To The Moon and Beyond!

To help celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Apollo landing on the moon I've picked some classic gems to help you really appreciate the moon and beyond!


The first and probably OMP's favorite is Frankenstein meets the Space Monster. In this space tale we have a martian princess and her doctor trying to conquer Earth. At the same time NASA sends an android into space. Of course the martians think that it is a warhead and try to destroy it. "Frank" comes back to Earth and goes on a rampage that only a crazy fried brain android can go on.

Here's where the movie gets good. "Frank" decides to rampage Puerto Rico (androids need vacations too!) The aliens invades beaches and pool parties, making off with the bikini clad beauties that they need to restock their planet. Oh wait, did I mention that the martians have a monster? Well, they do and without giving too much away, there is a final raygun battle between Frank and the monster. It really makes you think about who is the monster? The martians or us.....

Keeping with the same low budget, high entertainment, we have Starman. Incase many of you didn't know Starman is "the creature made of the strongest steel". See, here's the deal, he's not really a creature. He's an actor in an awesomely bad space suit. I mean, I guess the suit could be strong steel but that would get a little heavy. I digress.....Starman was a Japanese series that was cut into movies, dubbed and sent to the US.

Wanting Earth for themselves, some creepy scaly salamander men begin to invade and kill people with their radioactive breath (mint anyone?) One of the salamander ladies loves to scare children and has a dance company, I'm guessing these are side jobs for when destroying the human race is a little slow. The "Council" call on Starman to stop the salamander people and save the world. Of course, he delivers with high kicks, great weapons and super strength (maybe there is something to the suit)


The final movie is The Day the Earth Stood Still. Now let's get one thing straight. I'm talking about the original not the completely horrible and useless remake that came out last year. I made a promise that after seeing The Matrix, I would never see another Keanu Reeves movie again and I haven't. So Keanu, you can suck it! Okay, I feel better now.

The basic premise of this excellent movie is a spaceship lands in Washington DC intent on capturing the attention of the world. The peaceful alien revels his mission but unfortunately not a single government will listen to him. The human race is very distrustful of the alien and causes another problem for our friend in delivering his message. Our pacifist alien has no other choice but to bring out his robot Gort to destroy the Earth. What will happen to Earth and to our alien friend-you have to pick up the movie and find out. I promise you will not be dissapointed and you might even feel a little bit better about your fellow man after watching it.

So, space rangers, what have we learned today? The martians are out to get us and breed, steel suits make you strong and Keanu Reeves still sucks. If you want to be really space age-check out these movies on the "internet" via Netflix or just jump into your hovercraft and fly on down to the video store.

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

Many of you in the embroidery world know doe-c-doe from flickr (if not, you'll find about her later this week-hee hee), well, she has an awesome dog, Jack. It makes me so happy that Jack found a happy home with such wonderful parents. Let's find out more about this handsome devil!

Who is the real Jack the Dog
I’m pretty goofy, love to play fetch, run off-leash in the woods, roll in the grass & can’t get my butt scratched enough.

How long did it take you to grow your mustache?
Only as long as it took Gina to cut the ‘stache out of felt – she had to make it just the right shape…she can be really picky. Seriously, that girl would make me wear a beard if she could…she’s got a thing for facial hair!

You seem to have two personalities, a business side and a country side-which do you feel more comfortable in?
I definitely feel more comfortable with my country side! I was born feral - Gina & Mark found me as a 3 month old puppy living in a hole in a junk yard. They had to lure me into a fox trap with chicken & hot dogs because I was so skittish. So I’ve still got a little bit of that wild side in my personality, although in general I’m a well behaved gentleman.

What's a typical day for you?
There’s lots of sleeping although I do get to go for a walk and/or play fetch pretty much everyday. As the house security guard I’m always alert to noises that need to be barked at. I also help with the house cleaning by checking the floor for crumbs after each meal.

What's your hope for the world?
That there will someday be no more animal abuse & no more homeless, hungry, unloved stray dogs or cats.

Me too, Jack, me too.

Welcome to the world of Lovely Little Deer

I just recently met the sweetest and probably the cutest person EVER on flickr. Lovely Little Deer. She is beyond belief adorable, talented and amazingly beautiful. Oh yeah, did I mention that she likes scifi? She basically rocks!


Please share a little bit about yourself with us.
My name is Rebecca, I'm 34 years old. I live in England, In a lovely town by the sea. I'm married to David, my soulmate and best friend and we have 3 amazing kitty cats and 2 awesome chihuahua dogs.
I love to spend a lot of time at home, I'm a real homebody. When at home I love to cook and bake for friends and family, play with the furry kids and craft.
I love to go swimming, I swim nearly every day and I do yoga and pilates every week. I suffer from Fibromyalgia which causes a lot of pain and stiffness in my joints and the swimming etc really helps me manage my condition.
I also love to walk my dogs and love to shop, going thrifting is one of my fav things to do as you never know what you might find!


