Cornflower Blue

{things going on in my little world}

2012-02-14T07:53:00.001-08:00

I've added this new piece to the shop this week - it's made with cotton yarn from the Mirasol Project, which supports communities in Peru and continues the Peruvian tradition of textile arts. Plus, it's gorgeous yarn!

I'm also super happy to be featured on Geek Crafts this week : ) Yes, I'm nerdy, crafty, and I love cats. And proud of it.

And I'm really excited about some new supplies! I have now upgraded the embroidery thread I use on all the embroidered notes to a beautiful bamboo thread from a local shop and I have ordered some new batting that is made from recycled plastic bottles - amazing! I love finding cool materials to use.

I'll let you know as soon as the batting arrives and my notes get that eco-friendly boost : )

My first shop update newsletter is also scheduled to be sent out today (with a special coupon code). If you aren't on my newsletter list you can sign up by clicking the box in the side bar!

{modern cat lady}

2012-02-14T06:38:00.002-08:00

Last night I was browsing through Etsy looking for cool, modern cat stuff - and I was not disappointed! Here is a collection for all the modern cat ladies out there (myself included)!

tinyconfession... $12.00	JennasRedRhino $69.00	rctees $35.00	CANOPYstudio $790.00
lovebybean $6.50	modernistcat $449.00	TrueTreatsPetB... $7.00	AtomicAttic $129.00
ModPet $130.00	hairbrainedsch... $15.00	GoodNiteGracie $8.00	moderncat $95.00
Janefoster $20.00	vaivanat $59.00	ModernPetPortr... $55.00	AtomicAttic $179.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

work(s) in progress

2012-02-13T07:08:00.000-08:00

Here are some projects I'm working on right now -

(I have a busy day ahead of me!)

Crochet Pattern :: Eco-Friendly Ruffle Scarf

2012-02-12T09:35:00.000-08:00

I put the finishing touches on a new crochet pattern this morning - I designed it with all of the great organic and recycled cotton yarns in mind!

This pattern uses some hyperbolic crochet to make big ruffles. It looks complicated, but it's just a matter of using single and double crochet so any crocheter can easily make this one : )

Watch the scarf go from this:

to this:

and finally this:

I used a really cool yarn called 2nd Time Around Cotton for this scarf (it's made from waste cotton from the garment industry) but there are a ton of eco-friendly cottons out there that would work well - Pakucho Organic, Manos del Uruguay Cotton Stria, or Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Cotton all come to mind!

You can find this pattern in my pattern shop, my Etsy shop, and on Ravelry.

yarn tornado

2012-02-09T08:17:00.000-08:00

I've been experiencing a yarn tornado over the last 24 hours : ) Finishing up a trio of pieces for an art show has been on the top of my priority list and I'm almoooost finished... just not quite.

I've been digging through my yarn baskets, ransacking my stash to find just the right texture or color for each part of the soft sculpture.

It's so great to see the skeins I've squirreled away here and there end up being the just the right thing to use in each of these pieces! I knew there was a reason I needed so much yarn!

Can't wait to finish up and show you what I've been up to!

Petri Dish (Mini Quilt)

2012-02-08T07:43:00.000-08:00

The mini quilt is finished and photographed!

The idea for this design came from a petri dish with different kinds of cells being cultured in the agar.

I wanted this art quilt to be very touchable, so I used a lot of french knots and several different textures of embroidery thread (velvet, DMC Pearl, and DMC cotton). I drew out some of the shapes with a water soluble marker, and then added some organically as I went along.

I will be entering this little quilt in a fiber arts festival show in Montgomery (the same one where I'm teaching a hyperbolic crochet class!).

This was a really fun project, I enjoyed every minute of embroidery and watching it come together!

ahead of me

2012-02-07T08:42:00.000-08:00

I have a busy day ahead of me... a lot of things to photograph, a completed pattern to write up, and a big soft sculpture to finish (for the same juried show this is going to). I finished my newest mini quilt and am soooo happy with the result - I'll be photographing it today and sharing photos when I'm done!

I received a little package in the mail yesterday - my order from Featherheart! I'm already totally in love with the patchouli perfume oil.

breakfast

2012-02-06T08:05:00.001-08:00

oats

banana

strawberries

vanilla soymilk

{Sea Mat}

2012-02-03T07:49:00.000-08:00

I have finished one of the mini quilts I've been working on diligently in stolen moments between filling Valentine's Day orders!

This forms and ideas behind this little art quilt were inspired by an ocean creature called the Green Sea Mat (you can see a photo of the creature here), which is a cnidarian that lives in shallow tropical coral reefs.

I used some of my favorite Perle Cotton crochet thread for this project because it is so thin and fine, making the crochet pieces look very delicate.

This piece is available in my shop if you'd like to pop in and take a look.

velvet embroidery thread

2012-02-02T07:10:00.000-08:00

I'm working on an embroidered art quilt to enter into a juried fiber arts show and I'm using velvet embroidery thread for the first time. One of my goals for this year was to incorporate more luxurious materials into my work and velvet is one of my favorite luxurious textures. I'm squeezing in little moments here and there to work on the piece and I love the way it's turning out so far!

You can also read a new interview I did on the Speckless blog today : )

m e o w

2012-01-31T21:14:00.001-08:00

{hyperbolic crochet workshop}

2012-01-30T07:57:00.000-08:00

Today is a day when I don't want to write out my normal to-do list because the thought of how long it's going to be scares me a little! Yikes! I have a list of tutorials I want to make for the blog, orders to fill, art projects to begin, and I'm also planning a workshop for the Festival of Alabama Fiber Arts. I'll be participating in the festival by teaching a class on hyperbolic crochet at the end of March - if any of you are in the area you should definitely stop by and say hi (or even take the class if you are a crocheter)!

I'll be working hard all day, crossing things off the to-do list one at time.

happy friday!

2012-01-27T07:10:00.000-08:00

1. Pink yarns, 2. sharing different heartbeats., 3. After the Rain, 4. Day 25/366 - Heart bookmark, 5. Books & Vase, 6. Finished Christmas-y quilt, 7. Our spare bedroom - not finished by a long way, 8. Untitled, 9. pinks, 10. In the studio, 11. It Can Never Be Explained, 12. daydream|||, 13. hearts

{bonjour}

2012-01-26T09:08:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning to rain, rain, rain - and it's still raining, in fact! I enjoy stormy days because they are quiet and my pace is a little slower. I lit some candles to add a bit of sparkle to the morning.

