Let me just preempt this with "I really appreciate my husband after this evening"
Last night, Thursday, my husband took the kids to the RC track in Broken Arrow. Totally fine, daddy time and all that. They were basically "out" for dinner. So I thought I'd get a salad from Mazzio's pizza and grab some cinnamon sticks for the fam, since I would be back around evening snack time.
I also wanted to swing by Maurice's to get some pants. I've heard that they have great fits. Well, after trying on about 10 pairs, I can agree on the fit, except the rise, and wash and cut of the leg were not for me!! Plus the tag was $79. But buy a top and bottom, get 50% off one item (the cheaper one, I can assure you!). I tried on dresses, slacks, tops, oh man, what fun! And the sales girl was so nice. But I left with nothing.
I go to Mazzio's to get my salad bar. LOVE their salad bar! And I was hungry!!! So I placed my order, salad bar to go, cinnamon sticks and a plain pizza. Got my order number, and filled my container. Yum!! They were very busy, behind in orders, so I planned on eating my salad while I waited. Just as I sat down, a girl brought out two boxes to me, one big, one smaller. I said, "that was fast! Thank you!" handed her my order number, got up and left. Awkwardly. I had two pizza boxes, a salad container, and two drinks!! Plus my wallet and keys! Its a miracle I made it without spilling anything. And the surly teenagers out side the door didn't open it for me, or say anything to me as I shimmied past with my arms full. This is where I would appreciate my husband!!! He would have at LEAST gotten the door for me, and held the drinks as I balanced the pizzas to unlock the car door. At least!
Kids and Dad were home, repeat the balancing act into the house. I sat down to eat (finally!) and here they come, "what do you have? we are hungry!" Matt opens the top box (cinnamon sticks??) and it was a personal sausage pizza!! And the second box was a sausage calzone! Arrrgh! Pepperoni and sausage are too spicy for my kids. :-( Soooooo, somebody probably got fired last night. But luckily, I got two little containers of chocolate mousse stuff and the kids ate that.
And then the cat had a leaky butt. Poor guy, but he is better today. I have to shampoo the carpet and sofa, thanks George!
This blog is to keep me sane in my exploration into fiber arts. I have two children, two jobs, and a creative streak that hardly lets me rest! This blog has a monthly theme, and give-a-ways every other month! Subscribe to be notified when they are, and when new stuff is listed in my stores!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Halloween Knit Pumpkin, FREE PATTERN!!
Hello, hello!
I have been lacking a post since I've quit my day job and have a lot less free time. Yes, you read that right.
So, to make it up to you, I am posting this palm-sized pumpkin pattern for free! The subscribers here deserve more free patterns from me, so I will give another away closer to Christmas which will make a fast last minute gift, PROMISE!!
I rarely use patterns, and that is why I can confidently post these here without worry of copyright infringement! But now you do, LOL!!
I ask that you make these as gifts, or for your own decorations please. I am in my thirties and haven't gotten to the "aw, heck, I'm hangin it up, do what you want" phase yet. It would kill me if you could buy a steak dinner off of my pattern when I can only buy burgers.
So here goes:
Materials:
Worsted weight yarn in that ugly orange, or another suitable shade
Worsted weight yarn in a coordinating green (for stem)
I used cheap "crap/craft" yarn, the scratchy stuff, since I'm not wearing these!!
US size 4 or 5 needles straight or **circular depending on your preference
Fiber Fill
Tapestry needle
Gauge: Not important, a tight fabric is needed to mask the white stuffing
Directions:
Cast on 37 sts. I use the long tail cast on to have that tail to run through and cinch up the top later.
Knit in P2 K3 rib pattern, starting with P2, and ending with P2 (these 2 extra stitches are for the seam) Continue in rib pattern as established for 3 1/2 inches or so.
Don't bind off, and run doubled green yarn (about an arm's length) through these stitches . Slip the needle out, and pull the stitches together, leaving the smallest hole you can manage without breaking the yarn (if you do, I recommend ripping that last row, and cinching up those stitches). Aim for a pencil point opening. Tie a double knot.
Now that you have the orange pumpkin off of the needles, its time to seam. I use the mattress stitch, here is a link to directions: mattress stitch
Stuff the pumpkin just enough to fill it out. You don't want to stuff it till it's firm, or it will stretch the stitches too much, and white will show through. If you have another method of camouflaging this, be my guest (and share!!).
Run the tail through the cast on stitches and cinch up the same as the bottom, except don't knot it just yet.
Shape the pumpkin: loosen the end and push the filling to round it out, then knot.
You now have a cute orange ball!! Eee!
