">this</a>...maybe next </div><div>year!)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Max wishes you a Happy New Year too!</div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><a title="christmas 016 by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/3151988141/"><img height="375" alt="christmas 016" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/3151988141_100f3750c9.jpg" width="500" /></a></div></div></div>Mariettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18345260939635040503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28694130.post-74198200633105106812008-12-30T01:10:00.009-05:002008-12-30T01:49:53.961-05:00Coming back....Knitting and crocheting have not been up on the top of my crafting list these last few months. But there has been a bit of crafting along with the xmas sewing.<br /><br /><a title="random cuteness by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/3149244967/"><img height="172" alt="random cuteness" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3007/3149244967_200da14971_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><br />I made this little Bottle Cap Pin Cushion over the summer after seeing <a href="http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2007/06/tiny-pin-cushion-tutorial.html">this</a> or maybe <a href="http://www.craftstylish.com/item/945/how-to-make-pretty-pincushions">this</a> tutorial. Ones i really want to make are these <a href="http://www.craftstylish.com/item/3745/tweed-teapot-pin-cushion">tea pot pin cushions</a>. I will definitley make more once i can find emory for the filling.<br /><br />I also made a very cute Gnome t-shirt bag this summer:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/3149253895/" title="gnome bag by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/3149253895_7018cc475b_m.jpg" width="240" height="226" alt="gnome bag" /></a><br /><br />- which should be a gift for someone but i am having a hard time parting with it. It has been sitting unused for months because of the guilt that overcomes me if i try to use it....ah the joys of being raised catholic and jewish....all that guilt!<br /><br />And the last little cute item was an apron (of course) for our summer intern -<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/3149266489/" title="my fab intern 2008 by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3116/3149266489_01f6a4dc78_m.jpg" width="196" height="240" alt="my fab intern 2008" /></a><br />Project Runway themed fabric! Gotta' love it!<br /><br />And then gratuitous Max picture:<br /><a title="thanksgiving weekend by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/3134300721/"><img height="375" alt="thanksgiving weekend" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3233/3134300721_6839ffacac.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />or my other favourite from Thanksgiving is <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3220/3135121634_2878e3baaa.jpg">here</a>.<br /><br />MOre holiday pics of craftiness and baby coming soon!Mariettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18345260939635040503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28694130.post-77582782302514579172008-12-25T00:39:00.002-05:002008-12-25T00:54:44.278-05:00Happy Holidays!!!!!!<p align="center"><a title="Happy Hannukah! by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/3134047927/"><img height="375" alt="Happy Hannukah!" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/3134047927_cd8bdcff6a.jpg" width="500" /></a></p>I hope everyone is having a relaxing holiday! And did not spend Christmas Eve shopping like we did. LOL! Just did not have time to shop and still have things to make...fortunatley i am seeing the family on Saturday, so that gives me 2.5 days to finish sewing...i think....or go shopping.....<br /><br />At this exact moment in time, my kitchen is doing a repeat of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/2069693771/">last year.</a> Makin' cookies for the holidays.<br /><br />In other news, I am officially self-employed. YEAH!!!! I am working at <a href="http://www.woolwinders.com/">the store</a> a few days a week and then sewing/designing/knitting/finishing etc the rest of the week.....nerve racking....crazy....but i am excited. I just cannot WAIT to start creating again....this will be part of my new year's resolutions, along with taking a german course and a tailoring course....and maybe lose 20 lbs :) oh and find a new hair dresser...mine moved to spain :(Mariettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18345260939635040503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28694130.post-16374360271929081182008-12-11T00:15:00.003-05:002008-12-11T00:37:51.397-05:00not dead yet (again)wow! 1 whole month has gone buy since i was last here.<br /><br />I will be posting more now that i am not working full time - but it is amazing how much you work when you are not working.....<br /><br />My last show opened at <a href="http://www.imaginationstage.org/">Imagination Stage.