I also have a veritable mountain of embroidered notes to mail this afternoon, which makes me feel quite accomplished : )

I'm drinking a cup of coffee sweetened with maple syrup (mmm... maple syrup is nature's perfect food) as I get all the notes packaged and ready to ship - a nice treat!

the funniest thing ever!

2012-01-25T07:07:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the Handmade Ryan Gosling Tumblr yet?

If not, you must check it out! I've been following this Tumblr feed for a while and it just cracks me up - crafty ladies will get it right away!

(p.s. you can follow on Twitter, too)

(sometimes I need a quiet morning)

2012-01-24T08:40:00.000-08:00

I made time for a quiet breakfast this morning because things have been so busy lately. I love hustle & bustle and checking things off a to-do list, but eventually I will start to feel a little over stimulated : ) So today I am working in a peaceful atmosphere (no noise, distractions, or constant checking of email) and taking little breaks to read the book I've been trying to make time to finish for at least two weeks (Holy Terror: Andy Warhol Close Up).

I also want to say a big thank you to everyone who has purchased one of my zines! I am making a trip to the copy shop today to have more printed - I love it when I run out : )

excitement in the air (phase 1)

2012-01-23T08:30:00.000-08:00

This afternoon I will be taking photos of new pieces and beginning to list them in the shop!

This is phase one of my shop update and it includes items that are free standing (and a few that can be hung on the wall, too).

I have also begun working on phase two of the shop update... mini art quilts! I used to make quite a few small art quilts and I've been wanting to get back to it. So I am.

This little work-in-progress is based on a sea creature called a sea mat...

TGIF!

2012-01-20T09:21:00.000-08:00

The weekend is almost here! I went for a run this morning so I'm feeling pumped up and motivated to get a lot of work accomplished today. That should give me a little time for working on my upcoming shop update over the weekend - I've been collecting interesting sea life images and have so many ideas about turning them into fiber pieces!

photo shoot : )

2012-01-18T11:27:00.000-08:00

This afternoon I squeezed in some time to re-shoot some photos for knitting patterns... I just wasn't happy with the photos I took before because I'm still trying to master photographing myself! I like the way the the new shots turned out, so I've been updating the pattern PDF's with the new images.

These patterns are for my Equinox Wrist Warmers (made with sock yarn!) and Nimbus Hat.

I really love wearing my wrist warmers while I work at the computer (and blog!).

And the Nimbus hat is one of my favorite winter hats because the stitch pattern is so cool... and I hardly every see other items in this type of pattern! It makes me feel unique : )

sneak peek :: wip

2012-01-17T10:21:00.000-08:00

Check it out - new pieces in progress!

I've been looking at amazing Ernst Haekel illustrations to get inspiration for my new work...

...and my new yarns are such a pleasure to work with! The cottons are so soft and have the perfect weight.

I tend to stick with neutral colors and blues & greens... I think I may need to add some orange and yellow to the mix. What do you think? Are those colors that you associate with ocean creatures?

I'm hoping to squeeze in a little more crochet today between working on orders for Valentine's Day notes in for the shop!

hello m o n d a y !

2012-01-16T07:06:00.000-08:00

Wow, the weekend really flew by! I managed to squeeze in a trip to the yarn shop to pick out some amazing new yarns to work with - a batch or organic cotton and a linen blend with a rich sheen.

I also worked on a bunch of orders for the shop - Valentine's Day is fast approaching! I have quite a few notes and hearts being shipped out this week : )

Organization has become really important to me as I work on expanding my business - I am now the queen of lists and post-it notes! My notebook is overflowing with ideas, too. It's a fun and exciting place to be!

this is my work day : )

2012-01-13T08:44:00.000-08:00

I have scheduled today as an intense work day - fortunately this is what my work day looks like!

I'm planning a big shop update for later this month with new designs, colors, and upgraded yarns (organic cotton & luxurious natural fibers) so watch out!

i can't wait for this!

2012-01-13T06:11:00.000-08:00

I can't wait to see the newest Wes Anderson movie... I just saw the trailer this morning!

love this color!

2012-01-12T10:27:00.000-08:00

I made this new soft sculpture using Debbie Bliss EcoAran yarn - it's organic cotton and the color is sooo gorgeous!

The sculpture has a loop on the back so you can hang it on a wall, but I also like to to display this type of piece on a table or shelf.

This piece is available in the shop, in case you were wondering : )

HOME TOUR UPDATE

2012-01-11T06:42:00.000-08:00

Here is a little update to my original home/studio tour!

I've been having a lot of fun reading through the Style Your Space E-Course by Rachel Denbow - it has so much great advice. I've mentioned before that we rent an apartment in a 100 year old house that has great wood floors & windows, but a lot decorating challenges, too! Here is some cute artwork I made using one of the course tutorials:

The course covers some helpful topics like "working with what you've got," "scale, balance, & composition," "rules to follow / rules to break, " and my favorite "dealing with ugly." There are also DIY projects, inspiring house tours, and tips for photographing your home. Finding your style can be a challenge when you are on a tight budget, renting, or just starting out so it's really helpful to have a bunch of advice and how-to's from an expert!

I got inspired to rearrange our books around the non-functional fireplace (I found a similar fireplace arrangement here on Apartment Therapy).

Then I was able to re-use the bookshelf for storing shoes & accessories in the bedroom - something I've been needing since we moved in last year! The ceramic bowls on top hold jewelry and the vintage train case has scarves and other cute stuff inside.

I also hung a few pieces of artwork... I don't get to do too much of that because nails don't agree with our plastered walls. These pieces were all light enough to hang with tape: )

(The prints are from Tascha and The Black Apple)

There's no place like home!

feeling gooood : )

2012-01-10T07:26:00.000-08:00

I'm in a really good mood today because I've been working on some apartment projects inspired by the Style Your Space E-Course I've been taking from the Red Velvet shop. I've been making some artwork & sewing new curtains -and I even ordered a new shower curtain : )

I'll post some photos of my work when I'm finished!

