Pattern Published!

Howdy all! It's been FOREVER since we've blog. Please forgive us, we will get blogging more!

I've been a knitting mad woman lately and have even started hosting knit nights at my house every other week. I purchased a bunch of Knit Picks yarn a while back with the intention of creating my own patterns and getting them published through the Independent Designer Program (IDP). One of the yarns I purchased was Capra, a wonderful cashmere blend, that was as wonderful as I could have hoped. I also bought some beautiful lace weight yarn with really great Northwest related names like basalt. The Capra project became a herringbone hat and mitten set. This is my second stranded knitting pattern (hopefully the first one will be published soon!) and it took quite a bit of tweaking, frogging, and re-knitting before I got it just right. I'm happy to say that it was accepted by the IDP at Knit Picks and is now for sale! You can also find it on Ravelry. I haven't sold any copies yet but there are Ravelers who heart it. A big thanks to Knit Picks for their help to get designers started with a publishing program and inexpensive yarn!

Happy Knitting!
Cerise : )

Custom Earring Box

I am so tired of searching for earrings in my jewelry box every morning. If I find one I want to wear, often I can't find a match. I have been carrying around some pieces of plastic sheets that I confiscated from work. They came in with some fashion jewelry sets and were destined for the trash bin. I didn't know what I would use them for at the time. I figured that they might work for my earring project.

First step was to cut the cards and make holes in them for the earrings. They work great! I looked for a box that would work at thrift stores and craft stores, hoping to find something I can finish. I couldn't find anything so the next step is to make my own box.

My dog Bluto is going to help me sew this year!

A New Trolley

We recently acquired a little RV, a Toyota Dolphin. It seems like it has been used by dudes (hunters or fishermen?) as it had no curtains and is very plain. First thing I made is curtains for the big windows. I am working on more curtains for the sleeping area and some great throw pillows to make it look nicer. We plan on pulling up the carpet, doing some paining and making it really fun! This is now the project that will occupy much of my time. I am cruising thrift stores for pots and pans and scrap fabric. In between I will still do some knitting and other sewing. What a fun adventure. We plan on making a debut trip this weekend. It has been dubbed the Trolley (something to do with Mr. Roger's Neighborhood).
Theresa, Ommama

Cute Stinkin' Sweater!

Okay, it was 90 degrees today. Doesn't mean it won't get chilly. We welcome these warm days here in the Willamette valley as we had a very late start to the summer. But looking at all the lovely yarns and patterns makes me wish for just a little chill in the air. This pattern came through Knit Purl's newsletter today and I love it! The Levenwick Cardigan is an intermediate pattern level which means Krafty Katina can make, Ommama, not. I can aspire, though!
Happy crafting!

Feature Friday (again on Thursday!)

I came across this very cute crochet site on Etsy the other day. I love with The Nerds Nest sushi plays set and the plush smores. These are knitted in the Amigurumi Japanese style of knitting or crocheting small anthropomorphic creatures. They are knitted by Alexa, a full-time college student and part-time crafter. Just the kind of clever and fun that Krafty Katina and OmMama love!

Feature Friday (on a Thursday!): Dawn Finney

Okay, I know, it's not Friday. But I didn't get to blogging much last week and missed featuring a knitter. Don't worry! You get twice the features this week and nothing really sounds good with Thursday so just play along.

Welcome back from the moon and to a sweet volcano! Dawn Finney keeps knitting her magic with adorable toys! Check out some of her cute patterns:

This knitter definitely needs to get her a published book! Thanks for sharing all your great knitting ideas Dawn!

Happy Knitting!

Cerise : )

New Knitting Books!

The mail held an awaited treasure today. Favorite Socks: 25 Timeless Designs From Interweave was stuck in the mail box. The first time I used this book I checked it out from the library and held on to it forever (yes, the was quite a late fee) and made socks for presents from a few of the patterns. I actually still have my favorite pair from there, though it is currently hibernating. There wasn't enough yarn to finish the toe and I realized that the legs weren't even the same length! There are quite a few patterns in this that I absolutely love.

I have indulged in knitting books that past few weeks and picked up Itty-Bitty Toys from my LYS and Last Minute Knitted Gifts I spotted on the back stock shelves in the basement at work one day. My tangible knitting library is starting to grow quite fast (the digital library has been beyond control for a long time). A new bookshelf is in order but it will have to wait. A few piles are collecting on my knitting cabinet and in a basket on the living room floor. Next on my wish list:

What's new in your library?

Happy Cataloging,

Cerise : )

Here is one on Ommama's wish list (and I wish I could knit better!)
Silk Cloud Pullover from Shibui knits
Theresa, Ommama

Fall Knits Wish List

These are my fall knit wishes:

Excitable Cerise : )