Did it Again...
First of all let me wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day!
Last Thursday, the 10th, I went to Michael's (arts/crafts supply) to get some yarn to start on an afghan project a friend gave me the pattern for, and to get a small notebook for Zentangles(r). Naturally, the yarn was in the furthest corner of the store from the entrance, and the fine art papers were in the back also.
I knew it was going to be tiring, so I didn't allow myself to stop and browse through all of the many different things that I love to find at these stores. No. I was on a mission: yarn and a smooth art paper notebook and maybe a Sakura pigma micron .05 pen. Unfortunately, Michael's didn't have enough of any of my color choices in yarn, which shouldn't have surprised me if past experience was any indication.
Since the throw is meant to be a sampler of 69 different crochet stitches, it doesn't really matter which colors I use, just so long as they go together. So I decided on a red, two shades of pink, and a lavender, plus white for the edging. I didn't buy enough yarn for all of the squares so I'll see which I like best and get more of that or something that complements it later.
Michael's also had a piss poor selection of Fine Art materials, especially the pens I was looking for. They didn't even know what a Sakura pigma micron pen was. Heck, I just bought one of those at Fred Meyer's grocery store - but they just carry one size. Same goes for their supply of quality notebooks. I did find one that was
And, they had never heard of Zentangles, so maybe the books aren't available in bookstores. You can order them from their own website, and from Amazon, but as far as I have looked, that's about it. So, I ordered a book from Amazon, and expect it
After leaving Michael's, my disappointment led me to try JoAnn Fabrics since they also have craft items, but their selection was even worse than Michael's. I was sp pooped when I walked in the door that I asked if they had a motorized cart, but apparently it was out of order and in the back. They did have a regular wheelchair, which on second thought I should have used, but instead I just asked the clerk of she would mind giving me a push on my walker, since she had to walk back there anyway to show me where things were. She did, and it was for nothing, except I did note that their prices were slightly higher than Michael's. So I rested awhile then I walked back to the front where they had some yarn on sale, but alas, nothing in reds, pink, or lavender.
Boy, by that time I was whooped! I sat outside on the walker for awhile to recover. Luckily it was a nice day - 53F and sunny with no wind - it was pleasant to just sit outside and watch the sky. I don't get to do that at home, more's the pity. So after a few minutes I got back in the car and drove home. I was too tired to even carry my bag of yarn into the house! Then I got a cup of coffee, and promptly fell asleep in my chair. Fortunately I woke up in time for Grey's Anatomy! I stayed up for several hours more then when I got up I barely could walk! I needed DH's arm to get to the bathroom. Then, when I was done in there, and got things all pulled up, I was done for. Had to call DH to get me to my feet again, then support me all the way to bed. When I said I was done I meant it. I ended up sleeping all the way through Friday. I went to bed at 3 AM Friday and got up again at 4 AM Saturday. Heck, I wasn't sure what day it was!! DH had some fun with that.
I am all back to crummy normal, now. So, I'm all set for the two things I will be doing while listening to books again. Yes, DH has fixed things well enough that I can now download library books to my virtual Windows. Then, I think, he's added a program which will transfer them over to the Linux OS, but I've already forgotten what he told me about that. I suspect he'll have to tell me at least two more times before it "sticks." Repeating things to me frustrates him, so maybe I'll have him write it down instead.
I read exactly 0 books in January. I started Watership Down but this time through it didn't hold my interest. Alrighty then, until I can remember what else I have to share with you I'm gonna say... OH here's another picture of Purnima (for JC).
Here you can see that she's much lighter than your Jasmine.
Good Night, TTYL, and Be Well,
Hi Webster,
ReplyDeleteNow I feel foolish ... I don't know what a Sakura Pigma Micron pen is, either ... but it sure sounds cool!
Best,
Marty
Hi Webster,
ReplyDeleteYour shopping trip sounds like a lot of mine. A lot of effort, time and energy wasted. I don't know about stores anymore. Do they ever have what you want! I am relying on online shopping more and more. Happy to hear that DH "fixed" your computer enough so that you can get books again.
