Fall Inspiration

I love this time of year. Knitting season...errr...fall is upon us. It just makes you want to cozy up and knit, doesn't it?

Here's a little inspiration:

The perfect fall staple:

Source: berroco.com via Judith on Pinterest

Because your hands could use a little cozy:

Source: morehousefarm.com via Judith on Pinterest

And, my new favorite:

Source: ravelry.com via Meghan on Pinterest

Amazing!

xo,
J.

Oops.

So...it looks like I took the summer off from blogging, huh.

Oops.

I didn't mean to...really! Life just got in the way.

Anyway, there are TONS of new crafting developments, but I'll start you off with a fun, school-related one, seeing as how school has been on my mind...and we start tomorrow!

I'm a firm believer in positive reinforcement in my classroom. I decided that I wanted to think of a new way to thank students for their hard work. One day this summer, I stumbled upon these fun Scratch Off Lottery Tickets. Yes! The perfect answer!

Using this blog, I was able to make my very own.

First, I created my lottery tickets with a simple Word Document. Students will earn fun things like getting to sit at the teacher's desk, and the ever-popular Lunch with the Teacher.


For some added color and weight, I attached each ticket to bright card stock.



Then, I cut clear contact paper to cover the area that will be scratched off.



I mixed 2 parts of acrylic silver paint with 1 part liquid dish soap and painted over the designated area.



After letting the paint dry, I couldn't resist trying one myself! Who doesn't love to scratch off something to see what they've won?


Wouldn't this be a fun DIY for Valentine's this year?

xo,
J.

On My Needles Monday

This week's On My Needles Monday post is brought to you by the words "Failure" and "Thank goodness I made progress."

The first word, failure, takes on two meanings here. I'm making this post very complex and deep, I know. Try to keep up with me.

Failure = not realizing until I'm finishing up the first sleeve that I wasn't understanding the pattern, having to rip half the sleeve -- and here's the (not so) funny part...I made the same mistake on the back AND front of my sweater, causing me to spend most of my week ripping and crying. Kidding. Kind of.

Failure = 2 day power outage. We had some major storms this week, resulting in a power outage that was welcome for some reasons (no work for 3 days!) but not for others (I love going to bed at 8:30 because it's too dark to do anything else.)

Thank goodness I made progress = Due to said power outage, I was able to make progress on my Big Whoopsie this week. In fact, I corrected the sleeve, back, and front of my sweater...and started the second sleeve.


I have 2 new words for you: Boo. Ya.

Happy knitting!
xo,
J.

On My Needles

U-g-h.

No picture this week. I am working on the sleeve that won't die. It just keeps going and going...so much so that unless I have monkey arms, it's not going to work. That translates to ripping and ripping and trying to rework the pattern so that it all works out.

Icing on the cake? This is only the first sleeve, of course!

My goal was to have this sweater done by the end of June. I think I may need to generously extend my deadline.

This image will perk up your day (and mine):

Source: vi.sualize.us via Cynthia@Beach Coast Style on Pinterest

Let's hope I have something to show you next week!

xo,
J.

Purl Soho

Please tell me that you know of the lovely Purl Soho. Only the greatest yarn store (that I've never been too) ever.

Source: purlbee.com via Brenda on Pinterest

Purl Soho is located in New York. I would plan a trip simply just to go and see this place in person. I wouldn't even eat NY pizza, visit the Statue of Liberty, or stand outside the Today Show. Thank goodness for the internet, because I can sneak a peek at this yarn haven whenever I please, without an airplane ticket, over packed luggage, or a travel guide.

I love Purl Soho's blog, and they have the most wonderful (free!) knitting patterns. This one caught my eye back in April, and I am adding it to my queue.


I love the worn look of it...it brings a bit of coziness, don't you think?

So many patterns...so little time.
xo,
J.

An Interest in Pinterest

Source: prudentbaby.com via kj_nielsen on Pinterest

I've been spending some time on Pinterest lately...maybe a little too much time. For those who don't know, Pinterest is a virtual pinboard, full of lovely and inspiring images. I am one of those people that would like to find a way to incorporate a bulletin board into every room of my home. Because it looks so pretty in the Pottery Barn catalog...and because I like to collect things.

Who says colanders are just for pasta?

Source: flickr.com via Vicki on Pinterest

Maybe your yarn could be on display!

Source: prudentbaby.com via kj_nielsen on Pinterest

I'm feeling inspired!
xo,
J.

On My Needles Monday

This week, I continued working on the first sleeve of my Milkshake sweater. It's getting rather boring. I'm considering stopping here, wearing a half sleeve on one arm, and going sleeveless on the other. I'm all about making a fashion statement.



No, really. These sleeves need to knit themselves a bit quicker because I am so ready to start up something new. I am not good at handling multiple projects at once. Are you listening, knitting fairies? Work your magic!

Here are just a few of the things waiting for my needles to start clickin':

find this here

find this here

Have a lovely week!
xo,
J.