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Make A Seed Stitch Leather Button Neckwarmer

Katy Elliott — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:28:12 +0000

Inspired by a knit cowl designed by Knittles; I made a seed stitch version with five leather buttons. The neckwarmer is easy to knit and super cozy. Using the same seed stitch technique from my scarf project; I increased the width and shrunk the length. Five leather buttons ($0.79 each) I picked up at MJ Trim in New York secure the neckwarmer in place. The fitted style keeps my neck warm on bitter cold days without the bulkiness of a long scarf. Pull the neckwarmer up to cover your face or push down below your chin for a comfortable fit.

My Version
1 skein (100g/87yd) of Rowan Yarns Big Wool in Linen
US size 13 knitting needles (I could have used #15 but I have a loose purl stitch)

Cast on 21 stitches (odd numbers only)
Row 1: Slip 1 knitwise, *p1, k1; repeat till end. (you should end with a knit)
Repeat the pattern till you use up the skein.
Bind off and tuck in ends.

Secure five buttons on one side of the neckwarmer. I used leftover yarn and tied each button through onto the backside. I then positioned the button to poke through the overlapping top layer to the front side. I didn’t knit button holes but used the gaps between the purl and knit stitch. Below snapshots of the neckwarmer I made. Enjoy!

Handmade seed stitch (moss stitch) neckwarmer.

Front of neckwarmer.

Buttons attached to backside of neckwarmer.

Back of neckwarmer.

Make A Seed Stitch Scarf

Katy Elliott — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 20:41:30 +0000

I learn to knit for seed stitch. It’s my favorite; a simple combination of knit and purl the stitch is gorgeous for hats, scarves, mittens, sweaters and even pillow covers. It took me a while to get the hang of purling then, it took me even longer to remember to switch back and forth between the two. Inspired by Jill Bent’s beautiful scarves I spotted back in 2009—this is mine finished on my 33rd birthday.

I’ve come to realize the only way seed stitch works is to be a confident knitter. If you second guess yourself the stitches won’t have an even tension. Or worse yet, you’re so careful making sure you’re on the correct stitch you’ll be too exhausted to finish the project. Is this scarf a metaphor? Yes.

I made my scarf using three skeins of Blue Sky Bulky; a 50/50 alpaca and wool blend in silver mink. I used this pattern found on the Purl Bee to get me started. The Purl Bee’s pattern doubles the yarn and uses size 36 needles for what they call, The Eleventh Hour Scarf. The technique can be adapted to fit any yarn or needle size.

My Version
3 skeins of Blue Sky Bulky in “silver mink” #1002.
US size 13 knitting needles (I could have used #15 but I have a loose purl stitch)

Cast on 15 stitches (odd numbers only) If you want the scarf to be longer, cast on fewer stitches.
Row 1: Slip 1 knitwise, *p1, k1; repeat till end. (you should end with a knit)
Repeat the pattern till you’ve used up all three skeins.
Bind off and tuck in ends.

Below snapshots of me at the beach showing off my scarf this morning.

Diy: Nautical Stripe Yarn Bracelets

Katy Elliott — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:19:41 +0000

I’ve had this yarn bracelet craft pinned to my bulletin board for years to make as Christmas gifts from Martha Stewart Living. With a lot of extra yarn on my hands from knitting projects gone wrong; I decided to make a few with a red, white, navy nautical feel. When I was working on the project I came across a version for sale on Chance’s website, great minds think a like!

I picked up cheap acrylic bangles at local church thrift stores for $1-$2 each. I had Cascade 220 wool yarn on hand which gives the bracelets a fuzzy look. Think about using cotton if you want the to wear the bracelets year around or want less fuzz. Be aware not to pick a yarn that gauge is too small (you’ll be wrapping forever) or too large—super bulky would just be too thick.

1. First, pick your first color and gather the yarn into a small ball. Tie a knot onto the bracelet and leave a long tail.

2. Wrap the yarn around the bracelet making sure to keep the strands even and tight; keep the first long tail exposed.

3. To change colors tie the two yarns together in a tight knot. The tighter the knot the smaller the bump. Trim the ends leaving two long tails.