Cheers,
Karen
Boy does your shopping adventure sound like me! Do you have an AC Moore near you? I think they have a better selection than Michaels. I wish someone as famous as Martha Stewart would get a design line in ACM, since Martha has Michaels, and I'm not keen on that store.
ReplyDeleteWe used to have an actual art store near us, and they had everything, but they moved. Sorry you had an unsuccessful trip, but hope you enjoy your knitting and tangles -- I'm jealous!
Peace,
Muff
Webster,
ReplyDeleteWow, that was some territory you covered and some serious Wonk.
You know the last time I was in Michael's it felt more crafty that arty (although great frames). Don't know if that makes sense -- lots of fake flowers and that kind of stuff. Ditto too on not knowing what the fancy pen is you were looking for but sounds impressive!
Jasmine is gorgeous. Is she a cuddler or aloof?
Donna
It is good that you can get back to reading. I do not know what trouble I could get into if I could not read to pass the time and stimulate my brain.
ReplyDeleteI do not know what a Sakura Pigma Micron pen is either.
I am out of the Zentangles loop I might have to go take a look because so many of you are doing them.
Hmmm... perhaps you could order some of the supplies online? I mean I get that you would want to see the yarn in person to make sure you really like the color.
ReplyDeleteBut this sakura pigma micron pen?
Ohhhh… Grey's Anatomy. I don't watch TV – we don't even have one – but a friend who is currently enduring the breast-cancer torture recommended it for sheer escapist entertainment. So I started watching season one. It's like crack! Seriously!
ReplyDeleteHandsome cat. Darker than our Jasmine.
Hi Webster
ReplyDeleteI saw the pic of your cat and had to stop and say I LOVE IT! I grew up with a Siamese cat named TOGU who was wonderful Hope all is well with you
Gretchen
Pretty cat. Pretty blue eyes.
ReplyDeleteThe problem you had locating exactly what you wanted at Michael's is the reason I do a lot of my shopping online, especially when I know exactly what I'm looking for.
Well, Marty and others, if you don't do or never did artwork with pens, I wouldn't expect you to know, so don't feel foolish. But the employees of an arts and crafts store should at least have someone who's familiar with the name, I would think. Artist's pens use ink that is colorfast and fade proof, like real India ink.
ReplyDeleteTo others who suggest shop on-line, I agree it's a lot easier, but when the item is only $5.99, or less it's so hard to justify another $3.99 in postage, you know? Besides, I wanted to feel the paper.
Muff, the nearest A.C. Moore is 2089.5 miles east of me, so I guess one day I'll just have to go to the art supply store that is downtown - and have DH go with me so I don't have to worry about finding a close parking spot.
Purnima told me to say thank you to y'all. She's a cuddler when she wants to be, and often sleeps on me of I fall asleep in my chair. I grew up with two Siamese - they're great.But the Vet says she's Himalayan with white feet. I say since her mom was a dsh tabby, that she's a mutt!
Oh Jan?. Just Google Zentangles and get started - one line at a time. It's like doodle art. It's great for the creativity and wasting time and all that. Also check out Sherry's (of Have Myelin) site on blogspot called Mangled Tangles; she's trying to get more people with disabilities involved.*
And Donna, Michael's is a little too craft for my taste, too. I'm not a real artist, but I like artsy crafts, not crafty crafts as so many things are. Zentangles has much potential to be an artsy craft.
Okay, I think I answered all of your comments. Thanks for reading and leaving a note for me!
I am impressed with your persistence and you got it done. Well of course you were exhausted. Happy DH fixed your computer also :)
ReplyDeletekim
you can buy the sakura pens (a pack of multiple sizes) through www.dickblick.com also lots of paper choices. But you do have to pay shipping. Anyway, that is the company I've always ordered from as an artist and art teacher...back when I was still teaching.
ReplyDeleteAll I heard was blah blah blah (and I live with an artist), sorry. Tired I get, cat I get. Shopping I have always hated, even b4 MS. Grey's Anatomy --my guilty pleasure! all those hot people...my stay in the ICU was VERY Grey's Anatomy. I even told them so and blushing! What I saw!!
ReplyDeleteI have the fondest memories of Watership Down and have wanted to read it again, but maybe I won't. I would hate those old feelings to change. :<)
ReplyDelete