Last Custom Project for a Little While

I just finished this skirt and shirt set for a friend. Turned out pretty cute, I think. I'm going to be taking a break from custom work for a little while b/c we're in the process of moving and I may not have access to a sewing machine for a bit.

I hope to start the new year off in a new space and maybe even with a new sewing machine (I'm thinking a serger would be nice). Cheers!

Aravis Cowl

Back in October we were downstate for a Michigan football game. I found out that Melynda of French Press Knits was doing a trunk show at Have You Any Wool? in Berkley. I decided I'd stop by and introduce myself. Melynda and I are connected in a few ways (through a college friend and a cousin). It was great to meet her in person. I also picked up a copy of her Aravis Cowl pattern and some Malabrigo yarn. I finished this last week. It is pretty sweet. I LOVE the color and the yarn is fantastic! The hood is such a sweet touch. Mine is a little snug when I have it up, but it's warm enough just as a cowl around my neck.

You should check out all the patterns French Press Knits offers and her great site! Also, if you are in Berkley, MI and looking for a great yarn shop, Have You Any Wool? is awesome!

So cozy . . .


Extra warmth


Cute hood action in the back.

Tooth Fairy Pillow

My SIL asked me to make a tooth fairy pillow for my niece. Her birthday is coming up and it will be a birthday gift. After finding out her favorite color is green I dug through my fabric scraps and found these awesome greens. Took a little time to think about the design and then Viola! Pillow, done. I hope she loves it :)

"I love teeth."

Mittens for the Season

I recently finished these mittens to keep my hands warm this winter. We're in a kind of "transitioning" period right now and all my hats, scarves and mittens are in a box in storage. So, I decided I'd just knit myself some new mittens. I LOVE the colors. They match my sharf (shawl/scarf) and they match another knit that I recently finished and will post about soon.

YUM :)

First Shawl Finished!

While I was down in Kalamazoo I was able to finish up my first shawl! The pattern calls it a scarf, but it has the shaping of a short shawl. It is so soft and so versatile.

Tied as a traditional scarf.


Worn as a traditional shawl.


A more open shawl.


Back view


The pattern was pretty easy. The edging is crocheted and it took me some time to figure out exactly what stitches to pick up. The yarn is fabulous! I will definitely use it again . . . maybe even for another one of these. But, first, I will be doing a project on large size needles :)

This was made using the "Typha Scarf" pattern in the Fall 2010 issue of Knitscene.

I used Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine yarn.

Holiday Craft Fair Follow-Up

I was down in Kalamazoo this past weekend for the Holiday Craft Fair at the Fairgrounds. My mom was able to help me out with this fair and we had a lot of fun. Our hands almost froze off while we were setting up and the doors were wide open and it was only 20 degrees outside . . . BUT we warmed right up after the show started.

Here are some pics from the event. Thanks to those who stopped by to browse, say "hello" and shop :)

Mom and Me workin' hard.


Booth shot


Close up of the table layout.
My husband helped me to create some wooden table top hangers so that I could display a few things on the tables. They turned out great and worked really well. I set up little outfit ensembles.


Another close up of the tables.


People browsing.


View of the entire fair.
It was a smaller fair, but set up very well. It was easy to get around all the vendor booths.