Now, thread the green threads and pass through the pumpkin, to the other end. You can make your pumpkin more squatty by pulling this tighter, being careful not to lose the knot inside the pumpkin. I place my tapestry needle under the know, and pull the strands. When you have the height you want, knot these green ends to the cast on tail.
You now have one orange strand, and four green strands at the top of the pumpkin. Pass the orange yarn back down through the pumpkin, pull out somewhere on the lower hemisphere, and trim.
Tendril:
Using the longest green strand there is, form a slip knot. Cast on 5-10 stitches using the e cast on method, and cast off. Weave end back through this tendril tightening it back close to the pumpkin.
With the remaining three strands of green, use the same cast-on method and cast on 2 or 3 stitches. Knit in garter for as many rows as you can, and slip the end through the last row, weave in ends.
I hope you have a Great Day!!!!
Keep your kids safe this Halloween,
Love,
Mama Leen
I have been lacking a post since I've quit my day job and have a lot less free time. Yes, you read that right.
So, to make it up to you, I am posting this palm-sized pumpkin pattern for free! The subscribers here deserve more free patterns from me, so I will give another away closer to Christmas which will make a fast last minute gift, PROMISE!!
I rarely use patterns, and that is why I can confidently post these here without worry of copyright infringement! But now you do, LOL!!
I ask that you make these as gifts, or for your own decorations please. I am in my thirties and haven't gotten to the "aw, heck, I'm hangin it up, do what you want" phase yet. It would kill me if you could buy a steak dinner off of my pattern when I can only buy burgers.
So here goes:
Materials:
Worsted weight yarn in that ugly orange, or another suitable shade
Worsted weight yarn in a coordinating green (for stem)
I used cheap "crap/craft" yarn, the scratchy stuff, since I'm not wearing these!!
US size 4 or 5 needles straight or **circular depending on your preference
Fiber Fill
Tapestry needle
Gauge: Not important, a tight fabric is needed to mask the white stuffing
Directions:
Cast on 37 sts. I use the long tail cast on to have that tail to run through and cinch up the top later.
Knit in P2 K3 rib pattern, starting with P2, and ending with P2 (these 2 extra stitches are for the seam) Continue in rib pattern as established for 3 1/2 inches or so.
Don't bind off, and run doubled green yarn (about an arm's length) through these stitches . Slip the needle out, and pull the stitches together, leaving the smallest hole you can manage without breaking the yarn (if you do, I recommend ripping that last row, and cinching up those stitches). Aim for a pencil point opening. Tie a double knot.
Now that you have the orange pumpkin off of the needles, its time to seam. I use the mattress stitch, here is a link to directions: mattress stitch
Stuff the pumpkin just enough to fill it out. You don't want to stuff it till it's firm, or it will stretch the stitches too much, and white will show through. If you have another method of camouflaging this, be my guest (and share!!).
Run the tail through the cast on stitches and cinch up the same as the bottom, except don't knot it just yet.
Shape the pumpkin: loosen the end and push the filling to round it out, then knot.
You now have a cute orange ball!! Eee!
Now, thread the green threads and pass through the pumpkin, to the other end. You can make your pumpkin more squatty by pulling this tighter, being careful not to lose the knot inside the pumpkin. I place my tapestry needle under the know, and pull the strands. When you have the height you want, knot these green ends to the cast on tail.
You now have one orange strand, and four green strands at the top of the pumpkin. Pass the orange yarn back down through the pumpkin, pull out somewhere on the lower hemisphere, and trim.
Tendril:
Using the longest green strand there is, form a slip knot. Cast on 5-10 stitches using the e cast on method, and cast off. Weave end back through this tendril tightening it back close to the pumpkin.
With the remaining three strands of green, use the same cast-on method and cast on 2 or 3 stitches. Knit in garter for as many rows as you can, and slip the end through the last row, weave in ends.
I hope you have a Great Day!!!!
Keep your kids safe this Halloween,
Love,
Mama Leen
Labels:
cornicopia,
free,
free pattern,
halloween,
knit pumpkin,
knitting,
pumpkin,
thanksgiving
Friday, May 20, 2011
Knitting through Time
I was lucky enough to be gifted with a lady's knitting needles by her thoughtful son a year or so ago. Along with the needles were little knitting tools. An assortment of tiny skinny double pointed needles (very scary looking to me!) stitch markers, insanely small crochet hooks (also scary to me), a few yellowed pages of patterns, and a small black notebook, probably 1 in by 2.5 inches. It has only one or two handwritten (copied I suspect) patterns in pencil. One is a pattern for baby booties. I am going to start a blog post about this project here. I have some lovely yarn on the way, and the book safely with it's friends.
