Fall-time Knitting

It's fall again and while I haven't posted in a while, I am thinking about what projects I can start working on. As I near the completion of the first year in my MBA Program, I am taking note of the many things I have been required to set aside so that I can find time for my studies. Knitting and other fabric related projects have been one of those things.

Yet, as the cool weather sets in, I cannot help but think about all of the scarves and hats and mittens I would like to create as gifts for my family and friends. How do I find the time?

Stop by and share your new fall projects. At a minimum, I hope to live vicariously through you.

For inspiration, check out this "Either-Or Capelet" I found in Fringe's Etsy shop or this "Blooming Trim Scarf in Thistle" I found in Fray's Etsy shop.

Knitting For Dummies

When I learned to knit, I learned the "throwing" technique. Due to my lack of patience, I never learned any other techniques nor did I have any interest. Yes, call me the lazy knitter. This is the precise reason I learned to crochet - the basic stitches are a lot easier to master. (In my humble opinion) I am sure there are master knitters who would beg to differ. Don't get your panties in a bunch, I already admitted that I am a lazy knitter.

So while surfing the net... as I always do, I decided to make a pit stop at You-Tube. The sole purpose - to find a knitting tutorial. I was not disappointed - I found a great knitting tutorial by Craft Sanity highlighting the differences between the throwing and continental knitting techniques. Who could ask for anything more?  So, tonight in between being a mom, wife, and student (again) I plan to try the continental technique.

Watch the video THEN wish me luck! 

KP Community

If you haven't already, you should take the time to subscribe to KnitPicks. I have received a lot of useful information from both the website as well as their monthly catalog. From knitting supplies to yarn to knitting patterns and more, KnitPicks has something for everyone.

When I received this month's catalog, I was pleasantly surprised to see that KnitPicks has added KP Community to their original website. KP Community is an interactive website that contains, knitting tutorials, knitting videos, a "Question and Answer" section, blogs, and more!

I cannot wait to browse around through KP Community. It is a great resource for knitters and those interested in learning to knit. Best of all... it's free!

Fingerless Mittens

This is the first half of my newest project. For the time being, I have stopped working on the Latte Neck Cozy - too much frustration!

This has become my second love - child sized fingerless mittens. The rolled top completes one end and the bottom was finished using a single crochet stitch. It doesn't have to be Valentine's Day to wear red. Off to work on the second fingerless mitten to complete the pair.

I cannot wait to finish this new project. Happy kitting!

Latte Neck Cozy Part 2 - Riddled With Frustration

Well let's just say that I started this "new" project...over two months ago. The Latte Neck Cozy was supposed to be my pride and joy! Yet I find myself battling procrastination. The problem is that it is taking too long to complete. For some unexplainable reason, the neck cozy is not coming together as I expected. Literally, I have taken it apart and started over 3 times.

The first time I started over, I was 3/4 of the way finished. That is before I realized that I was crocheting in the wrong direction! Meaning... when I tried t pick the project up and begin where I stopped the previous night I began crocheting on the wrong side of the cozy. What the #@%$#%^%? So I unraveled the entire thing and began again.

The second time, I kept dropping stitches! Granted this is a different type of yarn - it changes widths throughout the skein ranging from less than 1/4 of an inch to 3/4 of an inch. But I didn't have this problem the first time, so why now? Needless to say, I unraveled the neck cozy again.

I have started the project AGAIN, but with little progress. I am no longer excited about my Latte Neck Cozy. This is a really simple project - I cannot believe I am experiencing such difficulties. Aaaggghhh!!!!

Introducing Tats n' Knits

Have you ever been simply amazed by the work produced by extremely talented individuals? So amazed that you could not be satisfied until you had a better understanding of their work?

I experienced this recently when I saw the beautiful tatted pieces created by Pamela Quevedo. For at least 30 minutes, or so it seemed, I clicked on page after page, picture after picture, of the tatted pieces for sale in Pamela's Etsy shop - Tats n' Knits. Until that moment I had never been exposed to the art of tatting that dates back to the 19th century. After a quick Google search, I learned that tatting is a technique for handcrafting a particularly durable lace constructed by a series of knots and loops (Wikipedia). Quite interestingly, tatting can be used to make lace edging as well as doilies, collars, and other decorative pieces. The lace is formed by a pattern of rings and chains formed from a series of lark's head (or half-hitch) knots, called double stitches (ds), over a core thread (Wikipedia).