You do so many different crafts and cooking projects, which one is your favorite?
It really depends on my mood, some days I like nothing better than to work on a piece of embroidery, then other times I am really into sculpting some clay or sewing etc



What do you like to do when you're not crafting or cooking?
I love to spend quality time with my husband and close friends.
I love to interview great inde-artists on my blog and host giveaways, they are a lot of fun!
Watching sci fi movies and comedy shows, my fav is 3rd rock from the sun!
I love to take photos too!


Do you have any tips or advice for the masses?
Do what brings you happiness and joy in your life. Life is so short to be in a job/relationship/situation that you are unhappy with, so take baby steps to start creating the life that you want.

What/Who inspires you?
My husband, my friends, animals with their innocence and lust for life, nature, food, fashion, other indie designers.


Do you have a blog/website?
I sure do!
http://alovelylittledeer.blogspot.com/ my blog
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dollyday/ links to my active flickr account!

Bonus Question!
You are a self proclaimed SciFi nerd, if you were on lost in outer space, what scifi movie, book and show could you not live without?
It would be the whole box set of Star trek the next generation, without a doubt!!


Thank you so much for being such a great inspiration! I can't wait to see what your next adventure is. Whatever it is, I'm sure it will be pink and frosted with a hint of sass!

Tie One On Tuesday! Happy Bastille Day!

Today is Bastille Day, so what would be more appropriate then a few French Drink recipes to enjoy while your storming your favorite Gov’t building!!

First up, a rather nice combination fit for sitting and sipping on the ChonDileste

Pompier: This cocktail is a refreshing black currant recipe straight from the Jazz Age of 1930s Paris.

Ingredients:

- 1/2 oz crème de cassis (Black Current liqueur)

- 3 Oz.dry vermouth

- Top off with Club soda

Preparation: Stir the ingredients together and serve over ice.

The Americano: Next is a rather familiar named drink but with a French twist.

- 1 oz Campari

- 1 oz red vermouth

- Twist

Preparation: Pour over ice and serve with a swizzle stick. Top off with a very little bit of soda water.

The Rose: This was a very popular drink in Paris in the '20s, but has since been forgotten. Be careful – there are two different recipes for this drink – this is close to the original that was popular back in the art deco era in France:

Stir well with cracked ice:

- 2 oz French vermouth (Noilly Prat)

- 1 oz kirshwasser (Alsatian Trimbach) it's an eau de vie, dry and clear

- 1 teaspoon raspberry syrup or (if you're in France) sirop de groseille

Preparation: Strain into chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a rose petal (okay, that's not how they used to make them, but it sure looks nice).

So there you have it – three different yet the same French concoctions to enjoy the Revolution by. So until next week kiddies - Give me liberty or give me Booze!!!

Faster Tura! Kill! Kill!

It's not a secret that Tura Satana is considered a goddess in the Pedersen household. Her skin tight cat suits, heaving chest, and karate moves have made her a cult siren that has transcended genders and generations . She kicks ass, takes no sass and makes no apologizes about her own sexuality. She is a modern day feminist. She knows what she wants and refuses to take no for an answer.

Her most famous film, and the one that inspired the title of this website as well as a few more aspects of my life is Faster, Pussycat! Kill, Kill. The story isn't that deep. Three go-go dancers are on a fast and furious wild ride, encounter a couple out for some fun of their own. After ditching (literally) the boyfriend and kidnapping his girlfriend, they hatch a plan to rob an cranky old man, who has plans of his own for the girls. I really don't think you can go wrong with dialogue such as:
Gas Station Attendant: "Yes ma'am, what can I do for you today?"
Varla:" Just your job, squirrel. Fill it up!"

As the narrator states:
"Let's examine closely then this dangerously evil creation, this new breed encased and contained within the supple skin of woman. The softness is there, the unmistakable smell of female, the surface shiny and silken, the body yielding yet wanton. But a word of caution: handle with care and don't drop your guard. This rapacious new breed prowls both alone and in packs, operating at any level, any time, anywhere, and with anybody. Who are they? One might be your secretary, your doctor's receptionist... or a dancer in a go-go club!"
Actually, this sounds like a normal stitch and bitch Saturday night. Do a little embroidery, crack some skulls, wear skin tight suits and lust around town. Yep, a typical Saturday night.


