Fun is always in style.

Birdcages

2011-05-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

My birdcages on display at Summer Thyme's Bakery & Deli

Knitted Extension Cord

2010-05-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

2009-12-08T10:59:00.000-08:00

Knitting Faces

2009-12-03T09:16:00.000-08:00

I guess I'm not the only one that makes a funny face while knitting.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I love:
Guardians of Russian Art Museums - Beautiful & interesting photos. Check out the series 'Sentry' also.
Postcards from yo Momma - A repository of modern day maternal correspondence. I'm sharing this in solidarity with all moms.

28 Camera Drawings

2009-12-02T14:32:00.000-08:00

by Christine Berrie

Free Horizontal Cowl Pattern

2009-11-25T18:31:00.000-08:00

Insulation.

Gauge is not critical for this project. This super-bulky yarn, knit in a rib pattern on size 15 needles creates a fairly dense fabric with nice drape that conforms to the neck & shoulders in a flattering way. My finished cowl measures 8.5 x 30.5 inches.

Materials:
1 skein Brown Sheep Burly Spun (132 yards/121 meters)
3 2-inch buttons (my oak tree-branch buttons are from The Hickory Tree)
Straight or circular needles size 15
Large tapestry needle

Always slip the first stitch of each row -

Using the long-tail method, cast on 20 stitches.

Row 1: Knit.
Row 2: sl 1, p 1, Knit 1 into the row below, p1, continue to end of row.

Repeat row 2 until approximately 28" from beginning.

Buttonhole row: Work 4 stitches in pattern, then slip the first stitch on the left needle as if to knit. Move the yarn to the front of the work and leave it there. Slip the next stitch from the left needle to the right needle as if to knit. Pass the first slipped stitch over the second slipped stitch and off the needle. Repeat until you have bound off the number of required stitches for the buttonhole. (I bound off 3 stitches for my 2" buttons) Slip the last stitch from the right needle back to the left needle. Turn. Bring the yarn to the front of the work. At the edge where the buttonhole was begun, cast on the number of stitches you bound off plus one additional stitch.*
Turn. Slip the first stitch from the left needle to the right needle as if to knit. Pass the extra cast on stitch over the next stitch; then slip this stitch back to the left needle.

* a good cast on for the buttonhole: twisted purl cast on

This buttonhole was published in Maggie Righetti's Knitting in Plain English (St. Martin's Press, 1986)

Continue to work in established rib pattern until you run out of yarn. (save a little bit for sewing on the buttons!)

Place 3 buttons as shown in photo. By placing the buttons this way, the cowl can be buttoned a few different ways; up close to your neck, or looser & extending further onto your shoulders. Wrap it around your neck & rock the cold air.

Horizontal Cowl

2009-11-24T08:19:00.000-08:00

I just finished making this cozy thing, & I'll post the instructions in the next day or two.

The beautiful spalted oak tree-branch buttons came from The Hickory Tree.

I asked for 3, 2" buttons with two holes & they were created for me that evening & shipped immediately. I used all three buttons for this project, sewn on so that the cowl can be buttoned a few different ways. I adore them!

Lisa Occhipinti

2009-11-19T18:41:00.000-08:00

I love to see old books used again. Every so often I come across clever projects made with old books & always wish I'd thought of that. The best ideas are simple, but convey a love of books. Lisa Occhipinti creates serene, thoughtful & comforting objects; which preserve & honor the original volumes.
website
etsy

Copper Safety Pin with Feathers

2009-11-13T12:07:00.000-08:00

For quite awhile I've been admiring the delicate feathers being shown in jewelry & decorative fashion. They really are a fresh textural element in earrings & necklaces, so why not add them to a brooch? They are available in a seemingly endless array of colors & sizes. I have access to just a few types, but have decided I must have a wider selection to work with.

I think this pin will be great on a cowl or chunky handknit sweater.

Ivan says 'go for it'.

Seasonal

2009-10-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

October is wonderful. The air is fresh, the light is beautiful in the morning & late afternoon, and the leaves are all my favorite colors. I want to dwell on it for as long as it lasts.

Under Construction

2009-10-26T23:11:00.000-07:00

Etsy Treasury

2009-10-26T23:04:00.001-07:00

After an extended summer vacation; I'm adding things to my Etsy shop.
One of my favorite sellers included me in a serene looking group -

Dash in Doggles

2009-10-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

Crocheted Ripples & Grannies

2009-04-29T10:10:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling inspired to begin a large crochet project. I have enough wool.
. Inspiration for my bedroom, 2. babette blanket - finished!, 3. crochet blanket, 4. square corner, 5. halloween 08 055, 6. summer hexagon blanket, 7. Day Two, 8. Ripple Blanket, 9. More Colors: up close

R.I.P.