I was also accepted to Poppytalk Handmade for the upcoming online Valentines/Wedding Market - I'll post links once it's up and running!

STASHBUSTER KNITS

2012-01-09T08:20:00.000-08:00

I received a copy of the awesome new book Stashbuster Knits last week (thanks to Potter Craft!) and I'd love to give you a peek inside! First you should know that I think this is a great book for serious knitters and yarn addicts - those of us who have a basket of beautiful yarn leftover from other projects (or luxurious single skeins squirreled away because we couldn't resist them!). The best part is that this isn't just a book of "one skein" types of projects to use up small amounts of yarn - it's about incorporating those bits into larger projects that are really creative and eye-catching.

There are a couple of other things about the book that are make it unique and fun to peruse - for instance, the projects are arranged by yarn weight so you can easily match a project to the yarn you have in your stash. The author (Melissa Leapman) also gives advice on sorting and storing your stash (or "personal yarn collection" as she calls it) and deciding on which color combinations to use.

One more thing - there is also a technique included in this book for making a "magic ball" from leftover short lengths of yarn and for joining the yarns to make a smooth ball without knots. I have been knitting for a long time now and I had never heard of this knot-less technique before! I have to say that I'm quite in love with the idea!

Now on to the projects! There are 21 projects in the book ranging from sweaters, wraps, and throws to hats, mittens, and cowls. Here are some of the options that caught my eye in a major way:

Roundabout Jacket

(I think this is my favorite project in the whole book! It has moved to the top of my project list.)

Fire and Ice Cozy Cowl

(I love the airy, feminine feel)

Waves of Color Shawl

(a ripple pattern for knitters!)

Boho Bangles

(great for using up scraps!)

Thanks again to Potter Craft for letting me review this amazing book!

a pleasant surprise

2012-01-06T19:17:00.000-08:00

I was out walking this week and happened to find these beautiful trees covered with bright pink flowers. It was a cool day and the sun was warm and shining directly overhead... I was reminded of the poem Afternoon on a Hill...

"I will be the the gladdest thing

Under the sun!

I will touch a hundred flowers

and not pick one"

--Edna St. Vincent Millay

want to see what I've been up to?

2012-01-06T06:41:00.001-08:00

a healthy cookie recipe (seriously!)

2012-01-04T08:33:00.000-08:00

Over the last week I've made it my mission to come up with a seriously healthy snack recipe that 's easy to make, vegan, and wheat free. I decided to use cookies as my inspiration since they are one of my favorite ways to snack (and a big weakness!) - what if I could make something like a cookie but eliminate the sugar and pack it full of healthy stuff? Well, I did it! I've made a couple of batches of these little snacks and they are really good!

I'm so excited to share this recipe with you - especially for anyone dealing with a food allergy or a resolution to eat a more healthful diet!

Here are the ingredients to make 2 dozen cookies:

3 ripe bananas
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp cinnamon
3 1/2 cups oats
1 cup raisins
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

*You can substitute dried cranberries or another dried fruit for raisins if you like. You can also substitute your favorite seed or nut for the pumpkin seeds if you prefer.

Preheat your oven to 350F (180C). Lightly grease a cookie sheet with canola oil (or your favorite baking oil).

In a large mixing bow, mash the bananas until they are fairly smooth. Next, stir in the applesauce and cinnamon so that they are well incorporated. Then, add the oats and mix well. Last, add the raisins and pumpkin seeds and stir until they are evenly distributed in the mixture.

Use a tablespoon to drop spoonfuls of the cookie mixture onto the cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes. In my oven the cookies are *perfect* after 15 minutes of baking, but you oven may be a little different - check them at 15 minutes and add a couple of extra minutes if needed.

Enjoy!

how to crochet a heart :: photo tutorial

2012-01-03T17:51:00.000-08:00

Hello, everyone! My name is Rachel and I'm the woman behind the Cornflower Blue Studio blog and handmade shop. My mission is to enjoy a life filled with handmade goodness and share what I learn along the way.

Here is a little tutorial for you!

But beware: crocheting these little hearts can be quite addicting!

Fantastic! You just made a heart!

{dispatch from the work table}

2012-01-03T06:24:00.000-08:00

This morning I woke up earlier than usual and just had to snap a couple of photos of my work table.

It was still a little dark in the apartment and I was looking at my in-progress projects and just couldn't wait to get started on the day (and I'm not usually a morning person!).

I'm working on a an idea for a new crochet pattern (great for beginner crocheters!), sketching, and knitting a pair of socks from a vintage pattern. I'm really excited to see how the socks turn out - they are knit without a heel, which is something I have never come across before.

My yarn basket is holding some really beautiful yarns (I don't normally use wool, but I just can't refuse a skein of yarn when it's being given away - the sock yarns above are Noro).

I've also started a Facebook page for Cornflower Blue Studio, so drop by and check it out if you like!

{a bit of crochet}

2012-01-02T16:24:00.000-08:00

I've been drawing : )

2012-01-01T11:46:00.000-08:00

I spent yesterday afternoon drawing and listening to music (The Postal Service), which was pretty fun and relaxing. I was drawing tabby cats, calico cats, cats in scarves, cats in sweaters.

Today I'm going to browse at the library, mail some orders, go for a run, and make curried lentil soup for dinner (I found the link to this soup via Alicia Paulson a few days ago). I made the same soup last night and it was soooo good that we want another batch for tonight!

Edgar Allan Poe cat and Emily Dickinson cat are also back in the shop!

10 Goals for the New Year

2012-01-01T10:34:00.000-08:00

I took a few minutes this morning to make a list of things I'd like to accomplish in the new year.

I think it's important to have goals year round, but January is a great time to look at the big picture and plan a few goals to work toward in the coming months!

This year I plan to:

run more 5K races

reach 1000 Etsy sales

make up 6 new knitting & crochet projects

expand my recipe collection (especially wheat-free recipes)

practice yoga regularly

learn more about topics in philosophy

knit new socks for myself, keep my supply closet organized

make a cat-themed zine

and eat less refined sugar (my weakness!)

I put my 2012 goals list on the clipboard I keep on my closet door so I can keep track of my goals and check them off as I go.

Happy New Year!