The way I came about this knitting kit is very odd, to say the least. The man, Alvin, gave this kit to his friend, my brother Dave, to give to his sister (Me) because he heard I took up knitting. Well, how pleased was I?? I take anything knitting related, my passion for this "hobby" has not waned from the start! It is almost three years since I taught myself to knit and I am just as consumed as I ever was. But anyway, back to the knitting kit. I've never met the woman, and only her son, Alvin, a few times. Alvin is older, maybe 60? It's hard to tell because he is an alcoholic, and has aged considerably. I have just learned that the mother, the owner of this kit has dementia. How sad. Her younger son has moved her to California, to retire peacefully from life.
So with that melancholy note, I start this project...
The pattern is written in knitting shorthand. Letters and order that only a knitter can 'see'. There is no sketch, just the description for the booties. The other pattern is for a top-hat style hat, complete with a sketch. How charming!! I will delve further into that later. For now, its the booties.
I wonder what they'll look like?
I wonder what size they will turn out to be?
I wonder where she got the pattern?
and
I wonder who will receive these booties?
and...
I wonder how many I'll make!!
Much Love,
Mama Leen
The way I came about this knitting kit is very odd, to say the least. The man, Alvin, gave this kit to his friend, my brother Dave, to give to his sister (Me) because he heard I took up knitting. Well, how pleased was I?? I take anything knitting related, my passion for this "hobby" has not waned from the start! It is almost three years since I taught myself to knit and I am just as consumed as I ever was. But anyway, back to the knitting kit. I've never met the woman, and only her son, Alvin, a few times. Alvin is older, maybe 60? It's hard to tell because he is an alcoholic, and has aged considerably. I have just learned that the mother, the owner of this kit has dementia. How sad. Her younger son has moved her to California, to retire peacefully from life.
So with that melancholy note, I start this project...
The pattern is written in knitting shorthand. Letters and order that only a knitter can 'see'. There is no sketch, just the description for the booties. The other pattern is for a top-hat style hat, complete with a sketch. How charming!! I will delve further into that later. For now, its the booties.
I wonder what they'll look like?
I wonder what size they will turn out to be?
I wonder where she got the pattern?
and
I wonder who will receive these booties?
and...
I wonder how many I'll make!!
Much Love,
Mama Leen
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Raffle Time!
It is getting down to the deadline to come up with the deposit on the shop. So here is the final leg of the shop fund-raising!
Raffle tickets are $10 each. Print Form
Deadline is midnight Thursday May 12th, drawing will be Saturday.
Prize includes two hand made bolsters sewn from upholstery fabric valued at $24, a huge dark brown throw with gift tag valued at $40, a very nice heavy picture frame, a hand made wine bottle cozy, tri-fold organizer valued at $24, and a zippered pouch valued at $20! That's over a hundred dollars of goodies!! Perfect Grad gift, House Warming gift, or just more stuff to pad your nest! Take a peek!
This event is so important to get the shop off the ground. I have 4 extremely talented ladies that have put their faith in me, and I want to help them, and my self succeed! I will ship this prize to anywhere, so do not let your location deter you from entering! Thank you!
Eileen
Raffle tickets are $10 each. Print Form
Deadline is midnight Thursday May 12th, drawing will be Saturday.
Prize includes two hand made bolsters sewn from upholstery fabric valued at $24, a huge dark brown throw with gift tag valued at $40, a very nice heavy picture frame, a hand made wine bottle cozy, tri-fold organizer valued at $24, and a zippered pouch valued at $20! That's over a hundred dollars of goodies!! Perfect Grad gift, House Warming gift, or just more stuff to pad your nest! Take a peek!
This event is so important to get the shop off the ground. I have 4 extremely talented ladies that have put their faith in me, and I want to help them, and my self succeed! I will ship this prize to anywhere, so do not let your location deter you from entering! Thank you!
Eileen
Labels:
gift,
graduation,
handmade,
housewarming,
kloseknit,
organize,
picture frame,
shop,
throw
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Oh my gaw, you guys!!
Ok, I know I'm in my 30's, but I still act like an excited teenager (more often than my husband is comfortable with)!
I put a deposit down yesterday......for....a......RETAIL STORE!!!
Oh yes, my friends, I will be opening a "Hand-Made Boutique" in Claremore, OK. We will be presenting unique hand made items to gift, or keep for yourself! I am obsessed with the look I want on the inside. It will be a coat of paint, and a LOT of wooden trim!! Here's one thing I want to decorate with: this!
And another: this!
I am going over there on Friday to measure the rooms. I am so thrilled to offer a steady craft-fair to people who can appreciate one-of-a-kind items. I want to teach Claremore this acronym: OOAK
And thanks to Etsy, I have boundless resources to upcoming trends. And I can bring them to my area!
I will take before and after pictures as I fill up!
