Block Party

I received a free giant cable scarf pattern from Nina, and couldn't resist to knit one as a Christmas gift. The only problem is that one quickly turned into 3, and it kept me busy for the month of December.


First of all, let me just say that Twinkle knits Chunky is the absolute best yarn to work with. It is super soft and comfy. After these scarfs were lined up and blocked, I chuckled because it was a Block Party. Get it? BLOCK party? I promise that won't be the last time you hear that from me.


Here's a closeup of the finished products. I really love this giant cable - it was so fun to do!


I also made this cowl for my sister (aaaand ok, one for me, too!) and believe me when I say that it is the ultimate in keeping my neck warm in this horrid weather.

As a finishing touch, my mom and I found these tags at Nina. (You can find yours here):


So cute, right? I tied on coordinating yarn and on the back:


I wrote care instructions. Clever! I've got to give my mom credit with this one. It's such a nice finishing touch to any piece.

So that's what kept me busy this December. What kept you moving this month? :)

xo,
J.

This blog is like magic

So, here's a gift I received this Christmas:



Looks familiar, doesn't it? That's because I posted about it a few months back. I guess that makes this blog magic. Whenever I say that I want something, it winds up in my hands, beautifully wrapped.

If that's the case, then I hereby declare that I want a European vacation, a new car, and a pony. Definitely a pony.

xo,
J.

I'm baaaaack!

Hello, lovelies! I'm back after a longer than anticipated break. December was a busy month -- but now I can say that I have my Masters degree (don't hold back applause), and I feel rested and ready to start a new year.

At about this time last year, I made a list of things that I wanted to accomplish before the year's end. At that time, I had been knitting for nearly a year. Two of the things on this list said, "Knit a gift for someone" and "Knit a gift for yourself." I'm pleased to say that I was able to accomplish both of those goals, and I have great hope for a healthy, happy, and knitful (just made that up - has a nice ring, doesn't it?) new year. The same goes to you, friends!

I made sure to make good use of yarn this year to add a little vintage flair to my gifts -- my favorites were the pom poms. Who doesn't love a pom pom?



Stop by later today for a Christmas roundup!
Happy knitting!
xo,
J.

I have a new friend...

...and her name is Nina. Aaaaaand, ok. She also happens to be a knitting shop.

If you are in the Chicagoland area, please pinky swear that you will visit her. You will find the most exquisite and beautifully displayed yarns. My head was spinning, causing me to forget that my mom and I had a car parked outside, and the meter had run out 20 minutes prior. Thank you, City of Chicago, for not catching this mistake for once. You are usually so good at that.

So, check Nina out! Trust me, you won't regret it.

xo,
J

2-digit problemo

Well...I've reached the 2-digit mark. I currently have ten (ten!) projects in the works or soon to be on my needles. How did that happen? Aren't I the very same girl who merely 5 months ago declared that I can only do one project at a time? Silly me, because looming December has one thing July does not: Christmas. Clearly I was talking crazy talk a few months ago.

I loOoOoOoOve giving knitted gifts as presents. And I made the mistake of deciding this weekend that I had three gifts to knit before the 25th. Because that's what I do best. Pressure myself during unrealistic circumstances. That's what I do best. Well, that and shopping. I'm good at that, too.

So, among the many projects keeping my fingers busy, I have a new fave:


Welcome to my collection, Blue Sky Alpaca High Neck Cable! Can I just put it out there that this is the cutest sweater ever? I can't wait to lounge in that sweater, pen in hand, pondering my next move.

Please check out the Blue Sky Alpaca site. It's pretty much the best, and I'd best avoid it so that my 10 projects don't turn into 11...yikes!

Off to listen to some jolly holiday tunes. December is upon us!
xo,
J.

Finished, finally.

I am proud to announce that I have (finally) finished my first project that I have introduced on this blog. The cabled baby blanket is now complete!

Let's take a trip down Memory Lane, shall we?

First, there were the dreaded cable needles:



Then, the panic set in as the baby was born and the blanket looked like this:


And, finally, a finished blanket to keep baby warm, complete with tag:





I've got to say, it's a wonderful feeling giving a handmade gift. This project meant a lot to me, as I learned so much from it, and I hope it keeps baby warm and cozy in this chilly winter weather.

Cross your fingers that this creates some sort of momentum...

xo,
J.

On My Needles

About 2 weeks ago, lovely yarn from PurlSoho entered my life. 8 beautiful skeins all wrapped up in a neat little package. Heaven? Yes.


