Stop SOPA/PIPA; image courtesy Web Designer Geeks

Don’t let them take our internets away. Contact your representative. Don’t know how to do that? Oh, Wikipedia will help you with that.

Visual reflections of my goals for 2012

1. Draw every day
It seems like such a simple task but I know keeping the routine will be difficult. I have a lovely red moleskine sketchbook (see center photo) and plenty of drawing tools. I hope I’ll be able to round up some of my favorites here every once in awhile!

2. Take more photos
I have been saving for my new camera since my birthday in July and now I finally have it! It’s my first DSLR. I’ve used an SLR before (in college; for a photography class—surprise!) but I’m quite out of practice. Definitely going to be learning my way around my new camera!

3. Reboot this blog & rottencupcakes in general
2011 sort of got away from me, I must say. Moving across the country in April 2010 threw a major monkey wrench in all my grand plans and forward momentum. I am hoping 2012 will be my year to get back on track. I have lots of plots and products in the works for the coming year.

4. Learn to play 2 songs on the ukelele
Yes, I bought a ukelele. No, I haven’t played an instrument before (except maybe a month of piano lessons a billion years ago). Two songs seems like a manageable and realistic goal. Plus it’s green & sparkley. I am currently taking recommendations on which two songs I should learn.

5. Spin twice a week
I’ve been pretty good about spinning twice a week the past year but I need to keep at it, and be more consistent. I’ve never been much of an exerciser but it’s amazing how much better I feel when I do so. Endorphins are magical! And I got my first pair of spin shoes (the ones that clip to the pedal) for giftmas, so that means I have to, right?

8. Be more organized
Hey, Apartment— I’m looking at you! I will subdue the chaos more regularly and make it a space that I really enjoy being in and one that my family does too.

6. Stay Connected
I tend to live in my own brain a lot and it’s easy for me to get lost in a fog of thought and flurry of projects. I need to focus on those who are dear to me, whether they are near or far.

7. Plan ahead
I’m looking forward to 2012 and all that it may or may not bring. I will endeavor to be more strategic and proactive and less reactive. I will be ready for change.

What are your goals or resolutions or hopes for the new year?
Are they simple tasks? Did you abstain from setting resolutions?

It's the most wonderful time of the year

Happy holidays to all! Regardless of what you celebrate, I hope you find some time for something merry & bright. Tonal Tuesdays will continue through the end of the year & we’ll start out 2012 with a bang (& the January calendar). I wonder was 2012 has in store for us. <3

That's not helpful.

Ever get struck by that tidal wave of massive panic and immediate exhaustion when suddenly made aware of sheer amount of to-dos?
Yeah. That.

rottencupcakes hats for fall 2011

They’re here! Now available in the shop.

Three Daisy Cutter berets

Next Tuesday: Tonal Tuesday Returns! A new format & fresh color palettes are on the way to save the day.

Hat season is coming!

It’s hard for me to believe that fall is already here (especially while located in Southern California where summer feels perpetual and seasons never seem to change—it’s like a weird weather-time-vortex) and that I have been knitting for WEEKS on end. I am sourcing some finishing touches for this season’s hat launch and will definitely have the first of the hats up by the end of the month (hopefully sooner). I will certainly keep you all posted.

The story of the hats! I first began knitting hats in November of 2008 when I was laid off from a magazine publisher in Chicago. Luckily, I wasn’t unemployed for very long but the brief break allowed my brain to churn out some creativity on full throttle for a month and a half (while panic-stricken, I frantically looked for work). I had been hunting for a hat to give my little sister as a gift for a bit but I couldn’t find anything that was exactly what I was envisioning so I started testing out some ideas on my needles. I wanted a beret, in a vibrant color with lots of cute cables and just the right amount of slouch. Thus the Twisted Thistle was born! I liked it so much that I started knitting more and more and suddenly I had far more hats than what I knew what to do with. I sold my very first hat on Etsy in January 2009.

Knitting berets has become somewhat of a meditative process for me (each one takes me about 8 hours to create) but last season, I kept saying to myself that it would be my last season knitting hats. It’s a lot of work, effort and time. I spend a lot of time producing and less time creating new things. I try to source gorgeous yarn, soft and durable and remain as cost effective as possible. I want to maintain great quality and a reasonable price but I also want my hands to not feel broken after a knitting sprint! I have a fairly demanding career as an Art Director for a magazine, I like to dabble in all sorts of crafts (as evidenced by rottencupcakes itself), I have a few other side projects that keep me with my hands and head full of ideas & activity and I do actually enjoy spending time with my rad husband and our cats. I enjoy knitting these berets too much to stop entirely but in order to keep my life a little more balanced—this hat season will be a tish smaller and perhaps show up a little more slowly.

That being said, I can’t wait to show to this season’s efforts in the coming weeks. Cheers! <3

Sophia! Send an email to julie@rottencupcakes.com to collect your prize! Thanks to all those who entered the giveaway. I hope everyone’s week is going well—I’m at the end of my press deadline and the heat is on! More from me next week. <3

It’s been a long time coming; hopefully others will be following soon! In honor of this pattern’s introduction, I am giving both of my hat patterns away! One winner will get PDFs of both the Original Twisted Thistle Beret and the new Daisy Cutter Beret knitting patterns. Just leave a comment on this post telling me who you plan to knit the berets for by Wednesday, July 27th 8PM PST. If you want an extra entry, like rottencupcakes on facebook & let me know in your comment on this blog post. I will post the winner on Thursday, July 28th! <3