SPRING TOPS, TANKS & TEES KNIT ALONG || EXTENSION ANNOUNCEMENT!

vintage alarm clock from things with soul

alrighty - you all voted! the winner of the timeline extension poll is...1 week!  wahoo!  you've all got an extra week ladies! it was sure close! remember - you don't have to finish your project to qualify for the fab giveaway.  we just want you knitting and having fun so don't stress - this should be fun!

the new deadline for the tops, tanks & tees kal is:

>> may 28th, 2013, midnight, pst <<

make sure to upload your finished pics into the finished project thread in our ravelry group so i can put together our starring you post!  some of you have already been showing your first and 2nd finished projects! you're on firrrreeee!  so jealous!  my knitting has come to an abrupt halt due to some other deadlines.  not sure if even i'm going to make it to the finish line this time round gals but i'm going to give it my best shot :)

i can't wait to see all your projects next week!  how's yours coming along? have you blogged about your project? link up ladies!  

>> JOIN IN & SIGN UP <<
- sign up for the knit along by clicking "here".
- get inspired by checking out our kal pinterest board & our pattern roundup post
- take part in all the fun conversation & make new friends in our ravelry group
- find out more and find all the posts and info "here" on our kal homepage.
- remember to tag your instagram pics with #tttkal, same goes on twitter.

>> OUR LOVELY SPONSORS <<

EVERYTHING OLD YARN || HAPPY STREET OBSESSION

happy street by veera valimaki

have you ever spotted a pattern and fallen head over heels in love? well you all know what a big fan i am of veera valimaki's patterns and when her newest shawl - happy street popped up a few weeks ago i got bit real bad.  i mean the kind of hours of mad hunting for the exact same yarn colors kind of bad. i'm the kinda gal that just can't seem to resist short rows, grey and bright neon pink in a shawl. i was and am obsessed.

i was also out of luck. for a brief moment that is.  i could not find the same colors of madelinetosh yarns that veera used anywhere.  luckily my friend em of everything old fame lives in the same city as i do and we all happened to be discussing our new happy street obsession when she revealed that she was working on a new yarn weight - solo sock....yessss!!! a  super soft, 100% superwash merino, sock weight, single ply,  that she so sweetly and kindly offered to dye me up some in the same colorways as veera's happy street. yahoo!!! problem solved!

haar, november and pinkie pie in solo sock from everything old

truth be told i much prefer my everything old's "solo sock" over my madelinetosh merino lite i just used for my stripe study.  the yarn is way softer, has great drape and helloooooo...could that pink get any more friggin' awesome!  the yarn just shines! it's beautiful! the best part about the pink besides the rockin' colorway is that em called it "pinkie pie". i die.  for reals...pinkie pie?!

we love my little pony in our house. like really love it.  so my girls made me swear that i would take a pic of the yarn starring the oh so glamorous pink pie herself...lmao! i know, i know....i'm sorry em, i couldn't resist the lure of the pony. she batted those darn eyelashes at me and i just couldn't resist.  she looks good with it no?  the greys are also equally as gorgeous.  both haar (the darker blue/grey tone) and november (lighter grey) have depth, and are both lovely shades of grey. i love me a good grey people!  and even though em rocks with her colors her greys all stand on their own as well. the girls got skillz!

if you've been looking to get your hands on some yarn for happy street look no further. em has some of the same colorways dyed up and ready for you to bring on home!  you can find her new weight of yarn "solo sock" for sale now and the colorways i purchased "haar", "november" , and "pinkie pie" in her shop now! trust me in that you won't be disappointed. we all covet em's yarns here and they are gorgeous!!!!  thank you again em, for being so awesome and for allowing me to indulge in my latest obsession. xoxo

you can follow and find out more about everything old here:

shop  ||  blog  ||  ravelry  ||  facebook  ||  twitter  ||  instagram

what about you?  are you a veera fan? addicted to her shawls as well?  are you planning on making happy street?  what colorways are you using?  and what about everything old! are you a fan too?  let's chat some yarn goodness!  wishing you all a lovely and handmade kinda weekend.

p.s. off topic... the online crafting community was saddened, shocked and devestated to hear of the loss of kathreen of whipup yesterday. she will be missed greatly. she touched the lives of so many - mine included.  for those of you inquiring on how to help the children an Education Fund has been set up and you can find more information here on whipup.  any help you can do to spread the word is so greatly appreciated. thank you in advance for your time and generosity.

SPRING TOP, TANKS & TEES KNIT ALONG || DEADLINE IS LOOMING

pattern: levenwick by gudrun johnston

oh man....my spring tops, tanks & tees knit along projects has come to a dead halt for me.  i'm now sitting and typing this post, staring at my project and drinking a venti (yes venti) coffee from starbucks (it was my free drink so don't judge..lol. who doesn't order a venti when it's free right?). the fear of running out of yarn has taken over my excitement for the finished project.  i spent 4 hours knitting with my gals on sat night and i'm still not at the bottom of the cardi. i'm now into the 3rd skein and only have 1 left! 1 left to do the button band, a pocket and 2 sleeves?!!!!!!!! CRAZYTOWN people!  crazy. it's keeping me up at night. lol. die hard knitters will understand this dread and concern. i'm fretting big time but too darn lazy to search for more yarn and too darn stubborn to give up my hope that i can indeed perform a miracle and salvadge the project without more yarn. oh my...someone slap me out of it.  or at least tell me i can do it. one or the other..lol.

my plan of attack is to finish the bottom, do the button band and then weigh what i have left.  then do the sleeves dividing up the portion of yarn left over and see how far i get and then at that point order and hunt for more yarn.  darn it all.  i highly doubt i will make the deadline......but speaking of deadlines how are you all doing?  are we leaning towards an extension like normal? would you like 1 or 2 more weeks? let me know and we'll make it happen.  i need an consensus though peeps and because i'm all diplomatic and stuff (i just voted for our election last night - what a gong show that was but i digress) i've added a little poll into this post just for your voting pleasure.  let me know your thoughts and i'll do my best to make the end of the kal a happy one for us all :)

i'm hoping the poll will distract from the fact that i did indeed promise a shot of my cardi on my human body and not my dream size dress form (she's a 34" bust - i'm 41..lmao!). i did not get a pic taken. i'm hoping for next week. it just may happen.  i gotta nag the hubs and you all know how our photo shoots go.  they always end in me drinking alcohol to calm my nerves.

this week has been a weird one for my kal project. instead of knitting on my project i've been worrying about it which has been deterring me from working on it so i then in turn distract myself by watching knitting podcasts.  now watching podcasts is a bit new for me.  i'm slowly building up my faves.  this week i found 2 new to me ones that i really enjoyed!  the first one is hosted by a gal in our kal who knits one handed!  she's such a sweetheart and her podcast is shot in hawaii! ummmm...can i come live there with you? so gorgeous!  you can find her podcast "singlehandedknitter" on her website and her ravelry group of the same name here. thanks for the shout out melissa in your most recent podcast!

i also stumbled up on the "must stash" podcast. love these gals!  beware though...once i started watching i wanted to watch them all in a row. such a fun duo these gals are!  i was excited to see one of them was making jane's pattern grace! yay! check it out if you're looking for one filled with yarny goodness! you can find the must stash podcast here and all of their social media and ravelry info is on their blog.

so in the true manner of allowing me to continue to self soothe and procrastinate what are your fave knitting podcasts to watch?  fill me in!  i'm thinking it might be fun to put a fun list together in our ravelry group as a resource. whatcha think? 