2009-04-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

Fisher Price says no more Little People pictures. This doesn't come as a shock...although I wonder how my photos even came to their attention.

Forest Canopy Over & Over

2009-04-14T10:35:00.000-07:00

Pagewood Farms Denali hand dyed sock yarn - merino wool, 'purple haze'
very soft & drapey. I used a US 6 needle.

Araucania Lonco Multy - fingering weight cotton.

I used a US 4 (bamboo) needle. I don't usually favor variegated lace, but it works with this pattern. In fact I'm on a bit of a variegated jag.

Here are two of the three Forest Canopy Shawls I've made. I recommend this pattern to anyone who wants to try knitting lace for the first time. The pattern is easily memorized; no need to refer to charts after the first several rows. There are only eight repeat rows. This pattern is also perfect for using that one skein of special sock yarn - the one that you don't want to hide in your shoes.

I've added two cardigans to my queue!

Featherweight Cardigan - by Hannah Fettig

Liesl - by Ysolda Teague

Sweetnss & Light

2009-04-01T13:38:00.000-07:00

Springtime in the Sierra

Last night I dreamt that after great effort, I began to make solid headway. I was moving beyond some obstacles. I don't remember the imagery connected my dream.

A couple of weeks ago I went skiing & had the best day ever. A weight of fear & hesitation fell away. I felt like I did when I was a kid; aware of my body but not continually mindful that I could injure myself.

Special Things

2009-03-31T19:25:00.000-07:00

Vintage tart tin, sunny pom pom, tiddly winks.

Vintage needle book with tapestry needles, leather needle, upholstery needle.

Vintage gift wrap & ribbon for baby

Spring Knitting

2009-03-30T09:56:00.000-07:00

It would appear that I had fallen off the face of the earth, if the earth consisted only of the blogosphere. Instead, I've been busy & have not photographed any of this busyness. I must have photos to blog. It's the only way for me. Today I've got a few images, so blog!

The Lace Ribbon Scarf from Knitty Spring 2008 issue. This is a beautiful scarf when finished & blocked! It took me quite some time to find just the right pattern for this Jade Sapphire Silk & Cashmere loveliness. Unfortunately this is the dullest knit ever. Now the weather is getting warm, further demotivating me on this project.

Ditto the black Garter Yoke Cardigan which combines simple beauty & everyday wearability. It's almost complete with one sleeve & a bit of the second remaining to knit. The body went very quickly, the sleeves on two circular needles are tedious & slow. Here's what that project looks like:

There's not much to see here either, but for a long term carry around project I've been working on an Elizabeth Zimmerman Stonington Shawl. Two greens, doubled lace weight merino. The edging will be a solid green, one or the other of the two. I've completed about 50% of the center square. I need to figure out how to put progress bars on the sidebar of my blog!

One more WIP - I'm making a Forest Canopy Shawl with this new Auraucania Lonco Multy. I had to find out for myself why this pattern is so popular. Now I know; I memorized the pattern within the first set of eight rows. No chart needed until I reach the edging!

Last but most importantly, I'm doing a major destash. A considerable chunk of my stuff (vague quantity). But really.

News on the Etsy front

2009-03-11T14:17:00.000-07:00

For the K N I T

Change the facts.
I got two treasuries today!

Imagine my surprise - Sadie has bestowed upon me a blog award :)
It's the Friendship Award -Aaaaaw. Thanks Sadie! The blog award is defined thus:

“These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.”

I'll be passing the award on tomorrow!

Oh yes! Take note of my giant Fun is always in style SALE - deep discounts on many items in my shop.

Kilt Pins

2009-03-06T13:55:00.000-08:00

An Etsy special order; two modern kilt pins for finished handknits. Made using copper wire, teak wood, vintage glass, & wool wrapped beads

Play With Me!

2009-03-02T11:21:00.000-08:00

Etsy Front Page

'Muted'

Hello, I'm knitting

2009-02-24T13:03:00.000-08:00

Hey! How about a blog post?

I've been almost exclusively knitting in the time I have to make things. It is relaxing & cathartic in a light sense. It is not demanding, unless I let it be. Knitting is my first craft-love.

I joined a group called Vest-uary on Ravelry; members coming together to knit vests in Feb-ruary. This has given me the motivation needed to finish a long-dormant Alieta's Shell. I haven't photographed it yet. I've also made a Vormorgun Létt-Lopavesti which is as Nordic as it sounds. I do have some photos of the yoke to share.

Fire in the wood stove nearby. Cozy!

