bonnet and vest

There has been a lot of knitting, some sewing too but, mostly knitting. I've had a cold for a week and the heat hasn't been kicking in the attic in the hours I need to sew.

Here are few of the projects that I finished. Both of these can be found in More Last Minute Knitted Gifts

1) Cashmere Baby Bonnet

This actually fits my 2 1/2 year old so maybe I should give it to her. Or, keep it for a gift. Something to ponder a little bit. I used Jade Sapphire Cashmere 8 Ply in color Burnt Toast. It calls for Lobster Pot Yarns Worsted Hand Dyed Cashmere.





2) Kids Vest



At first I was unhappy with the fit. Too short, too wide. I finished it on Thanksgiving eve and he wore it for Thanksgiving because as soon as he saw it he wanted to put it on and then the following day as well. It looked a bit silly but, he loved it. I am now working on re blocking it and it's looking much better. I used Malabrigo Twist in the color- olive. It calls for Spud and Chloe sweater.

Oh, I made another cute project from this book yesterday and another I started a few days ago is almost done. I will show them soon as well as some other sweet things. I keep finding more and more I want to knit. That Ravelry is so so good. I started something with Rowan Kidsilk Haze yesterday and am just loving working with it.

happy thanksgiving

It's all about the pie for me and here is my contribution.
Alicia's The Sour Cream Apple Pie.
I have recommended this pie to others without ever even baking it myself so I figured it was about time. From the reviews I've read from trusted sources I hear it's very good.


I have a small little collection of pie birds and this blackbird is my favorite one but, I forgot to stick it in while baking. Really though this type of pie doesn't need to use one.


Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Doll Clothes for Christmas -Part Three

Gingham Pajamas in a tiny yellow marigold and white scheme.
I just wish I had enough fabric to make a matching set for them to wear together.
I'll have to add that to the list. Could you imagine having a matching wardrobe with your doll?
Speaking of miniature clothes...do you know about this exhibit? I learned about it yesterday over on Liesl's blog and am completely in awe of all those perfectly tailored tiny clothes.

a winter coat for a doll

Or Doll Clothes for Christmas: Part II

My interest has recently been renewed in one of the projects I mentioned and got started on a bit back which was to make doll clothes and package them up in a suitcase for Christmas for S.

Recently, on our way out the door to the playground Ms S instructed me (in her sweet way) to get something for her bunny to wear because the bunny would be joining us. And, then to find some shoes. Secretly, I was thrilled but didn't let on. Out of her closet came the tiny cotton slip that was mine as a baby and then the black patent leather shoes she wore as a baby. That bunny and her had the best time together on the swings that day.


This coat was made for a medium size doll. It actually seems to have come out a bit big. I don't know if that is from the felt which by nature is stiff but it does fit My Friend Dolls- Mandy and Jenny. I made it with wool felt and handmade seam binding. The felt was a bit fussy to work with. Interfacing the collar with 2 layers of felt was not the best idea but, worked out. Instead of buttons I used a ribbon to make a bow tie. After all, dolls need to keep warm when taken outside. Oh, and in case you were worried she has tights and maryjanes but she didn't want to wear them today with her riding outfit.

five

Happy Birthday Matty. Today you are five.
And, as you keep reminding me that's halfway to ten.
I hear five is a magical age and I think I can already see signs of that magic especially behind your sweet smile and that twinkle in your eye.

peaks island hood

Here is what I've been knitting for the past few weeks. It is the Peaks Island Hood and the pattern is by Ysolda.
It is my second hooded scarf I've made this year.

I think the first one may be be a bit more flattering on me but, let me know what you think or even how you would best wear this one. I'm thinking it would look amazing against a white or cream coat especially but I don't have one.

My Mom made me a little self conscious about the style yesterday. She wasn't intentionally trying to but, you know...and now I'm a bit nervous about wearing it.

There is a lot of moss stitch here which gives it a nice textural quality with a shell pattern on the ends. I bought the yarn at the NY State Sheep and Wool festival from Green Mountain Spinnery and the color is Ice Blue. It's the same wool and color of the original. I paired it with vintage glass buttons. The hood can be worn up or down.

new pretties in the shop

I got the bug to make some millinery brooches yesterday so two new ones have landed in my Etsy shop. I think these two are really special and would be great for wearing or decorating with for the holidays.

I also put up two small memo boards which are made with round cork and are great for pinning special things to like a photo, flower, business card or a new phone # that was exchanged or maybe even a little love note to your sweetheart.



-I have a special plan to use some of those vintage hankies that you see in the background of the cork boards that I can't wait to start on but, I've a few things I want to get finished up first like this pretty knit piece that I've been very focused on lately.

a little elf

I could not resist the sweet elf hat in More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts after seeing it. A quick easy project that will helpfully hurdle me onward to finishing the larger one that I have on the needles.

I knit this up in Debbie Bliss Como which is a nice blend of merino and cashmere. I was happy to use this yarn from my stash because it so sweet to knit with and really soft. I was almost done knitting when I realized it was too big so I actually knit this twice yesterday. Ms. S wore it all morning. I love the flower she is touching in this photo. I don't know the proper name of it but, I remember it saying 'vanilla spoon' on the tag.

doxies and a satchel

I made two of the Doxie necklaces from Wee Wonderful's new book which is full of treasures. I think I'll give one to S and one to another little dog lover for Christmas this year.




A red Cambridge Satchel for me. I actually forgot I ordered this and was really excited and surprised when the Fed Ex man came today and I saw the return address.



A devils food cake was baked today amongst lots of cooking for the first of many birthday parties that will be held for my boy this month. Yes, the lucky devil gets multiple parties. Tomorrow is a space theme and I'm hoping to turn the cake into something that resembles the moon with the icing, pearl dust and an astronaut figure. I think that will do the trick

Happy weekend to you!

spinning

I bought a drop spindle at the NY Sheep and Wool a few weeks back and the lady I purchased it from demonstrated how to use it. I bought one that you can use to spin from both sides. One has a hook and the other has a groove in order to make the hitch around. I practiced for about an hour today and it is slow. I am attempting the park and draft technique and have attempted from both sides. This is going to get some getting used to. I think I get the basic concept but knowing how to let loose the roving and keep it even is proving challenging. My 'yarn' (which is this gorgeous pale peach merino roving I got at the previous year's festival) is also still pretty thick at this point. I'll let you know when I have a skein done. And, if you have any advice for me I'd love to hear about it.