POLL FOR DEADLINE EXTENSION

remember to vote in the poll about the deadline above!  i've also got coffee and tea on the go for you all...so pull up a seat, come cry with me over my sweater and then i can cheer yours on cause judging by the pics in our rav group you gals are doing AMAZING! DROOLWORTHY! some people are on their 3rd projects!!! thank you for knitting with me :)

>> JOIN IN & SIGN UP <<
- sign up for the knit along by clicking "here".
- get inspired by checking out our kal pinterest board & our pattern roundup post
- take part in all the fun conversation & make new friends in our ravelry group
- find out more and find all the posts and info "here" on our kal homepage.
- remember to tag your instagram pics with #tttkal, same goes on twitter.

>> OUR LOVELY SPONSORS <<

SPRING TOPS, TANKS & TEES KNIT ALONG - WORKING IT OUT

it's tops, tanks & tees day!  i recently went on a mini vacay to tofino, bc on the weekend and knit like a mad woman the whole car ride there. i'm happy to say i'm almost at the bottom of my levenwick.  what i'm not happy to report is i'm worried about running out of my yarn. yep. bad planner i am.  you see i had purchased my yarn in the hopes of making a tee. then decided to make levenwick instead. i was a tad short on the yardage but figured i could shorten my sleeves which i tend to need to do anyways.  but now i'm almost at the bottom of the cardi and am just about done the 3rd skein out of my 5. eek! i still have a large gorgeous button band to do (that replicates the collar) and both sleeves. not sure if i'm gonna make it......cross your fingers for me will ya?

take note that the dress form this cardi is hanging on is a very teeny size and def not the size large i'm making.  it looks like a freaking tent on this form but hey...that's what you do when you can't get a shot of yourself in it easily and your house is a disaster, your kids are crying for dinner and you just...well...need a pic. hopefully next week i can take a progress shot with it on me and not on my teeny dress from which i absolutely do not use for making clothes for myself (hint, hint...i bought a new one! she just arrived! i can't wait to introduce you all to her! more to come on that soon).

levenwick by gudrun johnston for wool people

i know i'm not the only one having some ttt kal project issues though.  remember if you need help or have questions please feel free to ask our ravelry kal group.  we love to help out and give support!  there are also lots of helpful posts listed here in our knit alongs home page.  you can easily peruse through the old knit alongs as well for guest posts and tips on the problem/issue you are having.  i know some of you are starting to finish your projects (you go girls!) but for those who are coming up on some special techniques like pockets, picking up stitches or getting ready to do seaming i wanted to remind you all of some of our fave helpful posts from previous knit alongs!

|| HELPFUL POSTS ||
- seaming with guest kelly of celtic cast on (this has videos! it's awesome)
- how to knit pockets
- picking up stitches tutorial from guest jane richmond
- how to pick up stitches tips post

also i just have to say one of my absolute favorite thing about this kal (besides all the awesome conversations going on in our ravelry group) is instagram! i adore that you are all using the #tttkal hashtag! i so look forward to watching your progression shots on there! it's bee so fun!!! i'm trying to find a way to showcase some of the pics on here...or at least get a screenshot or something. we'll see if i can finagle something.  if you're not on instagram join in - it's one of my fave forms of social media. you can find me on there under "luvinthemommyhood" and you can also keep up to date with my instagram shots on the sidebar at the bottom as well if you're not on instagram.

and just a reminder if you are done your ttt kal project please feel free to post your finished pics in our FO thread for the ttt kal as well.  that way i can make sure to include you in our "starring you" post at the of the knit along!

alrighty...fill me in! how's your project coming along? did you blog about your project this week?  have you hit any roadblocks?  go on...pour a cup of coffee & let's chat!  

>> JOIN IN & SIGN UP <<
- sign up for the knit along by clicking "here".
- get inspired by checking out our kal pinterest board & our pattern roundup post
- take part in all the fun conversation & make new friends in our ravelry group
- find out more and find all the posts and info "here" on our kal homepage.

>> OUR LOVELY SPONSORS <<

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CRUSHES || YARN & FABRIC LOVE

celadon & earl grey madelinetosh tosh sock

it's crushes time!  i finally got a chance to take some pics of my newest yarn and fabric lovelies!   mmmmmm.....so yummy all of them! i can't even decide which ones i love the most!  i indulged big time recently on my first 2 skeins ever of madelinetosh tosh sock! i cannot wait to knit with these skeins.  i knew when my lys - the beehive wool shop, got their big shipment of madtosh in that i absolutely had to get a skein of earl grey. i needed it. i didnt' even think twice.  the extra skein of celadon was a welcome addition and because it's so hard to get madtosh where i love in such a wide array of colors i spoiled myself and got 2 and it was worth it.  so gorg!  i didn't even realized how nicely they match with each other until i got outside and into my car.  a happy coincidence since now i think i may knit them in the same project. not sure what yet but my wheels are happily spinning.

one of my other favorite yarn companies - quince and co, recently released a new yarn!  owl is here!  and it doesn't disappoint!  a gorgeous blend of american wool and american alpaca these are a more than welcome addition to my stash.  a group of us where i live all went in on a big order to scoop up some of there lovely colorways. i can't wait to wind these up and get swatching!!!

quince and co owl in colorways - cilantro, sokoke, and cerulean

as for fabric i hit up a big pink castle fabrics sale a while back and got some beautiful new fabrics for a steal of a price!!!!  i had been waiting to try the liberty lifestyle prints for some time and so i didn't hesitate when i spotted the gorgeous mix of blues and corals in cranston. love it!  and then when i spotted the double gauze from kokka on the right i just about fainted! i got such a good deal i thought my eyes were seeing things wrong!  needless to say i got enough of both the liberty and kokka prints to make new dresses for myself.