Mid-Century Monday: California Pottery

2009-02-02T11:07:00.000-08:00

Russell & Lillian Hoban

2009-02-01T10:26:00.001-08:00

Russell & Lillian Hoban wrote & illustrated The Little Brute Family. I love this simple story, which tells of the impact a 'little wandering lost good feeling' has on this family of brutes. I have what would be called 'a reading copy' !

The companion story The Stone Doll of Sister Brute is not in my collection - pity! These two books are few & far between, & I cannot find a hardback copy online for less than $49.99.

Russell & Lillian Hoban are best known for their Frances series, written about a tempermental badger child. Inspiration for this character was drawn from the couple's own four children.

The Hobans also wrote & illustrated Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas, which later became a Jim Henson television special.

endpapers

Build your stash relatively inexpensively

2009-01-30T01:10:00.000-08:00

...or How to knit with better yarn than you otherwise might have done.

or, How to support your habit.

A big portion of my stash has not been acquired in the conventional way (walk into the yarn shop & buy). I can't often afford a sweater-quantity of Dream in Color, or Malabrigo Merino. I do have a few tricks that help me to knit with the fiber I want to, while shaving something off of the cost.

Purchase yarn from or trade yarn with knitters on Ravelry who have changed their mind about a purchase or have excess yarn.
Purchase yarn on ebay from shops like Cucumberpatch UK, ColourmartUK, Catnip yarns, Yarnbow, & Arpat_yarn store for Addi Turbo needles...
Purchase or trade for yarn on Etsy.

Ask for yarn as a gift! Act nonplussed when people question these requests.
(With a smile in your heart) purchase nice quality yarns that have been donated at the thrift shop. It's rare, but it does happen. Yarn may benefit by overdyeing. In my own unique value-system, thrifted yarn might be a good thing, while shiny new acrylic yarn is most likely not a good thing.

If a member of your local fiber guild has an estate sale, or there is mention of a weaver or knitter liquidating their stash, you've struck gold. Arrive early. Bring cash & be ready to spend it.
Wine & dine the local fiber community. joke!
If you're a pretty accomplished knitter, offer to knit models for the LYS, or test knit on Ravelry in trade for yarn.

To state the obvious, shop sales.
Frog & reknit. Yarn may benefit by overdyeing.
Deconstruct high quality* sweaters from the thrift shop. A Niddy Noddy comes in handy in this case for calculating yardage. One pass around equals 1 yard. Yarn may benefit by overdyeing.

*cashmere, cashmere & silk blend, Shetland or merino wool fiber.

Be selective. Some of these practices should be undertaken in moderation or you'll lose all sense of proportion.

I told you I'm a scavenger!

Miss Alice slouchy beret

2009-01-29T05:36:00.000-08:00

I am in a slouchy hat phase. It has just begun, but I'll have to make at least two before I move on to something else. My first example is this pattern designed by Carrie Strine; Hand-Me-Downs on Etsy. This pattern has the lace-magic thing going. The pattern opens up when the beret is blocked & really looks beautiful! I learned a new little beret blocking trick on Ravelry. Once the wet beret is stretched over a dinner plate, I threaded a string through the knit stitches on the cast on row & cinched the hat in. This just made the finished opening (the ribbed edge) nice & small & perfectly even.
Modeled shot to come.

Giveaway Winners ~ Oh, happy day!

2009-01-28T09:57:00.000-08:00

The winner of the Mini Birdcage is Stephanie! Congratulations & thank you for celebrating with me! Please contact me Stephanie & I'll get your mailing address.

The winner of the Scandinavian Mitten pattern book is Spillyjane who says she's obsessed with mittens, & I believe her!

I've had the happiest Blogiversary ever! This Blog-party rocked all week. I enjoyed it so much that I won't wait a year to host another giveaway. My vintage pattern collection is formidable - stored by decade. Please check back for periodic pattern giveaways here ~ I'll post a heads-up on Ravelry & Flickr too.

Mid-Century Monday

2009-01-26T19:59:00.000-08:00

Paul McCobb.

Botanical Stitch Markers ~

2009-01-26T08:59:00.000-08:00

Some new old favorites; soldered sterling silver jump rings, for use with needles up to 6.5mm/ US 10. Lightweight & cheerful :)

Unique Again!

2009-01-21T13:55:00.000-08:00

Blogiversary Mini Birdcage Giveaway

2009-01-21T10:28:00.001-08:00

Just recently I passed my two-year Blogiversary. I've loved meeting & talking with all sorts of funny, interesting, encouraging & kind people with interests similar to mine. I want to mark two years in some small way, & I've decided to do so by giving two little things I love.

If you'll leave a comment, in one week I'll draw a name & contact the winner. You may leave a comment on one or both posts.

