http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/ illustrator at heart, admissions counselor by day, closet home-maker by night. en Copyright 2009 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:28:51 -0600 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss I have this habit of buying things that I have no idea how to use. I did that this weekend. Thank the lord for Craigslist to satisfy all of my items-that-I-don't-know-how-to-use-yet-need lust. So last week when I was perusing Craigslist, I came upon a garage sale that had a huge selection of yarn and a knitting machine for $100. I figured, "I got a hundred dollars!" so of course, I went to check it out. Not before the brakes went out in Mark's car. Okay, plan B. Take care to shop, have Mark's dad pick us up and drive him back home with the Horizon. THEN still go to garage sale. Then it starts raining. Okay, Plan C. Drop off car, Google the address, see how far away it is. Only a mile! Let's go see if they are even still having the garage sale! Can you guess what I ended up getting? So, how the heck do you use one of these things?]]> http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/06/in_which_i_buy_a_knitting_mach.html http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/06/in_which_i_buy_a_knitting_mach.html Crafty crafts craigslist garage sale knitting knitting machine Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:28:51 -0600 one really horrible sweater. The point being is, even though I am a slow knitter and have been knitting for quite some time, I have NEVER knitted anything for myself. So I decided now is the time. And THIS TIME I will finish the project. I will not start anything until I finish this one project, and break my never-finishing streak. It was then I decided to knit the longest project known to man, the Rapunzel Stockings from Knit.1 Magazine. These socks are fine gauge, small needles, million cables kind of socks. The thing that kills me the most is that even though they go to the knee, I know that at any time I can finish them and just be done with it. Secret: I broke my great idea of not starting another project. I decided to cast on Foliage on Knitty's website with a chunky yarn. AND I FINISHED IT IN TWO DAYS! And have been wearing it since then (yes it's June but apparently Milwaukee doesn't know that yet.) So here is the moral of the story. If you are a really slow knitter, get an extremely complicated project that requires a million years and is using toothpicks and thread to complete. Then half way through, pick up giant needles and yarn. Not only will you finish a project, but it will make you feel like you are the fastest knitter in the world. Second moral. I now have something for myself to show for all my knitting! p.s. I bought myself a knitting machine over the weekend. More developments as they occur.]]> http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/06/in_which_i_inadvertantly_knit.html http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/06/in_which_i_inadvertantly_knit.html Crafty crafts hat knit knitting pattern Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:46:00 -0600 Totally just biked from East side to Bay View. I am weak. http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/05/whew.html http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/05/whew.html Life MKE bicycle exercise Tue, 19 May 2009 18:48:55 -0600 I always bring my cameras along, but I never take as many pictures as I ought to. Whenever a good opportunity comes, I always make an excuse to not take the shot. My problem is that I am a wimp. I feel like flashing a camera in people's faces during weddings is annoying, or that maybe I look too much like a tourist (maybe that is because I am a tourist??) wandering around with my camera strapped around my neck. Lesson of the story: Take more photographs. I will never get better at taking photos if I don't take photos.]]> http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/05/i_really_need_to_take_more_pic.html http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/05/i_really_need_to_take_more_pic.html Life camera photographs photos Mon, 18 May 2009 13:41:08 -0600 Mark and I headed on down to New Orleans about two weeks ago. It was fantastic. I think I have him convinced to move there in a few years. New Orleans is absolutely gorgeous. I'm not sure why I have such an attraction to it, but I really want to move there. Of course, when telling people this, I am always met with, "What about the hurricanes!?" acting like a hurricane hits every single day. Yes, New Orleans has hurricanes. Milwaukee has 20 feet of snow. Kansas City has tornadoes. I run the risk of getting shot and mugged every day when I walk down the street. You gotta roll with it. Either way, I'm heading to Texas for Sophie's WEDDING. I made my dress and Kari's dress (almost). I'm so excited for my year of travel. Next stop UNITED KINGDOM.]]