But until then, I am in full production mode to MAKE MONEY at my Mother's Day craft fair for the remodel. And deposit. And the utilities. And the office supplies. Oh my gawd, what did I do??
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
April is My Birthday Month!! ~spinning in happy cirlcles!!!~
April is my favorite month. Spring is my favorite season! But not for the simple fact it contains my birthday. I love spring because the daffodils poke through snow sometimes. Sometimes they poke through mud, like lotus blossoms. It gets lighter earlier, and gets darker later. The wind blows, and the temperature is mild, sometimes sweaty. But then there's the wind to dry your sweat. Wonderful cycle!
I'd like to alert you to some feel-good opportunities that I am involved in. First off, I am participating in an on-line auction to help a couple who is adopting give some aid in their cause. You can read about it here. I have promised to donate a shrug, a baby cardigan and a beret. There will be many other things to bid on, so please check it out!
The second thing has a little more story to it. My daughter has been buzzing around the house. Doing laundry, dishes, feeding the dog and cat. Taking the trash out.... oh my goodness. Now you may ask, "why?". And when I tell you she is 7 years old, and weighs 60lbs you may ask, "how??" can she lug full baskets of laundry, shimmy up counters to put away plates. Sling a 13 gallon bag of trash into the trash bin? Well she wants to earn MONEY. That may make you curious. "Will I get money for this?" she asks me. Over and over.
"Well sure!" I reply. "What, pray tell, are you going to utilize your earned funds for, my dear child?" (I do sometimes talk like this to her....keeps her mind hopping. Or convinces her I'm weird- either way, that suits me fine)
Here is her reply. "I want to buy pajamas for kids who need them."
OH....
MY....
GOD....
It was like that poem that talks about "your heart go walking around outside of your body." [Elizabeth Stone]
Well, I was floored to say the least. There is a program on Sproutonline.com that allows you to send new pajamas and books to kids who don't have them. It touched her heart, and I want to help her. Don't you??
LL has a blog, it's "http://llshorses.blogspot.com/"
And I am going to set up a PayPal button for donations. We will then purchase pajamas, and ship them. I will post receipts to keep this legit, if you have qualms. And it will be tax deductible. We will conduct this for the month of April. And we will do it again on her birthday month, June.
Please, if you have some money sitting in your PayPal that isn't quite enough to buy that yarn, or jewelry, or little pretty you want on Etsy, would you consider donating it?
I'd like to alert you to some feel-good opportunities that I am involved in. First off, I am participating in an on-line auction to help a couple who is adopting give some aid in their cause. You can read about it here. I have promised to donate a shrug, a baby cardigan and a beret. There will be many other things to bid on, so please check it out!
The second thing has a little more story to it. My daughter has been buzzing around the house. Doing laundry, dishes, feeding the dog and cat. Taking the trash out.... oh my goodness. Now you may ask, "why?". And when I tell you she is 7 years old, and weighs 60lbs you may ask, "how??" can she lug full baskets of laundry, shimmy up counters to put away plates. Sling a 13 gallon bag of trash into the trash bin? Well she wants to earn MONEY. That may make you curious. "Will I get money for this?" she asks me. Over and over.
"Well sure!" I reply. "What, pray tell, are you going to utilize your earned funds for, my dear child?" (I do sometimes talk like this to her....keeps her mind hopping. Or convinces her I'm weird- either way, that suits me fine)
Here is her reply. "I want to buy pajamas for kids who need them."
OH....
MY....
GOD....
It was like that poem that talks about "your heart go walking around outside of your body." [Elizabeth Stone]
Well, I was floored to say the least. There is a program on Sproutonline.com that allows you to send new pajamas and books to kids who don't have them. It touched her heart, and I want to help her. Don't you??
LL has a blog, it's "http://llshorses.blogspot.com/"
And I am going to set up a PayPal button for donations. We will then purchase pajamas, and ship them. I will post receipts to keep this legit, if you have qualms. And it will be tax deductible. We will conduct this for the month of April. And we will do it again on her birthday month, June.
Please, if you have some money sitting in your PayPal that isn't quite enough to buy that yarn, or jewelry, or little pretty you want on Etsy, would you consider donating it?
Monday, March 21, 2011
I love Spring!
I spent Sunday afternoon with my family at the park. It was sunny, mild, and breezy!
My children of course wanted to swing. There are only two at this little park, so when the kids jumped off and went exploring, I nabbed a swing for myself! I had forgotten what the sunshine felt like. It was fantastic. I leaned all the way back, let my head hang in the breeze, and just chilled. Swaying just ever so slightly. Aaaahhhh... I could just feel my blood pressure dropping. The sun, the children laughing, the breeze, the weightlessness. Just heaven!