1 & 2. floradots in gray & saffron by erin mcmorris for free spirit & 3. liberty cranston 4. free spirit designer solid in peach blush 5. commas in slate & chalk from zen chic for moda 6. muddy works currant in citron double gauze by tomotake for kokka

i haven't decided on which pattern yet but will definitely be posting something soon.  i've narrowed it down to a few and am hoping to finalize my wandering eye sooner than later..lol. i bought myself an invisible zipper foot finally (no more cowboy style zipper installations for me) so i'm all ready for another laurel dress or blouse maybe or any other garment with an invisible zipper. bring it on zippers!

what are you crushing on this week?  any new yarns or fabric prints you've scooped on or indulged in?  what are you hoping or saving for?  i've got a few other fabric/yarn lovelies to show you next week as well as a few new project - i can't wait! so spill the beans...did you treat yourself for mothers day too?

SPRING TOPS, TANKS & TEES KNIT ALONG || KNIT TO FLATTER BOOK REVIEW

Knit to Flatter: The Only Instructions You'll Ever Need to Knit Sweaters that make You Look Good and Feel Great!

a lot of chit chat has been going on for the tops, tanks and tees knit along on fit. if you're like me and you have some curves and you love knitting sweaters you most likely are always trying to find ways to modify existing patterns to fit your shape.  i recently purchased a copy of the new book by amy herzog called knit to flatter and let me tell you - this is a must have book.  the information in here is priceless.  whether you lack curves, have a bit more in some places than others and so on amy has tips and patterns in here to suit every body shape.  she also shows you how to measure, figure out your shape and dress your body type as well.  it's a great resource.  in particular i really found the sections on adding bust darts to cardigans and sweaters very helpful.

 

knit to flatteris also gosh darn cute.  the pink polka dot binding, the layout and graphic design of the book, the models...(i could go on & on), the book is just gosh darn welcoming, friendly, and like a great friend who always tells you the truth.  it makes you feel awesome to see REAL women's bodies in here. not waifs, not just size 2's,  not airbrushed fakes and definitely not only 32" busts.  there are beautiful, gorgeous REAL women in this book and i loved it.  i felt great after reading it.  i felt a slight empowerment in knowing i could knit and dress my body properly and look just as great in my new handiwork as the size 2 model could.  in fact the book breaks it down really easily after amy walks you through finding out your body type.  i strongly feel like more books on both sewing and knitting should be showing images like these. ones of real women, no matter what their shape (skinny or curvy) or size looking gorgeous in handmade items.

so thank you amy herzog!  can i just say you and knit to flatterrock!  true to stc craft | melanie falick style this book is lovely and a must have asset to any knitters book collection.  i highly recommend it and you know what...mother's day is right around the corner.  you deserve it....lol.  heck i pre-ordered mine i wanted it so bad...lol.

since there has been chatting about mods and fit in the ravelry group i recommend knit to flatter a great resource to have on this subject.  i also recommend a great guest post by jane richmond on "understanding fit" that is also a good reference on ease and more. i hope to use some of this info on my current project tops, tanks & tees project - levenwick. wanna see how far i am?  i was motoring but have slowed down since i have been so sick the last week or so.  you know you don't feel well when you don't knit too much.  i'm just in the thick of the waist decreases so i'm hopeful that i can get it done in time for the deadline :) can i just say again how much i love the collar on this?  that paired with the reverse stockinette is just making me so happy.  it's so rustic looking.  i heart it.

what about you? how's your project coming along?  what project did you end up going with?  did you blog about your project this week?  share! chat!  join in! it's never too late to grab those needles and jump in! happy knitting!

>> JOIN IN & SIGN UP <<
- sign up for the knit along by clicking "here".
- get inspired by checking out our kal pinterest board & our pattern roundup post
- take part in all the fun conversation & make new friends in our ravelry group
- find out more and find all the posts and info "here" on our kal homepage.

>> OUR LOVELY SPONSORS <<

*luvinthemommyhood.com is a participant in the Amazon.com.ca, Inc. Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.ca

FREE TUTORIAL || REVERSIBLE SOCK KNITTING PROJECT BAG

i love project bags. i love them almost as much as i love the stuff  i'm knitting and sewing in them.  i have tried making a few different versions of project bags now for my many wip's but i keep coming back over and over to this one style of bag.  it's my fave!  so after lots of requests since i sold some of these last summer at a fiber festival i finally got around to doing the tutorial for this reversible sock knitting project bag! yep - that's right, it's reversible!! weee!!!! more chances to use fun fabric! love it! and there is no hand sewing! love that even more!!!  it's easy, fast, fun and a great gift project to make.  you could easily whip a few of these up in one evening.

isn't it cute! i kinda want to hug them they are so cute. i think i have about 4 of them now in different fabrics.  you can surprisingly fit quite a lot into this small size too.  i have my sweater project in one at the moment and it's still fitting.  but if you would like a larger size (equally as cute, i have made those too) or even a jumbo (heck you could go smaller too), i give you instructions on how to do that below as well.

these little bags stand up great too. the square bottom is awesome for that. just remember if you are using a lightweight fabric to use interfacing on it to keep the stability of the bag or you'll get one that is a bit more floppy. now go recycle those ugly plastic bags, save your cloth tote for something else and give your knitting project a sassy new bag in your newest fabric crush of the moment! i promise it will bring a smile to your face and your knitty pals will all want one too <3

are you ready to get sewing?  this is a great beginner project but it's also a good base for an advanced sewer to go wild with piecing and sizing to create a custom bag suited to their tastes. 

>>REVERSIBLE SOCK KNITTING BAG TUTORIAL<<

Copyright 2013 www.luvinthemommyhood.com  All rights reserved.  This tutorial is for personal use only unless prior permission has been given.  If you are interested in handmaking & selling this item on a small scale basis please email me at luvinthemommyhood@yahoo.ca for inquiries.

||  FINISHED MEASUREMENTS  ||

Bottom is approximately 5.5"W and height is approximately 7.5"H.

Want a different size?  You can easily adjust the sizes of this bag.  Simply choose a different overall square size for the bag (for ex. 16" x 16") and then to calculate the size of the small square corners you cut out you need to find 1/4 of the width of the fabric to be able to create a square bottom for your bag.