Creative Energy Zine :: Volume 2

2011-12-30T06:53:00.000-08:00

I have finished another volume of my Creative Energy zine!

This one is devoted to women writers... of course, I can't fit all the writers I love into one zine so I just went through my bookshelves and tried to select a few particular favorites.

The zine has 16 pages that include a hand drawn portrait of each author and favorite quotes, too. The writers I included in this volume are Emily Dickinson, Willa Cather, Gertrude Stein, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Charlotte Bronte, Colette, Sylvia Plath, and Jane Austen.

It was really fun and challenging to draw a portrait of each woman! I think my favorite one ended up being Colette - she had such a big personality and a unique style.

I plan to make another zine like this in the future so I can include more amazing writers! If you have any suggestions for authors you like to see included (women or men) please leave me comment - I'd love to hear your suggestions!

You can find copies of this zine (and volume 1) in the shop.

{acquisitions}

2011-12-29T07:25:00.000-08:00

I found a few great items on my trip to Chicago including some awesome books at Powell's (and one given to me by my brother)!

The Gertrude Stein Reader edited by Richard Kostelanetz

The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir

Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath edited by Karen Kukil

Holy Terror: Andy Warhol Close Up by Bob Colacello

I also picked up these cute rolls of printed tape at P.O.S.H. (as well as some of my favorite French sea salt!).

{beautiful neutrals}

2011-12-28T08:07:00.000-08:00

new in the shop!

clean, contemporary neutrals in a vintage wooden bowl.

(really pretty as a table display!)

I played around a little more with varying the heights of pieces in this one and I love

the way it turned out.

Pattern Shop

2011-12-27T21:07:00.000-08:00

I have added a little "pattern shop" section to the blog so you can easily purchase my knit and crochet patterns without signing up for an account with Etsy or Ravelry!

You can pay through PayPal and receive your pattern as a PDF file.

Just click on the button in the sidebar or here to check it out!

little love notes!

2011-12-27T13:14:00.000-08:00

I got back from Chicago last night and today I've been having fun getting my shop back in order and listing some new little love notes!

These will be great for Valentine's Day, but they're also appropriate for other occasions (or just because!), too. So cute for anniversaries, birthdays, or just to stick in your honey's lunchbox for them find as a surprise.

This one is more specific to Valentine's Day (for all of you romantic couples out there):

All of these sweet little love letters can be found in my shop : )

happy xmas

2011-12-21T11:16:00.001-08:00

****I'm heading to Chicago for a holiday vacation until Dec. 27th! See you then!****

just because

2011-12-20T07:32:00.000-08:00

Free Crochet Pattern :: Organic Cotton Arm Warmers

2011-12-18T21:26:00.000-08:00

This weekend I wanted to whip up a quick crochet project using my *favorite* yarn and I've been needing a new pair of long arm warmers to wear with shorter sleeves or to layer under jackets. These arm warmers reach up to my elbows and are a really fast project because the bulky yarn works them up in no time!

I used two skeins (100 grams each) of Sprout organic cotton yarn in color 4350 and a size J/6.0 mm crochet hook. I love Sprout yarn but you can substitute another bulky weight yarn if you prefer.

Here are the simple steps!

Chain 35. Work in Double Crochet for 12 rows to make a rectangle. Knot off your yarn and weave in both loose ends. Your work will look like this (except my ends haven't been woven in yet!):

Join your yarn on one of the short ends and work one row of single crochet. Repeat on the second short end. This just gives each end a smoother, more finished look.

Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise and use single crochet or yarn on a tapestry needle to sew up the long side. You now have a long tube and that is your arm warmer! Repeat all of these steps for the second arm warmer.

These would also make really easy last-minute holiday gifts!

how to crochet a brain

2011-12-16T18:55:00.000-08:00

Oh, hello. Would you like to crochet a brain?

Well you're in luck! I have just written up a pattern to help you crochet a cute, fluffy, little brain of your very own!

It's a fun thing to put on your shelf, use a prop with your "mad scientist" costume, or make for a kid. Kids love brains!

You can check out all the brain pattern details in my Etsy shop or on Ravelry.

finished :: object

2011-12-16T06:49:00.000-08:00

I just finished this piece yesterday... I had to make it after I found this beautiful wooden bowl at the thrift store. It has such a pretty shape and I knew it would be stunning once I painted it turquoise! I grabbed my favorite type of cotton yarn (so soft, not too chunky, and it comes in a wonderful selection of colors), my crochet hook, and got to work.

Each of the crochet pieces is arranged and glued into the bowl so it's securely nestled in place.

You can see more photos and information on this particular piece in my shop!

flickr favorites

2011-12-15T06:50:00.000-08:00

This morning I was browsing through Flickr looking for pretty photos! It's always a good way to find inspiration for prettying up the apartment or starting a new knitting project.

1. scarves, 2. Quick Study., 3. a 'rippley' blanket..., 4. Simple Baby Blanket II,

5. My Dresser, 6. Hand painted pine cones, 7. Shop Update soon?, 8. peach fizz,

9. Gift wrapping on a budget, 10. Smock Knitting, 11. every year, 12. Bedroom,

13. on the 11th day of joyfulness...

(work in progress)

2011-12-14T07:04:00.000-08:00

fresh off the hook!

2011-12-13T06:45:00.000-08:00

I'd like to share a new piece that I finished over the weekend (you may remember catching a peek of it here).

This is a great reproduction portrait that I found at a secondhand store and just couldn't resist.

I crocheted the tiny embellishments with DMC Perle Cotton in some of my favorite colors (DMC has the most gorgeous selection!) and also added pieces from an antique lace collar.

I'm so pleased with the way it turned out, and even more pleased that it has already found a lovely new home (shipped out yesterday!).

Today I am finishing a few more orders for the shop, then hoping to do some organizing and some much needed yoga (I neeeeed to stretch!).

new knitting zine

2011-12-12T07:38:00.000-08:00

This weekend I managed to sneak in some time to make a fun new project! I assembled a fun little zine called "The Busy Knitter" that includes quick and easy projects to make for yourself or give as gifts - and they are great for all levels of knitters, even those just starting out! Each pattern is one that I have featured here on the blog and they are illustrated with my own drawings.

