yarn in the mail

Posted on January 29, 2012 by

A couple of goodies came in the mail this week, in the form of wooly goodness.

A little while ago I happend upon a great deal on craftsy.com for various skeins of Malabrigo Chunky at 40% off. Thinking these might turn into some hats, like this one since I had such success with cables, or a matching set of one of these for the girls.

My Christmas present to myself was a subscription to Tanis’ Year in Colour Club – 6 gorgeous one-of-a-kind yarns with a pattern from some great designers. Delightful, right? The January yarn arrived, called Truffle. I love the jewel tones throughout.

The pattern by Hannah Fettig of Knitbot looks charming. I can’t wait to try it.

Also, found these adorable Valentines crafts via How About Orange this week, which I couldn’t help but share with you:

:: diy macaron coin purse – wouldn’t they make the sweetest Valentine’s gifts or loot bag gift for kids?
:: free printables for Valentine’s Day – perfect for spreading some love around

Enjoy!

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fo: cable neckwarmer

Posted on January 28, 2012 by

pattern: cherry garcia by hello yarn
yarn: mirasol sulka, colourway 203 (purple-red)
mods: none

Made for my mom for her birthday, which I’m gifting to her today. I’ve always loved the look of cable-knit sweaters, but for some reason, never attempted to knit anything with cables. I’m not exactly sure why. Probably because it looked daunting and complicated but in reality, it was super easy! I  finished this in just 2 nights! My first cable-knit was a huge success!

I love this yarn, by the way. I plan to use it more often. A combo of wool and silk, it’s soft against your cheek – just perfect for a neckwarmer. I planning to knit this pattern and yarn combination again – one for myself and one for my sister-in-law.

My Ravelry notes here.

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knitting in public

Posted on January 26, 2012 by

For a long time, I knitted exclusively in the sheltered comforts of my house, away from curious stares, away from from judgements like, isn’t knitting for little old ladies? More recently, I’ve been taking my projects outside the four wall of my family room and into public domain. And I like it.

Some of the places I’ve knitted:

:: while waiting at various gyms, swimming pools, art and dance classes for my girls
:: in the car (as the passenger)
:: on the plane
:: on the train
:: on the beach

Actually, during K’s dance class, my knitting while I wait has actually turned into teaching two other curious moms how to knit, too. This makes me happy. One of them has actually finished a couple of projects and is starting to build up her own little yarn stash. What have I created! It’s wonderful!

I discovered there’s a Knit in Public Day. Really? How cool is that? I want to branch out and try other places. Some of my KIP goals:

:: knit in a cafe/coffee shop
:: knit at a sporting event
:: knit in a park
:: knit at the movies

How about you? Do you have any hobbies or habits that you guard closely? Want to share?

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project 52: week 4

Posted on January 24, 2012 by

I discovered this creative space earlier this week while reading up on Meagan’s blog on craft show tips and tricks (she has a great series on craft show success right now, if you’re interested). Hubby is actually taking a photography course this month and I thought I would start my own project 52 (4 weeks late) and improve my own picture taking skills.

I’m using a Canon point and shoot at the moment, but if hubby’s photography craze continues beyond a phase, we might invest in an SLR in the future – I’m excited.

Since K’s birthday, I’ve been knitting bows of all shapes and sizes. They will be part of a new collection offering at a-soon-to-be-determined spring show. The yellow-green glass bowl was thrifted before Christmas with the intent to showcase them at my next show.

I love how they look like candies in a bowl.

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year of the dragon

Posted on January 23, 2012 by

Family and food. That’s how we rung in the Year of the Dragon. Just the way I like it.

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on the way

Posted on January 21, 2012 by

These little packages are out the door, on their way to you. I’ve been busy working on orders lately, knitting in front of the TV, while I’m watching the girls at gymnastics and dance, while I’m waiting for littlest one to fall asleep (we’ve recently transitioned her from a crib to a bed and I went from have a baby who fell asleep as soon as I shut the door, to a toddler that I have to lay down with and wait for an hour before she’ll let me leave the room!)

Just wanted to share a couple of great diy I’m loving with you this week…

:: awesome diy project: starburst clock made from coffee stir sticks!
:: family fun diy project: chalkboard nesting dolls – what fun!

What are your weekend plans? It’s Chinese New Year this weekend, so there’s going to be lots of food, food, food in our bellies this weekend!

xoxo
Happy weekend, friends!

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goals update

Posted on January 17, 2012 by

Progress on my 2012 goals has been good. I’ve made strides (read: started some) and I am working my way up to some, like yoga once per week rather than twice so far.

My playroom and studio dreams have been halted while we deal with some unexpected (read: costly) house repairs over the past couple of weeks. Hopefully next month I can go back to making plans for change in those rooms, and sharing my progress with you here.

These days have been quite busy. Between recent party planning and shuttling the kiddos to various activities, I’ve been working on orders and trying out some new designs for a spring showing. I’m very excited about booking my first spring show. I’m considering this one.

Lots happening… I’m excited!

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five

Posted on January 14, 2012 by

Our week-long celebration of her ended with a rainbow-full of colourful fun and art. It was all about her – bright, beautiful and full of colour.

Pot of Gold favours idea from here. Hand knit bows made by mama. Art projects coordinated by this wonderful shoppe. But the fun was all the girls!

Happy birthday – my sweet 5 year old! Don’t grow up too fast for mama’s sake!

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in my basket: tfa kal

Posted on January 10, 2012 by

One of my goals was to finish a sweater for myself. I’m hoping the Tanis Fiber Arts January KAL will help me keep on track and have sweater to wear on my birthday (at the end of the month).

Have you seen the Winter issue of Petite Purls? Aren’t these honeycomb legwarmers the cutest ever! Based on my legwarmer craze these days, these are bound for on my needles as soon as I can finish the sweater!

Tomorrow is K’s big day. I hear she’s been telling all her teachers and classmates that she turns 5 tomorrow. She’s bursting! It’s going to be a good day.

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weekending

Posted on January 8, 2012 by

After the start of January and getting back into the swing of things, our weekend was just about family and hanging out, with an early birthday celebration for my BIG girl who’s turning 5 next week thrown into the mix – just for fun!

We’re all super excited about HER day. Her face lights up when she talks about it. She’s 4 and 3/4 now, she declares, but she’ll be 5 really soon. It’s all we talk about these days.

Among that, here are some links and loves that I’m loving these days…

:: a welcome wall of framed art and phrases by Fallon. I love mixed frames and paint colours.
:: my most favourite 2011 review post, full of colour and yarny goodness by Lucy.
:: big script art by Elise has me thinking of inspirational messages and poems for the girls’…maybe our wishes for our little darlings would be dreamy in their rooms.

Are you thinking about post-holiday activities, too? Do share!

xoxo
Happy weekend, friends!

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