You can also customize the size of the upper & lower pieces as well if you are piecing your fabrics. Just remember that no matter what you piece together your overall height (after piecing/sewing your fabrics together) is 12" and your width is 12".  You could easily do a patchwork one, add more strips, or do vertical strips instead. It's totally up to you! Just have fun with it!
  

|| MATERIALS ||

To make a knitting bag all in one print you will need:
- 4 pieces of fabric 12"W x 12"H (2 for your outer and 2 for your lining).
If you would like to make your bag with 2 fabric selections for your outer and lining like the one shown in this tutorial you will need the following:
- 4 pieces @ 12"W x 7.25"H (this will be the lower section of your bag)
- 4 pieces @ 12"W x 5.25"H (this will be the upper section of your bag)

You will also need:
- 2 pieces @ 12"W x 12"H of light-medium weight fusible interfacing. I used PELLON  931TD fusible midweight white interfacing. If you are using a mid-heavy weight fabric you may make it without it.
- ruler
- scissors and/or rotary cutter and mat
- coordinating thread
- removable fabric marker
- 1 yard ribbon, fabric or cording cut to desired length

|| INSTRUCTIONS ||

 STEP ONE: PREPPING YOUR PIECES

Seam allowance is 1/4" unless otherwise noted.

 *Note: I am going to show you instructions on how to assemble a sock knitting bag that is pieced using 2 different fabric selections. If you would like to just use one fabric choice for your outer and lining please skip ahead to after the first paragraph.

Place 1 of your outer lower pieces right side facing 1 of your outer upper pieces and pin along your long edge.  Sew with a 1/4" seam allowance.  Press towards the darker of your colors.  Topstitch along the RS of your fabric along your seam. This makes a nice neat finish.  Repeat this step for the other 2 pieces of your outer bag and then repeat for all the pieces of your lining as well.  You should now have 4 - 12" x 12" squares ready to be sewn.

Iron on your interfacing to the 2 pieces of your lining bag.

Next you will mark and cut out a 3" square from the bottom 2 corners of all 4 pieces of your fabric.  Make sure these are nice and accurate.  Feel free to cut out a 3" paper square if you'd like a template.

STEP TWO: ASSEMBLING YOUR BAG

With your 2 outer pieces right sides facing sew along your bottom seam (this is the fabric between your 2 square cut outs).  Note: If you have pieced your fabrics together take care here to match up your seams for a nice finish.  I like to pin from there first and then up and down. I find I would rather trim a bit from the top or bottom than have a messy seam lineup. 

Next sew along the 2 side seams.  Repeat this step for the other 2 pieces that will be your lining bag.

Press all your seams open. Now we are going to make those fun corners that allow the bag to stand nicely.  You will still have the 3" squares you cut out unsewn.  With your outer bag in your hand hold the corner bottom in your hand and pull apart the square so that the inner top corner of that little square is now lined up with same corner of the other piece of fabric. See photo above. This should create 1 seam you can sew along with a 1/4" seam allowance. Sew along that seam.  Press.  Repeat this step for the other corner of your outer bag and for both corners of your lining bag.  Your bag should now look like the image below.

STEP THREE:  MAKING THE CASING

Turn your outer bag inside out.  Keep your lining bag right side facing out.  Now place your lining bag inside your outer bag so the right sides are facing each other.  See image below.

We are now going to create the channel for the drawstring and also close up the bag.  Mark 1" down from the top edge of your bag.   Sew a line 1" down from this edge around the whole upper circumference of the bags leaving a 2.5-3" opening to pull your bag through. This will also be the opening for your drawstring to pull through.

Pull your bags right side out and nicely tuck the lining bag inside the outer bag.  See image above.  Press all along the upper edge of your bag so it's nice and flat.  Pin your opening closed.  Sew along the top edge circumference all around the bag this time with a 3/4" seam allowance.  This will finish your drawstring channel and close up the bottom of your opening. You now have a nifty pretty opening to pull your cord through without any hand sewing! Yay!!!!  I love this kind of top finish. It's easy, fast and looks great.

STEP FOUR:  ADDING YOUR DRAWSTRING

Attach a safety pin to the end of your drawstring. I like to use a soft off white tie cording (not sure if this is the correct terminology for this) most commonly used on pajama pants. If you do use this kind of tie you need to finish your ends. I simply fold over a 1/2" of the end and then fold again. I then sew down along the folded edge.

Now that you have your tie ready feed the safety pin end through the channel to the other side.  Open the bag up fully and make sure you have at least a 5-6" minimum on each end to be able to tighten the bag and tie a nice big bow :)  And that's it! You're done! Now go get your sock knitting on m'dears! Enjoy!

Copyright 2013 www.luvinthemommyhood.com  All rights reserved.  This tutorial is for personal use only unless prior permission has been given.  If you are interested in handmaking & selling this item on a small scale basis please email me at luvinthemommyhood@yahoo.ca for inquiries. 

As always please share your finished project pics! We LOVE to see your handiwork! Add your pics to the comments below and/or add them to our flickr group!  Thanks for sewing with me!

>>  FABRICS USED  <<

- "scattered sand in warm grey" by lotta jansdotter
- a random turqouise solid i can't remember where i got from :P
- "gallop horse fabric" by katherine codega

Do you like knitting socks?  Are you always on the lookout for a new project bag? I can never have enough! So far this is my favorite one! It's almost as addicting as knitting the project in it!

GIVEAWAY || SWEET FIBER YARNS!!

silk cashmere aran from sweet fiber shown in colorway smoke

i'm drooling over here! we've got a very yummy giveaway for you all!  the other week i released my newest knitting pattern - lansbury (shown below) using sweet fiber's heavenly "silk cashmere aran" yarn.  it was such a treat and a joy to work with sweet fiber yarn. so needless to say i was thrilled when the lovely owner of sweet fiber yarns - melissa, who i've had the pleasure of meeting (she's canadian too!), sweetly offered to do a giveaway for 2 skeins of the silk cashmere aran! freaking out here! this is a very, very sweet prize!!!! wahoo!!! thanks melissa!  you can easily use it to make a lansbury of your own (you can win that too) or any other pattern of your choice!

lansbury cowl pattern by shannon cook using silk cashmere aran by sweet fiber

sweet fiber is a "canadian indie company specializing in luxury hand dyed yarns". my friends and i like to say that melissa's yarns are comparable to madelinetosh.  so if you love tosh, you'll love sweet fiber.  her color palettes and yarns are just beautiful and you will most definitely become a fellow addict. i also love that melissa does her best to source her yarns within canada as much as possible.  i can't wait to get my hands on more and there will be more :) and in case you missed it the other month check out this post to see my wild and gorgeous sock yarn from sweet fiber & watch for a post soon with the finished socks!

here are some shots of some pretty patterns from melissa (she is an awesome designer too) and other designers using sweet fiber yarns.

you can find all the patterns shown above here.  ready to find out the deets of the giveaway?  i can't wait to see who is going to win this one! someone is about to be a very lucky knitter!