Here are my winter-pale legs! Soon to be tan legs, due to knitting outside this summer. Speaking of knitting, on Saturday I started a baby cardigan from some gorgeous berry red cotton yarn. Here is how far I got on it...
It's finished now. It will fit a 2T little girl. There is a little mother-of-pearl button on the back of the neck to close the opening. I need to add my shop tag, and this little cutie will be ready to sell! I enjoyed making this, and have devised a "Mommy" version in my head. It is something I would love to wear, so I am sure it will be enjoyed by some other lovely lady. I have just started a little boy version, and when I got home from the grocery store, I composed this little arrangement! Something felt familiar when I unpacked the strawberries and grapes....
♥
Have A Great Day!
Eileen
P.S. They were YUMMY!!
My children of course wanted to swing. There are only two at this little park, so when the kids jumped off and went exploring, I nabbed a swing for myself! I had forgotten what the sunshine felt like. It was fantastic. I leaned all the way back, let my head hang in the breeze, and just chilled. Swaying just ever so slightly. Aaaahhhh... I could just feel my blood pressure dropping. The sun, the children laughing, the breeze, the weightlessness. Just heaven!
Here are my winter-pale legs! Soon to be tan legs, due to knitting outside this summer. Speaking of knitting, on Saturday I started a baby cardigan from some gorgeous berry red cotton yarn. Here is how far I got on it...
It's finished now. It will fit a 2T little girl. There is a little mother-of-pearl button on the back of the neck to close the opening. I need to add my shop tag, and this little cutie will be ready to sell! I enjoyed making this, and have devised a "Mommy" version in my head. It is something I would love to wear, so I am sure it will be enjoyed by some other lovely lady. I have just started a little boy version, and when I got home from the grocery store, I composed this little arrangement! Something felt familiar when I unpacked the strawberries and grapes....
♥
Have A Great Day!
Eileen
P.S. They were YUMMY!!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
2011 Blizzard Cookies
To make these cookies you will need:
1 cup of granulated sugar
1 cup of peanut butter (I used a natural one, smooth, but feel free to use your favorite)
1 large egg
1 bag of Hershey's Kisses
Optional: a helper to unwrap said Kisses and attempt egg cracking. Did you know, says l.o., that eggs come from birds? Just thought I'd drop a little knowledge on ya, 3 yo style.
Tools:
Spoonula (shallow spoon-shaped spatula)
Large bowl
1/2 oz cookie scoop (if you don't have one, buy one! They are awesome, treat yourself!) to make things easier, and keep your hands free of cookie dough
Cookie sheet
Spatula
Preheat oven to 350
Add egg, use your spoonula to scoop about half of the peanut butter from the jar (a cup is 8oz, jars are usually 16oz) the cup of sugar,
and mix with the spoonula until the mixture looks like, well peanut butter with sugar and egg mixed in (ie: smooth)
Use your 1/2 oz scoop to make your little puffer bellies all in a row on your cookie sheet. Bake for
8-10 minutes. They will not spread out much, and will barely look cooked. While they are baking, count and unwrap a corresponding number of Kisses. Pull out the
cookies and immediately push one kiss in each cookie, like this:
When they have cooled for about two-three minutes, transfer to a cooling rack. Don't get Little Red Hen Syndrome and slam the cookies down, cause that chocolate is still warm, and will smoosh a little.
And that's all there is to it! Try to let them harden back to room temperature.
This is a pretty popular recipe, and I have by no means created this from my head! But if you have seen these at bake sales and said,"how'd they do that?", well now you know.
Oh, and here is how much help my "Helper" gave me:
At least he didn't eat them after he unwrapped them, lol!
Have a cookie day,
Mama Leen
Labels:
blizzard,
cookies,
cooking with children,
easy,
home cooking,
kisses,
oklahoma,
peanutbutter,
recipe
Midwest Blizzard of 2011
You may have heard it on the news. We have/are getting more than 12 inches of snow. Drifts up to 5 feet! Omgosh, there are plows stuck! Hubby braved the roads, and got sent back home. I am thankful that my work gave us the day off with no repercussions. Soooooo me and little boy were stuck home to bounce off of each other's egos. He's three. I am thirty... and he has me wrapped around his finger.
We finally settled into our Saturday routine, even though it is Tuesday. That consists of me tuning out his DVD's while I knit on the sofa.
Finally, we got bored and braved the snow. I felt compelled to shovel (even though we don't own a snow shovel) a path from our front door to the driveway for my love's return. And l.o. wanted to put his trains in the snow. So we bundled up, and stepped outside.
