Knit & Crocheted Cowls

Posted on | January 13, 2010 | 5 Comments

I’ve really been getting into knitting. I am working on another hat using super soft Cascade Yarns Baby Alpaca. I saw an upcoming class at Seed Stitch in Salem, Ma that covers purl and how to combine purl and knit into seed stitch, a basket weave, ridge stitch, caterpillar stitch, basic cables. I need to learn more stitches in order make more advanced projects like cowls and mittens.

I was cruising around on etsy this morning and spotted these beautiful knit and crocheted cowls by Knittles. Knittles is run by two moms Mavis & Olga out of Canada. They create handmade hats, mittens, and cowls. I enjoy the different colors and textures in their work. I love their cowls because they can easily be tucked into jackets without adding extra bulk. The cowls above and below are available for purchase through their etsy shop ranging in price from $45 to $100, knittles.etsy.com.

il 430xN.115695364 Knit & Crocheted Cowls

il 430xN.108229773 Knit & Crocheted Cowls

Embroidered Necklaces

Posted on | January 8, 2010 | 4 Comments

It’s barely snowing outside. The flakes are light and fluffy like falling sugar. I thought I would take a little break from home renovation talk and share these embroidered necklaces. Kinda artsy, funky, cool. A great way to add some color to a winter wardrobe. Buy now at Spin Thread’s etsy shop.

il 430xN.114298713 Embroidered Necklaces

Category: fashion, jewelery, textiles

My First Knit Hat

Posted on | December 10, 2009 | 15 Comments

I just finished my first knit hat in the round! I can’t believe I actually did it. It took forever compared to the scarves I’ve made. Most of the hat had 88 stitches around on 8 point needles. One row took me about 9 minutes. My hands are achy and my fingertips hurt. Maybe I’ll try fingerless gloves next?

p.s. The hat is actually a nice gray not blue like the photo suggests. The sun was setting and I made Greg run outside to take my photo in front of the neighbor’s house. I only got one shot before he screamed it was too cold and ran back inside.

Related Posts:
Four scarves for Christmas

Category: diy, fashion

Seed Stitch Scarves

Posted on | November 18, 2009 | 6 Comments

Last winter, I made hand-knit scarves for my nieces christmas presents. I’m a total beginner and only know how to knit a basic stitch. I came across these pretty scarves by Jill Bent this morning and was pretty envious. I would love to master the seed stitch. It’s one of my favorites. I think I need to learn “purl” first. I noticed over at Jill’s etsy shop she’ll be showing off her wares this Saturday in Boston at the annual Design Salon Holiday Sale. Maybe I should I go?

p.s. jill also makes lovely grain sack pillows too!

French + Italian: Fall Brights & Patterns

Posted on | September 21, 2009 | 8 Comments

I’ve admitted that I would rather spend the day shopping for sofas then shoes. When I do shop I’m drawn to patterns that remind me of textiles for your home. My mind usually wanders to a dress fabric being gorgeous curtains rather then a party dress. Eventually, the trends we see in fashion end up translating to home goods and vice versa. I stopped by French + Italian in Marblehead for some fall fashion inspiration.

I love French + Italian because it’s beautifully curated. Stores with too much of everything overwhelm me. The owner, Aimee Lombardi is the sweetest. She’s great at putting my fashion anxiety at ease. My top picks: a wool pink & mocha shawl by Matta and a bejeweled necklace by Megan Park. The pink and mocha stripes on the shawl would be equally amazing draped over a sofa. Megan Park’s colorful handmade necklace reminds me of elaborate crewel fabric. Such a stunner against a dark dress. In the window an ombre silk dress and scarf by Matta. I love the coloring—how amazing would ombre fabric be as curtains? Below a knit scarf and wrap by Anne Willi. The blue shawl pops in a room of neutrals. Love that blue! The grey wrap sweater had me dreaming of knitting a giant afghan this winter. I’ll take the sweater too!

For purchasing info call the store. Aimee is happy to help with any questions.

French + Italian
129 Washington Street
Marblehead, MA
781-639-5129
frenchitalian.com

Category: fashion, marblehead

Portland, Maine: Angela Adams, Ferdinand, Two Fat Cats Bakery

Posted on | August 18, 2009 | 5 Comments

Pins from Ferdinand in Portland, Maine.

Continuing on my Maine coverage I have two posts from Portland, Maine. It must have been 90 degrees the day I was scouting stores. I could have missed some goodies because of the heat exhaustion so feel free to add your favorites below. I started my day in the East End. Cute crafting supply stores, thrift stores, and hip restaurants dot the street. My first stop was Angela Adams. Colorful rugs, pillows, bags, and shirts fill the space in a color explosion. My pick? New linen pillows with beautiful emerald green and turquoise accents.

Angela Adams
273 Congress Street
Portland, Maine
(207) 774-3523
angelaadams.com

Just up the street from Angela Adams is fun vintage clothing shop, Ferdinand. I scored a great denim wrap skirt $10, vintage scarf $4, feather headband $10, and a fabric hair tie $4. This is definitely the cool kids shop filled with great curated vintage finds.

Ferdinand
243 Congress Street
Portland, Maine
(207) 761-2151
ferdinandhomestore.com.

I was in charge of making dinner that night. I stopped by Two Fats Cats Bakery for the world’s best blueberry pie. The crust was incredibly beautiful. The pie was filled with yummy wild Maine blueberries. Super delicious and great for breakfast the next day too!

Two Fat Cats Bakery
47 India Street
Portland, Maine
(207) 347-5144
twofatcatsbakery.com