09 May 2013

Returning to life - wait, I have a life?

I've successfully survived my second semester of graduate school, although I've never been this busy before.  Needless to say I've missed you all!

I ended up finding funding to continue my studies, I'm very excited to report that I'll be working with a group of researchers that are printing functional human organs.  Pretty much my dream come true!

These last few weeks I've been gradually working on one project, quite possibly the most horrifically ugly project ever.

DSC_0018

The story behind it is that one morning I woke up, put my feet on the floor, and decided that I really wanted a soft mat to step onto to start the day right.  Isn't it wonderful that as crafters, we can make just about anything we can imagine?

Knit just didn't seem sturdy enough for floor mat material, especially with the force of destruction that is my kitty around (she will see a kitty-sized sled).  So I decided to attempt crocheting again, and after some initial confusion about moving on to the next row, I got the hang of it.

crochetmat

This is all scrap yarn (where does it all come from?!), but I think I'll have to buy yarn for the edging.

And now I bring you creepy kitty...who suddenly gets interested in something, I have no idea what.

creepykitty


I've begged her to never make that expression again, it is just too disturbing, like she is plotting a truly horrible death for me.

29 comments:

  1. Welcome back....I've missed you! And congratulations on completing your second semester! I'm so glad you found the funding to continue your studies! Sounds like a very interesting and important research group to be working with. And don't sell that rug short.....I like it...I think it's going to be very pretty! I love the color combination and the stripes.
    PS,
    I'm always amused by kitty expressions.....well most of the time...this one is a bit disturbing though. LOL!

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  2. Good to see you back, your crocheting is coming on well, I tried to attempt a straight piece and I ended up with wonky sides!! Your cat is cute but I have to agree about that look

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  3. This is NOT ugly at all. It's bright and funly striped. Glad you're okay and are surviving grad school. This video that you've shared is totally amazing! I wondered about growing a human body part since I watch Grey's and Dr. Torres grew cartilage.

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  4. Printing organs, that is so fricken cool!!! Well done on completing your second semester, and yay for being able to continue! I like your rug too, its perfect for your scrappys, and pleased to hear I am not the only one who struggles with crochet rows, you have given me hope I will be able to work it out :)

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  5. Wow! I watched the TED talk you linked and it's just incredible! I'm so excited for you that you'll be getting to work on that!

    I think Kitty's expression is funny! Looks like a drunken lounge lizard to me!

    I also really like your mat - all the colors together make it look really cheerful!

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  6. hiiii! Was wondering where you've been!! welcome back!

    printing organs? sounds fab!

    Your kitty is adorbz - that face is classic. I think they see ghosts when they look off like that.

    I don't have very much scarp yarn at all! I actually buy yarn that might be classified as scrap to make my projects!

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  7. I. WANT. YOUR. CAT.
    I also LOVE LOVE LOVE that mat, Such a great idea!

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  8. For scrap yarn, those colors really work well together! You don't always get that. Also, printing functional organs? EPIC.

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  9. That research project is exciting. Congratulations on obtaining funding and for being assigned to this team. This is a chance of a lifetime.

    It is always satisfying to use odd bits of yarn for a useful project.

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  10. kudos for figuring out crochet!
    something about the motion really tires my right wrist out when i try, so seeing that much work done fills me with admiration *__*

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  11. Like the crochet but love the cat photos!

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  12. Yay, welcome back! I'm so glad you found funding to continue your studies!!! Congrats!
    I like creepy cats - I have one of those myself ;) Lina would LOVE a cat sledge but I'm really not into crochet. As in I never even managed to crochet a flower and make it look like a flower. Although it's supposed to be the most basic project... I guess I'll stick to knitting :) Or maybe weaving might be fun?

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  13. Wow that's some exciting future no wonder you're delighted, go girl! I'm crocheting too, can't seem to stop with the Granny stripe blankets. It's so satisfying using up all the bits and bobs :)

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  14. Great job on the crochet. Your stitches look really even and I am glad you got the hang of it!

    Oh kitties and puppies can be so expressive. I remember my childhood dog would through us looks that were so human. Usually it was an I'm pissed look.

    glad to see you made it through school!

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  15. So glad to see this post! I was thinking "hmmm, pumpkin's been quiet lately ... hope she's surviving finals!" as we are just finished things up here on campus (we're on semesters) and I'm enjoying the quiet peace of summer on a college campus. (my favorite time of the year!) CONGRATS, CONGRATS on your funding and such a cool project!! The only way to survive advanced ed is to have a project that's fascinating/you're passionate about, so I'm so happy for you!

    Will you be spending the summer focusing on research? It's such a great time to focus and get ahead! And still have time for fun and knitting, too (just don't let your advisors know, ha!)

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    1. P.S. I don't think the mat is ugly at all!

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  16. WOW! Your graduate research program sound completely fascinating and amazing. I had seen 3D printing for material goods, but it completely blows my mind that the concept can be applied to human organs.

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  17. I'm so glad you have such a cool project to work on. Will we see you on TED stage in a few years reporting the first printable beating heart? I look forward to hearing more about your research!

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  18. Sounds like you're ending your first year in a really great way!! Love your crocheted rug ... we crafters are a clever bunch!

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  19. I knew you were busy with school, but it sounds like you were incredibly busy. Kitty's face is indeed a scary one...wonder what is going through her mind?

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  20. Congrats on surviving another semester of school! And printing organs? Printing with cells sounds like a really neat project. Although the minute that is possible, someone is going to want to print a dinosaur. And we all know how that will end...

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  21. Yay! Congratulations! If I make it through the weekend, I'll celebrate with you. ;) I think that will make a very nice mat. Mats are allowed to be a little crazy looking. Cats, on the other hand.... :)

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  22. Congratulations on making it through the semester and on getting such an awesome research opportunity! And I don't think your rug is ugly - no, it's "scrappy". Or "eclectic". The important part is that it's practical and made by you.

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  23. You have quite an expressive cat! ;-) Yé to using scrap yarn! I also inventoried mine lately so that I keep it in mind and give or use it!

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  24. Personally I love the colors in the mat. It is far from being ugly.
    Now, the look on your cats face kills me!

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  25. Congratulations on your new research opportunity. I am utterly amazed at this whole "printing" notion. (Including the link to the video was a great idea; otherwise I'd have no idea what on earth you'd be researching.)

    The mat is going to turn out great--some edging should tie it all together nicely.

    Your cat does look villainous, but he appears too languid to actually act out the evil deeds he is plotting. I'm sure he's quite affectionate and sweet at times (like most bad guys).

    Hope you enjoyed the beautiful weekend we just had.

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  26. Glad you're back! :) I like the crazy crocheted rug. Also, Webs is having a special fleece/tent sale this weekend. I considered going to it, Webs is only 2 hrs from me, but I probably won't (better for the wallet).

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    1. Umm, the last part of that comment was meant for your next post about Webs, haha.

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  27. Crochet with single crochets should hold up better then knitting, good choice. I love the colors! Not ugly at all.
    You mentioned blogging ghans, as long as you have a place to lay it out with..non traffic area, or room you can close off from pets, it's not a big deal. But, it does make all the difference in whole the ghan looks and feels. When piecing thngs together it's essential for a smooth finish.
    Making Lists

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