Determined to knit up a Christmas stocking (see post here), I got all merry and started knitting away. And, let me tell you, what a nice little pattern this is! Because you are constantly changing colors, I feel like I'm making good progress. Aaaaaand, progress isn't actually one of those things that I'm great at when it comes to knitting.


My only disappointment is that I didn't realize how small this was going to be. If I were savvy enough, I could change the size of the pattern. Or, even easier, I could have read the measurements before I started knitting. But that would have taken all the fun out of it.

This little stocking will hang by the chimney with care (in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there...you know you were thinking it, too.)

I'll share some more once I tackle the heel. Double pointed needles scare me.

Stay cozy!
xo,
J.

What I Wore Wednesday

I have been super busy, and Thanksgiving break cannot come soon enough. This is getting a bit embarrassing. Good thing for What I Wore Wednesdays - it's like homework for me. And I never want to miss out on an assignment. It's the one thing that's keeping me on my toes!

Check out The Pleated Poppy and join in on the fun!

The "It's Conferences Day 1" Outfit

Gold Sweater - Nordstrom
Brown Tank - Banana
Skirt - Boden
Boots - Nordstrom

This is my official conference outfit. Why? Because it feels very conference-y. And yes, that is a new word.

The "It's Conferences Day 2" Outfit


Dress - Boden
Boots - Nordstrom

I love Boden. Thinkin' about marrying it.

The "Who doesn't love corduroy" Outfit


Black Turtleneck - Banana
Corduroy Flippy Skirt - Anthropologie
Olive Green Belt - J.Crew
Boots - Boden

The "I'm Mad for Plaid" Outfit



Sweater - Anthropologie
Embellished Shirt - J.Crew
Brown Plaid Pants - Anthropologie
Shoes - Nordstrom
Weird Close-up of the Pants - That's all me, baby.

Happy Wednesday to YOU!
xo,
J.

What I Wore Wednesday

I have been a bad blogger. My posting has been lackluster this week due to looming conferences around the corner. Dun Dun Dunnnn. My favorite time of year.

Anyway, please play along at The Pleated Poppy. So much fun!

The "Pin a Rose on Your Nose" Outfit


Gray Jacket - Banana
Black Pants - Banana
White Blouse - J.Crew
Flower Pin - Anthropologie

Doesn't wearing a flower pin just make you feel fancy? Makes me feel like prom.


The "Wait, is That a Robe?" Outfit


Red Sweater - Anthropologie
Skinnies - Nordstrom
Boots - Steve Madden

Funny story about this sweater. I just happened to wear it on Pajama Day. A fellow colleague commented on how much she liked my robe.

Ummm...excuse me, but I did not spend this kind of money on something that could be mistaken for a robe.


The "Whoa, This Needs Some Color" Outfit


Gold Tee - Anthropologie
Vest - Anthropologie
Navy Pants - Banana
Shoes - Nordstrom

I'm not averse to color. Pinky swear.


The "OhmygoshIlovetheseboots" Outfit


Striped Tee - J.Crew
Military Green Skirt - Anthropologie
Boots - Steve Madden

I need a haircut. Badly.

Off to catch some zzzzz's for conferences. I need to choose my outfits wisely. I tend to feel a little anxious and...*glisten*. Because, you know, ladies don't sweat, they *glisten*. Nothing says gross more than saying "Your child is a pleasure to have in class" while sporting pit stains.

On that note,
xo,
J.

What I Wore Wednesday - Halloween Edition

I. love. Halloween. That is why I'm so glad I can share not one! but two! Halloween costumes with you. Because, you know, a girl needs options.

Join in on the fun at The Pleated Poppy. I promise you'll love it!

The "I'm Feeling Red" Outfit

Black sweater - Banana
Red Pants - Anthropologie
Shoes - Tory Burch


The "Hello, My Name is Raggedy Ann" Outfit


Made By - My mom and grandma! Too bad my students don't know who Raggedy Ann is, boo hoo!


The "I'm a Flapper Because I Like Fringe" Outfit


Store Bought - I love this costume


The "This Has Always Been My Favorite Skirt" Outfit


Black turtleneck - Banana
Skirt- Anthropologie
Boots - Nordstrom

Happy November!
xo,
J.

Sneak Peek

Here's a sneak peek for two projects that are for the holidays. When I say two projects, I mean one project for me, and one project for someone special. I'm a firm believer that I should treat myself to gifts around the holidays, too :)

One for me!

And one for you!

