One of Everything

I’ve been doing such ridiculous instant gratification knitting, so instant, in fact, that I lose interest after only one item of things that go in pairs…mitts, wrist warmers, slippers, bootees…SO FUN to knit, so hard to cast on for the second iteration…here’s what I’ve been working on:

Bear models Baby Bootees

Slippers I'd been Searching for

Luke's Fuzzy Mitts

My improvised Wrist Warmers

Refreshed Daybed

We’re on the constant re-organization of our house furniture…the latest project was finding a way to make the twin bed that served as a seating area for the tv downstairs to feel much less bed-like and be a bit more inviting as a proper couch. Instead of spending $250 on a cheap futon, we decided to jazz up what we had.

We took three yards of Ikea fabric, two bolsters (about $12 each) and a $20 foam camping mat from Canadian Tire, affixed the fabric and foam to an old, found, bottom of a wooden coffee table (we’d been using this for shoes in the sun room last year) and, a few staples later – voila!

Also some painting was done, leftovers from our upstairs paint job when we moved in….three years ago!

We’ve since thrown on some  cushy cushions and are loving the new couch…it’s not perfect, but it’s great design on a dime and I  love this fabric!

 

Buttercup Bag!

This is my second attempt with the Buttercup Bag pattern from Made by Rae (get it here for free!)…the last one I did was totally hand-sewn, this one represents a combination of hand sewing and machine work. (I chose a nifty y-pattern of stitch for sewing the strap together). I think this is incredibly cute and am loving this fabric, the first I ever ordered from Etsy.com …. probably not the last batch of fabric to come through the mail!

Oh the excitement!

I just received my first package of ordered fabric in the mail!!

I’m in the middle of finishing up a hand-sewn (oh, for a sewing machine) Buttercup Bag (free pattern) which is very exciting and very cute and, right in time I got this fabric package in the mail!

Browsing through www.etsy.com is like a bit of a wonderland and in addition to my three fat quarters that I ordered, there are two more on the way! Can’t wait to get my hands on a sewing machine over Thanksgiving weekend to really get things underway!!

Projects on the Go

I’m working on a scarf, a matching beret (I know, I wouldn’t have believed it either!) a hand-knit purse, some dishcloths, and brainstorming logo ideas. Lots on the go, but have never felt so calm, centred, or comfortable to just be.

Birds from Afar

When Luke was on a trip to Whitehorse (with DreamNorth’s production of Twelfth Night) he brought me back this present of two birds made by a local artist who uses found old aluminum cans in her work. These are now hanging in my office, under my bookshelf, keeping a watchful eye over my endeavours (and games of spider solitaire).

I’m posting of these now, these birds from across Canada as my sister is in the midst of her own cross-country tour as part of a documentary project. I can imagine a watchful eye over her as she visits so many new places and faces.

Apple Picking

We went apple (and pear) picking last weekend. So exciting to see the apples clumped right together on the tree. Even better to sine up and bite into a fresh-picked hand fruit. Know any good apple recipes?

Cotton Anniversary

On August 25th, Luke and I celebrated our second wedding anniversary. Two years! Last year we received gifts of a bowl and small picture frames made of paper. This year, for our cotton anniversary, we received these lovely embriodered napkins. All from Ten Thousand Villages. We’re loving these reminders of family and togetherness.

Fall Mitts

I’m SO excited for the fall cycling season…mostly for being able to wear these mitts I knit up over the summer.  Using the pattern Axel Fingerless Mitts from Bluegarter.org and the remaining bits of wool I got from our trip to PEI last summer (used for some fingerless mitts for the Swepper christmas gift exchange, these, and finally the axel mitts). I have to say that this alpaca has been the most enjoyable yarn I’ve used ever. So I’m glad that all the projects turned out so wonderfully. Sigh…now I’ll have to find a new favourite from my stash!

Receipt Storage

I was going to buy an expensive but lovely accordian folder from Pistachio but frugality set in and I decided to make my own storage for business receipts (the idea being that with a beautiful storage solution, I’d keep on top of my paperwork!). I’m really pleased with how these turned out and still have loads of paper left over from my $2 book!

