Tuesday, March 17, 2009

spring bird brooches



Spring is on it's way and I added 2 new bird brooches to the shop.
The birds are a very cute accessory for spring and also look great perched just about anywhere.

I have one on a curtain in my room and another one sitting on my dresser.
Unfortunately, I can't wear them right now as they are so tempting for little hands to grab.

There are quite a few of them over there in my shop. Perhaps one will strike your fancy.

And, I'll offer 20% off your purchase of one by March 24th. That's next Tuesday so for one week only. I will reimburse you through Paypal.

Happy Spring!

Monday, March 16, 2009

girl in a bubble


Here Ms. S is modeling her latest outfit. This time a hand knit one-piece sunsuit. This will be great for beach days this summer. We took a trip down recently and went for a walk and played in the sand a bit. The kids were so excited to be there.

This was a relaxing and fast pattern to knit. It is called boy in a bubble but I think it looks cute on a girl too. You can find it through Vicki Howell. I love how the organic cotton and milk fiber felt moving through my hands. It was my first time working with milk fiber and I am intrigued. I have found soy & cotton also to be nice combination for summer knitting.

Ms. S has been learning all sorts of new tricks the past few days and is very pleased with herself. She is not walking but, I'm in no hurry. She is such a joy and so funny. It is amazing the changes that have happened in just one months time.

Friday, March 13, 2009

stitching birds




I have been busy stitching birds this week from a pattern. I plan to give these as gifts (okay one set is for Ms. S) but, I am not yet quite done with my project for them.

I have been really enjoying the process of making these and am going to go ahead and try to make my own bird pattern as I'd like to make them to sell.

Mine will be smaller and a bit different in stature.

These birdies are pretty sweet and will look quite nice 'flying' around. And, there is your hint about what I'm going to be doing with them.

Have a great weekend.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

swingset tunic + skirt




I finished up the Oliver + S swingset tunic
+ skirt
on Sunday evening. I started it last Tuesday. Sewing lately is a little here and there but, I'll take what I can get.

I have to say that this one was a tiny bit difficult for me and it didn't turn out as well as I hoped. There is a small issue with the bodice in the bottom of the back placket and in the way the lining matched up to the bodice in front. The skirt came out a tiny bit big in the waist but, I am not too troubled by that. It is still wearable and I do like it despite the imperfections. For Spring she will be wearing this with cream tights and a cream crocheted sweater by my Nana.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

little miss ladybug




Yes, I am still dreaming of spring and warm sunshine and therefore I am sewing some Spring/Summer clothes for my daughter.

Here is my little miss ladybug dress.

The dress pattern is this one from Oliver + S. I really love Leisl's patterns and the styles she creates. I am already working on another which I hope to have done soon.

Here are some photos of Ms. S modeling the dress.






I made the less bubbly version...still it has a wonderful pouf factor. I used muslin to line it. This will fit her perfectly when the warm weather arrives. I can't wait to see her blowing bubbles wearing this.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

cherry blossom beret



I put a petal in my pocket
to remind myself of Spring
so that even when it's over
in my mind it will remain
a wondrous thing

-Cynthia Hopkins - Ballad of the Cherry Blossoms - Devotionals (Songs for Shunkin)



It is freezing and I am dreaming of Spring and those pink cherry blossoms I love so much.

The beret is for Ms. S and the pattern is from the same Debbie Bliss book as the previous post. It is called Pompon Beret

Sunday, March 1, 2009

fall raspberries



I finished up a new sweater for Scarlet yesterday. It took me a week to knit it with some other projects being worked on as well.

The color is this beautiful berry stain that I could see so well with prints and cream and chocolate brown. And, it will bring out the pink in her cheeks

My intention was for this to be a spring sweater however, the good/bad news is that is turned out too big which of course, is much better then too small. It should work for next Fall/Winter. I feel like I learned a lot about finishing and seaming - I ripped out and redid a few times which certainly tested my patience but, made me happier in the end with the finished product.

I will admit I didn't do a gauge swatch (the wool gauge was the same as the DB yarn called for so I figured I was okay) but, here is what I think happened.

1) After much reading I found many people find that DB patterns turn out huge. So, I know I am not alone.

2) Ms. S is not a big baby.

3) My gauge may have been a bit off. I'm starting to think I knit bigger with circulars. Anyone else have that issue?

Details:

Pattern:
Baby Shrug - Debbie Bliss Simply Baby
Size 12-18 months (but came out bigger)
Yarn: Mission Falls 1824 Merino Superwash Raspberry 029


In the end, I got a sweater for her to grow into which is fine really when you think about it. I love this sweater even if I hated the seaming at the end. The sleeves were a major pain for me.