>>THE PRIZE<<
- one lucky winner will win  2 skeins of  Silk Cashmere Aran in "smoke" from sweet fiber!!! wowsa!!! thank you so much melissa! i'm drooling over this prize! the winner will also receive a copy of "lansbury" - my newest cowl pattern made with 2 skeins of silk cashmere aran.

>>HOW TO ENTER<<
- simply leave me a comment letting me know what you would make with the yarn if you won.
- bonus entry: like sweet fiber yarns and/or luvinthemommyhood on facebook and leave "another" comment letting me know you did that too.

>>RULES<<
- you must leave a valid email address in your comment or you will be disqualified.
- giveaway is open until sunday, may 5th, midnight, PST.

for news & updates follow sweet fiber on facebook!  you can also find all things sweet fiber here:

website  ||  shop  ||  facebook  ||  twitter  ||  ravelry group  ||  blog||

good luck everyone & happy knitting!!!!

NEW PATTERN || LANSBURY COWL

at the beginning of the year i was so lucky to get my hands on some yummy yarn from melissa of sweet fiber yarns.  i knew right away that i wanted to make something luxurious for my neck out of this cashmere silk aran yarn.  this cowl feels like heaven and is a dream to wear! spoil yourself & indulge in a fun knit with a delicious new yarn. a quick & fulfilling pattern using only 200yds, with a reversible ribbed inside,

Lansbury Cowl

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the lansbury cowl is sure to be a fave accessory year round. named for the lovely angela lansbury & her long time show murder, she wrote, this cowl represents all the twists & turns involved in solving a good mystery.  i have fond memories of curling up watching angela lansbury daily with my omi while knitting & crocheting alongside her. i still tune in regularly with reruns on netflix with my favorite tea and some twist filled knitting. 

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the Lansbury cowl pattern features:

:: clear and easy to understand step by step instructions

:: bright & colorful photography

:: 1 page color PDF pattern

::  a great knitting experience

Lansbury is available at the following:

RAVELRY ||    ETSY  ||  CRAFTSY 

(coming soon)

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lansbury is easy to memorize and is a great jump into small cables and slipped stitches.  it's also a great way to practice knitting in the round, ribbing and learning a new stitch pattern.  don't be afraid of the those purdy twists they are a lot easier than they look. promise :)  you can do it!  this cowl is worth it.  it has great drape but also a reliable stability to keep it from caving in.  the bonus is if you would like to wear it more soft and drapey the inside is purdy too!  lansbury features a reversible ribbed inside!  you can see a shot of it in the pics below.

i couldn't resist also posting all my fave pics from my photoshoot with my gorgeous friend rebecca of the blog nook.  she's one of my fave models to use and you will recognize her from my mallory cowl pattern.  she's a speedy knitter who eats, sleeps & breathes knitting.  she's also a fabulous test & sample knitter (if you need one you can find her under gundyknitter on ravelry). watch out for great things from her this year :) thanks for being such a wonderful model becca <3

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LANSBURY COWL  ||  BUY NOW

i hope you all enjoy the lansbury cowl pattern as much as i do. i've been wearing mine non stop i tell ya.  this is definitely one of my new fave go to accessories. before i go though i can't resist shouting a mention to the fabulousness of angela lansbury. i mean how hip does she look on the cover of gentlewoman magazine recently?  so awesome!  and meow!!!  what a looker she was & still is! you go girl!

img scr;lastfm, thegentlewoman

are you a big fan of murder,she wrote and angela lansbury? do you have a love for sweet fiber yarns?  i'd love to hear from some other murder, she wrote fans! i can't be the only gal in her 30's who watches this show? right?  :P

p.s. stay tuned next week when we will be giving away a very delicious prize from sweet fiber yarns!!!! woowweee!

TOPS, TANKS & TEES KNIT ALONG || PATTERN ROUNDUP!

lobelia by meghan fernandes for pom pom quarterly spring 2013

you guys ready to get inspired?  still looking for your spring tops, tanks & tees knit along project?  already chosen but wouldn't mind another?  well you're in luck!  here's our tops, tanks & tees inspiration roundup!  i've compiled some (and i definitely mean only some, there are way too many awesome patterns out right now) of my faves! these are the lovelies that have caught my eye over the last while and also ones that you all have been drooling over in our ravelry group!  so pour a cuppa jo' or brew your favorite tea, pull up a seat and let's daydream about our next project together.

1. compass pullover 2. helene 3. seagrass 4. newale

biston

1. high relief dolman 2. two-color baseball tee 3. die cut vest

1. hane 2.auden

gemini by jane richmond

1. etty 2. cap sleeve lattice top 3. knit t-shirt 4. fluctuate

1. grenadine tunic 2. patou tunic 3. koukla

1. low tide cardigan 2. vertex cardigan

1. kage 2. meeting point 3. lady bat

beverly tee

1. in a while crocodile 2. silverlight 3. ella jo 4. champagne 5. holla back tank 6. splitstone

so much to choose from!  i'm so excited about this kal and hope you all are too! i can't wait to show you our awesome sponsors and to see all the fabulous yarns and projects you all decide on! come chat in the ravelry group or in the comments below. fill us in on what yarn you're using & what project you're making! i'm dying to know!

also here's the deets in case you still need to sign up & join in! you can also find more information here on our tops, tanks & tees knit along homepage.

>>> SIGN UP <<<

sign up by clicking on the link below. *note: you must be signed up to be eligible to win the giveaway prizes at the end of the knit along.

Tops, Tanks & Tees Knit Along Sign Up Form

thank you for knitting along with me! 

p.s. don't forget to check out our tops, tanks & tees pinterest board!!! it's fun!  comment below to let me know which pattern you'd like to see added or mention it in our ravelry group & i'll do my best to add them in. 

pps. read through last year's tops, tanks & tees posts. there's lots of great info and helpful posts.  you can find it here.