All I had to shovel with was a plastic saucer from Christmas. I made a zig-zag path to the driveway, before the thing broke. Ah well! Back inside we went. Blew our noses, shed our wet layers, and back to the routine. I should get my grey triangle scarf done today. I have the prettiest button to put on it! And I think I will give away the pattern here as a prize next month? Or just be super generous and publish it? Hmmmm.
Well, I have another post to..um post. :-)
Have a great day, stay warm and safe!
Eileen
We finally settled into our Saturday routine, even though it is Tuesday. That consists of me tuning out his DVD's while I knit on the sofa.
Finally, we got bored and braved the snow. I felt compelled to shovel (even though we don't own a snow shovel) a path from our front door to the driveway for my love's return. And l.o. wanted to put his trains in the snow. So we bundled up, and stepped outside.
All I had to shovel with was a plastic saucer from Christmas. I made a zig-zag path to the driveway, before the thing broke. Ah well! Back inside we went. Blew our noses, shed our wet layers, and back to the routine. I should get my grey triangle scarf done today. I have the prettiest button to put on it! And I think I will give away the pattern here as a prize next month? Or just be super generous and publish it? Hmmmm.
Well, I have another post to..um post. :-)
Have a great day, stay warm and safe!
Eileen
Saturday, January 29, 2011
What's up, buttercup?
Alrighty, February contest time! Since spring is right around the corner (and last year was my busiest knitting season!) let's think happy spring thoughts! Hopefully, we can banish any dreary, gray, and slushy thoughts we're having!
Here we go:
tell me your upcoming projects or plans. They could be remodeling, crafting, hair color change, or health-wise changes you will be trying in the near future. These are different than resolutions, in that we will actually DO them!! Haha! The prize will be a skein of natural 100% pure fiber (either wool or alpaca) shipped to the winner. Heck, I'll even wind it for ya!
I'll go first. My plan is to sew more projects. The two in mind are recovering my sofa pillows shabby chic style, and sew up some project totes from some fat quarters I impulse bought. My little girl picked one to, so we will make them together. I'm pretty stoked to create along side her!
K, you go!!
Please have a good day, and remember God gave you this day to show your love to somebody else!
Eileen
Here we go:
tell me your upcoming projects or plans. They could be remodeling, crafting, hair color change, or health-wise changes you will be trying in the near future. These are different than resolutions, in that we will actually DO them!! Haha! The prize will be a skein of natural 100% pure fiber (either wool or alpaca) shipped to the winner. Heck, I'll even wind it for ya!
I'll go first. My plan is to sew more projects. The two in mind are recovering my sofa pillows shabby chic style, and sew up some project totes from some fat quarters I impulse bought. My little girl picked one to, so we will make them together. I'm pretty stoked to create along side her!
K, you go!!
Please have a good day, and remember God gave you this day to show your love to somebody else!
Eileen
Labels:
alpaca yarn,
contest,
crafts,
free,
give-a-way,
knitting,
resolutions,
spring,
wool yarn
Friday, January 7, 2011
Vintage Knits
I have seen some captivating Vintage Knitting patterns for sale on Etsy like here, and here. I just love the retro feel and look of these hand knit items. Plus, they must be free domain, right?? Clear to sell as I understand it!! I think that will be my next Etsy purchase.
Now here is my most recent purchase:
I picked up some Yarn Bee alpaca from Hobby Lobby that has cream and purple tone which begged me to make a beret and fringed scarf. I bought two skeins. So yummy. I might just go and start that today, I have a free afternoon. Well if I skip swinging by the elementary school, and getting the next weeks groceries. And cleaning the kitchen, and putting away the clean laundry. Ugh. How young is too young for slave labor? I have a Seven and a Three year old. And a 33 year old (hubby). LOL Well we can do that stuff this evening, and throughout the weekend, right?
Well at any rate you have a good weekend!
Eileen
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Happy New Year!
Well its 2011. Whoop. I remember wondering how old I would be when it was 1999, lol!! (Prince Song) At that time I never would have thought that I would be living as comfortably, as close to so many people, and have a whole new family!! That includes my home family (hubby and daughter and son) and my adopted family, my in-laws (mother, father, sister, brother in laws). They have replaced my New York family as party attenders and holiday sharers. My mother's family is still in New York. I miss them, but my new family softens the change.kloseknitclaremore
I have had a very tumultuous Christmas season (that is what my calendar calls it...Christmas). I have a strained professional relationship that has snuck up on me. I don't know exactly what caused the strain, otherwise I would address it, I don't beat around the bush. But every encounter, email, conversation with this person grates on my nerves. I am pondering on severing this relationship. I think I will give it another month, but I really don't think it will last. It is too bad, but I don't want to grit my teeth every time I see this person's name on my email or caller ID. Sigh.