How to:

Cut a 7″x10″ piece of nice paper.

Fold long end of paper up, almost in half, leaving 1 1/4″ at the top of the folder. Tape up the sides using clear tape.

Attach a label to the top of the folder, label accordingly.

Repeat, creating as many folders as needed.

Using a hole punch, create a hole in the top right corner of each folder, in the same place for each. Make sure that there is at least 1/4″ of paper surrounding your hole for stability.

Attach all folders by stringing a binder ring through all of the holes.

Fill, hang, and enjoy doing your taxes!

Cards!

Yes, even more uses for this paper, I’ve made some generic cards perfect for any occasion. A really good use of built up creative juices and scraps of paper!

Bathroom Storage

Having moved the baskets that once were on these bathroom shelves, I was – oh my – forced to go to Ikea to find something useful. I found these cheap bins that were practical, but not beautiful. A bit of cutting from my $2 book of paper and voila!

Grandma’s Eyelet Dishcloths

I’ve been on a real dishcloth kick, loving the colour combinations I can get out of the Mission Falls Cotton skeins that I keep picking up (about $5.50 to $6 each).

I really like adding in eyelets to these cloths, for visual appeal as well as scrubb-a-bility. The denser fabric that results from the eyelet row is perfect for attacking hard-to-clean spots.

Here’s a loose pattern based on Grandmother’s Favourite Dishcloths, found on Ravelry.

Needles: 3 1/4 mm straight needles

Yarn: Mission Falls 1824 Cotton, MC: Colour 103-Pebble (1/2 skein), CC: Colour 301-Fennel (1/4 skein)

Notes:

Increase Row: K2, Yo, K to end.

Decrease Row: K2, Yo, K2tog, K2tog, K to end.

Eyelet Increase: K2, Yo, K1, * (Yo, K2tog) repeat until 2 or 3 sts remain*, K to end.

Eyelet Decrease: K2, Yo, K2tog, * (Yo, K2tog) repeat until 2 or 3 sts remain*, K to end.

Instructions:

Cast on 3 sts with MC (Main Colour)

** Do 10 repeats of the Increase Row in MC.

** Switch to CC (Contrasting Colour) and do 2 repeats of Increase Row in CC.

** Do an Eyelet Increase row in CC.

** Do  an Increase Row in CC.

** Switch back to MC

Repeat these double starred instructions until your dishcloth is as wide as you’d like it to be (I knit tightly and like small cloths for scrubbing so I knit to about 52 sts across before beginning to decrease).

** Do 10 repeats of the Decrease Row in MC.

** Switch to CC (Contrasting Colour) and do a Decrease Row in CC.

** Do an Eyelet Decrease row in CC.

** Do  two repeats of  Decrease Row in CC.

** Switch back to MC

Continue until you’re left with 5 sts.

K1, K2tog, K2tog.

Bind off.

Great Paper Source!

I found this in the $2 bin at Chapters!

I like to peruse the bargain books at any Chapters / Indigo bookstore I come across. Sometimes I find great resources for my teaching, other times I find really lovely crafty-type books. Finding this one was a real coup!

This book is filled with beatuiful photographs of vintage fabrics (sometimes whole, glossy pages of print) and those fabrics in various uses around the house. For $2 (actually less, since I have a Chapters membership card) I got 160 pages of great-looking paper. For some more inspiration, check out www.cathkidston.co.uk

Stay tuned for the many uses I’ve found so far!

Mini Strawberries - a Cath Kidston print available for download

Rose White - a Cath Kidston print available for download

LYS – The Purple Purl

Well, it started when I decided I needed to get more Mission Falls Cotton in order to continue the knitted dishcloth streak I’ve been to (three wedding showers later and I’m all out of my saved stash). So I thought I’d bike down to the Puprle Purl to see what they’ve got….turns out there is a lot of irresistable yarn out there!

Now I’m using some luscious Misti Alpaca hand painted “Baby Me Boo” yarn in the Berry Latte colourway. So lovely! I’m hoping to get a scarf and maybe a beret out of it! I’m deciding whether or not the Purple Purl is going to be my Locao Yarn Store of choice; it’s a bit more expensive, but way closer than the others I’ve been to here in Toronto.