> http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/05/texas_new_orleans_and_pictures.html http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/05/texas_new_orleans_and_pictures.html Travel new orleans texas travel Tue, 05 May 2009 12:47:36 -0600 Milwaukee's reactions regarding the Janet Zweig Public Art piece, I was wondering if I should stay a quiet, unsung hero, or post the letter I sent to the aldermans on my blog and have my boyfriend call me a "muckraker." Well, I decided I like Janet Zweig's project too much to stay quiet. Also, I wanted to inject some amount of class into the situation. I've been a bit ashamed at the level of class on both sides of the spectrum. So far, I've gotten two, very generic quick "Thanks, little girl (pat on the head)" responses: Dear Alderman (list of names here, I sent them separately), My name is Anne Harvey and I am a fresh new face in the art scene here in Milwaukee. I just graduated from MIAD in '07 and I have been working hard in this community with high school students, my own personal work, and the late White Whale Collective ever since. I want to put in my two cents about the wonderful project that Ms. Zweig has put together for our city. I read the summary that Mary Louise Schumacher has posted on her blog and I was dismayed at the attitude of all involved. "Giggling," "sighing," and a general lackadaisical approach is not exactly something that I expected from city leaders regardless of how much you may not agree with this project. This "hilarious" topic is my livelihood! This is how I bring food to the table. Can you appreciate this? For your credit, if someone tried to explain to me the inner workings of what it takes to be a Milwaukee Alderman, maybe I would be reduced to giggles, boredom and an urge to leave the room. It takes all kind of people to get the job done--realizing this, I think we can call a truce. For my current job, I bridge the gap between the young aspiring artist and their supportive, proud, yet skeptical parent. I love being able to show parents the need of having arts in the community and I am very encouraged by these people--having no prior interest or knowledge in the arts taking the first step to understand why it is important. The arts ARE important. The arts are more than just pretty pictures hanging in an art museum. The arts contribute to the architecture of our surroundings, the products we use and often the very way we communicate. When you open a magazine, when you use your toothbrush, when you put on your shoes; that is the work of an artist. We all have a preconceived ideas of "Artist" (bean-bag, beret and tinted sunglasses) until you step back and take a look at what is actually being contributed. Art education encourages to ALL students to become life-long learners. As for this piece, what will this contribute to the city? It will contribute to this idea of Milwaukee being a place where everyone seeks community and creativity. Regardless of their artistic background, people will recognize this charming art experience, something that may be outside the comfort zone of beer and brats (which are great, don't get me wrong!) but I believe the common misconception is we can't have it because "you don't like it." What isn't to like about having works that someone can take time out of their day to enjoy? What isn't to like about EMPLOYING several MILWAUKEE LOCALS in order to have this piece be a reality. What isn't to like about having Milwaukee be viewed as a cultural city that enjoys dialog from its community? Again, it comes back down to the initial argument. I may not like or take any interest in what an alderman does, but I realize its importance. Can you extend this understanding to the thousands of Milwaukee creatives that contribute the same? Lastly, if you don't like the artwork, WHY? Walking out of the room is an inappropriate response, especially when you have several Milwaukee artists, including myself who would be more than happy to take time and discuss with you the possibilities. When a piece of art is started, it almost never looks like the first sketch. Artists love discussing ideas. We are open to possibilities. Engage us and we will respond. Sincerely, Anne Harvey ------- Well, what are you waiting for? Start writing!]]> http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/04/my_letter_to_the_alderman.html http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/04/my_letter_to_the_alderman.html aldermans art causes letter milwaukee public art Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:08:03 -0600 Tada! And you thought I was one of those girls that starts a bunch of stuff, yet never ever finishes anything. Well I am. This is a fluke. This is the dress that I made for Sophie's Wedding. It looks a lot whiter than it is (I know, wearing white when it isn't your wedding is a faux pas) it's really a cream color. And I'll be wearing a blue sweater, blue sash and brown heels, so there will be a bit more color. I just wanted something light for the Texas weather. I actually finished this in one day, which is unheard of for me. I usually take about 4 months. The arm pits are still a bit big, however, so I'll have to nip the sides in a bit. Any suggestions? I worked so hard on the lining so that it looks nice and neat, but I'm thinking just serging up the sides will be just fine. I know no one will see it, but I like little details, like the lining being just perfect as it is now. Also, when I think about how much WORK it would be to seam rip the WHOLE THING just to tuck in an inch or so----I think I'll just use the serger. Again, any suggestions?]]> http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/03/me_actually_finishing_somethin.html http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/03/me_actually_finishing_somethin.html Crafty Life crafts dress handmade sewing sophie's wedding Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:34:31 -0600 Here's how you make soup a la Anne: Ingredients: Old Carrots Old Celery Egg Noodles Roundy's Vegetable Soup broth 1/2 Onion Large can of chicken breast Directions: Fill the largest pot you have with the soup broth. Realize it only fills it a little bit, so fill the box the broth came in with water. Add water to broth. Cut several carrots and celery stems, add them to the broth until it starts to look like soup. Cut up half of a red onion. Add this in there too, even though it looks like too much. Let vegetables boil for an undetermined amount of time. Stick fork in carrot and taste. Kind of hard, but maybe