Blog Giveaway ~ Scandinavian Mittens

2009-01-21T10:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Blogiversary! If you'll leave a comment on this post, in one week I'll draw a name & contact the winner.

This is a special copyright 1948 knitting booklet; Scandinavian Mittens by Kajsa Lindqvist. It contains patterns for all of the designs pictured on the cover - seven patterns for adults, two for children, & two for babies. Complete with graphs and Illustrations.

(First and second annual Mitten Day Celebration)

Baby Knits

2009-01-19T14:48:00.000-08:00

For Olive whom I'm sure will love to read and will make an excellent conversationalist.

The sweater is a favorite vintage pattern of mine (Vogue Knitting, 1936). It may be worn with the ribbon tie in the front or back. The hat is adapted from an adult hat pattern 'The Republic', available free here.

I modified the pattern in the following ways to make a newborn size:

Tension: 8 stitches = 1 inch

Using size 3 needles & fingering weight wool cast on 91 stitches. Work back & forth in garter stitch until desired width (to accommodate my buckle). Cast off 11 stitches for tab, join & work in the round in st st. Knit until hat measures 3.25 inches from cast on.

Crown:

row 1: K8 K2 tog across row (72st)

row 2: Knit

row 3: K7 K2 tog across row (64st)

row 4: Knit

row 5: K6 K2 tog across row (56 st)

row 6: Knit

row 7: K5 K2 tog across row

row 8: K4 K2 tog across row

row 9: K3 K2 tog across row

row 10: K2 K2 tog across row

row 11: K1 K2 tog across row

row 12: K2 tog across row Break yarn leaving a tail approx 16”. Gather stitches, finish off.

Mid-Century Monday

2009-01-19T11:19:00.001-08:00

Little People come out to play today!

2009-01-15T10:17:00.000-08:00

Little People Valentine cards.

Beautiful color on a foggy day ~

2009-01-08T10:44:00.000-08:00

Look! Click on individual pictures for larger view.

I was casting about in my fog-surrounded home this morning, looking for something colorful. The most wonderful book jumped off the bookshelf; colorful & timely too; inspiration for my doll project! Each figure wears a colorful layered folk-costume. The costumes pictured are tremendously varied in pattern & style.

I can provide no information about this book other than its publication date of 1965. Although over half of the book is text, it is Russian. A quick check on my magic computer tells me that Russian is one of the world's most widely spoken languages, used in numerous countries including Chechnya, Ukraine, Serbia, Bulgaria, Uzbekistan, Kazakstan and Mongolia. Hmm (thoughtful absorption).

All of these potteries are dated & labeled, but alas they remain a mystery to me. And that's ok.

Nether Garments

2009-01-07T15:40:00.000-08:00

Today's progress. Later; a blouse or dress with smock, boots, cap or bonnet. I think I'll give her short hair. I'm completely surrounded by fog & really feeling the grey-ness of the day. My inspiration has sort of greyed out.

The Waldorf doll continued...

2009-01-07T11:07:00.000-08:00

This doll will be for a very little girl, so in dressing the doll my challenge is to create clothing that is difficult to remove without using traditional fasteners like buttons, hooks; or even snaps! The doll itself is made with all new materials, but I plan to use recycled fabrics & sweaters in the clothing. Since it's winter time, her look will be very layered. Think of Heidi.

This morning I've been working on her one piece undergarment. This is the piece I especially want to have stay on well. I've made a second & slightly larger body (torso & legs) & that seems to work pretty well.

More later!

Mid-Century Monday

2009-01-05T20:09:00.000-08:00

More tea cozies & other winter warmth -

2008-12-31T10:18:00.000-08:00

Free pattern links - - including two versions of the tradional pleated style knit in garter stitch which insulates so well...

Christmas Robin Tea Cosy

Tea Mitten (Ravelry Download)

Grannie's Traditional Tea Cosy

Easy Pleated Tea Cosy

(earlier post)

Palm Loom - Economical Home Rug Maker

2008-12-23T19:11:00.000-08:00

Thrifted Treasure.

This is the sort of thrift store find that prompts me to audible exclamations of pleasure (TMI?)

I love tools, I love fiber arts, I love vintage things...& I love items made from 'the finest quality molded plastic'. I couldn't find an example of a rug made from the Palm Loom, but I'm sure they exist. I enjoy the tool, its direction sheet & its box, but I will not use it to make a rug. I'm not that dedicated.

The look of things

2008-12-23T08:08:00.000-08:00

This picture changes dramatically depending on the time of year & weather. The view below is magical, & right out my front door.

From the recent weather at our house.

(Jim Gaffigan: 'Why is she showing photos of snow when half the country is experiencing below zero temperatures this week?')