TOPS, TANKS & TEES KNIT ALONG || PINTEREST BOARD

have you been looking for the perfect pattern to make for our upcoming tops, tanks & tees knit along?  why not check out our new pinterest board just for the knit along!  we tried this out last kal and it was so fun!!!


i've gone through our ravelry chat so far and also went through some of my faves and started pinning like a madwoman (sorry to my pinterest followers for the massive pinfest).  as we go along and projects get added in the ravelry thread i will keep adding them.  if you'd like a pattern to be added that you don't see just leave a comment here in this post or in our chat thread on ravelry and i'll do my best to add it in.

enjoy and happy yarn & pattern picking!

remember you can find all things TTT KAL below (dates, info & more):

http://www.luvinthemommyhood.com/2006/04/spring-tops-tanks-tees-knit-along-2013.html

and sign up here:

TOPS, TANKS & TEES KNIT ALONG SIGN UP

P.S. next week is our ttt kal roundup of my fave patterns!

do you have a pattern you'd like to see added to our pinterest board? what top are you making? share!!! we love adding new patterns to our group!

ANNOUNCEMENT || SPRING TOPS, TANKS & TEES KNIT ALONG!

guess what???? our annual spring tops, tanks & tees knit along is coming soon!!!!! get ready to mark your calendars!!!!!  our TTT's KAL is simply knitting a top, tank or tee to join in!  you can make it out of any weight of yarn, any style you'd like it just can't have full sleeves or be considered a full sweater!  it can be really summery or it can be warm and cozy with short sleeves. whatever you're dying to make and smitten with goes!  we just want you knitting!  just think how fab you will look sporting your new summer top in a month or so!  fun right?  plus you get to knit along with our crazy crew online!  we're a load of fun and the ravelry group is very active and chatty during our kal's.

the kal is suitable for any level of knitter! if this is your first garment - don't be scared to join in!  we've got a great group of ladies in our rav group and we are all always game to help and answer any questions!  during the kal there is always great technical posts with lots of info, tips & tutorials to help you get through your projects.  think of it as sitting each week with hundreds of ladies knitting alongside you cheering you on every step of the way!  trust me - it's fun!

then we are all done we celebrate with me showing off all your finished projects on the blog here with our starring you post and then i host a giant giveaway with awesome prizes from our KAL sponsors!!!! all you have to do is sign up (link below) and have started or complected your project to be eligible.  you can also crochet as well!  so if knittings not your game feel free to whip you your crochet needles as well.  heck do both if you're so inclined :)

>>>  DATES <<<

START:  APRIL 24TH
END:  MAY 22ND (give or take a week or two extension)

>>> SIGN UP <<<

sign up by clicking on the link below. *note: you must be signed up to be eligible to win the giveaway prizes at the end of the knit along.

Tops, Tanks & Tees Knit Along Sign Up Form

in the next week or so i'll be filling you in on all the nitty gritty details and doing our annual round up of inspiring patterns as well as a brand new knit along pinterest board for us to pin our fave patterns to so we can all get inspired!!! i'll also have a button for you all to sport & more goodies! i so hope you'll join in and knit along with me!

do you have a pattern picked out already? which yarn are you thinking of using? i'm so excited and hope you all are too! yay! knit along time ladies! 

p.s. you can always find lots of helpful info in our past kal's. click here to see them all!

SEWING || BOX BAG LOVE

this weekend i'm hitting the road. heading on a road trip (and ferry trip) with some awesome pals to hit up vogue knitting live in seattle! i cannot wait! i'm sooooo excited! needless to say since i'm going away i needed some handmade lovelies to accompany me.  i have my laurel dress from last week and next up to show you is my new box bag.  box bags rock.  i heart them...but remember what happened last time i made one (read about it here)? yep. not so good. silly me.  oh well. lesson learned. i knew i would try again and if i did i wanted it fully lined with no exposed seams.

my fave parts of this bag are the fabrics.  aren't they awesome? they are from katherine codega.  her illustrations and prints are some of my faves!  i splurged on 3 prints a while back and just adore them.  it's taken me eons to get the guts to even cut into them i love them so much.  i'm happy i did now though. i absolutely adore my new bag :)  you can find katherine codega's shop here.  if you pop over tell her i sent you :)  she does custom listings as well so if you see something you want and it's sold out odds are she can print it for you.  that's how i got one of my prints.

i used the tutorial from my friend libby of the blog truly myrtle to make the box bag. i knew what i wanted and still remembered what i had done the first time so it was a piece of cake this time round.  box bags can be a bit tricky to wrap your head around at first if you're a new sewer so take your time and i strongly recommend really visualizing what you are doing.  hold the pieces up in front of you as you read the instructions and envision the end result.  there are a tons of tutorials online showing  how to make these but i really liked how libby's is fully lined with absolutely no exposed seams. i hand stitched my small opening closed and i'm super happy with my results.  looks fabulous! these bags are also a really good way to practice your zippers too!

all in all they are fun little bags to use for just about anything small you want to tote around.  mine is for my sock knitting at the moment.  i'm super hooked and wanted a small bag to fit 2 small projects in for my trip.  you can make them bigger though.  the box bags are really easy to customize to whatever dimensions you would like yours to have.  you can even make them quite large to fit sweater knitting in - just be sure to use a strong interfacing :)

||  NOTES  ||

FABRICS USED:
>> pastel triangles and  bows & arrows pastel by katherine codega

PATTERN NOTES:
>> fully lined, hand stitched opening, pellon medium weight interfacing, zipper pull on one end, followed same sizing as truly myrtle tutorial.

such a fun and quick sew!  i think i need a few more :) i've got another lovely to show you this week for my upcoming trip & an announcement as well so stay tuned!

are you going to vogue knitting live? if so let me know so i can look for ya!  do you use box bags for your knitting?  how do you make yours? share pics! i'd love to see them!  happy sewing!

KNITTING || STRIPE STUDY SHAWL

stripe study shawl by veera valimaki

i got spoiled by my mom and dad this past xmas when they surprised me with some gorgeous madelinetosh tosh merino lite to make the stripe study shawl by veera valimaki (one of my fave knitwear designers).  i cast that baby on so fast and i swear i loved every minute of it.  even the ones that i moaned and groaned through.  those were the last few days of straight garter.  now don't get me wrong - i love garter, but after the excitement and fun of this shawl design just knitting straight garter stitch for a few inches felt a bit too humdrum.  but then i found my rhythm and my happy place and boom - my stripe study was done.

what's taken me almost as long as knitting it has been getting pics of it.  you see sometimes i have to beg (and i mean beg) the hubs to photograph things for me.  hard part is i always have some sort of creative visual in my head of the whole photoshoot. I know what I want.  he can't see in my brain. i can't seem to tell him in man lingo and we both end up frustrated.  either way we try to make it work.  so after a somewhat relaxing visit to the beach the other day (or as relaxing as it can be with 2 kids frolicking in the wet sand (one who keeps going just a bit too far out into the ocean), a hubs who keeps attempting to play with mad strange dogs, noisy people standing on the beach having a very loud 10min conversation in part german about real estate, and a child who all of a sudden realizes they have to pee and can't hold it) we attempted to get a few quick shots before driving like a madwoman to the nearest washroom so my crying child could pee.

