dress up - st. lucia

I like the festival of St. Lucia day which is celebrated on the 13th of December. Though I do not claim heritage to this part of the world I do enjoy learning about different cultures.

The history behind this day.

In Sweden the eldest daughter rises early and wearing a white dress, red sash, and with whortleberry-twigs and nine lighted candles as a crown awakens the family with singing and serves coffee and saffron buns.

Here is my own little special St. Lucy dressed in a nightgown her Mama made from a bed sheet a few years back and a crown template from Sweet Paul Mag. Lots of super fun craft ideas over there.

liberty bloomers

I love bloomers... loose fitting, charming and sweet they can be worn in warm months or layered with leggings and tights in cooler temperatures. These are made with Liberty of London cotton with an elasticized waist and leg openings. They will be part of a shop update I am planning for January (fingers crossed). Size 12 months.

two tone mittens

I finished up these mittens over 2 days. The pattern is Jenny Gordy's: Purl Ridge Mittens however, I omitted the ridges for these. I might try again with the ridges in a solid. The yarn was purchased last Fall at Purl Soho and I've misplaced the tag but I am pretty sure it's Cascade Eco Duo. The pattern calls for Aran and this is worsted but, fits well. I love that each one is slightly different from the other. I'm not always a fan of variegated..this time it really suits me though. The thumb construction which is held and then picked up with a few extra stitches on the sides and knit in the round (does this make sense?)is the perfect thumb in my opinion. I am excited about those thumbs.

I have another cold (boo!) and it's been really hard to get as much done as I would like. Baking hasn't even happened yet. Knitting thankfully is one thing besides the everyday stuff that I can pretty much always do. A lot of my ideas and half finished projects are going to have to wait for the new year.

I called these Two-Tone mittens after a store I used to frequent in Montclair and work at on Sundays for awhile. Ah, and here is a photo of the lady who was my friend/boss.

turn a square

I had not knit anything in awhile for Matty....feeling guilty, I knit him a hat. It's the same as this one but, different. Yellow is his favorite color and it suits him well- bright and buzzing with energy.

Pattern: Turn a Square by Jared Flood
Yarn: Plant dyed merino wool from here
Needles: Us 3 and 5

Have a good weekend everyone!
I am looking forward to this one as we have music shows and parties all weekend. Also, Matty is testing for a new belt in Tae Kwan Do tomorrow!

orchids and fairy lights

Most definitely one of the prettiest hats I have ever knit for myself. It's comprised of cables and bobbles and is a really stunning looking pattern.


Pattern: Orchids and Fairy Lights
Designer: Tiny Owl Knits
Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Rios
Color: Damask Rose

This one is a favorite of mine too that I knit 3 1/2 years ago: Rose Red by Ysolda Teague.

new blouse in the shop

I added a new blouse to the shop this morning in a pretty cotton floral. I just love the pops of yellow, orange and navy on that sage green background. I also can take custom order requests for this style for girls under 8. It is a peasant style blouse I have made over the years. A tried and true favorite.

popping in

Just popping in here as it's been a while....

I recently completed a custom order for a Liberty of London skirt like the one here that has been sent off to the UK as a Christmas present from her Grandma. This one is in the shop right now.

Skirts are well loved in our house and are part of my daughter's 'uniform.' I am planning to add more girl's clothing to the shop in 2014.

I have some other things to show you too. Hope to be back soon.