This coffee cup cozy isn't only cute, but environmentally friendly as well. Always a hit and makes a great hostess gift.
Monday, March 31, 2014
One Ball Wonders...
This week's One Ball Wonder is really more of a stash busting project, using only 30-40 yards of yarn and some googly eyes. This pattern is by Sabrina Thompson and is a great way to introduce yourself to or practice cables.
This coffee cup cozy isn't only cute, but environmentally friendly as well. Always a hit and makes a great hostess gift.
This coffee cup cozy isn't only cute, but environmentally friendly as well. Always a hit and makes a great hostess gift.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Favorite Etsy Shops...
Today's favorite Etsy shops are similar in not what they sell, but that they use natural items in their work. The first shop, Stix and Stones Crafts makes a variety of items from bird feeders to bookmarks, all inspired by nature.
Next up is Planted Digs 2, a jewelry shop that makes all of its items with natural stones and freshwater pearls.
Stop by and visit these nature inspired shops today!
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
How to Stay Creative...
Creativity can sometimes be a challenge, and for me, it seems that I lost my creativeness some time ago. Sure, I can still come up with things and make them, but all of my really great ideas seem to have disappeared. In my efforts to try and regain my creativity, I've come up with a list on how to stay creative...
How to Stay Creative
Go outside
Carry a notebook or sketchpad and make lists
Bring your camera with you
Surround yourself with other creative people
Listen to music and sing along
Eat something new
Journal
Go somewhere new
Practice makes perfect
Take naps
Do what makes you happy
Get away from the computer
Cook or bake something
Take a walk
Meditate
Read a book or magazine
Dance
Eat Chocolate
Buy yourself flowers or gather a bouquet of your own
What do you do to stay creative?
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Technique Tuesday...
Today's technique is a beautiful cable technique and probably one of my favorites. I especially love to use this stitch for hats, but it looks good on scarves and cowls too.
You must have basic cable knitting skills to understand this technique. Here are the instructions in case you do not know how to knit cables. Cable 4 Front instructions, Cable 4 back instructions. I also have included the written instructions to today's technique below the video. Once again, video and instructions are from New Stitch a Day.
Skill: Intermediate
Cast On: Multiples of 12 + 6 (+ 2 for a selvedge stitch on each end) If knitting in the round, do not cast on the selvedge stitches.
TECHNIQUES USED IN THIS STITCH:
Knit – k
Purl – p
Cable Six Front – C6F
Cable Six Back – C6B
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: 1 edge st, *C6F, k6; rep from *to last st, 1 edge
Row 4: Purl
Row 5: Knit
Row 6: Purl
Row 7: 1 edge st, *k6, C6B; rep from *to last st, 1 edge st
Row 8: Purl
Repeat these 8 rows until you have reached your desired length.
You must have basic cable knitting skills to understand this technique. Here are the instructions in case you do not know how to knit cables. Cable 4 Front instructions, Cable 4 back instructions. I also have included the written instructions to today's technique below the video. Once again, video and instructions are from New Stitch a Day.
Cast On: Multiples of 12 + 6 (+ 2 for a selvedge stitch on each end) If knitting in the round, do not cast on the selvedge stitches.
TECHNIQUES USED IN THIS STITCH:
Knit – k
Purl – p
Cable Six Front – C6F
Cable Six Back – C6B
Pattern Instructions:
Row 1 (RS): KnitRow 2: Purl
Row 3: 1 edge st, *C6F, k6; rep from *to last st, 1 edge
Row 4: Purl
Row 5: Knit
Row 6: Purl
Row 7: 1 edge st, *k6, C6B; rep from *to last st, 1 edge st
Row 8: Purl
Repeat these 8 rows until you have reached your desired length.
Monday, March 24, 2014
One Ball Wonders...
Today's One Ball Wonder is a beautiful shawlette called Miss. Winkle, to keep your shoulders warm. This shawlette is a fun, quick knit, being that you use mainly the knit stitch. This pattern works great with variegated hand dyed yarn. Go ahead and give this pattern by Martina Behm a try today!
Friday, March 21, 2014
Creating with Sticks Super Wash Merino...
Let me introduce you to Creating with Sticks Super Wash Merino yarn. The base yarn I use for dyeing is known to be some of the softest merino in the world. This yarn is super soft and supple, while being light weight; it will keep you warm without over heating you and it wicks moisture away from the skin.
Each skein of Creating with Sticks Super Wash Merino is hand painted or dyed individually with care. This fiber is available in two weights, aran/heavy worsted and fingering weight.
Don't have a swift and don't want to ball it yourself? Creating with Sticks offers free ball winding service on each skein purchased.
Each skein of Creating with Sticks Super Wash Merino is hand painted or dyed individually with care. This fiber is available in two weights, aran/heavy worsted and fingering weight.
Don't have a swift and don't want to ball it yourself? Creating with Sticks offers free ball winding service on each skein purchased.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Favorite Etsy Shops...
This week I have selected two shops that are very different from each other. The first shop is Marenger Pottery, Nancy creates beautiful handmade pottery and the second is Cone Bom Bom, the owner, Jess, has magical embroidery skills. I hope you take the time to give their shops a little looksy today.
