Don't Blink: The F+P 2017 Update

Well it sure has been a minute...or more!

Where has 2017 gone? After the whirlwind of Lexington's Comic Con, it's almost like we blinked and it was instantly Summer. Here we are almost half-way thru the year and what do we have to show for it?

...how about this?

We've been doing a lot of making these last few months. After joining up with DeBoop Shop in a booth at Lexington Comic & Toy Convention, we've been getting lots of great suggestions on our fun little creations better known as Poppets (like the Mongoose Dog Poppet pictured above). I seriously can't wait to go back in 2018!

We've currently got 7 adorkable designs + a journal quickly filling up with ideas for more to add to the family. And we are always taking suggestions on who/what should inspire our next Poppet, so feel free to leave your favorites in the comments below!

Want to see those adorkable 7? Our Instagram is where each one has been making its debut.

Now that we've signed up for another awesome comic-inspired event in our area, looks like I'll be hiding under a pile of yarn getting ready.

...that is when I'm not streaming!

Yep, you read that right! Freak + I are in the process of upgrading my computer to something a little more streamer friendly. Soon I will be joining the ranks of the Twitch Creative streamers - with a little fail gaming thrown in for good measure!

I seriously love the Twitch Creative community + can't wait to be a part of it. If you want to know when I go live, just go to my channel and click Follow.

Well that's all the exciting news I have for you right now...but there could be more very soon!

Remember, you could decide on the next member of our Poppet family. Who do you want to see become a Poppet?

♥Pocky

Chibi AT-AT: First FO of 2017

Ever since the countdown ended, we've been planning projects for the year. I even hinted on Instagram about what I had in mind for my first FO - finished object - of the year.

...it's from a galaxy far, far away.

It only took me a few hours after grabbing this pattern to head to the craft store for yarn.

Freak would probably say that I didn't need more yarn - and he might be right. I do have a rather large stash sitting in my craft studio, but it pales in comparison to my momma's fabric stash. And since I used up all my skeins of gray yarn on the last batch of Viking beanies, a trip to the craft store was a must. I mean, seriously, how could you stare at this adorable little fella and not have the urge to make him right away?!

He's ready to make an appearance at our booth at Comic Con in a few months - that is if I don't decide to keep him for myself. He's so stinkin' cute!

After working on this project, I've got the urge to do lots of amigurumi this year. Sure, I'll still be making plenty of adorkable hats - but expect to see a lot more kawaii crocheted creatures. Heck, I've already started on my next one + have ideas for a few I want to design in the next few weeks.

Anyone know of an Amigurumi Anonymous nearby? I may have to make an appearance because I can already tell you I'll be addicted to it.

Now's  your chance to help me decide. What cute + geeky creature should I make next?

♥Pocky

Happy Nerd Year!

Well hello there, stranger!

Ok, so maybe we are the strangers - since it has been far too long since we've graced this blog with our presence. I'm not saying anything that wasn't already all over social media, but 2016 was a crap year. Freak was sick most of the year - not really an exaggeration - so the blog + all things F+P took the back seat.

But here we are in 2017 - Happy Nerd Year - ready to kick some ass!

So, let's see...

What would be a great way to get back into the blog thing? Here's an idea - let's share our word for the year. We'll show you ours, if you show us yours!

Ok, fine. We'll go first.

Our word for 2017 is Adventure - both big + small.

After a year of putting things on the back burner, we are ready to make some amazing memories this year. It's time to break free of our hermit shells and hit the road - or find some awesome things about our local area. Who knows...I might even get a little frisky and try something new!

One thing that promises to be a big adventure for us this year is Lexington Comic Con.

For one thing, I surprised Freak with tickets to the Jay & Silent Bob live podcast event at Comic Con. I fully expect to become a mute - or a dopey fangirl - when given the chance to meet them. Squee!

Even more exciting is the fact that we will be bringing some of our wares to the DeBoop Shop booth! With only a couple of months before the con, looks like some of our adventuring will be in the workshops. We have some fun new designs to debut that I'm super excited about!

There are a few other adventures on the list, but we're saving those for another day.

So now it's your turn. What is your word for 2017?

♥ Pocky

Keep Warm With This #nerDIY: Wonder Woman Earwarmers

Remember when I said that we hadn't been experiencing much winter weather? Well I think Freak might blame me for the sudden freezing temps + the mounds of snow that's been predicted for us today. Now don't get me wrong, I don't love the freezing temps but I love an excuse to wear my hats, scarves + sweaters.

If you're another person that might be cursing me right about now, how about a little geek craft as a peace offering? At least I'm trying to keep you warm!

This is a pretty basic knitting pattern - with a little basic crochet thrown in for fun - so it's great for even a beginner.

Materials:

• Size 8 US knitting needles
• 1 skein of worsted weight golden yellow yarn
• 1 skein (or scraps) of worsted weight red yarn
• 2 stitch markers
• 1-2 button(s)
• Scissors
• Yarn needle

Instructions for earwarmer: 

Cast on 88 stitches using the long-tail cast-on method. 

Knit to the last 2 stitches + then turn work.

Slip 1 stitch knitwise, knit 3 stitches then place marker, knit to the last 2 stitches + then turn work. 

Slip 1 stitch knitwise, knit 3 stitches then place second marker, knit to next marker + then turn work. 

*Remove marker, slip 1 stitch knitwise, knit 3 stitches then replace marker, knit to next marker + then turn work.* Repeat this row until you have only 28 stitches between the markers.

*Slip 1 stitch knitwise, work to marker, remove marker + knit 4 stitches, replace marker, turn work.* Repeat this row until only 2 stitches remain outside of markers.

Slip 1 stitch knitwise, knit to next marker, remove marker + work to last 2 stitches.

Knit to next marker, remove marker + work last 2 stitches.

Loosely bind off all stitches. Weave in ends.

---

I found this crochet star pattern in my collection + used it for the red star, but you can always choose another favorite star pattern to embellish your earwarmer. After crocheting I left a long tail to use for sewing the star onto the earwarmer. When sewing the button on you have two options:

• Sew it on the top side of one of the ends + have the button visible.
• Sew it on underneath one of the ends + have the button not visible.

Since all I had were black buttons in my stash, I wanted to keep the button from being visible so I chose to sew it on underneath the end. Ta da! Now you have a fun way to add a bit of nerdy to your everyday.

Knit one? Be sure to tag @freakandpocky  (or use #freakandpocky) so we can see your creation!

I seriously can't wait to see your projects! Pretty please share them with us. I'm thinking about making a second one using blue + white to represent Captain America.

**This pattern is for personal use ONLY. **