(little) Christmas knitting projects

2008-12-22T18:23:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed experimenting with this mistletoe ornament pattern today. The examples shown on Ravelry were very pretty, plus yarn and beads were involved. Other knitters' comments assured me that the knitting itself could be accomplished in one sitting...& I had some yarn in just the right color! I felted it by hand & used some vintage pearls & ribbon to embellish...

Felted mistletoe.

Ornament or pin; mine is a pin.

free pattern here - Caffeine, kids, and knitting...

A nightgown & cap for the Babe baby.

Vintage Holiday Humor

2008-12-18T17:11:00.001-08:00

Candolier by Noma & many other companies. Graphics on the box are more than half the fun ~

Electric candles; how very funny. The thrift stores near me used to have boxes of them every year. Now they are fewer & further between. Not that I need any more.

Blue flames, green flames, why not? It's the idea of a candle with an electrical cord that I find so funny. Is an electric candle safer than a wax candle? Not if it's got a cool vintage cord & plug. The cord winding down from the windowsill to the wall socket below - an odd aesthetic. I think I like it!

Sought after accessories include these 'halos' which attach to the candle right below the bulb. I've never seen them in colors before. Perhaps that's why this set is $50 firm.

Waldorf Doll

2008-12-17T11:40:00.000-08:00

I really admire Waldorf dolls. I love the way they are constructed. They are nice to hold & hug. They resemble little children. I made some for my children when they were younger, but I needed some fresh ideas before beginning this doll. Flickr did not disappoint with inspiration enough for numerous projects. A search for Waldorf dolls yielded over 3,400 results. Many of the dolls are wearing beautiful hand knit sweaters & cute little felt shoes. So much to love...

Favorite new idea is a nose. I really like the nose! I think it's a nice detail & adds a lot to the doll's personality.

Below are a couple of beautiful examples with links to the doll maker's photostream.

I particularly love this dolls mouth & facial expression. Created by auntboosbabies.

I love this girl's hair. Created by meike, who has provided a very helpful tutorial!

I love this girl. Created by Tiadelu.

Snow Day(s)

2008-12-16T07:25:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a snow day (no school). We live below the snow line, so this snowman took all of our snow. This morning it is snowing consistently - cozy!

New in my shop ~

2008-12-15T18:58:00.000-08:00

A special amber bakelite button I've been saving.

A new baby bracelet or anklet.

Pear Ornament Kit

2008-12-15T11:04:00.000-08:00

I love this! Knitted in one pleasant sitting from Carrie Strine's Pear Ornament Kit. The ready-made pear is also available. I didn't want to miss knitting with Carrie's irresistible hand spun merino yarn in all of my favorite greens.

Shopping for comics.

2008-12-12T11:56:00.000-08:00

I did Christmas shopping online this morning & almost got lost in the black hole of books & zines on Etsy. I curiously anticipate the arrival of these two -

Breathers no. 1 by Just Mad Books

At Home on the Earth by Brian Oster

Dad's Portrait

2008-12-11T16:40:00.001-08:00

kid art !

Christmas Package

2008-12-11T15:09:00.000-08:00

For bracelets, pins, & stitch markers in my shop ~

International Chair Day

2008-12-11T12:20:00.000-08:00

This year on International Chair Day; educational videos & instructional resources for you~

From Belleslettres; Mid-Century Modern flashcard set for beginners.

