knit-a-long

Way back in January, Sara approached me about our annual knit-a-long (this is what we made last year). This wasn't a hard project (although it was my first time with intarsia), but for whatever reason it took forever. With the recent natural disaster, and my office being without power, I really had no excuse to not finish it. I actually think it came out pretty good (you can find the pattern here).
Here is Sara's version:

 and Katrina's:

 I ended up with some extra yarn, so I made this baby hat:

ever-blue

It may seem like I've been a knitting fiend recently, but in reality I've been more of a finishing fiend. This project was started way back in March and to be honest I kind of forgot about it. It's the same pattern I've made before, just in a significantly more obnoxious color. It's been awhile since I've posted my paler than pale mug, so here is the shawl in action.

Ravelry: Evergreen

crafting, baking, etc.

My baby sister is getting married this weekend and we are in the midst of some major project-ing.

From top: Makeshift version of this, granola baking and favors.

in progress

Some projects I'm working on....

christien meinderstma

Now here's a gal after my own heart.
Via Anthology.

pom pom flowers

Thinking of making some pom pom flowers this weekend.....also thinking about sleeping in and over-eating.....decisions, decisions...

amanda hat

I made this hat. I also got a haircut.*
*I ended up donating my hair to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program which makes wigs for both children and adults affected by cancer.
Ralvelry: Amanda Hat

cuff

The above is meant to be worn as a bracelet, but I'm thinking of making a larger version to use as a wreath.
Via Hannah.

yarn wreath

Using some of the yarn Eunice sent me, and this embroidery hoop bought a few years ago at Scrap, I fashioned this simple wreath for my front door...it doesn't exactly fit, but I still think it looks cute.

happy hanukkah (to me)!

Eunice sent me this giant box of yarn! Happy Hanukkah to me!

And to you! This card makes me laugh every time.

book wallpaper, part two

My book wallpaper isn't doing so hot (a couple 100º+ days are to blame) but since I've recently decided that it's a temporary installation, its become less disappointing. What should I make with the pages? This garland is cute, and with the holidays coming, a wreath might be nice.

Along the same lines, a couple of starbursts might be interesting....

or a leaf inspired garland...?

some thoughts on decorating

A good friend is moving and requested that I do a post on paint colors. As a designer, the most difficult thing for me is looking at a blank screen. I need inspiration, visuals and/or a concept in order to produce anything viable...and the same goes for decorating. Here are a couple of my favorite sources for home decor inspiration:

Magazines: Sadly, Domino is no longer. However, there is a dedicated Flickr pool with over 500 images, as well as a number of stories and slide shows on the Brides website. Elle Decor, Dwell and House Beautiful are also good (and still in print!).

 Blogs: There are way too many amazing decorating blogs to mention, but some of my favorites include Little Green Notebook, sneak peeks at Design*Sponge, Remodelista, and the ridiculously resourceful Apartment Therapy. 

Online magazines: It seems like there is a new online magazine every week. My current favorites are Lonny and Rue.

My number one recommendation with decorating is to take your time. Hopefully, you'll be living in your space for at least a little bit, so pick items, colors and pieces that you love....and have fun!

fun with bunting

After hacking off the bottom of this dress, I used the remaining material to make bunting for my fireplace. I like that the color kinda blends in with the rock.

book wallpaper

I'm thinking of trying to make a temporary version of this book wallpaper for my apartment...well, temporary in the sense that I'm not gluing it to the wall (can't imagine the landlords will go for that.) Will report back on the status!

Photos from NYGIF booths by Nole.

528th post giveaway!

HEY - It's my 528th* post and I'm celebrating by having a giveaway. The object of your affection is Evergreen, a knit shawl/scarf made by yours truly, just in time for summer (ha ha)! The shawl is made from an organic soy, cotton and bamboo fiber blend (Linea Pura by Lana Grossa for those who are interested). It's a grayish/silver-y color (not metallic) and can be worn with the point in the front or the back - I prefer the front, personally.

How do you win, you ask? It's easy! Just leave a comment on this post with something you like about this blog, something you want to see more or less of, or just something random! Be sure to include your email so I can contact you. The giveaway is open until noon on June 25th, at which I'll pick a winner at random. It's open to everyone - tell your friends!

Thanks and good luck!

Want to make your own? Search Evergreen on Ravelry.
*originally I was going to do this for my 500th post, but I didn't finish in time!

flock!

A group of friends and I just finished this mobile for a recent baby shower. We each knit an individual piece to create a handmade gift for our expecting friend. I wish I could have attended the actual shower, but I'm still thrilled with how it came out.

 

Pattern available here.

yarn bombing

My uncle recently gave me a copy of Yarn Bombing (thanks Roger!) full of some pretty insane pieces from around the world....which got me thinking of a new project:

Yeah, right! Definitely something on a smaller scale (but that bus is pretty incredible!)

But I am far too wussy to try something out in the world, so I'm keeping the project to the privacy of my own home. Perhaps a cozy for one the banisters?

Read more about yarn bombing here.

tie

Look! I knit a tie. A little silly I suppose, but Jeff seemed to like it.

Pattern available here.

buttoned up cowl

I haven't posted about knitting projects in awhile, but never fear, I'm still purling away. I just finished this cowl for the second time (the first iteration got ripped out, as it looked terrible). I added buttons to it - otherwise it would have been hard to get on over my enormous head. I think it came out pretty cute - too bad its supposed to be 80 degrees today!

I'm especially pleased with the buttons, purchased at The Button Store.

Ravelry: Burburry inspired cowl, or here.