The next fabulous movie and another one dear to my heart is Astro Zombies. Not only is this a great movie but a great Misfits song (Glen Danzig Misfits, not the crap today-yeah, I said it, crap). A disgruntled government scientist decides that he wants to build a superhuman creature, only he's not as smart as he is crazy and sleepfest ensues. He loses control of his superhuman critter and uncovers an international spy ring. Just a normal day at the office. Coincidentally, the same thing happened to me just last week! Tura once again plays the larger than life sexy vamp in this cinematic treasure ( and by sexy vamp I mean she basically lays around on the couch and reads the paper most of the the time - but wow, what a headline!).

Last but not least is The Doll Squad. A bunch of beautiful buxom ladies team up to take down an evil spy ring. Tura plays a small part in this film but her true personality is larger than life and she really is the most memorable part of the movie. I do have to give it to this movie, we have explosions, super kick ass females and a plot that I've been told was the basis for Charlie's Angels (I'm not really buying it, but if true, it just made this movie even more more important to me).

Jump into your muscle car, rev that engine and fill up your titillating tank with the steamy vixen known as Tura Satana. Ten bucks says that you couldn't last a lap with her, care to take that bet?

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

This week we get two wonderful pups for the price of one! I was recently doing a piece for Feeling Stitchy and came across these little babes. I'm sure you will fall in love with them as quickly as I did. Ladies and Gentlemen, let me introduce Levi Sasspirella and Captain Cupcake!

Describe the real Levi and Captain

Captain;My name is Captain but originally I was called Cupcake when I was a little pup, but I grew out of that name because I was so tough, so I was renamed Captain which I like better as it suits my personality more .I am a chihuahua. I'm fun, very loving and love to snuggle. I'm very loyal to my family. I'm always up for playtime 24/7, whenever! I'm a little anxious at times but chewing on my bone or some socks helps chill me out. I really love my family and my best friend is my brother Levi, he always has my back!

Levi;
My name is Levi, I am also a chihuahua. I'm very loving and love to kiss! I'm very playful and silly at times and I love to dance around and make everyone laugh. My best friend is Captain and we are brothers, we also have three cat brothers too. Cuba, Luna and Oreo. I like them very much but Luna is my favorite as he lets me lick his ears for a long time! They are tasty!!I'm very laid back and never get stressed out, life's too short! I love to laze on the sofa and nap, especially after a big dinner!

What's a typical day for you?

Captain; We both sleep in Mum and Dad's bedroom so we wake up altogether and go downstairs for some yummy breakfast!

Then me and Levi will play wrestling together and then maybe have a nice nap. Then we might go for a walk which is fun, so many yummy smells!

We might even go for a run at the beach too!

Levi; After that we will have a nap and then eat some din dins! We then have our teefs brushed, which we both HATE but at least we get a cookie if we do it! We then spend the evening having snuggles or playtime and just chilling out.

We then take a little walk outside to go potty and then we go upstairs to the bedroom with a bedtime cookie and go to sleep. We have a lovely life!

What's your favorite food, movie, song


Captain; Both of our fav food is turkey and rice, our fav movie is beverly hills chihuahua, and fav song Oh chihuahua!

Levi; But we will eat anything, we love fooooood!!!!!! I REALLY like a rice cake or a potato!

Aren't you a little young to grow a mustache?
Levi; *blush* ;D

What's your philosophy on life?

Captain; The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue!

Levi; Don't take life too seriously. no one gets out alive, anyways.

Oh Levi and Captain! You have captured the hearts of all the Pedersen ladies and I sure the whole world. Thank you so much for allowing us to catch a brief glimpse into your world of wonderful food, family and fun.

And now for a touching moment with Bridget and Jamie.

I recently interviewed Bridget and Jamie separately but really thought it would be awesome for them to discuss their website and their friendship together. They are two of my favorite stitchers that are great on their own but work so well together- just like chocolate and peanut butter, gin and tonic, ice cream and sprinkles. Let's find out more about this dynamic duo.

How did you guys meet?
Bridget: It all started with my first Dr. Horrible Stitch - Jamie liked it so much he featured it on his blog, which I started following after I found out about it. Then one day he sent me a message on craftster.org saying that he'd listened to my podcast, Emergency Pants, and he wanted to know more about it. It was brand new at the time, and I think he was the first person I didn't know who listened. It was cool and a little embarrassing at the same time. After that we ended up becoming really good friends pretty quickly. I really do feel like he's a long lost brother - especially when he calls me Beef.