Know your Corbusier $25

~~~~~~~~~~~

Herman Miller lounge chair construction

This somewhat long (8:46) film clip shows the manufacture of molded fiberglass chairs.

Don't forget to turn up the sound.

Binary Solo

2008-12-10T16:29:00.000-08:00

Nine days' blog intermission may be a record. It may not be; but for me inspiration comes in bursts (like many things) & when inspiration is absent, I have to go with it. I"m not a creative machine - am I? No.

I have missed my blog, however. Several December days have passed, without report on my vintage Christmassy objects & feelings...Oh well. There are still quite a few days left to enjoy these things. I have to strike the balance between squeezing in lots of good things & adequate time to enjoy them.

I blog today in a sideways posture, but with a leisurely attitude, as part of an ongoing study in personal limitations*.

*I wrenched my neck today.

I begin with something easy. I grabbed a treasury today on Etsy, its title is Binary Solo.

Tamarind Cowl with modifications...

2008-12-01T14:02:00.000-08:00

Modifications: Cast on 110 stitches using a provisional cast on; knit several rows, then purled one row for fold under hem. Knit several more rows & then continued following the original pattern except I decreased every tenth stitch in alternate ruffle sections, so that the cowl would be progressively narrower toward the top. Repeated hem at the neck edge, but after purl row I decreased again every tenth stitch. At both top & bottom I sewed the live stitches to inside edge to retain maximum elasticity.
I also knitted 5 ruffle sections rather than 3 - to make a taller cowl. Bottom edge reaches to within 1-2 inches of each shoulder when worn.
Just how I like it!
Wouldn't this be pretty in Kidsilk Haze?

Tamarind Cowl

Love It

2008-11-26T16:09:00.000-08:00

Front Page! by Lusitania

Shop update ~

2008-11-24T04:49:00.000-08:00

This pair of blue elf slippers made the Etsy Gift Guide under the 'what to get for mom' category.

I am quite happy to be in the gift guide, but it would have been groovy to have made the 'hot list' ~

Boys will be boys ... & The games people play!

2008-11-23T03:33:00.000-08:00

curated by Lambert

curated by Digital Misfit Designs

Doll Project Progressing Slowly

2008-11-22T04:41:00.000-08:00

I capitalized every word in my title today because I thought it sounded rather more like a newspaper headline.

This is a long-term project. This doll is complete, but I'm adding slowly to her wardrobe. She has one garment now, a teal shetland pullover. The patterns in the book aren't working well for me, so I'm improvising. When I began this project I thought the fun part would be making their clothes. This girl is so skinny she's too weak to sit up well.

Christmas Elf

2008-11-21T12:43:00.000-08:00

New in my shop. Size wmn's 9-10, men's 7-8, eur. 40-42

Abagail Brown on Etsy

2008-11-21T08:46:00.000-08:00

Aren't these exceptional? They look so...feathered. If I were able to make cloth birds just exactly as I would see them in my imagination - if I did imagine them (which I haven't), they would look just like these.

Textile artist and illustrator Abigail Brown

'hold me!'

Mosaic Friday - Hope

2008-11-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

Holli on Etsy

2008-11-20T08:54:00.000-08:00

I am feeling extreme pleasure about this doll. I think she's just beautiful! The knitting just takes her over the top. She even includes wire; another favorite material of mine. She was created by Argentinian Paola Zakimi. Selfishly, I'd like it if no one bought her right away.

Today's wooly project lineup

2008-11-19T12:58:00.000-08:00

I'm working on slippers today; even now I am still refining my patterns & methods...I love textiles. Making jewelry isn't as messy, but I'm in the mood to sew. It's definitely slipper weather here. This pair has a bit of everything; angora, silk, mohair, wool, & for the lining cashmere.

Because of Erica's front page treasury on Etsy yesterday, I'm sending two baby bracelets out in today's mail! Each has it's own wool pocket with silk cord.

Somewhere a memory...

2008-11-18T19:45:00.000-08:00

Front page! curated by Erica Walker who makes really beautiful jewelry - right up my alley.

Doux Novembre

2008-11-18T17:22:00.000-08:00

Sophisticated & stylish, I think.

I'm in the mood to make fancy slippers

2008-11-18T17:12:00.000-08:00

These have an angora/wool blend exterior, & a plum cashmere lining. Turquoise leather non-skid sole...repurposed materials except for glass beads & interfacing. Women's 7.5 - 8.5 or 37 -39. Very soft & warm...

Cool!

2008-11-16T08:20:00.000-08:00

the art of Kimberly Hart - found at Knitty

1958

2008-11-13T19:04:00.000-08:00

So soothing, except for the child in the basketball net. Note the Bertoia chair & the Yellow Eames chair...I do wish I'd had the foresight to collect chairs as a child.

Shades

2008-11-13T15:47:00.000-08:00

of red & white ~

Vintage Animation - Carmen D'Avino

2008-11-12T07:52:00.000-08:00

From the Electric Company. Cool! Does anyone remember 'Love of Chair'? The Electric Company soap opera; with organ music. Found via Meet Me at Mike's ~

Shameless Self-Promotion!

2008-11-11T22:01:00.000-08:00

Etsy admin. nominated my 'Dancing Elves' card in their 'Best Holiday Card 2008' Contest.

Take a moment to cast your vote for me, please. (Rock the vote!)

http://www.etsy.com/voter_list.php?room_id=21

gee, thanks.