Unfortunately, I can't share exactly what I'm making, because it might just be for one of YOU. But! I can share that this is TwinkleKnits Soft Chunky yarn, and really, anything that has "Soft" and "Chunky" in the title wins me over.

xo,
J.

Happy Halloween!

Hope yours was spoOoOoOktacular! :)

What I Wore Wednesday

Hello, all! I am at it again, posting my outfits of the week, courtesy of The Pleated Poppy. I have always enjoyed fashion...but sometimes have been afraid to express myself. And then I thought, "Well what am I waiting for?" I am always drawn to things that have a little something different about them. I try to find that extra special detail in everything that I wear. Plus, let's be honest, it's fun sharing and looking at what everyone else has worn this week. I encourage you to check out what others are wearing!

The "I'm Going to Throw a Belt on This" Outfit


Striped Shirt - J.Crew
Cable Vest - Banana
Navy Pants - Banana
Shoes - Nordstrom


The "Who Doesn't Love Polka Dots?" Outfit


Shirt - Ann Taylor
Polka Dot Vest - Boden
Jeans - Nordstrom
Shoes - Nordstrom

The "Yay! I'm wearing tights!" Outfit


Shirt - Banana
Skirt - Banana
Shoes - Tory Burch


The "I Need a Cozy Sweater" Outfit


Shirt - Nordstrom
Cable Sweater - Boutique
Pants - Banana
Leopard Shoes - Nordstrom

I'm so glad the weather is finally feeling like fall! I can't wait to post some cozy sweaters next week!

xo,
J.

The Purl Bee

Stop the presses. I have made a to-do list for you today.

Click here.

Read and marvel.

Be inspired.

Quit your day job.

Knit, knit, knit.

Thanks, Nicole, for passing this blog on to me! Don't forget to check out their SoHo shop here - tons of cute patterns, beautiful yarn, and just plain old goodness! Warm and fuzzy doesn't even begin to describe it!

xo,
J.

I've been bad. Very, very bad.

Confession time.

It's hard to admit, so I'm just going to say it all in one breath:

Ijustboughtnewyarnformyselfandmoreyarnforagift.

Not too bad, right? Well that's because I didn't tell you everything.

Ialsobought3newpatterns.

Okay, I'm almost done confessing:

Ialsoamthinkingaboutbuyingyarnforanothernewproject.

Phew! I think that's everything. You see, this is what happens when I have a few spare minutes and I decide to start searching for patterns online. No matter that I still have a few projects on the back burner. I need these NOW (insert stomping feet.) I am like a child. Some call it a disaster, but I call it a yarn high. And this yarn high is very, very high.

Although I can't show you everything that I bought (surprise, surprise!), I can show you this:

find me here!

That's the holiday stocking I am d-y-i-n-g to make. Ever since I began knitting, I've wanted to make a stocking, so I'm thinking about this one. Don't you just love the colors? I do...but I don't know if my wallet does. hee hee!

xo,
J.

Everyone needs a Knitting Circle!

It's true. Everyone needs a Knitting Circle.

Me, Krissy, Nancy, Anita, Nicole, and baby Henry!

For just over a year, I have been meeting with these ladies every 6 weeks. And, let me tell you, every meeting brings about inspiration, productivity, and laughter.

Well...

Maybe it's 20% inspiration and productivity, and 80% laughter. I need to paint a true picture here.

All kidding aside, these meetings provide us with an opportunity to connect with our dearest fellow knitters. We problem-solve, we ooo and ahh over new yarns and patterns, and of course, we declare we will begin something new (without ever finishing our current project, of course.)

I love every single one of these ladies with all of my heart. Thank YOU, knitting friends, for giving me something delightful to look forward to every 6 weeks.

And, hey, it's ok that we don't accomplish a lot of knitting.

xo,
J.

What I Wore Wednesday

Can you feel that crisp fall air? Love. it! Thanks to Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy, you can take a peek at what I wore this week - yay for fall weather and fall clothing!

The "Do I like yellow or what?" Outfit

Jacket - Macy's
Blouse - Boden
Jeans - Nordstrom
Shoes - Nordstrom

The "I'm headed to the World's Largest Corn Maze" Outfit

Ruffle Top - Banana Republic
Jeans - Banana Republic
Belt - Anthropologie
Shoes - Privo's

The "I'm feeling rather graphic" Outfit

Patterned Tunic - Boutique
Black Pants - Banana Republic
Shoes - Boutique

The "Ooo I'm getting observed today" Outift

Sweater - Anthropologie
Black Pants - Banana Republic
Shoes - boutique

This whole What I Wore Wednesday project has made me realize just exactly how many ruffles I own. I mean, I knew that I liked ruffles...but seriously. I think I'm on ruffle overload. I need a support group.