4. Start wrapping with the second yarn to create tension. Drape the tails on the inside edge of the bracelet. Wrap the yarn over the tails. Hopefully the small knot will be the only evidence of a color change. Continue to wrap and change colors as you like.

5. When you reach the end secure the working yarn onto the long strand you have left dangling from when you first tied on. I clipped the ends and applied fabric glue on the knot and ends so they wouldn’t unravel. Don’t butt the two ends too close together. You want the knot to have some room to nest between the yarns and blend in.

I really like the larger bangles because the colors are so striking and you can wear just one. The color possibilities are endless, I’m thinking something with canary yellow next. Hope you enjoy making them!

p.s. Martha has a slightly different technique for making them. Click over to her website to view her instructions and a video.

My New Sun Hat

Katy Elliott — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 14:04:22 +0000

Chelsea snapped this photo of me sporting my new sun hat at Terrain. I’ve been really into hats this summer with the excessive heat and my fear of burning my face—I have really fair skin. I seek out hats with large brims and UV50+ protection. I love the Abby hat for the beach, gardening, or walking around town. For sailing I’ve been wearing this one made by Scala. The brim is a bit larger and it has a internal cord so I can tie it tight to my head so it doesn’t blow away.

Photo by Chelsea Fuss

Stripes at Chance

Katy Elliott — Sun, 22 May 2011 21:20:45 +0000

From top left: Scoop Neck Dress $105, Classic Crusher $125, Striped Linen Scarf $110, Classic Espadrilles $48, Day Tote $125, and Classic Tank $46.

I’m insanely jealous of the new store Chance; I adore the whole concept and kicking myself for not coming up with it myself. It’s brilliant—simple classic New England style pieces represented in a small collection. The pieces don’t feel trendy or complicated but just updated versions of classics. I choose the stripe dress for myself; see a photo below. It’s cute on —not to clingy or baggy—pair it with espadrilles for the weekend or dress it up with a belt for your 9-5 gig.

Founder and creative director Julia Leach is a veteran of icon brand Kate Spade. Her talent to encompass a entire lifestyle in a clothing line, accessories and art is seamless. Nothing about it feels forced or manipulated.

I stopped into Chance’s pop-up shop on Elizabeth Street while I was in New York. Stripe saturated reds and blues pop off the white washed walls and floors. A collection of accessories, art and found objects are neatly displayed on tables throughout the shop. I had super nice chat Michelle the store manager while I tried on a lobster claw bracelet by Ursa Major and a wide brim hat that made me feel like a movie star. Above my picks and a few snapshots from inside the store below.

Chance
211 Elizabeth Street
Thursday to Sunday, 12-7
May and June
New York, NY
chanceco.com

Images within the collage and girl on ferry courtesy of Chance. The snapshots below by Katy Elliott.

Signs of Spring

Katy Elliott — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 19:25:38 +0000

Soludos Espadrilles in Navy, $28 and Ann Taylor Loft’s Stripe Mix Knit Dress in Faded Ink, $59.50.

Finally, It’s spring! I spotted blooming trees and flowers on my walk this morning. I even wore a dress with no tights, A-mazing! My glaring white legs are a bit scary but it felt great to actually put on spring clothes and shoes. BTW espadrilles and stripe dresses are super hot for spring—good for me because it’s the perfect work from home uniform. I tried to find traditional espadrilles last spring (TOMS are cute too!) with no luck but this year they’re everywhere and selling out fast. I picked up three pairs in stripes in solids from Soludos.com. The seersucker style are my favorite. Word of caution when shopping for espadrilles online, double check the shipping costs before purchasing, a few sites were almost double the cost of the shoes.

So let’s talk stripes dresses. I scored Ann Taylor Loft’s Stripe Mix Knit Dress 40% off over the weekend. I also picked up this one on sale from Boden, cute but short. Both dresses are super comfy but clingy—definite motivation to hit the gym and tone up my bum. Hope spring has come to your corner of the world too!