Others: Romni Wool, Lettuce Knit

Evangeline – Done!

Finally!

 

Lovely!

After experiments and trials with this yarn (Sean Sheep Armytage) I finally finished my Evangeline  gloves! Keep posted for more! Lots and lots of stuff! The weird thing is that now that I’ve finished these, I’m ready for the next project – not to wear them! GEt your Christmas orders in now, folks!

Aaaaahhh….

 

Mom's Baking Table

 

Bowls, bowls, bowls

After being sick for the past two weeks I’m finally back in action. With the sickness came a longing for home, for some “aww honey” that only a mom can give. I was very well taken care of here, but had a small pull toward the comforts of my childhood home. Here you can see the combination of my mom’s two most creative outlets: baking and decorating!

Lots of knitting to come…I was sick for two weeks, after all

Ginger Scones

I promise I make more than just scones, but these ones were even better than the last batch!

Ginger Scones:

2 cups flour

4 tsp baking powder

1/4 cup organic cane sugar

1/2 cup cold butter

1/3 cup chopped preserved ginger (mmm!)

2/3 cup milk

1 egg white

sprinkle of sugar

Mix flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter. Add ginger and milk and stir or gently knead until just mixed. Form a loose ball and then flatten dough onto a cookie sheet and pat it into a round (about 8″ diameter). Score the top to make 8 wedges, brush with egg white, sprinkle with sugar and bake at 450 degrees for 10-15 minutes, until top is golden. Enjoy!

Buttons in Action

 

Button Magnets - quick and fun!

Buttons In Action

What to do with all those buttons that come in new clothes…I’ve been forever losing those little packets of buttons and forgetting where I’ve specially placed them…the solution? Put them to good use in plain sight. All this project needs is a variety of buttons and some magnet strips. What’s great is the magnet strips are like stickers, so it’s just cut, peel, and stick! Then if I ever need to use the buttons, I can just unstick the magnets and put them to work!

Small Accordian Book

 

Simple accordian book for Business Cards

This is my first real project from the How to Make Books book. I used plain ol’ kraft paper for the inside, and then wrapped the covers in some Ikea wrapping paper that I picked up cheap after Christmas. I’ve used this paper in other office projects, so I like the continuity of keeping arts education contacts in this little book. I’m excited to make another!

Linen Stitch Scarf

 

Linen Stitch Scarf - in progress!

After four attempts at finding the right needle size and stitch pattern, I’ve fallen even more in love with Misti Alpaca Chunky yarn. This handpainted yarn changes colours every couple of inches so it was important to find the right stitch. Here is a trial of both the half linen stitch (bottom few rows) and the linen stitch. I think I’ve found the right combination of needle size (size 12?) and stitch pattern. Looking forward to this scarf!

Knit it up Quick!

 

What a perfect button!

 

Mom's Calorimetry!

Here’s something I knit up real quick for my mom! I had some Manos del Uraguay kicking around in my yarn stash and I’m pretty proud of how this fabric looks in the ribbed stitch. Yay for instant gratification!

Jessi’s iPod Case – love the button!

 

Tweedy ipod Case

I saw some lovely examples of knit ipod cases on Ravelry (am I spending too much time on that site…um…yeah) and wanted to try something of my own. I had some left-over tweedy yarn from some mittens that are (oh yes, after three years) still only 50% completed…. I did this on 2.75″ needles knitting a long scarf-like thing and then folding it over itself and sewing up the seams. My next project is to make one for Luke…The loop gets stretched out on this one so I migh try something different for his. 

I must admit there is something so satisfying in putting my ipod away in this sweet little case. And best part – no more scratches on the back!

Evangeline (in Progress)

 

Wrist warmers in progress

I have to admit, this is a tricky photo to take of oneself...