Vintage Paper Crafts for Teachers

2008-11-11T18:12:00.000-08:00

"The colorful world of paper is a realm both wonderful and wide. It is bounded only by the imagination, which is, at the same time, the only effective key to its treasures."

This book was published just a bit before my time; however, we did still have 'pants day' when I was in 3rd grade. When I was in 4th grade the designation 'Ms.' came to be.

I love mini ~

2008-11-10T13:41:00.000-08:00

Tiny pincushions

Two new film canister pincushions. These have a snap-loop for attaching to things. Handy! May be filled with pins & zipped for travel.

18 today

2008-11-07T16:19:00.000-08:00

Sam having Cream of Wheat, 1991

Birthday socks; two at a time. wünderbar!

Sock bag using this pattern. I like it a lot.

Birthday Sleeve with pocket for comics

For Sadie Lou's LolliShops -

2008-11-06T18:14:00.000-08:00

A few frilly things for LolliShops - opening day November 15th

Cowl is the new scarf ~

2008-10-30T10:35:00.000-07:00

Tamarind Cowl PDF by The Knitting Kninja

Purl's Cashmere Cowl from the Purl Bee

Two ways to make socks -

2008-10-30T05:59:00.000-07:00

This pair took a couple of years to complete. I knitted them individually on two circular needles. Size 0 needles. This created a very nice fabric, but it took time (of course I did set this project aside repeatedly).

This pair took a week to complete. No doubt fueled by my enthusiasm over learning to knit two socks at the same time on one circular needle. This is the way.

Online Knitting Magazines

2008-10-29T05:01:00.000-07:00

Meta Postmodern Knitting defines itself as 'a celebration of fashion-forward and avant-garde knitting'. I really admire the apparent thoughtfulness in their designs & the attention given to detail. The site includes periodic pattern collections, trend analysis, & news on recent artistic & unconventional applications for knitting. Patterns are available at no cost.

Twist Collective is a beautifully photographed online publication featuring designs by well-known independent designers. Articles of interest to knitters are interspersed with the patterns. Patterns are available for purchase.

Knotions is the revamped Magknits. Pattern collections, articles on technique, book reviews, & blog. Patterns are available at no cost.

Stash? or Stockpile?

2008-10-28T16:24:00.001-07:00

For the last several days I've been working on my yarn stash. As I've organized, tossed, wound & otherwise reprocessed my yarn, I've tried to think of a new name for the stash. The term 'stash' seems at this point, rather light.

Some stash revisions:

I'm getting rid of any yarn that has already been a sweater twice. A friend gently pointed out that this practice of knitting & re-knitting the same wool more than twice might fall under the heading 'pathological thriftiness', & that I should not take my mental health for granted.
I'm also getting rid of any scraps that make a ball smaller than a ping pong ball.

The majority of my yarn has also been photographed & stored in my virtual stash on Ravelry. It would be hard to overstate the revolutionary impact Ravelry has had & will have on knitting everywhere! I can search for more yarn like mine, patterns to suit my yarn, others' projects made with yarn like mine, others' comments on that yarn....I can look at all completed examples of all designs in most of my pattern books...this doesn't really scratch the surface, but my explanation is confusing already.

Synonyms for stash listed in order from most liked to least liked: Stockpile, Inventory, Store, Reserve (another euphemism), Backlog (kind of negative)

Maud & Miska Petersham

2008-10-24T08:18:00.001-07:00

Maud & Miska Petersham were an illustrating husband & wife team who are most famous for writing & illustrating The Rooster Crows, which won the 1946 Caldecott Medal. Their first book was called Miki (published 1929), about their son.

Over their career they illustrated nearly one hundred books, some for other authors, some written by themselves. Like the D'Aulaires, they frequently used stone lithography to illustrate their books.

My collection includes a few titles from their Story Book Series, which

encompasses twenty-five books published between 1933 and 1939 explaining different subjects such as coal, corn, cotton, food, gold, houses, iron & steel, oil, rayon, rice, ships, silk, sugar, things we wear, things we use, trains, transportation, wheat, wheels, and wool.

(from The Story Book of Wool)

links:

Illustration Station - Twentieth Century Illustrators of Young People's Literature

de Grummond Collection - Maud & Miska Petersham Papers

Northwestern Digital Archives - Maud & Miska Petersham Illustrations 1930 - 1958

kid project from the past ~

2008-10-23T21:14:00.000-07:00

Do-It-Yourself Knitting Accessories Part II

2008-10-22T17:16:00.000-07:00

Knitting project or sock bag

There are lots of tutorials available online for creating these small lined project bags. I took ideas from a few & created my own.
Just as before, my respect for quilters, careful straight-stitchers & precise bias strip appliers has grown. Constructing this little bag requires some care...

Tutorials or helpful ideas:

Wrist Strap bag

Buttoned bag

Cashmere bag

Detailed tutorial

Box-shaped drawstring bag tutorial

Box-shaped zippered bag with handle tutorial (must try!)

Play on words sock bug

Ghostpatrol

2008-10-21T09:10:00.000-07:00

