Rude Girl is 11

I am now the Ska Mama for an 11-year old girl. Happy Birthday, Rude Girl.

Helmet Cam

If I could, I would probably practice derby every day. So when I'm feeling like I need a little derby action to quench my thirst, I watch a helmet cam. This one rocks.

Felting 101 & Embroidered Felted Backpack Pattern PDF

I've added a new page to the blog with lots of information about felting (aka fulling), including tips for successfully felting knit or crocheted projects. Even if you're not new to the crafty art of felting, you might find something interesting in the article Felting 101. To give felting a try, check out these felted crochet projects, including my new pattern for an embroidered felted backpack, just in time for fall.
New pattern! Embroidered Felted Backpack, $5
Perfect for toting anything from your current craft project to books and groceries, this backpack is simple to crochet and fun to finish. The fulled bag closes with a drawstring cord, pulled through grommet-set holes, and a magnetic snap. Use our flower graphic as a guide for an embroidered embellishment or add your own design.
Yarn used in photo: Brown Sheep Lambs Pride (100% wool)
Suggested yarn weight: worsted
Yards needed: 1300-1500

Pike Place Market Bag, free!
Yarn used in photo: Patons Classic Wool
Suggested Yarn Weight: worsted
Yards needed: 900-1000

Seattle Slouch Hat Crochet Pattern PDF now available

$5
To slouch or not to slouch, I think that was the question. With this pattern, you decide how much slouch you want your hat to have. If you say, “No way, José!” then go ahead and choose the Slouch-less option. If it’s “Like totally slouchy, to the max!” then check out the Super Slouchy option. For the rest of you who think that a little goes a long way, the Slightly Slouchy option is probably best for you.

The Slouch-less option gives you a lacy hat with a close fit from crown to brim.
The Slightly Slouchy option offers a comfortable hat with a longer, slightly looser fit in the crown and body, tapering to fit your head size at the brim.
The Super Slouchy option allows you to create a hat that is roomy in the crown and body, but still sized to fit you at the brim.

Pattern includes a chart and options for additional customization.

Yarn used in photo: Gray: Zitron Noblesse (70% merino wool, 30% silk), Blue: Austermann Smaragd Classic (100% superwash wool), Purple: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece (80% cotton, 20% merino wool)
Suggested yarn weight: DK
Yarn amounts: 125-200 yards
Difficulty level: Easy
Sizes: Small (Medium, Large) 17 (19, 21 1/2)” circumference at the brim to fit head size of 18—20 (20-22, 22—24)” in circumference. Samples are shown in medium with (-2)” ease.

Black & Blue & New Do

New Hair do

The back.

Ouch. Derby bruise.

Knitgrrl Guide Winner!

And the winner of The Knitgrrl Guide to Professional Knitwear Design is Phoebe!

Phoebe, please send your mailing address to me at jholetz@gmail.com and we'll have a copy sent out to you.

Seal Rock Vacation

Watch out, kids, the Holetz family went camping this week. We went to beautiful Seal Rock Campground in the Olympic National Park on the Hood Canal. Photos say it best.
Madrone trees, tiny crabs, big crabs, baby seals and their mamas, hiking up a big mountain, roasted banana boats, oyster beds, sea stars, clamming and campfire clam chowder, tidepools.

Bonebat Show Film Festival: A Comedy of Horrors Update

Films have been selected for the Comedy of Horrors, presented by the BoneBat Show. Check it out, 14 films! Plus there's a live band and prizes. Can't wait to get all of those prizes out of my guest room.


If you haven't been to the Big Picture yet, you're in for a luxurious treat.

The bar

As seen from the bar

I think this is where the band is going to set up










Hope to see you there! Scroll down for tickets on sale here. Only $24 until 8/13 and $28 after 8/13.