Thankfully tatting was not a mystery to Pamela whose designs, elegantly showcased in Tats n' Knits, are often inspired by other artist's metal worked jewelry. "...mostly my designs come from vintage patterns reworked in 'my' style." A stay-at-home mom to two little girls, Pamela has a passion for edgy, modern, Gothic and vintage all rolled into one. "I've been crafting since early childhood, knitting, crochet, sewing and drawing. Tatting is simply the most recent craft I've taken up."

Looking at Pamela's designs, I was surprised by the fact that she has only been tatting for a few years. Tats n' Knits is bursting with necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other intricate pieces. "My children are my full time job, luckily they allow me time to tat every day." Honestly, I don't know how she does it all!

Whenever I feature amazing artists, I always ask, "What advice would you give to fellow crafters and Etsyians?" To this Pamela responded, "I don't know if I'm the best person to give advice, but the one thing I know is, if you make what you love making, then it doesn't matter how much or little you sell. I enjoy what I do and I've been lucky enough to find customers all over the world who do too!

Meet Peacoxcreations!

I am pleased to present to you "peacoxcreations" - baskets, babies, and beyond. A quaint Etsy shop founded by Patti Cox-Charles. When talking to Patti, I was interested in the origins of the name of this Etsy shop where you can find handmade christening gowns, handwoven baskets, hats and scarf sets, and more. A brief inquiry revealed, "The name "peacoxcreations" comes from P. Cox, [Patti's] first initial and last name before she remarried"

Patti, the "P" in "peacoxcreations" describes her style as eclectic. The lover of many crafts, this fiber artist always has several projects going on at one time. "I've loved crocheting and knitting for many years, but I consider pine needle basketry my favorite art form." Patti is inspired by the beautiful things she finds around her - a claim not everyone can make.

I asked Patti if she creates full time or if her passion is a hobby. Her reply... "It's a hobby. Since some of my crochet projects, such as the christening gowns, and many of the baskets take me up to (and above) 40 hours to make, I could never do this for a living." All I can say is... amazing! Patti began crafting almost 60 year ago - longer than most of my blog readers have been around. Including myself! She caught the crafting bug from her mother and admits to an insatiable desire to create things.

You can learn more about Patti on her blog at http://patti-peacox.blogspot.com/. A must read - Patti's blog contains tidbits about family, friends, and crafting (not necessarily in that order). Oh, yes... It's also about writing her book!

When asked, "what advice would you give fellow crafters?" Patti eloquently responded, "Love what you do; life is too short to do otherwise." Visit this fantastic Etsy shop - you'll love it!

Springtime Knitting

As we prepare for the changing of seasons, the transition from Winter to Spring, I am searching for new ideas, as a knitter to include in my Etsy shop.

Of course there is the transition from wool yarns to cotton yarns for knit hats, but is it really time to pack away my fun mittens, scarves/scarflettes, wrist cuffs, etc. This spring I plan to add cotton hats and increase my hair accessories, but what else fun?

What do you think?

This is a call to my fellow knitters and felters what types of items will you offer for the Spring?

Here are a few cool things I found on Etsy (click on the picture to access the shop where sold)...

Project Updates - New and Old

• The good news is...my new hat project has a name! Orange Sherbert was the winning choice - thanks to all of my friends on and off Etsy.
• Additionally TabiHats snagged a few more Treasurys on Etsy. A treasury is where other Etsy members select 12 of their favorite items from other Etsy shops and present in a "showcase." It is really exciting to see one of your items listed. Recently "Lavender Dreams" and "Pink and Cream" were chosen for treasurys. See the pictures above.
• My recycled projects are underway. Unfortunately I am a terrible photographer so my pictures were horrendous (blurry, dark, etc.)! I plan to try AGAIN within the next few days.

AHA I Felt

As I sat down to write this post I recognize that I am a "tad bit" biased considering I sell TABI Hats creations there. Nevertheless, one of my new favorite sites...Etsy allows fellow members to create lists of 12 of their favorite finds created by fellow Etsians. This list is called a "treasury". While browsing the treasuries this morning, I came across "AHA I Felt". A treasury chock full of absolutely amazing handmade felted products.

My favorite is pictured above.

Call For Bloggers

I am contemplating creating a Blogging Team for my TABI Hats Blog. I would like the Blog team to focus on knitting/felting/crocheting topics. I am specifically interested in children - toddler and baby items, however, mom and baby is nice spin. I possible am open to other similar topics with the right spin.

If you are part of a Blogging Team I would love your feedback:

• What do you like/dislike about being part of a Blogging Team?
• How/when are new posts approved?
• If you started a Blog Team, how did you decide upon your team members?
• Etc.?

Your thoughts?