Okay, so this is the next episode in the seemingly neverending search to find something perfect to do with my Sean Sheep Armytage wool. The fishy mittens weren’t just the thing…so I tried these.  Someone had done a really great version of the Evangeline cabled wristwarmers in the same yarn, only green, so I decided to try some myself. I had fun with the cabling of the fishy mitts and think I’m going to get into texture a bit more. Fun! I’m typing this with one  hand much warmer than the other, wearing the one finished Evangeline … completed photo to come when I get both done!

Spring Clean

 

One of my Fav. Reference Books

I love this book – Organic Housekeeping by Ellen Sandbeck –  and keep coming back to it whenever I have a question phrased “what’s the best way to clean ________” All creative endeavours today are going into abolishing the fine layer of winter grit that’s found around the house….vinegar is such a wonderful friend! Happy Spring Cleaning, everyone!

Doodles!

 

A Doodle from my Hubby

I’ve been in rehearsal a lot recently, so not much time to get some making done…but with me out of the house on weekends, Luke’s been up to much, much creativity on his own. We’ve got loads of new shelves, the bench has more shine, and there are more interesting doodles around the house to ponder. Here’s one of them!

Fishy Mitt

 

Fishy Mitten

Okay, so this is what is going to be the first post in what is sure to be a quest to best use my Sean Sheep Armytage wool that my mom gave me. I love the self-striping colours, and I loved this Chevalier pattern but the two didn’t seem to work together. While this fits my long-fingered and narrow hands, I can’t get over how much this mitten looks like a fish. So. I’m going to try out a pattern of fingerless gloves, now that I know how this stuff knits up. I won’t frog this fish yet, but I think that – despite my ability to complete this cool design – I’ll be unraveling this soon.

Sea Scarf

 

Lovely Silk and Wool Scarf!

This yarn was so amazing that I used it all up without stopping to see what brand of yarn it was! The yarn was a Christmas gift from my lovely MIL and I quickly knit up this scarf and a matching Calormeity – so chic! This scarf was super-easy – I wanted to try out a very quick and simple lace pattern so I discovered what’s called the faggott stitch:  *K1, YO, k2tog; repeat from *

I think this looks classy for a ladies’ winter scarf and is totally beautiful with my hair colour. Thanks, Sandra!

Creativity at Work

 

All laid out - costumes ready for class!

Yup, I am pretty lucky to have a job where I get to see so much creativity on a daily basis. I took this photo when I was working at King Edward Public School with 7 different classes there. This lay-out was in preparation for Ms. Italiano’s grade 4’s – a really, really lovely group of very creative and outgoing kids. I put out the costumes and then bring the class in so they can choose one or two items to help them get into character. I have some great character games on my other site, jessilinn.com – you should check them out if you’re interested!

Choco-Banana Shake

 

Mix 'em up - Delish!!

Well, I’ve been having the most bizarre food cravings recently…after “meat-less February” in our house, even I was craving a bit of red meat…weird. Another thing that popped onto my tastebuds’ imagination was a banana milkshake.

 

Here’s how the recipe went down (it may not be the most graceful way to do this, but it worked surprisingly well!):

Pour a bit of milk into a dish and dump in some Cocoa Camino cocoa powder. Whisk it good. Pour it into a juice jug, add more milk and the last remenants of some vanilla ice cream and drop in some chunks of banana. Mix it up using a super-duper mixing stick (also amazing for soups). Add a glug of vanilla extract and some yogourt left over from a fixin’s bowl from taco night dinner (only moments before this invention began). Mix, pour, enjoy!

Bench!

 

Reclaimed Roadside Bench

This one is a creative expliot from my lovely husband. He’s always on the lookout for some useable wood that’s left out roadside. Springtime is a great time for ‘finds’ that people have left out on the road side. This bench was made out of a discarded futon frame. After some planning, sanding, and secret workshop time, this bench was born. We were looking for something that could be flexible seating for the dinner table…the next project might be a cushion!

Cherry Scones

 

Cherry Scones made the grade!

After the muffin disaster, I have redeemed myself (much to Luke’s delight) with these cheery scones. The recipe is from the Rise and Dine Canada cookbook.