Jamie: Yeah that sounds about right. First there was the stitch pattern, then there was the podcast, then there was a bit of swapping of crap foods from our respective homelands and the rest is history. It’s a bit mind boggling to think that we’ve not even known each other for a year yet, it feels like forever. In a good way. We talk most days. And on a lot of those days we make sense.

Tell me about the progression of Mr.XStitch.com
Mr X Stitch started off as a blog about the graffiti cross stitch patterns I was making and hoping to sell thousands of. So I wrote a bit about the patterns and also about random bits of nonsense that I thought was funny, like how I arrange my socks on the airer, or that I like cucumber sandwiches. And then I did some posts about graffiti, and then started looking for other people doing funky stitched things.
As time passed, I decided to read up on how people made successful blogs – things like finding a niche and sticking with it – and began to tweak the blog, focusing more on the stitching and less on the “funny Jamie” stuff.
The first post thread was the Cutting (& Stitching) Edge posts every Thursday, featuring stitching that is either particularly artistic or very contemporary.
Then came the Craftster Pick of the Week – I’d already featured stuff being done on the needlecraft boards at Craftster so it was a good thing to switch that to a weekly post.
I think it was around this time that Bridget got involved.
Once she was on board it all went a bit nuts. We started bouncing ideas off one another and came up with Beefranck’s Emporium, which is a themed post on whatever stitcheries tickle Bridget’s fancy at the time.
Then, after a bit of twitter kerfuffle in response to Ruby42’s lesbian embroidery stitch, we decided to launch NSFW Saturdays, including the safety pictures to avoid anyone else getting their knickers in a twist. To counterpose that we now have Too Cute Tuesdays, which is stuff that’s too cute for me. And then to fill in the gaps, we came up with Stitchgasms, which are stitcheries that cause us to get excited.

The great thing about working with Bridget is that she’s always finding new things for us to post about, and is instrumental in the ongoing success of the site. Her enthusiasm is endless and we’ve got a really good system that if we both agree on something, then it rocks. We both know what we like and fortunately that’s quite similar. Everything we feature on the site is underpinned by a high level of quality; we won’t feature any old crap, but we’re not afraid to showcase stuff that would upset your grandma.

Who are some of your favorite artists you have featured?
Bridget: All of them are really amazing, so these are just some examples, really. I think the first artist I ever I forwarded to Jamie with the message "You HAVE to write about this person!" was Bascom Hogue. His work just blows me away. Mimiloveforever is really incredible and has a great sense of humor. VSC is kind of like my cross stitch soul sister - her work just clicks with me. Also, I've been really enjoying Krupp on flickr. She has nailed the nerdy cross stitch genre, stitching robots and quotes from Terry Pratchett and Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. Seeing new things from her always gives me a little thrill.

Jamie: I’ve always loved Marloes Duyker’s machine stitching and appliqué work, which is just awesome. William Schaff’s stitching is breathtaking. And I really like Meagan Ileana’s style of embroidery. And I have to acknowledge people like Ruby42, Shaebay and AlienTed for consistently delivering greatness. I should say, though, that doing the site has opened my eyes up to all kinds of work from a wide range of artists, and has developed the way I want to take my own stitching.

What does the future hold for the website?
Jamie: Crumbs! Who knows?
I realised a little while ago that Mr X Stitch is a ball that is rolling that we can’t stop now. It’s amazing how the site has taken off and I still can’t quite believe it sometimes. It’s great that we’ve set up the Phat Quarter on Flickr as well, which has got over 350 members and has already hosted its first swap, courtesy of Penny Nickels.
We’ve got the first birthday of the site at the end of August and we’ve got a couple of new post threads lined up to start in Year Two, including Domestitchery, featuring stitching in interior design. So that’s pretty exciting.
We’re also revitalising the Mr X Stitch pattern business with a stable of exciting stitch talent doing patterns with us.
And then we’ve got a top secret project in the works – but I’ve said too much already!

Bridget: Awesome. Lots and lots of awesome.

When they make the Mr. XStitch movie, who will play you?
Jamie: Bruce Willis. We’re in negotiations already.

Bridget: Huh. Would I even be in the Mr X Stitch movie? Maybe I could be represented by a voice coming through computer speakers, or the ding of an email notification. :) The first person who came to my head is Melissa McCarthy who played Sookie on Gilmore Girls. She looks more like me than any of the too-skinny actresses out there. She's already played a character who is a bit excitable and overly enthusiastic about things, so she wouldn't have a hard time preparing for the role. And sorry, Jamie, but Bruce Willis will be playing my husband, Jim. Maybe Jason Statham can play you?

Thank you guys for 3 weeks of awesome interviews and thank you for promoting needlework. You have introduced us to so many new and upcoming artist. In good old "Pam" terms. You guys rock!