My online business hasn't taken off like I wished it would. Maybe that was a good thing, because I wouldn't have been prepared to supply a mountain of orders. My Etsy sales have been very steady, and very pleasant! Hopefully all of my customers are happy with their item. And I have spent $450 on a bill board sign in November for a three month spot, and have gotten NO SALES from that on my kloseknitclaremore sight! I did get one sale, from NEW JERSEY!! I doubt they saw my sign. So needless to say, I will not be investing in that again! Sheesh. I couldn't afford it at the time. But it is cool seeing my shop name in lights.
[ insert picture in near future ]
January is selfish knitting month. I am knitting a cashmere blend navy blue Ultimate Sweater
I am up to the armpits, and think I made it too short. I have a long torso, so I think I will tear out the 6 or so rounds and add another 3-4 inches before re-attaching the sleeves. I am very happy with the way it has turned out so far.
Jumping topics again, I had a craft fair that went so successfully that I almost had a fist fight over one of my last items!! This gave me resolve to prepare for next year/winter all through the year. And offer only already made items on my Etsy to keep my hands free to stock up for the next event. Depending on my production, I might even get a kiosk at the mall. That demands a huge amount of time on my part (a whole weekend, possibly every weekend in December friday, sat, sunday)! Like I said, it depends on my production through out the year. Luckilly, I have a knitting friend who is so talented and she has offered to help me in what ever I ask her to knit. We still need to work on that arrangement though, money wise for something this large. I am thinking a percentage, 10% or 15% I get to keep. Dunno, need to iron this out with her.
But anyway, I have typical resolutions. Get in shape, knit more, make more money. Be more patient with my spouse, and communicate more clearly. I sure do love that big galumph!
Have a Great Day,
Eileen
Monday, December 6, 2010
December Contest!
Hey, all. I couldn't think of a contest... can ya tell?? Anyway, it finally occurred to me as to what the contest could be!! Tell me your favorite Holiday song! That's it! And you may win. I will just pick a name from the list, and voila, you will win a cute little.....???? Oh, it is a surprise!!
Btw, mine is Christmas Wrapping by the Waitresses. ca.1980?
Now you GO!!!
~contest ends December 17th and I will mail the prize that Saturday.
~contest ends December 17th and I will mail the prize that Saturday.
Monday, November 29, 2010
It's Alive!
Hey, all! I have been so busy, and so much has gone on since my last post!!
The latest is, I have my on-line store up and running! I bought my URL, it's www.kloseknitclaremore.com and I couldn't be prouder! I bought some advertising space in town, and now I'm up in LIGHTS!! Yaaay! I tried to take a picture from my car window, but it was teeny-tiny. Maybe some evening I will actually park, and take a pic with a real camera, instead of my phone. LOL.
I have been praying for guidance, and the Lord has shown me a path. And, he has blessed me with success! Now I have to pray to accept success, and not be afraid of it...... cause I am! Is that silly?? Or normal? My kid's ear-flap hats and knit jersey shrugs have been popular. Very popular!! Eek! And I have sold my triangle scarf, and have knit another one up in cream. It isn't photo'd or listed yet (shame on me) so how can I sell it?? Duh. But, between you and me.....I think it is better than the brown one. The button is, for sure. It is a gorgeous cream 2" (50.8mm) lovely. So lovely. My next button purchase will be some hand made birch buttons from Etsy. They will go on everything that requires a button in my shop.
On another note, Dear Hubby has gotten a job! He was out of work for 5 months. It will probably take us till Spring to get back on our feet.
But enough about that...... who is ready for a contest?? This will run December 1st thru Dec. 13th so I can ship the prize to you in time for Christmas. It is going to be a great prize, the best one yet! Stay tuned for the details...
Have a Great Day!
EileenTuesday, October 26, 2010
Shop Name KAL
I was inspired by this mochimochi blog http://mochimochiland.com/blog/
So I want to knit my Etsy name, how cool would that be??
I figured that I would start a knit-a-long on my blog, if anyone else wants to join me-- although this sounds like a "summer project". I am sure most of us are frantically knitting scarves and cowls etc. for the holiday rush. But of course, as knitters we do stuff for ourselves in spurts, so this can be a long term knit-a-long.
I am envisioning a fair-isle type of lettering... but you can do whatever style you like. Perhaps puffy, like in the blog. My shop name is "Klose Knit" so that is what I am going to knit. I will start an Excel sheet to graph my letters. Will post soon!
Eileen
So I want to knit my Etsy name, how cool would that be??
I figured that I would start a knit-a-long on my blog, if anyone else wants to join me-- although this sounds like a "summer project". I am sure most of us are frantically knitting scarves and cowls etc. for the holiday rush. But of course, as knitters we do stuff for ourselves in spurts, so this can be a long term knit-a-long.