Marenger Pottery creates handmade pottery that is not only beautiful, but functional as well. Nancy is very talented and has an original style.
Marenger Pottery creates handmade pottery that is not only beautiful, but functional as well. Nancy is very talented and has an original style.
Cone Bom Bom is a cute little shop that sells uniquely embroidered jewelry. Jess is fantastic at embroidering and can create something special just for you.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Technique Tuesday...
Happy Tuesday! Today I bring to you the Fauns Eyes Stitch as taught by New Stitch a Day. This is a beautiful lace work stitch that would look pretty in a wide variety of projects especially shawls, scarves and cowls. This is a intermediate stitch and you will need to know how to do the following: Knit, Purl, Purl 2 Together, Purl 2 Together through the back loop, Knit 2 Together and Slip Slip Knit. Here we go...
Instructions
Row
1 (Right Side): k1, *ssk, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, k2tog, k1; rep from * to end.
Row
2: p1, * p2tog, p2, yo, p3, yo, p2, p2tog tbl, p1; rep from * to the end of the
row.
Row
3: k1, *ssk, k1, yo, k5, yo, k1, k2tog, k1; rep from * to the end of the row.
Row
4: p1, *yo, p2tog, p7, p2tog tbl, yo, p1; rep from * to the end of the row.
Row
5: k1, *yo, k3, k2tog, k1, ssk, k3, yo, k1; rep from * to the end of the row.
Row
6: p2, *yo, p2, p2tog, p1, p2tog tbl, p2, yo, p3; rep from *, end last rep p2.
Row
7: k3, *yo, k1, k2tog, k1, ssk, k1, yo, k5; rep from *, end last rep k3.
Row
8: p4, *p2tog tbl, yo, p1, yo, p2tog, p7; rep from *, end last rep p4.
Repeat rows 1-8 until you have
reached your desired length.
Monday, March 17, 2014
One Ball Wonders...
Spring is trying to peek through, so to push it along I am featuring a light and airy pattern, perfect for a spring day. Today's pattern is by Hannah Maier and uses fingering weight yarn to crochet this delicate lace cowl.
Here are a couple of my yarns that would work well with this pattern
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Favorite Etsy Shops...
Today I again feature two of my favorite Etsy shops, this time a typography print shop and a wedding and home decor shop.
First up today is Made by Aiza, Aiza creates simple yet beautiful typography prints for weddings, nurseries and home decor. With a large selection of colors available, you'll be sure to find something you love. Need something customized? Not a problem, Aiza will be happy to work with you on a custom order.
First up today is Made by Aiza, Aiza creates simple yet beautiful typography prints for weddings, nurseries and home decor. With a large selection of colors available, you'll be sure to find something you love. Need something customized? Not a problem, Aiza will be happy to work with you on a custom order.
The next beautiful shop on my list is Lolly's Cubby Hole. At Lolly's Cubby Hole, she sells gorgeous handmade burlap wedding signs and accessories, vintage hankies and home decor. To make your day even more memorable, Lolly's work is also customizable
Buy handmade! Besides a high quality item with attention paid to every little detail, your handmade item is made with love and no two are ever exactly the same.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Technique Tuesday, Cable Cast On...
Today's technique is the Cable Cast On. The Cable Cast On is often found in your knitting patterns and is easier than it sounds. This cast on is similar to the Basic Knitted Cast On, but the stitches are drawn in closer. This method is not necessarily used to knit cables, but it does help prevent your edges and rib work from flaring out.
Skill: Beginner
Pattern:
Step 1: Take your yarn and make a slip knot, then place it on your knitting needle. Make sure there is few inches on your tail so you can sew it in later.
Step 2: Take your other needle in your dominant hand and insert the tip of the needle into the front leg of the stitch, knitwise. Insert the needle at an angle forming an “X”.
Step 3: With your non-dominant hand hold the needles together where they intersect.
Step 4: With your dominant hand, take the yarn connected to the yarn ball and wrap if around the bottom needle.
Step 5: Pull the yarn through the slip knot with the needle, making sure to stretch the yarn as you go, creating a large loop.
Step 6: Take the loop and place it on the main needle.
Step 7: With your dominant hand, insert the knitting needle between the first and second stitches at angle, again forming an “X”.
Step 8: Wrap the yarn around the bottom needle again.
Step 9: Pull the yarn through the gap in between the two stitches on the main needle, making sure to stretch the yarn, creating a large loop.
Step 10: Take the loop and place it on the main needle.
Repeat steps 7-10 until you have cast on the number of stitches required by our pattern.
Pattern:
Step 1: Take your yarn and make a slip knot, then place it on your knitting needle. Make sure there is few inches on your tail so you can sew it in later.
Step 2: Take your other needle in your dominant hand and insert the tip of the needle into the front leg of the stitch, knitwise. Insert the needle at an angle forming an “X”.
Step 3: With your non-dominant hand hold the needles together where they intersect.
Step 4: With your dominant hand, take the yarn connected to the yarn ball and wrap if around the bottom needle.