 

Heritage Scones
from Park View Bed & Breakfast

3 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup margarine
1 egg yolk
1 cup milk
1 cup raisins or currants
1 egg white, beaten
Sprinkle of sugar

Mix first 4 dry ingredients. Work in margarine with a fork until well blended. Beat egg yolk and milk together and add to margarine mixture. Add raisins and mix well. Bake 15 minutes at 400.

I substituted dried cherries for the raisins and used whole wheat flour. I’d recommend using butter next time, though 1 cup seems like a lot.
Anyway, a delicious Sunday morning treat for us!

More Mitts

 

Looks like I'm off hats and hot for mitts

After a y ears-long love affair with knitting hats with 6mm needles, I’ve been on a bit of a mitten kick, lately. I call these ones the White Toes Mitts as an homage to Luke’s childhood cat who, well, had white toes. Even though red thumb mitts might be more accurate, the imagery that inspired the coloured thumb (along with running out of purple and green!) trumps logic on this one. 

The red and purple are  Manol del Uraguay, the green, I’ve forgotten. This is from the same pattern as these.

WiPs this Week

 

Getting used to lace knitting...I've forgotten what pattern I started with...

 

More Lace, this one was to be a scarf/shawl, but I think I'm going to frog it...

 

This one I like and I LOVE the yarn (Misti Alpaca Chunky)...I'm just waiting until I can afford the luxury of buying two more hanks so I can finish this project.

 

This is the most recently cast on project using Sean Sheep Armytage which I received from my mom a couple Christmases ago and have finally found a great project for...they'll look more like mitts once blocked, I promise (I hope!)

Yup, as it turns out, I’ve got lots of works in progress on various needles around the house. This is perfect since we have a hefty book for book club this week ( The Time Traveler’s Wife) so I can listen to it and get some of these cast off in the process!

Not-so-mmmmMuffins…

 

 

Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins...sadly, not recommended.

I broke out the good ol’ Joy of Cooking book to use up some of the freezer-scorched blueberries and perhaps make a morning treat for Luke and me….well, let’s just say I’m dreaming of a kitchen with an oven that will maintain its temperature. These are not the best, but the few we snagged right-from-the-oven weren’t horrible.

Walking Guide Done!

 

Pages 8 - 9. Images from designer Kelly Wolf.

 

 

I’ve finished the Study Guide for the show I’ll be working on starting next week, Walking the Tightrope with Theatre Direct. Here’s a bit of the page from the guide I wrote and designed. I love writing these guides for teachers and putting the content together. I’ll post the link to the entire guide on my other site, www.jessilinn.com, when the guide is up online!

Washing Up

I’ve had this cotton yarn kicking around for a while now…had tried it in a hat which didn’t work – too lumpy – so I was back to staring at a tightly re-wound ball of un-inspiration. Luckily, the need for instant gratification from cast on to drying rack called me to make some sunny dishcloths. I’ve been trying different ‘classic’ patterns and LOVE the feeling of cleaning up with something I just made.

In the darkness...

...and in the sunshine!

Please Doodle!

 

Page from Arts Camp Leadership Book I Compiled

Last summer I was the Leaders In Training Program Director for Arts For Children’s summer camp. I put together a three-week program for teens and included a resource book / journal that I designed for them. Featured in the book was the page above. After doing a major swim through a sea of fonts last night, I thought I’d dig this up as a nod to creative thinking. Upon opening this page of the book, one of the girls actually said “oooohhh! This is great!” and she doodled (and contributed intelligently) the entire time her book was open.

Red and White Flowers

 

 

There's nothing like a clean, pretty, space for inspiration!

Yup! Not the most labour-intensive craft, but flowers in a vase really bring spring to my life, and oh! is it ever the time of year that we’re longing for some spring to shine through! Working from home this week, it’s nice to have something inspirational like some blooms that can keep me going and remind me that there’s life past my computer screen. Study guides will be done soon! I’ll link to them when they’re ready

Green Bobby Pins

 

Green for Spring!

I used to make many of these from a book published by Klutz Press (LOVE their stuff) The book came with all you need and instructions to make some flowery hair pins. The book’s called Beaded Bobby Pins by Marilyn Green. My family has gifted and loved many of these books over the years. I was happy to dig out the few beads and bits of wire that are left to make these