needless to say they aren't perfect which is why there are a few more of my daughter modeling them above.  she tried to help me out.  i added them in and edited this to add that even though i wrote that i was making peace with my hubs pics i still tried again and prolly will a few more times until i get the shot that i'm happy with..lol. overall though i just wanted you to see it.  so i'm letting it go for now.  making peace with the photos of my stripe study.  it's beautiful.  i love it.  i hope you'll take my word for it and go make one of your own one day.  it's the perfect indulgence and actually a quite easy and relaxing knit that's perfect for purse knitting.  if you love short rows you'll love the race and anticipation of stripe study.  be warned though that blocking this lovely takes patience & a good tv show or movie (it took me an hour or two). i highly recommend using blocking wires (i got mine from knitpicks) and being very picky about it.  mine blocked nicely and i'm  happy with the turnout.

||  PATTERN  ||
- Stripe Study Shawl by Veera Valimaki

||  YARN USED  ||
- Torchere in Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Lite
- Steamer Trunk in Madlinetosh Tosh Merino Lite

||  NOTES  ||
- I did not do the full amount of stripe repeats. I simply did what others had done and knit till I ran out of my red color. You can't really tell and I love it anyways :) I also carried my yarn on the color changes up the sides for the 2 rows. No weaving in ends for me :)

i love the lines and the design of this shawl and have been wearing it tons! it's such a fun pattern to make and it was a joy to knit.  two thumbs up in my book.  my mom also made one and i love that we can both sport our stripe study's together! thanks mom & dad!

what about you? have you made one? do you like short rows as well?  what's your fave shawl to knit?  let's chat knitty goodness m'dears!  coffees on!

p.s  Laura C from Littleandlots was the winner of the Botanical Knits Book Giveaway!!! I'll be in touch today! Thanks for all of your entries!

CRUSHES || FABRIC & YARN

motif madness in vermillion & ivory from tsuru by rashida coleman-hale for cloud 9 fabrics

the mailman brought me some new lovelies yesterday! so excited to cut into these pretty new fabrics!!!  i've been drooling after tsuru by rashida coleman-hale (for cloud 9 fabrics) since she first sneak peeked it ages ago.  i saved up my pennies and finally was able to indulge and get a few prints from the line. i'm so in love with all the prints i got!  i'm now kicking myself wishing i had ordered more...lol.

but that always happens when i order fabric online right now.  the shipping hurts right now so i'm trying to be smart about my online ordering and only doing it when i need to or have a project in mind.  this whole being canadian thing is tricky sometimes.  makes me sad it costs so much now to ship fabric from the us to canada and vice versa.  hard on the wallet :(  i've been trying to take advantage of special shipping discounts when i see them pop up.  i also have a new sponsor spool & spindle  that's located in canada and she offers $5 flat rate shipping in canada and free shipping for orders over $150!  our other sponsors fabricworm, contemporary cloth & fat quarter shop all also have regular deals on shipping as well.  i try to share their deals when i spot them on my fb page whenever i can :) us fabric addicts gotta help each other out right? lol!

1. 1000 cranes cerulean 2. of a feather ivory 3. of a feather indigo - from tsuru by rashida coleman-hale for cloud 9 fabrics

along with my tsuru i also picked up more prints from timber & leaf by sarah watts for blend fabrics (you can see the other prints i got here) to add to the others i got from the line a few weeks ago.  these have a special project in mind for them and i can't spill the beans about it yet :)  the whole line is lovely though and i'm really happy with all the prints i have.  the girls love them as well.

brush bear ivory & gerbara turquoise from timber & leaf by sarah watts for blend fabrics

as well as fabrics i recently picked up some more of one of my go to worsted weight yarns - cascade 220 heathers in colorway aliki beach/sand.  i love this subtle neutral and hope the project i have in mind for it works out and i can show you all what i have planned in the next week or so :) think spring/summer & knitting ladies! wink wink....

cascade 220 heathers in colorway aliki beach/sand

i also could not resist ordering some of knit picks newest yarns billow.  as soon as i spotted these colorways i was sold.  this bulky yarn is 100% pima cotton! i know right! so soft! not sure what it's going to be yet but i'm working on something fun!!! 

billow from knitpicks in colorway tumeric and sagebrush

what fabrics have you splurged on lately? anything new you're lusting after? yarn goodies you recently picked up?  let's chat what you're crushing on! coffee's on!

BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY || BOTANICAL KNITS

eye candy alert! eye candy alert!  it's been a while since i did a book review and boy am i happy to have the awesomely talented alana dakos's new book "botanical knits" on the blog today!  i'm a big fan of alana's work and her podcast (never not knitting) and her new publication botanical knits does not disappoint!  filled with stunning photography, gorgeous illustrations & fresh graphic design this book just makes you want to curl up at home and knit till you can't knit anymore.

botanical knits is inspired by alana's love of leaves and she has incorporated it into a stunning collection of hand knits that fits so perfectly with her beautiful aesthetic.  true to her style and signature look botanical knits is filled with 12 patterns ranging from sweaters & cardigans, to shawls, socks and mitts.  and let's not forget the hats! some of my fave projects alana designs are her hats.  this collection features 3 hat patterns all of which are awesome!  i have already cast on for my fave - forest floor and i'm loving it!

alana's patterns are well written, clear and easy to follow and the layout of the book is truly inspiring.  i really enjoyed the special touches that the graphic designer - Mary Joy Gumayagay, added to the book.  in particular her table of contents and yarn pages just made me clap with excitement (shown above). they are fresh, unique and fit the vibe of the book perfectly.  i also enjoyed how she tied in the "botanical" aspect of the theme and really reflected the vibe of specimens.  i thoroughly enjoyed it!  alongside Neesha Hudson's soft and endearing illustrations and the breathtaking photography by Carlee Tatum this book is sure to be a new fave for anyone's collection.  i can't wait to make more of the projects!

what do you think? are you ready to go on a wee walk through the woods?  let's go get inspired by the leaves shall we?  and maybe at the end of it you might win a copy of botanical knits of your own??? hehehe....click below to read more, drool over pics with me and to enter the giveaway!

DOWNTON ABBEY KNIT ALONG || GIVEAWAY WINNERS!

bitty billy flowers from flores del sol

you all ready to find out who are winners are for the downton abbey knit along? so exciting! ...........................................................................................................................................................

