As I have become more crafty in recent months, I desperately would love to make many of my Christmas gifts this year. However, this little dream of mine lacks one thing: enough time to do it all! I have been thinking of things large and small to craft for my deserving family and friends, yet, I know that I have bitten off more than I can chew. I tend to do that, I think. This could be a problem.
And, let's not forget, I have that little dress I am dying to knit and wear this winter. And I struggle with working on more than one project at once. And I am working with little experience so the patterns I am choosing will undoubtedly take longer. Nope, I don't see a problem at all!
What better way to get into the festive spirit than sipping on some hot chocolate in 90 degree weather and getting a start on some of these projects. Now we're talkin'!
Panic...is slowly setting in...
xo,
J.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Cutest little yarn shop ever!
Last week, I ventured to Seattle and Vancouver for a recharge-my-batteries sort of vacation. And what a vacation it was! If you've never been to the Pacific Northwest, it's simply beautiful. You are surrounded by water and mountains, and it makes the Midwest appear so....flat.
One of the highlights of the trip was taking a ferry to Bainbridge Island. I was unaware on this trip that I would encounter the most magical little yarn shop ever! Churchmouse Yarns and Teas is a dream. The most beautiful yarn, the most beautiful displays, the most beautiful setting. I wandered (and wandered and wandered) around the shop for quite awhile, awestruck by the selection. Admittedly, I was also trying to decide what to purchase, but was so overwhelmed (and realized I would need another suitcase to bring everything home in), that I left empty-handed. Sad, yes...but at least I can share this little treasure with you!
Isn't it great finding a new yarn shop that re-energizes the love for what you do? With that said, these fingers are aching to get crafty...
xo,
J.
One of the highlights of the trip was taking a ferry to Bainbridge Island. I was unaware on this trip that I would encounter the most magical little yarn shop ever! Churchmouse Yarns and Teas is a dream. The most beautiful yarn, the most beautiful displays, the most beautiful setting. I wandered (and wandered and wandered) around the shop for quite awhile, awestruck by the selection. Admittedly, I was also trying to decide what to purchase, but was so overwhelmed (and realized I would need another suitcase to bring everything home in), that I left empty-handed. Sad, yes...but at least I can share this little treasure with you!
Isn't it great finding a new yarn shop that re-energizes the love for what you do? With that said, these fingers are aching to get crafty...
xo,
J.
Friday, July 16, 2010
The Danger Zone
I've officially entered The Danger Zone. This is very special place reserved for knitters who have way too much yarn and not enough time to use it all. In my first year and a half of knitting, I was proud that I hadn't entered this zone. I stayed focused on one project - and one project only - and then I snapped. All of a sudden, I started buying yarn, and lots of it. My closet is filled with bags of yarn, and I currently have 3 projects waiting in the wings as I finish up my current one. The worst part is, I am still looking for fresh new patterns to try. Ahhh!
My latest find is this a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e little gem of a sweater from Kim Hargreaves. Unfortunately, I found out that this yarn has been discontinued, so, instead of finding an adequate replacement yarn, I instead decided to take the "No! I really want THIS yarn!" route. and so I searched websites until I found it. Color: Skipper. Enthusiasm Level: HIGH.
Images courtesy of www.kimhargreaves.co.uk
I have no idea when I'll be able to start the Polly sweater. I'm a very one-project-at-a-time sort of girl.
My general conclusion about The Danger Zone? Maybe it's not the best place to be....but, oh...it's SO much fun. ;)
xo,
J.
My latest find is this a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e little gem of a sweater from Kim Hargreaves. Unfortunately, I found out that this yarn has been discontinued, so, instead of finding an adequate replacement yarn, I instead decided to take the "No! I really want THIS yarn!" route. and so I searched websites until I found it. Color: Skipper. Enthusiasm Level: HIGH.
Images courtesy of www.kimhargreaves.co.uk
I have no idea when I'll be able to start the Polly sweater. I'm a very one-project-at-a-time sort of girl.
My general conclusion about The Danger Zone? Maybe it's not the best place to be....but, oh...it's SO much fun. ;)
xo,
J.
(Swoon!)
Image courtesy of Berroco.com
I recently purchased this yarn to knit this absolutely adorable Berroco dress that I've had my eye on for quite some time. Since I am currently tackling my first item of knitted clothing, the next logical step would be to make this dress...right? Okay, so maybe I'm skipping a few (thousand) steps, but I just couldn't resist!
The yarn shop didn't quite have the colors that were featured in this dress, but I fell in love with the shade of green. The blue band will remain the same, and I have ordered a rich brown for the pleated skirt. I have dreams of wearing it this winter, so I'd best get started on it now!
I'm sure there will be many, many posts in the future regarding this lovely little number. Or, maybe I won't think it's so lovely once I get started...cross your fingers!
xo,
J.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Why, hello there!
Here I stand...facing an awkward first post, unsure of how to introduce myself to the World Wide Web! So, how about I just give it a go and hope for the best!
The reason behind this blog? Crafting has always been a part of my life, in one way or another. Ever since the drawing classes I took as a child, I have enjoyed making art. Although this art has taken on many versions throughout my years, I have now recently explored knitting, and have found it to be very fulfilling. There's something about taking the simplest of tools and creating something beautiful. It's even better when that something beautiful becomes a gift for someone else.
As I have learned more (and trust me...novice doesn't even begin to describe my skill level...) it has ignited this desire to explore other types of crafting. Embroidery, sewing, actually making an article of knitted clothing...oh the possibilities!
So! This blog will hopefully describe my journey as I embrace this new, crafty lifestyle. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read my very first post.
Phew, it's over. :)
xoxo,
J.
The reason behind this blog? Crafting has always been a part of my life, in one way or another. Ever since the drawing classes I took as a child, I have enjoyed making art. Although this art has taken on many versions throughout my years, I have now recently explored knitting, and have found it to be very fulfilling. There's something about taking the simplest of tools and creating something beautiful. It's even better when that something beautiful becomes a gift for someone else.
As I have learned more (and trust me...novice doesn't even begin to describe my skill level...) it has ignited this desire to explore other types of crafting. Embroidery, sewing, actually making an article of knitted clothing...oh the possibilities!
So! This blog will hopefully describe my journey as I embrace this new, crafty lifestyle. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read my very first post.
Phew, it's over. :)
xoxo,
J.
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