Happy Wednesday!
xo,
J.

Increasing Drama

Increasing.

I am finally getting close to finishing the baby blanket, and then three little letters, inc, got me all confused. My fingers don't exactly know what that means.

First, I called my mom, which I like to call Problem Numero Uno: The Phone Conversation.

Not to say that my mom isn't good at explaining things...but trying to explain someone how to knit over the phone isn't exactly the best way to teach someone how to knit. The conversation went something like this:

Mom: "So you knit one and then using the same knit, you knit again."

Me: "Wait....what?"

Mom: "You knit one and then using the same knit, you knit again. Don't you get it?"

Me: *Silence*

Okay, so that didn't work. On to problem numero dos: Jenny Decides to Take Matters into Her Own Hands.

My knitting book has gotten me through some tough times. It's taught me how to join yarn, how to decrease, and how to do various stitches. Only natural to think it would teach me how to increase, right? Wrong-o, again. Who knew there were 5 million ways to increase, none of which seemed appropriate. But since when do I care about being appropriate? So, I chose one and went for it.

The problem? I chose to yarn-over...not realizing that yarn-over is a fancy way of saying "make a hole in my knitting."

Hmphf.

So, here's a quick recap:

• Jenny doesn't know how to increase (No surprise.)

• Jenny doesn't know how to take knitting instructions over the phone. (No surprise, again.)

• Jenny rewrites the pattern so it suits her (Double no surprise.)

• Jenny learns how to yarn-over (Silver lining.)

My blanket lays, increase-less...so I'm back to working on my dress until I can figure this one out. Unless I get restless.

xo!
J.

What I Wore Wednesday

Welcome to another installment of The Pleated Poppy's "What I Wore Wednesday!" I really, really wish that this weather would just make up it's mind. Weather, I know you still want to be summer, but can you puh-lease just be fall? Because I am having a difficult time trying to figure out what to wear! Enjoy a few snapshots from the week! :)

The "Could there BE anymore bows?" Outfit

Sweater: Anthropologie
Jeans: Nordstrom
Shoes: Tory Burch

The "I can't believe I'm wearing this to the Pumpkin Patch" Outfit.

Top: Anthropologie
Grey Jeans: Anthropologie
Sandals: Lord and Taylor

The "Boy, do I love a pattern" Outfit

Tunic: Boden
Leggings: White House Black Market
Shoes: Tory Burch

I definitely think the last outfit is my new favorite for fall. Love me some leggings! What is your favorite transition piece?

xo,
J.

Buttons.

Find me here!

It all started in kindergarten.
100th Day of School.
Assignment: To bring in 100 items.
And what did I bring?
100 buttons. 100 of the most beautiful treasures that were found in my grandma's sewing basket.
Buttons.

I have had a slight fascination with buttons ever since. Well...okay...major fascination.
I dream of the day when I will have acquired enough buttons to fill jars and jars in my home. Do you know how it can sometimes be a pain to cut the extra buttons off of a new article of clothing, because you don't know where to put them? I call that experience heaven.

There used to be the cutest button store in Chicago during my pre-knitting days. My mom and I were recently on a manhunt to find the most perfect buttons for a project, and found that the store had closed. Torture! I can actually buy buttons now for things that I'm knitting and they *gasp!* take the store away?!

Now...if I only knew how to make button holes...we'd be in business.

xo,
J.

What I Wore Wednesday

It's time again for the What I Wore Wednesday post, courtesy of The Pleated Poppy. I was a bit more adventurous this time and I have more outfits to share. Enjoy!

The "Picture Day" Outfit - Say Cheese!

Sweater - Anthropologie
White Flower Shirt - J.Crew
Jeans - Nordstrom
Shoes - Nordstrom

The "Yay it's Fall and I can wear this cute sweater!" Outfit

Stripey Sweater - Boden
Black Cords - J.Crew
Shoes - Tory Burch

The "Boy, do I love ruffles" Outfit

Grey Blazer - Banana
Ruffly Shirt - Anthropologie
Pants - Anthropologie
Shoes - Tory Burch


The "I'm mad for plaid" Outfit

Plaid Shirt - Bloomie's
Pants - J.Crew
Shoes - Tory Burch (can you tell I love these?)

There we go! Another sampling from the week! Check out all of the other fashionable ladies over at The Pleated Poppy, ok?


Happy fashion and happy knitting!
xo,
J.