scalene

Scalene by Carina Spencer in Dirty Water Dyeworks, Bertha in colors, chocolate raspberry and dahlia.

This is a asymmetrically shaped scarf that is made unique through the addition of a keyhole pocket to slide one point into. I like that the designer included directions for three different weights of yarn. Mine is a sock weight yarn. The only changes I made were that I omitted a few rows at the end and opted for a solid strip rather than a second band of stripes. The original has a large band of stripes, a middle solid and then a second band of stripes. I was introduced to this pattern and wool at the Sheep and Wool Festival and this is my first project from the wool I bought there. There are a few little mistakes from when i was knitting in the blackout but, other then that I think it looks nice. I can think of lots of pretty color combinations that would be quite striking for this pattern. The yarn is pretty scrumptious too.

alphabet sampler

I am working on the alphabet sampler by Alicia Paulson. I decided to start it the day I read about her adopting a baby girl a few weeks ago. I was so happy when I read the news on Alicia's blog. Hers was one of the first I read years ago. The kit had been sitting around for a few months now so I was happy for the excuse to start something new. I forgot how fun cross stitch is. I am up to the 'teacup' now which is next to the letter 't.'

into the light

Hi!

Our power was restored after 8 days and nights yesterday. I honestly felt like I was at a luxury hotel just being at home last night. There is so much we do in the modern world that one does not even think about it being special. The worst part of it was the cold because it got pretty darn cold in the house at night.

It really does make one thankful for all the little things you take for granted- blow drying your hair which normally seems like a pain, a working cappuccino maker, a toaster, a clock, being able to see in the dark....

At night I was knitting a shawl under blankets with candles next to me and a flashlight. There will be a few minor mistakes in it due to the lack of the light but, I will leave them to remind me of this later on when I might forget to be thankful for the small things. After all, we have so much and there were and are so many much worse off.

witch dress

With the hurricane approaching I thought I would show you a few photos of Ms. S in her Halloween costume. I spent quite a bit of time sewing up this dress for her over the past week. I used the dress pattern 'Dress with Quilted Bodice' from Carefree Clothes for Girls which I also made for her last year in cotton gauze and muslin. I really love this pattern because of all the details that go into it.

The bodice is made first and is hand quilted. My outer fabric is an organic cotton knit from Alabama Chanin, then a medium weight batting and finally the lining which I have had for a while and was perfect for this but I am not sure what it is. It seems like a rayon. The flutter sleeves are attached after and made from the lining. The skirt is the two layers with a ruffle added to the bottom of the lining. I like the way it is attached so the seam allowance shows in the front. Finally, you sew on the buttons in the back. I used these adorable black cat buttons I have been hoarding for a while.

I had a lot of fun making this. I've left the bodice loose so a shirt can go underneath as I have shown here and so that it can be used in the dress up box for a few years down the road.

I really hope we get to have a Halloween this year. I need to finish hemming M's costume and then we are set to go.

fjord

I recently finished Fjord though I still need to block it. It was a nice knit and fits well. The pattern is by Jenny Gordy and is available through Brooklyn Tweed. I would love to knit it in Shelter but I had some worsted weight yarn in the basket so I used that instead. I think this would make a nice hat pattern to use for gift giving this holiday season.

sheep and wool festival

We attended the Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY yesterday. What a day!
The weather was gorgeous, the leaves were peaking and there was so much to see and do.
I say this every year but to get the full effect you probably really need to go both days. I say this and I was there for a full six hours.

My new yarn-

I paid visits to a few of my favorites and discovered some new ones. Have you ever heard of Qiviut? I had not and, oh my 100% qiviut is so incredible to touch. I will someday purchase some and make a scarf.
I got some tips on rug hooking and felting and enjoyed watched some weaving demonstrations. I waited on line again to purchase a skein of Cephalopod yarns. Really, I should have bought more for the amount of time I waited but, the color is so pretty it was worth it. It's that really pretty blue up there.
I got some beautiful new wool, a penny rug kit and a bolga basket. We met up with some family there which is always nice.

There is tons for kids to do which is really great so I can disappear on my own a bit and shop for a while knowing they are having fun. They watched sheep herding, dog frisbee, petted animals and a new favorite panning for rocks and minerals.


I can't wait for next year.

corn husk dolls

I was beyond happy to see corn husk dolls with directions in this months Martha Stewart magazine. I made my first corn husk doll in Kindergarten and it really made a huge impression on me. Honestly, it is one of two memories I have of school that year. The other involves the school fair and trying to win a goldfish that I didn't get. I got one two years later at a birthday party so no worries;)

I have always wanted to make a corn husk doll. One of my daughters friends has a birthday coming up so on our playdate the other day we tried out the dolls with our girls. They loved it so, we plan to go ahead and make them at her party in a few weeks.

I have a few boy dolls (you separate the husks to make legs) started and it's really easy to change the outfits and add embellishments. I need to find some calico because my original had yellow calico and I am sort of attached to the prairie corn husk doll concept. How about a mexican themed one? I am so getting carried away.

To make one you will first need corn husks. I got mine on Amazon but they are available at Mexican groceries as well as these are what you use to make tamales. Also, twine, glue, fabric or felt, yarn and embellishments. I used pins for eyes.

Remember if you are like me to have fun and not worry about it being perfect.