Phone Cosy

How cute am I?

Here’s the latest little sachet I’ve made, this one for my new – finally in the 21st century – cell phone!

I’m getting SO much mileage out of this fabric!

Hats Galore!

Here is a selection of knit hats, some new, some not-so-new, all in the current rotation around here:

From Left to Right:

A larger adaptation of Hermione knit from acrylic yarn.

An improvised seed stitch design made from Manos del Uguguay wool.

One Day Beret, knit super slouchy for those big, curly hair days, made of soft, soft Misti Alpaca Baby-Me-Boo.

Um…this was a super-improvised one…love the green acrylic/wool blend, so soft!

Another improvised design…stash buster using so much lovely left-over alpaca from scarves gone by. Sometimes those small ear flaps make all the difference!

Think Katherine will like any of these?

Kumara Bed Socks

Made for Missy!

These are the first socks I’ve made – so excited about them! The pattern is Kumara Bed Socks by Andi Clark found in Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts 2009 magazine. I used a wool/nylon blend of yarn made in New Brunswick and recommended by a very helpful woman working at WoolTyme in Kingston.

Made for the SWEP Christmas gift exchange yesterday (they were a big hit!); I’m pretty sure that there are a pair in my future soon!

Placemats

Ikea fabric makes good!

Just playing around with adding hits of beauty to the house. I bought 4.5 meters of really wide fabric for $25…look forward to more from that shopping trip soon!

Linen Stitch Scarf

I’m so delighted about this scarf. I had been searching and searching for something that would show off the hand-painted yarn without pooling or looking totally stupid. I tried half linen stitch, full linen stitch, other lacier things, and found this works SO well to look beautiful. I imagine this being paired with a jean jacket for those fall days and the alpaca yarn is SO soft. Very proud of this project, I am, though I’m not sure if it’s a keeper or not…may find its way into someone’s present stock some day.

Linen stitch:

Row 1 (RS): k1, *sl1 wyif, k1; rep from *
Row 2: k1, p1, *sl1 wyib, p1; rep from *, end k1

wyif – “with yarn in front”

Let’s Froth Something…Please!!

In a fit of excitement after handing in my grant application last week, I bought us some really great additions to our coffee and tea supply store (which prompted this) including a great-for-one Bodem French Press for Luke and a milk frother for me!

I’ve been looking for ways to use this treat, my favourite thus far has been with this chai mix left over from Christmas decadence!

If you’ve got good ideas, let me know!

A Cute, Improvised Wallet

I’m experimenting and here is the first thing to emerge:

I’ve used some Ikea fabric left over from our ‘couch’ and some other fabric that I’d ordered from Fabricworm just because it was so darned cute! This is the first one that I improvised…another two have been created so far, but they’ve already been snatched up by an excited hubby who’s using one for his iPod gear. Oh, the joys of handmade are upon me in that one fell snatch!

My Sunroom, Left to Right

Sewing has Begun!

Over the past couple of days I’ve eked out some lovely time on the sewing machine…just diving into it, playing around. It started with some tentative lines of stitching, to see just what interesting decorative stitches were possible. From there, I took a couple of days thinking of all the household chores (curtains, cushion covers, torn pants, etc) that should be done… and then I started on the project for the sunroom’s (continual) transformation.

More pictures of the Friday morning’s transformation to come!

Hat for Katherine

My friend Katherine needs a hat! It’s cold out!!

I’m going to make one for her and have done some research for things that she might like.

If I could make one for you, which would you choose?

Button-Tab Hat

Odessa

Watchman's Cap

Hermione

You have sewing in your future…

Hooray, hooray, hooray!!

I am the very proud and excited owner of a sewing machine!

Off the top of my head, I’ll be hemming curtains, sewing some new ones, attempting to fix a few garments, having a purse-making extravaganza day with my friend Jess, and I couldn’t help looking up patterns that might be in my future!!

Like these:

wheee!!!!!!!

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!

Update: Jan 24.2010: Here is it!

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!