</a> Miss Nelson is Missing is a fun fun fun show and if you are in the DC area until January 4th (so pre-innauguration) you should really check it out. If you do not believe me, check out the reviews(and the pics - i patterned both the Miss Nelson Dress and Viola Swamp Dress. Check out the matching plaid and all those pleats respectively):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/28/AR2008112802733.html">washington post</a><br /><a href="http://dctheatrescene.com/2008/11/24/miss-nelson-is-missing/">dctheatre scene</a><br /><a href="http://www.daylife.com/photo/0bol3YebImgkq">????? but cool pic</a><br /><br />so Thanksgiving was my last weekend and then I got SICK!! My last vacation was maternity leave - so 18 months later my body decided to shut down! Big time and i have been way under the weather since then. And i am building another show which runs next week at the <a href="http://www.theatreproject.org/">Baltimore Theatre Project.</a> So if you are in Baltimore next week, come and see ALICE IN WONDERLAND wednesday through sunday. It is a dance piece and i am not sure what it is like since this whole process has been very strange....very.<br />I will know on monday....<br /><br />and i know i owe pictures from so many things - but this is just to tell you that i am alive :)Mariettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18345260939635040503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28694130.post-41047387989059932382008-11-11T00:57:00.001-05:002008-11-11T00:57:27.574-05:00commercials i love (2)<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/3qL_9Gmonuo' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/3qL_9Gmonuo'/></object></p><p>the finest german engineering...how i picked my glasses (rodenstock)</p></div>Mariettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18345260939635040503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28694130.post-1895555922141851442008-11-08T02:05:00.003-05:002008-11-08T02:41:33.769-05:00Why can't i sleep at night?<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/3012448758/" title="thread by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3176/3012448758_987d3f8ef5_m.jpg" width="240" height="233" alt="thread" /></a><br /><br />The last few months have been crazy and ridiculous and not filled with much sleep.<br />After much deliberation and stress, I decided that it was time to leave my full time gig.<br /><br />You are thinking:<br />Marietta! In this economy? Are you daft girl?<br /><br />Well, my answer is:<br />duh! of course i am stupid!<br /><br />But (because there is always a but) I have been ...unhappy in my job for awhile. And not really unhappy, just needing to do the next thing. Needing to move on and grow as a costumier (pretentious SAT word) and develop other mad skills (like how to type and spell) Or verbesser the Deutsch<br />Financially, I'm screwed - and really who isn't right now? But (because there is another but) mentally I will be happy as a clam (...do clams smile?)<br /><br />As i mentioned in an earlier post, part of my reasoning was for this guy:<br /><a title="halloween 2008 by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/3002201192/"><img height="500" alt="halloween 2008" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/3002201192_c58e8914cd.jpg" width="375" /></a><br /><br />(Max as Luke Skywalker Halloween 2008 - and, no, he does not have a light saber. A light saber is a prop, not a costume. Props fall under Daddy's domain and Daddy did not get his prop)<br /><br />The other reason is because of Fritz - who we shall now refer to as MR. Fritz :)<br />Here is Mr. Fritz's First Day of School picture:<br /><a title="1st day of school by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/3011595309/"><img height="500" alt="1st day of school" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3175/3011595309_405ce5b011.jpg" width="375" /></a><br /><br />Now here is his 2nd day of school picture:<br /><a title="day 2 by knit-or-get-off, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31982679@N00/3011595439/"><img height="500" alt="day 2" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3072/3011595439_32914f9e90.jpg" width="375" /></a><br /><br />Getting up at 5:30 am does not make Mr Fritz pleasant - nor does a nagging wife who wants a picture.<br /><br />Fritz of the tshirt and jeans is now Mr Fritz of the shirt, tie, jacket and Dockers. He is now a High School Teacher of Technical Theatre.<br /><br />My plan is a little vague at the moment - but I will be freelancing in the theatre world and in the knitting world a bit more.<br />Since September, I have built costumes for 3 shows at work, 1 dance company, 1 small opera, 1 high school show, another dance company assisting a broadway designer and building costume for another theatre on the other side of town. There might be something that I am forgetting.....<br /><br />oh and raising a baby.<br /><br />side note: yes i voted!!!! and i the lines were crazy long and i am thrilled i helped make history! i am really looking forward to the next four years and no, i idid not like what Michelle Obama was wearing on election night. So far that was the the only one total miss out of all her campaigning outfits.Mariettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18345260939635040503noreply@blogger.com4