Each zine arrives in a little plastic sleeve with a granny square or other crochet goody tucked inside.

Click here to see The Busy Knitter Zine in my shop : )

Elysium Hat :: Knitting Pattern

2011-12-09T11:50:00.000-08:00

I have just added a new knitting pattern to the shop & Ravelry, too!

I am so pleased with the way the Elysium Hat turned out - super comfortable, slouchy, textured, and suitable for either a lady or a gent.

It is knit on US 8/5.0 mm needles and is a simple project for anyone who can knit in the round.

The yarn is an expensive craft store type, but you could easily substitute something more luxurious if you like!

It's also a great project when you want to do some winter knitting but don't want to get into something complicated like a sweater or lacy shawl...great to work on while watching a movie!

{quote}

2011-12-08T18:37:00.000-08:00

h e l l o

2011-12-08T09:38:00.000-08:00

wip :: slouchy hat

2011-12-06T07:45:00.000-08:00

I'm working on a new slouchy hat project based on some cute hats I've seen in the shops this autumn. I think I can make one that much nicer than the ones I've seen for sale... more texture and personality! I'm writing up the pattern, too!

new projects on the horizon

2011-12-05T06:57:00.000-08:00

Today I am sending out a big batch of orders for the shop and then I hope to set aside a little time each day for some exciting new projects while keeping up with normal shop business. This weekend I wrote out a list things I'd like to accomplish in the coming months and I can't wait to get started! I have a lot of ideas including some new knitting & crochet patterns, zines, a big crochet tutorial, and perhaps a little pattern booklet, too. It's so much fun to plan ahead for interesting new endeavors!

the world of fiction

2011-12-02T07:15:00.000-08:00

love this!

via sallyintheskywithdiamonds

{sketch}

2011-12-01T06:25:00.000-08:00

sleepy cat

2011-11-29T08:33:00.000-08:00

Chloe kept me company last night while I was finishing some orders... then she fell asleep curled up in the cutest little ball! I made a little afghan nest for her...

// q u i e t //

2011-11-28T07:20:00.000-08:00

I'm having a quiet morning wrapping up some more orders from the shop, listening to Radio Lab, and listening to the rain that has been falling since yesterday. I've also been reading through a fun new e-course (Style Your Space from the Red Velvet shop) and watching a documentary about one of my favorite artists, Jenny Holzer (my Holy Trinity is Cindy Sherman, Barbara Kruger, and Jenny Holzer!). The apartment is feeling really mellow and peaceful even though I'm in a little bit of a flurry working on orders for the shop.

happy f r i d a y !

2011-11-25T07:12:00.000-08:00

After a peaceful Thanksgiving Day it's back to work making handmade lovelies for my shop - lots of embroidered notes and crocheted hearts to be finished! It's really nice to be a part of people's holidays... crafting special gifts for them to give to their family and friends. I've started listening to a little holiday music while a work to get in the spirit!

500

2011-11-21T22:01:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all of my lovely customers for supporting my shop -

I reached 500 sales yesterday!

**********

I feel so lucky to be building my own creative business, but I couldn't do it without you.

Holiday Crunch Recipe :: Spicy Sweet Potato Fries

2011-11-21T06:25:00.000-08:00

It's been crunch time around here the last week or so with holiday orders rolling into the shop and a bunch of custom items to be made! Lately one of my favorite recipes to make for a snack or with a quick meal is sweet potato fries. Sweet potatoes are an awesome food because they have vitamin C, beta carotene, potassium, and fiber - and they have all that great potato-y texture without being a member of the nightshade family (plus they are so easy to make for vegan or allergy diets!). Instead of making a sweet recipe loaded with sugar I like to play off the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes by baking them with flavorful spices and a bit of olive oil, then serving them with some sort of mustard for dipping.

For my favorite sweet potato fry recipe (serving 2) you'll need:

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into pieces shaped like fries

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

a drizzle of olive oil

Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Placed the sliced sweet potato into a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil and stir to coat all the pieces. Measure the spices into the bowl and mix well. Spread the fries onto a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 20 minutes. Flip the fries and bake for another 15-20 minutes until they are tender.

Enjoy!

How to ReStyle a Men's Shirt (for a Lady)

2011-11-17T05:45:00.000-08:00

I have an awesome new tutorial to share today that involves thrifting, sewing, and a cute outfit! This autumn I've really enjoyed wearing tunic tops with leggings and boots because it's such a comfortable combination - but I could really use a few more tops in the rotation. I wanted something lightweight to pair with a cardigan or jacket and the soft cotton of a quality men's shirt seemed like the perfect fabric.

I took a detour to the thrift shop one afternoon while I was out running errands and picked up this awesome Land's End men's button down for $6:

This shirt is a size large, which ended up being just the right size for me to sew into a tunic dress with only a few quick alterations. When you pick out your shirt keep in mind that you want it to be long and wider than something in your size, probably about 2 sizes larger. (If you are tempted to choose a shirt that is more than 2 sizes too big you will end up with a lot of extra fabric around the arms and shoulders.)

And here is what my finished tunic top looks like (you won't believe how simple this project is!):

There are really only a few quick steps to turning an over sized men's shirt into something for your closet!

Step 1:

Try on the shirt and place a couple of pins under the bust to mark where you'd like to gather the top to create shaping a the waist (this line goes around the entire shirt). I was really glad I picked out a plaid shirt because I could follow the lines on the design for help in sewing straight!

Next you'll need a package of 3/8 inch elastic. There are a lot of elastics to choose from at your average sewing store, but I like to use lingerie elastic because it's softer. On the wrong side of your shirt, place the elastic along the bust line you marked out with your pins. Use a zigzag stich on your sewing machine to sew the elastic around the bust line of the entire shirt while stretching the elastic as you sew. As you release the elastic after sewing it will contract and gather the fabric, creating a more flattering silhouette for your tunic top!

Step 2:

Try on your shirt again and use a couple of pins to mark where you'd like the sleeves to fall on your arm. You can choose any length you'd like (full sleeve, three quarter, etc.) Add an inch to this measurement and then use your fabric scissors to cut off the extra fabric. Fold the sleeve under 1/2 inch and press, then another 1/2 inch and press again. Use a straight stitch on your sewing machine to complete the hem.