1ST PLACE WINNER
OLIVIA VILLARREAL
- prize pack from Quince and Co. - Sundara Gift Certificate - Sweet Georgia Yarns Gift Certificate - Feministy Great Cowl KAL E-Book - Yarniad Gift Certificate - (1) Set of Downton Abbey Stitch Markers from The Amy Lee Show 

2ND PLACE WINNER
ANDEE FAGAN
- Jane Richmond Gift Certificate - Copy of New Lines Collection from Rose Beck - (1) Skein of Rain City Knits - (1) Skein of Neptune & a Tote from Luna Grey Fiber Arts - (1) Set of Downton Abbey Stitch Markers from The Amy Lee Show

3RD PLACE WINNER
MICHELLE CARTER
- shop credit to Feministy - Copy of Be Mine Collection from Rose Beck - Gift Certificate to Miso Crafty Knits - (2) sets of stitch markers from Cherry Tree Stitches 

wowsa! those are some prizes! thank you again to all of our awesome sponsors who donated prizes! congratulations ladies, i'll be in touch with you over the next few days in regards to your prizes! and congrats to all of you for knitting up some gorgeous items over the last month or so! thank you so much for knitting along with me <3

FREE PATTERN || YARNSTER HAT

Yarnster PDF "FREE" Knitting Pattern

$0.00

Add to cart

I've got a new knitting pattern out for you all today! I'm so in love with this one you guys and guess what? That's right...it's a freebie!!!  In honor of some special news I've got to share and a new yarn I've been crushing on, the YARNSTER hat is here!!! 

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Named & designed after my sweet friend arika, the YARNSTER hat is your new go to slouch hat!  Featuring a lovely openwork mesh stitch, the YARNSTER shows off the gorgeous, subtle colorways of that fave yarn you're crushing on! 

Made with malabrigo's new yarn - rastita, a super soft, slightly felted, dk weight with tons of yardage (you could maybe squeeze out 2 of these from 1 skein if you unravel your gauge swatch) this hat is comfy, stylish and fun to wear.  It's also a quick knit which makes it a lovely gift for that special person in your life or as a special treat for yourself. it makes a great beginner/intermediate pattern for those of you who are looking to learn how to increase/decrease throughout a pattern and to knit in the round.

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THE YARNSTER PATTERN FEATURES:

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:: clear and easy to understand step by step instructions

:: bright & colorful photography

:: 1 page color PDF pattern

::  a great knitting experience

Yarnster is available for FREE at the following:

1. RAVELRY
2. VERY SHANNON SHOP
3. DIRECT DOWNLOAD

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I hope you guys like it as much as I do! So you all ready to hear my special news? Yay! But wait...oops, you're going to have to wait till tomorrow!!! Hehe....thought I would tease ya just a little bit.  I can give you a hint though.....you'll see a bit of it & a big hint if you download the pattern for YARNSTER.

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Yarnster PDF "FREE" Knitting Pattern

$0.00

Add to cart

Special thanks to my gorgeous sister Camille for modelling for me!  Isn't she stunning? Have you tried rastita yet?  Isn't it fab! Do you have a fave yarn that would work perfect for the YARNSTER?  Do you love slouch hats as much as I do? I swear I wear a hat almost everyday. I'm definitely addicted :)

Get those needles revved up, grab some coffee, put on a good movie and let's get knitting! Come chat!

rainshine & learning processes

it's friday! phew! it's been a long one this week.  i don't know about you guys but i'm dying for some sunshine. of course living on vancouver island we're basking in the rainshine instead of the sunshine. you know that grey that is so bright yet dreary at the same time you have to put sunglasses on?  it's cold, windy and pouring buckets out today so harper and i are curling up with a quilt, a new movie, my knitting, her barbie and some fresh coffee.  i thought i would pop in and say hello to all of you. wanna chat? yay!

i'm so excited to let you guys know i've been working away busily behind the scenes here on the blog.  i've got some news to share hopefully in the next week or so that i can't wait to show you all!  i'm also super excited to let you lovelies know that i finally started working on some new sewing patterns!  yahoo! about time right?  lol..i know. it's been a while. i'm hoping for an early summer release for 3 patterns (i hope)!  after the craziness of the fall it will be fun to start sewing up some of my designs that have been waiting patiently for me to bring them to life. the sketchbooks and journals are on fire over here.

 

i've also got 2 new knitting patterns coming out soon!!!  1 for sale and 1 freebie!  i loooove them and they are my newest go to knits.  i hope you will all crush on them as bad as i have been :)  i swear every time i put out a new pattern it's like having a little wee baby.  they are all special too me in different ways and because i've been loving designing knitting patterns so much i'm jumping in with both feet.  i've busy been beefing up my resource library with some classic knitting books.  i couldn't resist picking up a copy of "the knitter's handy book of top down sweaters" and "the knitter's handy book of sweater patterns" both by anne budd.  i also have in my collection "knitwear design workshop" and a few more on the way - "principles of knitting" and "knitting from the top".  i don't know about you guys but i'm a visual learner and do really well learning by books. i'm also a book whore (sorry for the language but it's true..lol) so the more of my faves i can splurge on for my collection the better :)  i watch for sales and scoop when i can get huge discounts and free shipping. fyi- knitpicks has 40% off sales for books and when they do i advise taking advantage! happy early bday to me!  oh it's hard being a book lover sometimes...lol.

ok so now i want to know what you've been making this week? i ask this question a lot on facebook and get tons of responses. it's fun!  but i would rather chat with you all about it over here especially since it's tricky to even get my facebook statuses to show up to all of you on a regular basis. so fill me in.  have you been knitting, sewing, crocheting?  what project? got pics or a blog post to share? link them up in the comments. i love to see what crafty goodness you've all been up to.

do you have a fave knitting resource book that you use for technical things?  what do you find yourself reaching for when you learn a new technique?  i'd love to hear your thoughts on your process as well.  do you take online classes or search for videos on youtube? c'mon..spill the beans! 

wishing you all a new technique, crafty, coffee &  sunshine filled kinda weekend! xoxoxo  


p.s. i was so thrilled to find out that i was chosen as one of babble's top 50 mom craft bloggers for 2013!!!!!!!!!!! wahoo!! i'm doing cartwheels over here people!!! it's my 3rd year and i swear every year get's more and more exciting! thank you to all the peeps over at babble and to all of you awesome readers!  thank you, thank you, thank you!  this means a lot to me and my lil'ol blog :)