Monster Turned Kitty Based on Bear

Monster Kitty!
Pattern: Loveable Toys from Last Minute Knitted Gifts
Yarn: Random Fun Fur and Sock weight merino held triple stranded
Needles: Size 8 Knit Picks Options

*Yeah, I'm a greenish blue cat. Wanna make something of it?*

This was originally supposed to be a monster, using a slightly modified version of the bear pattern from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. Along the way, it just decided it wanted to be a blue green kitten with a little bit of attitude on its face.

I found the pattern rather frustrating. Nowhere in the notions section does it mention you need 2 circular needles for the body. I found knitting in the round that way pretty awkward at first. In general, I found the pattern vague, but now that I've done it once, it will be easier (and faster) if I decide to do it again.

*Like a real cat, I'm going to ignore you now*

This was a great little stash-buster and the perfect way to use some fun fur in a way that is not a fashion faux pas.

I've never made a knitted toy before, and this was really fun and quick.
One day, I'd like to make Mr. Dangly . Make use all of my sweet Blue Sky Alpaca? It would be fun to have the most luxurious knitted monkey ever.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Saturday marked the 2nd anniversary of my 25th birthday, and I had a wonderful time celebrating it.
The Universe has always thoughtfully planned nice things around it, such as the end of winter, Spring Break and this year, South by Southwest.

The downside of this is that my birthday is always during Lent, so I had more than a few birthday parties where half the guests couldn't eat the cake or ice cream. Also, since it is Spring Break, many friends were out of town.

*These are my favorite trees, but I don't really know what they are called*

But anyway, I had a great time celebrating this year. We started out with lost of good music, threw in some excellent Mexican food and Patron Mexican martinis and added a dash of Guitar Hero for good measure.

I managed to see three great shows during the music part of SXSW. I saw Spoon on Thursday, had a blast on 6th street people watching while trying to get into Tilly and the Wall (to no avail) and saw the two best shows of the weekend, Shearwater and Man Man.

If you don't want to bother clicking any of the links, at least take a second to check out Shearwater. The lead singer has an amazingly powerful voice live. They are indie rock / experimental southern rock-ish, with a rather haunting tone and use cellos and dulcimers and whatnot to round out the usual rock instruments. "Red Sea Black Sea" is my favorite song.

Or, maybe you prefer music that is reminiscent of drunk pirates that have settled for the land-locked life of 1930's carnival folk? Then I suggest you go straight to the Man Man.

And, no birthday is complete without cake, so, hooray! A yarn cake, in my favorite colors.