That's it! Style up your new tunic top and hit the town : )

{pretty}

2011-11-15T06:04:00.000-08:00

These tiny pink leaves were all over the sidewalk yesterday and they made me think of confetti!

check it out

2011-11-14T06:59:00.000-08:00

I've written an article for Craftsy about buying patterns from indie designers - you can check it out here!

I love cats (and I don't mind being a cat lady)

2011-11-08T14:30:00.000-08:00

One of the best things about having pets is that any time you enter a room you may be walking into a very cute situation. You never know when random cuteness may strike, but when it does it's always a nice surprise!

Remember this catghan? It's finished and I think they like it!

(things I like about my town)

2011-11-08T14:18:00.000-08:00

Here are a few things I like about my town:

1. Walking over to Crimson Cafe for a Celtic Latte (Irish Creme & Hazelnut)

2. Antebellum buildings

3. Bright red trees against a bright blue sky

4. Pine cones for free seasonal decorating

Also: Magnolia trees, long mild autumns, and listening to "Crooners" while I cook dinner on Sunday.

What do you like about your town?

new! and I love it!

2011-11-08T14:12:00.000-08:00

I just finished a new piece for the shop and I like it so much I wish I could keep it for myself!

It's mostly mustard yellow with a couple of pops of aqua and white.

I really love the long rectangular shape of this one... it looks really contemporary even though the base is a re-used plaque from the 1970s.

And don't forget about my coupon code and blog reader bonus... you can use them until November 13th on this piece or any of the items in my shop...

Business Tips!

2011-11-08T08:02:00.000-08:00

I don't think I've mentioned this before, but I'm writing a weekly guest post on the AAG blog about running a creative business! It's up every Tuesday and I give a few tips each week for those living the dream or thinking about getting started.

This weeks tips are about designing a craft booth

and I've also written about

taking an e-course

focusing on creativity

and paying attention to trends

Are there any topics that would be helpful to you as creative people? Let me know in the comments!

:: package assembly ::

2011-11-07T07:15:00.000-08:00

I have a bunch of orders to package and ship this morning (yay!) so I'm getting my packaging ready in an assembly line.

I like all of my envelopes, business cards, and "extras" to have a handmade touch so I have started using a fun stamp that coordinates with the crafty diy packaging I use for each order... I think the end result is pretty cute!

{autumn gold}

2011-11-04T08:53:00.000-07:00

I'm really into yellow for autumn this year! It just seems like the perfect color.

Here are a few lovely finds from Flickr in my new favorite palette...

1. knit honey cowl in mustard yellow, 2. 1940s mustard yellow folklore print blouse, a Gordon Peters Original, 3. ruffle necklace in mustard., 4. Mustard Yellow Tote Bag, 5. Mustard Bird, 6. Mustard Yellow Felt Flower Brooch, 7. Mustard Yellow Door, 8. Branching Out, 9. Charlene's Scarf in Mustard yellow Mohair_05, 10. Mustard Knit Chunky Scarf & Matching Beret, 11. vintage green & mustard yellow pompom trim, 12. mustard yellow crochet shawl, 13. Beaded necklace with Mustard yellow wood pulp flower

:: in progress ::

2011-11-03T07:04:00.000-07:00

:: scarflette ::

2011-11-01T06:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I took some time to re-photograph some time to rephotograph a few more items in the shop and I also listed the original sample I made for the Honeybee Scarflette knitting pattern! This is one of my favorite patterns (in one of my favorite colors!) and it's perfect for cold weather.

**Don't forget - you can save 15% off everything in my shop and get a free gift package with my blog discount codes!**

tentacles

2011-10-29T13:14:00.000-07:00

This weekend I finished a new crochet piece inspired by tentacles (squid and jellyfish) and the illustrations of biologist Ernst Haeckel (I remember when I almost bought Kunstformen der Natur at the Art Institute - I should have grabbed it!).

Here are some of Haeckel's drawing that I looked at while making this piece...

{new pics}

2011-10-29T13:10:00.000-07:00

I needed to take some new photos of crochet pieces from the shop... something to better show the scale of the pieces. So that's what I did today!

I always feel slightly awkward taking my own photo... I never know what kind of face I'm making : )

in which I have a cozy day

2011-10-28T15:03:00.000-07:00

Today was cloudy, rainy, and cool in Tuscaloosa so I spent the day cozy-ing up in the apartment. There was much crocheting, cookie baking, and cat snuggling going on.

And I'm making dinner in the crockpot, so the whole place has smelled like warm, delicious food all day! Have you ever made baked potatoes in your crock pot? It's one of my favorite easy dinners!

Simply wash the potatoes (you can make as many as your crock pot will hold), pierce them with a fork, and wrap them in aluminum foil. Nestle them into the pot and cook on Low for 8 to 10 hours (or on High for 2 1/2 to 4 hours).

I like to top my baked potatoes with broccoli, one of the vegan "cheese" sauces from this cookbook, salsa, and Tofutti Sour Supreme!

What are your favorite ways to load a baked potato? I'm always up for trying new toppings!

follow your dreams

2011-10-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

Running my Etsy shop full time over the last year has been a dream come true and I'm about to reach a big milestone - 400 sales! To help me get there (3 sales to go!) and to celebrate dreams coming true I am offering a discount to all of my blog readers : )

Just use the coupon code "DREAM15" at checkout to get 15% off everything in my shop. And if you enter the words "Extra Special" in the note to seller I'll include a little package of bonus handmade goodies in your order. These codes are good through November 13 (the day I run my first 5K, another dream come true!).

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."

~C.S. Lewis

white, cream, beige

2011-10-27T08:26:00.000-07:00

A newly finished crochet piece for the the shop!

This color palette is so zen and peaceful...

ripple afghan (or catghan)

2011-10-26T07:24:00.000-07:00

I have started crocheting a wavy ripple afghan to add an extra layer to my cat's upcycled suitcase bed for the fall. I'm using gold, aqua, and white yarns... I think the color palette will look pretty with the blue suitcase!

I was browsing through flickr looking at other ripple blankets - there are so many gorgeous examples! I really want to make a big bed-sized blanket, maybe I can work it in to the project schedule in the future...

