37 year old inspiration

my mom brought me the quilt that she made me when i was a baby. apparently i spent alot of time on that blanket, as being outside was one place i did not scream. i was amazed at how well it held up, it is after all 37 years old. i had this idea the other night to take it apart and use the fabric to make a new, modern quilt for myself. i have not yet decided on the block pattern, but this recently purchased book should help me.

my mom started taking the quilt apart last night. but before she started that tedious project, we took some pictures of the bean hanging out on the quilt.

stay tuned to see how this project unfolds.

in print

remember this post?

well, the book pure knits is now officially in bookstores and knitting shops across the country. i was in barnes and noble today, and i have to admit that seeing the book on the shelf made my heart go pitter patter. seeing one's name and designs in print can make a girls head swell with pride. yahaira did a fabulous job putting the book together and i think it was well worth the wait!

the mary ellen camisole was named for my maternal grandmother, mary ellen who passed away in september of 2007. she was quite a woman! i know you would have loved her. she turned 80 in may of 2007 and i knit her a cashmere blanket for her gift. she was always cold. i attempted to use the purse stitch, but somehow, i changed it and liked the result. that stitch inspired this garment and i thought it was fitting to name it after my grandmother. in addition, this photo was waiting in my email inbox when i returned home from her funeral.

the dimple v-neck was inspired by one of my favorite stitches, the dimple stitch and my all time favorite yarn, blue sky alpacas alpaca silk. the result is a garment that has immense possibilities. this yarn is a dream to work with and comes in a magnificent array of colors and i love the texture the dimple stitch creates.

this was a great project to work on and its nice to see all the hours of work in print.

thanks for indulging me.......

isnt it lovely?

i have been admiring this japanese washi paper masking tape for some time. i just love the colors and possibilities it presents, the juxtaposition of delicate and strong. as i type this, all ten delightful colors are sitting next to me on my desk. i am not sure what i am going to do with it or how i am going to use it, but for now i am content to admire it for all the creative possibilities it represents.

faves

with all the recent talk about my soon to be open etsy shop, i thought i would share with you some of my favorite etsy shops. this is just a small sampling of my etsy faves, i have 95 shops marked as favorites.....

for great party decorations, pomlove is the answer
for the ultimate fabric selection, check out fabricsupplies
if you are looking for fresh ceramics with a modern feel, stepanka is your go to
if you want to be the hit of the baby shower, a set of onesies from handmadejig is the gift you need
for fabulous refurbished vintage furniture go to sprucehome
for the most luxurious leather handbag without the designer price, morelle has the bag for you


now be a dear and go check out this fabulous etsy shops!

looking forward to fall

i know that summer recently decided to make an appearance in some parts of the country, but seeing kim hargreaves new collection for fall, makes me yearn for crisp and blustery days, fall skies and the color of changing leaves. kim was a designer for rowan for over 20 years and then went out on her own. i think she is one of the best in the business, her patterns are well written, her design sense is excellent and she uses rowan yarns (my personal favorite).

i think the following designs will be added to my must knits for fall. and i think i may even have some of the yarn in my stash.

so here's to fall knitting!

i wish

i wish i had this yarn two years ago. a lovely kid silk haze like yarn with loads of tiny beads already strung on the yarn. it would have made making this dress a whole lot easier! in case you are wondering, i made this dress to wear to my little brothers rehearsal dinner. this was the knitting project that brought me to my knees, between the lace pattern and randomly hand crocheting tiny beads every 5-6 stitches, it literally kicked my ass. but i am stubborn and persevered. i had just started dating my precious husband when i started this project, he would call, and my response was always "cant talk, i am working on THE dress". i am amazed he stuck around, but he says it was worth it in the end!

inspired

i purchased this book over the weekend and i cant stop looking at it. it is a beautiful book, with great patterns, an amazing use of color and loads of inspiration.