Spring Dresses From EmersonMade.

Katy Elliott — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:57:37 +0000

I never write about fashion because it’s the thing I care least about. If I ever become famous I’m getting a stylist to put lovely things in my wardrobe that fit me beautifully. So I guess I don’t dislike fashion, fashion seems to not like me.

I have a different body type. Since I was a kid, shopping has been a struggle and I’m not a fan of wasting a whole Saturday shopping for a freakin’ pair of pants. I’m tall have a small waist and I’m curvy on the top and the bottom. Most of the things I find at mass market stores make me look about 20lbs heavier because of the cut. I’ve basically given up and when I do find things I like—which is rare—I buy it up. I praise the gods who invented stretch skinny jeans and belting.

So a few weeks ago, I came across EmersonMade‘s new spring dresses. Based in New Hampshire, a husband and wife team started out making these really cute flowers. With the success of their accessory business they launched a clothing line. Some friends on twitter said it reminded them of J.crew before Jenna Lyons. I like the line because its age appropriate—I’m in my 30′s—not too dressy but pulled together.

I ordered three dresses; Dragonfly Market Dress, Seersucker and Brass Dress, and the Red Robin Dress. Greg came up the stairs while I was trying them on said, “Wow a dress that actually fits you! Love it. You look beautiful.” I had the Dragonfly Market Dress on. My least favorite of the bunch was the Red Robin, I like the styling but the other two were just more flattering on me. I might exchange it for the The Trench Dress to wear to some work events this spring.

The dresses are really well made. Most of them have hidden zippers, which I love. You could make a blooper show of me trying on dresses, getting stuck between my boobs and neck in the dressing room, and screaming for help! So thank you Emerson for the zippers. The dresses are a nice weight which I also appreciate because it reduces panty line. I’ll admit the prices are a little high but you are paying for quality, really. I took the dresses out of the box, which were beautifully wrapped and felt like I ordered handmade dresses for me. And the clothes that I have bought in the last few years that were a tad more expensive; I’m wearing year after year and they still look brand new. I don’t have the patience to shop for a whole new wardrobe every season. I’m happy to add these dresses to my closet, be done with shopping, and welcome spring.

Happy weekend everyone! Greg and I will be painting the den and cleaning up the garden!

p.s. on a more home design topic check out their house in New Hampshire, beautiful! High Street Market put together a great post full of photos, click here. And also in the recent Boston Magazine’s Home issue, on newsstands now.

Spring Picks @ L.L. Bean Signature

Katy Elliott — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:01:04 +0000

How do you jump start a classic brand and capture the wallets of the 20-35 demographic? L.L. Bean launched their new signature line this week inspired by classics from their archive. Alex Carleton preppy hipster guru designed the collection by updating the styling to appeal to a younger audience—No mom jeans in sight. Check out Carleton’s store Rogues Gallery in Portland for more menswear pieces with an extra slather of, I found this in my grandfather’s chest perfectly worn.

I ordered a few pieces and I’m already pretty impressed with the quality. My top pick? The textured pullover (top left)—super soft, great knit and weight— A sweater I can wear now and through the summer on cool nights. A washed in cotton chambray (bottom right) button down is cute tucked in with a rope belt and perfect paired with shorts this summer. The striped scoopneck (upper right) is not part of the signature line but I had to throw it in. Beans makes really great cotton tees. Long and thick cotton. Snag up a few for $24 each before they sell out.

Below a few styled shots from the Signature line. I just want to put this out there…Does anyone else feel like they should have called the collection, “Classic Away Maine” ? In Maine your referred to from “Away” if you’re a tourist or a transplant. The collection oozes blue blood summer-house clothes. I’m not complaining maybe just feeling snarky this morning? I love the new line but it did make me laugh when I first saw the styled spreads of idyllic Maine. Find out more at llbeansignature.com.

Embroidered Necklaces

Katy Elliott — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:35:58 +0000

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.

My First Knit Hat

Katy Elliott — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:43:23 +0000

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.

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