Next Felting Project...

I am so excited about "Autumn Leaves" that I have begun another felt purse. Can't wait to show you the results.

Also, I plan to felt flowers. I haven't been this excited since...well since yesterday when I posted "Autumn Leaves" on my Etsy site!

If you have any felted flower patterns that you absolutely love and desire to share, please let me know. I am on vacation and anticipate the onset of a felting frenzy!

De Lavande

Recently several TABI Hats products were featured on De Lavande (http://www.delavande.webs.com/) a website dedicated to showcasing beautiful handcrafted, necklaces and more.

I had an opportunity to dialogue with Rachelle, the artist, and discovered that she was born and raised in Traverse City, Michigan, but recently moved to Cookeville, Tennessee. Inspired by nature, gardens, and the pure enjoyment of beading Rachelle began creating necklaces for her mom as well as herself. Before long, "my friends would ask if I would make something special for them."

Just as I create knit toddler and baby hats and accessories for the sheer pleasure of it, Rachelle declares that it's "...my way of getting away from all the stress [I] would sit back on the couch, pop in a movie and bead necklaces until I passed out. To me this was heaven." For well over 10 years Rachelle has been making hand beaded necklaces with simple and clean, yet elegant designs. Check out her Etsy shop at http://www.delavande.etsy.com

As a fellow crafter, selling on Etsy can be a challenge. Rachelle offered me this word of encouragement, "stick with it because if nothing else you can meet some great people and even learn a few things to enhance your own craft." I look forward to seeing more of Rachelle's beautiful jewelry. She aspires to sell at least 2 items per month on her Etsy Shop, but I guarantee she will sell much more.

Check out her blog for more information.

Autumn Leaves - Felt Project

I am so excited to say that I finished my first felted project! I have named it "Autumn Leaves". I had so much fun creating this little purse. I believe it is a perfect size for a little girl to store her favorite candy, tissues, and precious odds n' ends.

Check out the flat leaf buttons. I think they are adorable and perfect for attaching to add additional detail.

Stay tuned - there is more to come!

(Glorious Hats...you inspired me!)

Butterfli's Another Etsy Shop

As I was browsing for unique handmade items to purchase for Christmas, I came across this shop on Etsy.

Check out Butterfli's at http://www.butterflislm.etsy.com/ for unique knit and crocheted items. There are a variety of items to choose, from iPod holders to dish towels. You will be pleasantly surprised. In addition, you can visit Butterfli's Blog for more information.

Happy Shopping!

Dharma Designs: Meet Etsy Knitter: TABIHATS

Dharma Designs: Meet Etsy Knitter: TABIHATS

My Etsy Shop...TABI Hats was featured on Dharma Designs, a Blogger Blog today. When you get the chance check out the beautifully written post by Wendy, the Blog author.

More "Free Felted Patterns" Pictures

Click on each picture to obtain the free pattern!

Felting Patterns and More

My insatiable desire for knowledge led me on an Internet search for felted purse pictures and patterns. Lucky me, I happened upon the site called Free Felted Patterns.

This easy to navigate site boasts 451 free patterns accompanied by pictures of the finished project. Some of the patterns are available in .PDF format for easy viewing, printing and saving. Not to mention many of the pattern links actually link you to another blog or website with more knitting and felting information. Free Felted Patterns is a portal to an abundance of information.

Another nice thing about the site are the pattern selections. Many are knitting patterns, while others are crochet patterns. There are mittens, purses, backpacks, house slippers and more. The practice of felting has opened for me, a new world of creativity.

I am excited that I found this site. There are so many ideas to choose from that I simply cannot make a decision. Visit Free Felted Patterns and let me know if you found the site as exciting as I did. If you use one of the patterns send me a comment, I would love to feature your finished project.

Click on each picture to obtain the free pattern!

Project Status

Well, the good news is that I am almost finished knitting my purse. Yeah!!!! I need to close the bottom of the purse and knit the shoulder strap. Double Yeah!!!!!!

I can't wait to begin the actual felting process. I am SO exciting, but moving slow. I started an MBA program this week and balancing school, work, knitting, family has been challenging this week.

Soon I will have pictures...

A Project! A Project!

Online I found this Easy-Does-It Series book called "Easy Felted Knits". It contains 7 projects.

After reviewing, I became inspired. Last spring, I made a knit purse our of worsted yarn. I decided to recreate the purse out of the orange wool yarn I purchased from Yarns and Fabrications.

Since I recently started I have nothing to report yet. The project is very easy and if time permits I should finish this weekend.

I'll keep you posted on my progress...