Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Back from CSET Land!

Hi everyone! So my blog has been quiet lately, my apologies. I've been focusing my efforts on studying for the CSET. I took the test this past Saturday, which consists of everything under the 12th Grade curriculum sun. I basically spent the weeks since Seattle on re-learning all the stuff I was trying to avoid learning in High School. Hopefully I've passed because I spent quite a lot of time studying. We shall see. My goal is to get a teaching credential starting this fall.

So Seattle was lovely, had a great visit with friends Christina, Ted & Mary. I managed to take in a craft fair downtown called I [Heart] Rummage. It was cool. Handmade stuff was everywhere and I bought a pair of earrings and a simple necklace. Seattle is lovely and quite green as compared to our arid climate. Although it was raining here while I was in sunny (as it happened) Seattle.

So I've managed to find a couple other projects for myself. The big project is making my own spring roller window shades. I'm currently trying to figure out how to manufacture the spring loaded roller myself, because I hate the plastic kits out there. Might have to go on FreeCycle to see if anyone is tossing some old ones out so I can pull one apart and start from scratch. The sewing and fusing the shade is the easy part for me, it's the mechanics of the roller that I'm having trouble figuring out. Suggestions are appreciated. Once I figure it all out, I'll post a tutorial and pictures on how I made my pull shades.

And in case you don't know about FreeCycle- it is a series of Yahoo Groups by city where people post items they want to get rid of, but don't want to bother with selling. I saw an offer for a Whirley-Pop popcorn popper that interested me. I emailed the owner, she put it in a bag on her porch and I picked it up.

It is a great way to get items you may need, or a part for something. This is a great resource for all crafters and especially for teachers. I cleaned up my Whirley-Pop and use it often. So I'll post a 'wanted' ad on Pasadena's FreeCycle and see what happens.


Since I love all things homemade, I want to share this link on homemade flea repellent, from CRAFT. Enjoy and I hope you are staying cool!

PS: Don't forget all the FREE music happening around town. Vroman's, Zona Rosa, Levitt Pavilion... See you there!


3 comments:

Cafe Pasadena said...

Welcome bak! Any good eats to report?

Cybele said...

Yes! A place called Odd Fellows Cafe in the artsy district of Seattle, not far from the Central Business District. Great food, a great selection of old-time sodas, and one block away from the most incredible thrift shop, Value Village on 11th. Here are the particulars:

1525 10th Ave
Seattle, WA 98122-3806
(206) 325-0807

Lunch was excellent, I'd bet it would be a hot spot at night too.

Ms. Nidoog said...

I'm sure you passed with flying colors. Can't wait to see your new shades!