1. ripple blanket #2, 2. ripple blanket #2, 3. Baby Ripple, 4. crochet - manta croche - ripple afghan, 5. My Ripple afghan on the new/old chair..., 6. Ripple Afghan 5, 7. Spumoni {ripple}, 8. Soft Waves Afghan, 9. ripple afghan, folded, 10. ripple afghan, extended, 11. Ripple Afghan, 12. Soft Waves Ripple Afghan, 13. Rainbow Ripple Afghan, 14. Ripple Afghan Started, 15. Ripple afghan, 16. Ripple Afghan, half done

{vintage photos}

2011-10-25T06:59:00.000-07:00

I have two new vintage photographs to add to my collection... I think they are Edwardian and I love the details on the clothes!

sock knitting emergency

2011-10-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

Last week I realized that I really need to knit some new socks... I really only wear hand knit socks these days so I need a few fresh pairs in the rotation! I was digging around in my yarn basket for a ball or two of forgotten sock yarn when I found this:

A pair of socks that I started last year around Thanksgiving! And such a pretty yarn and pattern... I'm not sure why I never finished but this project needs to be completed ASAP. But the good news is that my new pair of socks is magically already halfway completed : )

Oh, but the bad news is that I keep getting distracted from my knitting because I am totally addicted to building my family tree on ancestry.com! (I am not in any way a paid endorser of ancestry.com, I just really like it!) My project is getting very exciting because I have found a paper trail for two Revolutionary War soldiers in my family and I even found one of them on the first U.S. census from 1790... yes, I am a history nerd.

Have any of you researched your family history? Did you find anything unexpected?

((snapshots))

2011-10-20T08:43:00.000-07:00

I found this great dress at the consignment shop!

It feels like fleecy sweatshirt material : )

labradorite & moonstone bracelet...

knitting!

yarnyarnyarnyarnyarnyarnyarnyarn

2011-10-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

All I want to do today is knit or crochet or do something with yarn. And I think I want to make a project with bobbles... but I still have a few other projects to finish first. And chores to do around the house. But I will get to it eventually!

1. Lili and Multipass yarn, 2. luxe yarn, 3. Yarn & Needles, 4. Yarn lust, 5. Yarn, 6. Yarn, 7. brights yarn, 8. Yarn, 9. yarn, 10. yarn!, 11. Yarn, 12. yarn, 13. Yarn Pirate 'Apple'

love this!

2011-10-16T20:26:00.000-07:00

Have you seen these ladies?!! They are amazing!! The Advanced Style blog is great...

creative energy zine

2011-10-16T20:18:00.000-07:00

I found a really fun book about making zines at the library this week, so of course I was totally inspired! I made up my own art + inspiration zine and am so excited to share it with you...

... I really wanted to make something positive and encouraging, something to spread some good energy. I decided to make a zine of positive quotes and illustrations that I could share inexpensively with anyone interested. The zine is available in my shop for $3.50 with free shipping in the U.S. (and cheap shipping everywhere else!).

I plan to put together another post with tips & ideas for zine making later this week!

huzzah!

2011-10-13T15:36:00.000-07:00

My mini love note is featured in the latest issue of Wedding Nouveau!

colors & neturals

2011-10-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

outfit

2011-10-12T09:01:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted an outfit in a while, so now is the perfect time!

This is what I wore yesterday and it was perfect for running errands downtown and around my neighborhood, then coming home to get some work done for the shop.

skirt: homemade, tank: Gap, denim shirt: Gap, belt: Ellie Crimson, shoes: thrifted Kenneth Cole

"Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society."

-Mark Twain

drawings!

2011-10-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

I just finished a bunch of new cat drawings! I'll be adding them to the shop throughout the day.

(and emily dickinson and edgar allan poe are back in the shop, too!)

I like the cat lady with the pink hair : )

maps & atlases

2011-10-09T15:49:00.000-07:00

I've been spending my time listening to maps & atlases and crocheting some fun new things for the shop!!! (Yes, three exclamation pionts... that's how excited I am.)

New colors of bow necklaces and some brand new brooches... the brooches are crocheted to look like award ribbons!

So cute!

I've been having so much fun coming up with these projects to use the colorful yarn from my stash : )

my yarn basket runneth over

2011-10-07T07:35:00.001-07:00

((heart))

2011-10-05T17:36:00.001-07:00

I just have to share this custom piece I finished this week - the buyer saw photos yesterday so I can share them on the blog now, too!

Pretty cool, huh? The customer contacted me with the idea for a heart-shaped piece and I thought it would be a fun challenge! I had to create my own base for the project, which I have never done before!

soft sculptures // shop update part 2

2011-10-04T17:15:00.000-07:00

Here are two more items that I've added to the shop recently! A pair of monochromatic soft sculptures in emerald green and dark pink...

This green one is on a second hand wood plaque that looks like a wood slice, so it reminds me of moss or lichen growing on a tree!

And this pink one reminds me of taste buds! : )

bow crazy // shop update part one

2011-10-04T10:07:00.000-07:00

I've been having a ton of fun making new things for the shop over the last few days! I went on a yarn-buying trip over the weekend and picked out some great new colors to work with. Check out my new "big bow" necklaces in crimson and mustard yellow:

I really think these necklaces are so cute! I came up with a new way of crocheting the bows to make them puffier and more three dimensional.

And I have some new gift wrap bows for the holidays (in evergreen and crimson):

I love the idea of using old lace scraps and simple brown paper with a colorful bow for holiday gift giving.

I'll be sharing some more new shop items tomorrow! Can't wait!

new stuff!

2011-10-03T17:40:00.001-07:00

********************

I have been so busy finishing up new projects today!

Photos are coming up tomorrow afternoon!

********************

beautiful day

2011-09-30T09:58:00.000-07:00

So far today has been a beautiful day... I just returned from a fun trip to the craft store where I stocked up on yarn (!) and other supplies. I also stopped at the health food store to pick some healthy foods for the weekend. I hope to accomplish quite a bit of crocheting over the next two days.

Here are a couple of photos of a piece that I finished this week and has already been sold - yay! I was very happy to ship it off to its new home yesterday.

Happy Friday!

welcome to my studio

2011-09-25T22:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my little studio tour!

