I love musical instruments, and have a collection of sound makers. Newest to the collection is a tiny DIY Theremin.
The kit was very well assembled and the directions were easy to follow. Within a half hour I had a small working theremin and could change pitch within an octave and control the volume with a motion of my hand.
I have a few ideas for a case, to add to the sound quality and aesthetics, as well as contain all the parts.
I started the cat hammock using polyester craft cord. Using the hook size recommended on the label (which is smaller than my test swatches), I made a chain the length I needed for the narrow side of the mat. (Don’t do this, chain length is drastically different than the length after a couple rows. I should have swatched (ironic), obtained gauge and done a chain based on the calculations.) I did my first row of single crochet stitches in the back loop of the chain. There are many ways to insert the hook in a chain for crochet, this is my favorite and uses the bump-like loop on the back of the v-like chain. It makes a very symmetric first row.
I really like to make swatches, which probably puts me in the minority of crocheters and knitters. I like to see how different stitches, yarn, and needle sizes affect the overall fabric. This test involves polyester cord. I want to make more hammocks in the catio, and polyester is more UV resistant than other man-made fibers and even natural fibers, and is mildew resistant. I have made hammocks using outdoor fabric, but they retain water for quite some time after the rain. I’m hoping a crocheted hammock will let the rain pass through and dry quicker. I had some left over polyester macrame cord and did two test swatches, one with a simple single crochet repeat (American terminology), and one with alternating single crochet, chain one, repeats.
Even though I really like the texture and look of the single crochet and chain one fabric, the holes are a little bigger than I think the cats will like when weight is applied. The holes are about toe bean sized, which seems uncomfortable. I do like that this cord has some shape memory, and retains a curve when stretched.
Next for a full-sized version.
I do like washi tape, and have found it does better than cellophane tape on areas that need repeated folding. I prefer my sheet music to lay flat, rather than stapled, because it makes it easier to set on the piano or a music stand. Scotch tape or cellophane tape just doesn’t make a good hinge, as it easily tears lengthwise.
I start with a 1-2 millimeter gap between pages to allow for the fold, then apply a strip of washi tape on both sides of the gap. I trim the edges with scissors after applying.
As an added bonus, washi tape comes in pretty colors and patterns.
Twice a year we make bookmarks for my youngest’s teachers. Historically they have featured a picture of her and some Photoshop work of mine. One year, a shot of her lying on a bench became her flying through the sky. This round, though, she didn’t want her photo on there, instead requesting “clouds and snowflakes”. Um, OK. I used the AI generator in Photoshop, mainly to test it out. Do I have pictures of my own of clouds and snowflakes? Yes. Could I have Photoshopped them together? Yes. Could I have done it in less time? Maybe not. It takes time to come up with a phrase and cycle through generating images. This AI doesn’t understand exclusions, so when I typed “open blue sky with white fluffy clouds and sparkling snowflakes no trees” I was bombarded with fluffy snow covered trees and undulating landscapes. I couldn’t get it to let go of the landscaping so I cropped it out. I also used the usual digital techniques for adding the words my eldest requested, with an outer glow to have it stand out from the background. See, my digital skills are still required even with AI assistance. Hm.
What I would really like is to specify the reference set the AI uses to generate the image. Then I could feed it my own photographic library and know where the images are coming from. The snowflakes would be better, and it theoretically would save me time. My biggest time vortex is searching through my photos for what I want. I would also know that I wasn’t relying on some other human artist’s unknown participation. I’ve read that images used for AI training aren’t always compensated or legally used. I wouldn’t ever claim those snowflakes though, but they did make my youngest happy. I could go on and on about AI snowflakes.
I also bought the tassels this year rather than making them. Time ran away from me, so it was a desperation measure, but I’m pleased with the purchase. They are nice tassels, well constructed, and a pretty metallic gold. As requested.
Critters and Craft 