soft enough to add noodles in. Oops, add in the chicken first. Add noodles in. Let simmer for way too long (at least an entire episode of Bewitched) so that noodles become very soggy. Add some soup-looking herbs from under the cabinet. Oregano or Barley, I'm assuming, may work. Decide that last time, soup was kind of bland, so add a bunch of salt. A little bit too much. Taste salty, soggy soup. Put an ungodly amount of soup that you now have into two large storage containers. Let sit in fridge because you are afraid to eat it now. Servings: a billion. http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/03/annes_soggy_soup_recipe.html http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/03/annes_soggy_soup_recipe.html Life chicken noodle soup cooking recipe Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:18:36 -0600 It's not even 10:30am and I already had Salvation Army come and take away a million pounds of junk! I've already had a fairly unsuccessful breakfast (cream of wheat from the box? Not as cool as I remember) and I will spend the day cleaning, getting lamps from places and knitting. If I'm super ambitious, start deep cleaning my soon-to-be studio space! I should take the day off every day. http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/02/totally_took_the_day_off_work.html http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/02/totally_took_the_day_off_work.html Life Work life work Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:21:51 -0600 I am the proud owner now of season 1 and 2. I had a mini marathon yesterday while cleaning, and I plan on studiously continuing that marathon tonight and possibly into tomorrow if I have to. Yay for television.]]> http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/02/yay_for_dvds.html http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/02/yay_for_dvds.html Life 30 rock lazy television Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:14:37 -0600 This is the kind of stuff that reminds me why I became an illustrator.]]> http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/02/go_see_it_right_now.html http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/02/go_see_it_right_now.html Art Life coraline movies Fri, 06 Feb 2009 21:41:08 -0600 I have finally finished the Ernie Sweater! Six months of hard labor. It isn't as momentous as I would have liked, because as you can see from this wonderful photograph that it is WAY to big. And I was so sure I got the gauge right! Well, regardless of fit, or function, it is a real sweater and it is finished so does the practicality of it really matter? (ssshhh, be quiet, it doesn't matter! Shut up!) Now that I've dredged through this sweater, I'm ready to make other hideous sweaters, for Mark and myself. Mark has agreed to wear the sweater so that my ego isn't entirely shattered, but we did agree on strict terms (no sweater in public) of contract. But again, I'm so blinded by the fact that I actually finished something, that right now I don't care who it fits. Congratulatory comments very much welcome. hint. hint.]]> http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/02/a_momentousish_occasion.html http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/02/a_momentousish_occasion.html Crafty boyfriend FO knitting sweater Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:35:50 -0600 How do I know that 2009 will be a great year? Because I will have visited New Orleans TWICE. Mark and I are going back in April during the Jazz & Heritage Festival. The first time I wandered around the French Quarter, eating. Simply eating. And buying voodoo dolls and other such kitsch. This time was so much better because I wasn't spending the whole time in a stuffy hospital like last time. Some day, I will live here.]]> http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/02/new_orleans_part_2.html http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/02/new_orleans_part_2.html Life Travel Work new orleans Tue, 03 Feb 2009 13:35:02 -0600 Okay, hold on, lemme try that again... The OFFICIAL first picture of the new year. That look of obvious drunkenness on both of our faces in the first picture? You are mistaking that for nerdity and maybe a bottle of Berryweis Beer each. Sad, really.]]> http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/01/get_it_right.html http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/01/get_it_right.html Life boyfriend new year Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:14:36 -0600 Here is me learning Joomla (not quite there yet.) - I've also been trying to sew more, knit more, go out more, run more, etc. You know how new years are. You try to do as much as possible, even though you've never been able to accomplish it before, why would this year be any different? Okay, that last sentence sounded fairly pessimistic. What I mean to say is that I think we are all very hard on ourselves. Everyone tries to do too much and we get upset when we don't meet all of these very ridiculous requirements we've put upon ourselves. Here is my new year's resolution: enjoy everything that I am doing. Find something good about all of my have-to's and gotta-do's. Wherein, this blog is now about my struggle in finding joy in household chores, work and much-needed exercise. Have fun reading!!!!!! ** I just realized how incredibly "personal" this post is. WEIRD. *** And I probably won't find joy. The last part was semi-sarcastic. But it is something good to pretend to strive towards, right? RIGHT??! ]]> http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/01/a_new_year_a_new_blog_post.html http://www.anneharveyillustration.com/blog/2009/01/a_new_year_a_new_blog_post.html Life crafts life Mon, 26 Jan 2009 09:35:51 -0600