My studio has taken over the living room area of my apartment and I love combining my work space with my living space. I can squeeze in time to work on projects throughout the day during even the busiest of times. And having my supplies and projects out where I can see them helps me keep track of what needs to be done, what is almost done, and what is not even close to being done! Of course, the trade off is that I have to keep everything neat, tidy, and cat-proof!

My long work table is right up against the room's front windows so I can take advantage of the natural light for photographs and sewing. The windows are really old and have about a hundred coats of paint on them, which I think is charming, and I get a great breeze in that spot. Please ignore the air conditioning unit that the landlord has bolted to the window sill : )

In front of my work table is the *best* spot for knitting and crocheting because that's where my red lounger is located! I love to sit there and listen to NPR or watch a movie while I work. I can also grab a pattern book from the stacks of books in front of the fire place if I need to.

I also spend a lot of time at my computer desk editing photos, reading blogs, and googling random things that pop into my head. I'm still on the look out for a great rug to put under the desk & chair to protect the wood floor... for now I've layered two small rugs that I had on hand as a quick fix.

Another pride-and-joy piece of furniture (besides the lounger) is my tweedy gray couch. It is really comfortable and another great spot to sit and do some knitting. (Both it and the lounger were great finds from Copenhagen.) The cats also love this couch!

Thanks for taking a look at my work space! I hope you enjoyed the tour : )

afternoon walk

2011-09-25T22:52:00.000-07:00

There is a wonderful old cemetery near my apartment and I cut through it sometimes when I'm out walking around. I snapped a few photos of the beautiful carvings from the 1800s while passing through this week...

{coming soon}

2011-09-25T22:50:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a little studio tour to post later this week!

A little peek into my everyday...

...I've also started reading a new book called "Charlotte Bronte's Thunder" (thanks for the recommendation, Poppy!) that is very interesting and either total genius or totally insane. I have only just started reading, so I don't know which it is yet! If you love the Bronte's you should definitely check out the link and read the description of this book. All I can say is that after reading the first 31 pages I am extremely interested to see where the author goes with her ideas!

letting nature inspire your creative work

2011-09-25T15:47:00.000-07:00

I just finished this beautiful new soft sculpture and it has made me think about how nature can be such a powerful place to find inspiration. Sometimes it directly inspires me with its shapes and patterns, sometimes I'm indirectly influenced by just enjoying some time outside and clearing my head... it makes space for new ideas.

You don't have to look far to find amazing works of art where plants, animals, weather, and landscapes play a part in the composition (I really love the landscapes of the Hudson River School and the site specific art of Andy Goldsworthy). And the wonderful thing is that you don't have to be a big time artist to let nature inspire your creative process! We can all spend time enjoying the natural world and letting it inform our work.

Here are my top 5 tips for getting inspired by nature!

1. Start spending time outside with your camera or sketchbook. This is a great way to keep track of interesting objects, beautiful colors, or design elements that you might want to use in your work in the future.

2. Let yourself spend plenty of time observing, with no pressure to come up with ideas. Just looking and paying attention is so important - you may be struck with an idea like a lightening bolt, or you may walk away with a few impressions that need time to stew. Let your ideas evolve naturally and take as much time as you need.

3. Notice patterns, textures, and shapes. Sometimes you can really zoom in on the texture of a giant tree, the ripples in a pond, or the color pattern on a stone. These are great times to pull out your camera or sketchbook and record what you see!

4. Try different perspectives. Not feeling inspired where you're sitting? Try getting low to the ground for an ant's-eye view. Or try looking straight up into the trees while laying on your back. There are endless ways to change your perspective and it may help you notice something new.

5. Notice changes in light and season. Have you ever seen Monet's series of paintings of the Rouen Cathedral? He painted the same structure over and over throughout different seasons and times of day - it's an amazing set of paintings and a great technique that we can use, too!

Do you have any tips for letting nature inspire your creative work? I'd love to hear them!

{meow}

2011-09-22T22:10:00.000-07:00

happy friday!

Cornflower Blue

{things going on in my little world}

{modern cat lady}

Last night I was browsing through Etsy looking for cool, modern cat stuff - and I was not disappointed! Here is a collection for all the modern cat ladies out there (myself included)!

work(s) in progress

Crochet Pattern :: Eco-Friendly Ruffle Scarf

yarn tornado

Petri Dish (Mini Quilt)

ahead of me

breakfast

{Sea Mat}

*velvet* embroidery thread

m e o w

{hyperbolic crochet workshop}

happy friday!

{bonjour}

the funniest thing ever!

(sometimes I need a quiet morning)

excitement in the air (phase 1)

TGIF!

photo shoot : )

sneak peek :: wip

hello m o n d a y !

this is my work day : )

i can't wait for this!

love this color!

*HOME TOUR UPDATE*

feeling gooood : )

STASHBUSTER KNITS

a pleasant surprise

want to see what I've been up to?

a healthy cookie recipe (seriously!)

how to crochet a heart :: photo tutorial

{dispatch from the work table}

{a bit of crochet}

I've been drawing : )

10 Goals for the New Year

Creative Energy Zine :: Volume 2

{acquisitions}

{beautiful neutrals}

Pattern Shop

little love notes!

happy xmas

just because

Free Crochet Pattern :: Organic Cotton Arm Warmers

*how to crochet a brain*

finished :: object

*flickr favorites*

(work in progress)

fresh off the hook!

*new knitting zine*

Elysium Hat :: Knitting Pattern

{quote}

h e l l o

wip :: slouchy hat

new projects on the horizon

the world of fiction

{sketch}

sleepy cat

// q u i e t //

happy f r i d a y !

500

Holiday Crunch Recipe :: Spicy Sweet Potato Fries

How to ReStyle a Men's Shirt (for a Lady)

{pretty}

check it out

I love cats (and I don't mind being a cat lady)

(things I like about my town)

new! and I love it!

Business Tips!

:: package assembly ::

{autumn gold}

:: in progress ::

:: scarflette ::

*tentacles*

{new pics}

in which I have a cozy day

*follow your dreams*

white, cream, beige

ripple afghan (or catghan)

velvet embroidery thread

HOME TOUR UPDATE

how to crochet a brain

flickr favorites

new knitting zine

tentacles

follow your dreams

outfit

welcome to my studio