Step 5: Pull the yarn through the slip knot with the needle, making sure to stretch the yarn as you go, creating a large loop.
Step 6: Take the loop and place it on the main needle.
Step 7: With your dominant hand, insert the knitting needle between the first and second stitches at angle, again forming an “X”.
Step 8: Wrap the yarn around the bottom needle again.
Step 9: Pull the yarn through the gap in between the two stitches on the main needle, making sure to stretch the yarn, creating a large loop.
Step 10: Take the loop and place it on the main needle.
Repeat steps 7-10 until you have cast on the number of stitches required by our pattern.
Monday, March 10, 2014
One Ball Wonder, Socks...
Today I've decided to change things up a bit and go with a pattern that uses fingering weight yarn, socks! Socks are not only fun to knit, but rewarding as well.
The Vanilla Latte socks by, Virginia Rose-Jeanes, are an easy knit that offers a variety of methods to choose from when completing the cuffs, toes and heels; these socks are customizable. These socks also look good in a variety of yarns from self striping to solids or even variegated fiber.
The Vanilla Latte socks by, Virginia Rose-Jeanes, are an easy knit that offers a variety of methods to choose from when completing the cuffs, toes and heels; these socks are customizable. These socks also look good in a variety of yarns from self striping to solids or even variegated fiber.
Here are two Creating with Sticks yarns that would go great with this project. Featured yarns are offered at a discount during the week published.
This yarn is a super wash merino and nylon blend. The merino in this blend makes for a super soft hand knit item while the nylon adds durability, it is perfect for socks.
The base of this super soft, super wash merino is known for being made with some of the finest merino in the world. Merino keeps you warm without over heating; this yarn would be great for socks and shawls.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Favorite Etsy Shops...
Today's favorite Etsy shops offer a bit of color and variety. Let me first introduce you to Rootiebirds, a great little shop that offers beautiful jewelry in a variety of natural gems and crystals that will speak to your soul.
Inspired by family treasures, my next shop is Fondest Memories. At Fondest Memories, Vicki carries a variety of vintage and antique items looking for a new home in your collection.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
DIY Doily Bowls
Give grandma's old doilies some new life and a different way to adorn your dresser tops and end tables, by turning them into delicate, yet chic, doily bowls. The supplies are minimal and the process is quick and easy, the hardest part is waiting for your bowls to dry so you can use them.
Let bowl dry then put on one more layer of starch or glue. Let bowl dry again. Carefully remove bowl from its mold and enjoy! Gentle though, these bowls are delicate and definitely not intended for food purposes.
Supplies Needed: Crocheted Doily
Bowl (bigger than doily)
Plastic Wrap
**Liquid Ironing Starch
Cup
Foam Brush
**If you cannot find liquid ironing starch, you can use Elmer's
White School Glue
Newspaper, silicone mat or something to protect your workspace
First, cover your bowl with the plastic wrap.
Next, cover your bowl with your doily; it may be a little wrinkled or need to overlap, but you will take care of that as you starch or glue. Pour starch or glue into a small cup and use foam brush to begin to blot starch/glue into the doily. Do not dilute the starch, if you are using glue and it is too thick to blot, you may water it down a little bit. Blot evenly, covering the entire doily; doily should be saturated when done. Shape doily as you go and do any final touch-ups at the end.
Let bowl dry then put on one more layer of starch or glue. Let bowl dry again. Carefully remove bowl from its mold and enjoy! Gentle though, these bowls are delicate and definitely not intended for food purposes.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Favorite Etsy Shops...
Today I continue with two of my favorite Etsy shops. First up is Twining Vines, a shop that carries a beautiful selection of handmade and vintage inspired items for the bride, bridal party and wedding venue. If you are having the romantic or rustic wedding of your dreams, you must take a look around this shop!
The second shop up for today is AJBcreations. AJBcreations is for those with the bold personality, who love color and to have fun, the gypsy at heart. She carries a wide variety of whimsical earrings, bracelets, necklaces, belts and more.
Stop by these shops today and show your support for handmade, even if it is just for a quick window shop, your business is always appreciated!
Monday, March 3, 2014
One Ball Wonders, a Hat...
Today's One Ball Wonder is a hat. I love hats, I love making them and wearing them, I love giving them away. Whether it be a simple knit stocking hat or a fancy feathered felt hat, a hat has a personality all of its own.
When it comes to knit hats, the design possibilities are endless and in general they are knit in the round, so they are quick to make. Today's hat pattern is by Johanna Yli- Muilu, it takes simple techniques and puts them together to form a modern pattern. This hat would look good in solid, ombre and variegated yarns. Try with Creating with Sticks Superwash Merino for a supersoft, super washable hat.
When it comes to knit hats, the design possibilities are endless and in general they are knit in the round, so they are quick to make. Today's hat pattern is by Johanna Yli- Muilu, it takes simple techniques and puts them together to form a modern pattern. This hat would look good in solid, ombre and variegated yarns. Try with Creating with Sticks Superwash Merino for a supersoft, super washable hat.
*Featured yarn is on special for $2.00 off each skein. Hurry, these are one of a kind skeins.
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