Austrailian graffiti writer who also draws, sculpts, sews & paints ~

Found at Lino Forest.

I'm always intrigued when someone approaches sewing from an angle other than 'dressmaking' (technique). It helps to get a new perspective. There is more than one way to do things. link

vintage Japan

2008-10-20T14:54:00.000-07:00

Beaded kiltpins for handknits...

2008-10-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

New Homes Guide, Winter - Spring 1963

2008-10-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

Cover Home -

'A detailed study of 72 plans you can buy...'

(however, there are detailed schematics included with dimensions for each room)

Dozens of great modern home plans.

Might this interest my bi-coastal friends?

Vintage Cooking: The Congressional Cookbook 1965

2008-10-17T17:39:00.000-07:00

copyright 1965.

Forward by Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson

'At the turn of the century, when this book was in its infancy, it might have contained a basic recipe on how to can and preserve orchard fruits and garden vegetables (family requirement about 125 quarts per person!). Today the housewife hurries through instant coffee and minute rice. Neither the drudgery of yesterday not the frozen efficiency of today is, in my opinion, "the way to a man's heart." But if you leaf through these pages, and try a few not-too-complicated but unusual and delectable recipes you will have found the right road. '

Today's News

2008-10-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

October 15th marks 10 years in our home; we're so glad to be here.
We grew 12 apples this year. The dog ate 4, the people get the rest.

Arkansas Black Apple
The Arkansas Black Apple is recognized as having been first produced in 1870. The fruit, a variety of Winesap, is usually round and of medium size. It ripens in October or November, and the fruit keeps well though the storage season of two to four months. It is a true native apple grown in the Ozarks of both Arkansas and Missouri.

Circa Ceramics

2008-10-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

link

Knitting Bookshelf: No Idle Hands by Anne L. Macdonald

2008-10-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

No Idle Hands is the best book I've read on any type of needlework history; it's a page-turner! It is also one of a few select books which has a permanent spot on my knitting bookshelf. It contains 512 pages of engaging, humorous, & detailed knitting history. Used copies are available at Amazon for as little as $5.

No Idle Hands - The Social History of American Knitting

by Anne L. Macdonald

Originally published in 1990, No Idle Hands is now available as an abridged audiobook available from

Knitting Out Loud - An Audiobook Publishing Company

From Knitting Out Loud:

'Drawn from diaries, letters and personal reminiscences, No Idle Hands tells an intimate and sometimes hair-raising story of hand knitting in America from Colonial times onward. Women knit through the hardships of covered wagon travel across the West. They knit to save their husbands and sons from freezing to death on battlefields. Shell-shocked men knit to save their sanity in hospitals during both world wars. No Idle Hands documents the importance knitting has had in American life.'

macro lens

2008-10-12T14:11:00.000-07:00

Vintage Magazine: House Beautiful, June 1969

2008-10-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

I've decided to resurrect an unfortunate but short-lived trend; indoor / outdoor carpeting. Envision it on a grey, rainy day with all of the patio furniture put away. The interference with the landscape was extreme. Plus, the 'carpet' was squishy & soggy. If God had intended the ground to be turquoise, etc.

Don't they look plastic?

Weaver's Wool Mini Shawl complete ~

2008-10-07T14:11:00.000-07:00

The flower sits at the shoulder like a corsage...

Wooly fun ~

2008-10-06T12:04:00.000-07:00

I've been working on this embroidered patch for my Weaver's Wool Mini Shawl.

I might have to make some more patches. This was fun to do.

I'm knitting with Kristin's Iowa Stormy Skies colorway; see her beautiful yarns at Green Prarie Fibers

Between Red and Blue - Cauldron

2008-10-05T04:53:00.000-07:00

Neutral Shades

2008-10-04T12:54:00.000-07:00

Shop update ~

Always Original

2008-10-03T17:10:00.000-07:00

I was flattered to be included in this treasury with so many inventive jewelry designers...AND with an emphasis on green...created by Petit Oiseau who's jewelry is always original - I love her modern take on vintage Bakelite!

translucent lucite lightsaber necklace

Crown Jewel of my vintage pattern collection...

2008-10-02T15:18:00.000-07:00

From the Metropolitan Museum website regarding the Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress:

A climax to the American sportswear wrapping tradition came in the 1970s via the sensation of Von Furstenberg's wrap dress. Its fundamental form was already deeply embedded in the American designer sportswear tradition; a new woman designer translated the style into 1970s fabrics and colors, generally brighter, bolder, and more synthetic (and stretchy) than the early examples to which the silhouette and design principle are indebted.

Wrap dress, ca. 1975

Diane Von Furstenberg (American, born Brussels, 1946)

Green-and-white dotted cotton/rayon blend jersey

Gift of Richard Martin, 1997

:) New Old Bakelite

2008-10-02T15:03:00.000-07:00