I am envisioning a fair-isle type of lettering... but you can do whatever style you like. Perhaps puffy, like in the blog. My shop name is "Klose Knit" so that is what I am going to knit. I will start an Excel sheet to graph my letters. Will post soon!
Eileen
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Chinese Take-Out
Kids are funny. My son who is three is funny. Here's the story: So going to the Chinese restaurant last night for some buffet take out. L.o. wants to go, so sure, lets go. Here is the conversation on the way to the restaurant
N- where we going, Mommy?
Me- the Chinese restaurant
N- the Charleese resanant?
Me- yes.
(door closes, walk into the restaurant)
Me- Two buffets, to go
Waiter- Here you go ma'am
N- Where's Charley?
Me- [sideways glance, deliberately ignoring, walking]
N- Mommy, where's Charley?
Me- shhh, hun
N- but where's CHARLEY?? Mommy? Where's CHARLEY??
Me- there's no Charley, honey. Quiet.
N- I thought we were at Charley's. Where's Charley?
Me- I said Chinese. Chinese, honey.
N- not Charley??
Me- no, honey. Chinese. [pay and leave]
N- but where's Charley?
Me- [putting him into his car seat] sigh..
But it was really good food. It only cost $13.00!!! Sweet!
Have a Great Day!
Eileen
N- where we going, Mommy?
Me- the Chinese restaurant
N- the Charleese resanant?
Me- yes.
(door closes, walk into the restaurant)
Me- Two buffets, to go
Waiter- Here you go ma'am
N- Where's Charley?
Me- [sideways glance, deliberately ignoring, walking]
N- Mommy, where's Charley?
Me- shhh, hun
N- but where's CHARLEY?? Mommy? Where's CHARLEY??
Me- there's no Charley, honey. Quiet.
N- I thought we were at Charley's. Where's Charley?
Me- I said Chinese. Chinese, honey.
N- not Charley??
Me- no, honey. Chinese. [pay and leave]
N- but where's Charley?
Me- [putting him into his car seat] sigh..
But it was really good food. It only cost $13.00!!! Sweet!
Have a Great Day!
Eileen
Thursday, October 7, 2010
October Contest!! Fiber Scavenger Hunt!
Hey, all. My favorite Merino Boucle style yarn is discontinued. It is a heavy worsted, 219 yard skein product. It costs $9, and they have stopped offering it. *sob*
Sooooo, this month's contest is to find a replacement! I don't know much about on-line yarn shopping, and I bet you ppl do! Here are my parameters:
#1) it has to be soft. I mean soft.
#2) it has to be synthetic free for my Bamboo Springs Store.
#3) it does not have to be boucle, it can be smooth too.
#4) it has to be comparable in price.
#5) it has to be heavy worsted or bulky or MORE! I don't mind a quick knit!
Sooooo, this month's contest is to find a replacement! I don't know much about on-line yarn shopping, and I bet you ppl do! Here are my parameters:
#1) it has to be soft. I mean soft.
#2) it has to be synthetic free for my Bamboo Springs Store.
#3) it does not have to be boucle, it can be smooth too.
#4) it has to be comparable in price.
#5) it has to be heavy worsted or bulky or MORE! I don't mind a quick knit!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Alpaca, alpaca, alpaca!!
Hi!!!
I am knitting hats with a light fawn colored alpaca/llama blend yarn. Oooh, I am so excited! I plan on selling them at the sheep farm and not on Etsy. I will photo them, so if you would like to purchase one, let me know and we will get it figured out.
I have also finished, and listed my prayer shrug.
But back to alpaca, I have a lopi that is thicker, and I want to make my No Hat Head Hats. Here is one that is unfinished- It is from a pattern (gasp!) but didn't turn out so good. My gauge was off. Just a bit!!
oops. not files!! rofl rofl!
Soooo stoked, I want to get back to knitting!!!!!!!
Chow!
Eileen (hearts!!)
I am knitting hats with a light fawn colored alpaca/llama blend yarn. Oooh, I am so excited! I plan on selling them at the sheep farm and not on Etsy. I will photo them, so if you would like to purchase one, let me know and we will get it figured out.
I have also finished, and listed my prayer shrug.
But back to alpaca, I have a lopi that is thicker, and I want to make my No Hat Head Hats. Here is one that is unfinished- It is from a pattern (gasp!) but didn't turn out so good. My gauge was off. Just a bit!!
oops. not files!! rofl rofl!
Soooo stoked, I want to get back to knitting!!!!!!!
Chow!
Eileen (hearts!!)
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Seriously Reconsidering Shop Theme
Hey, it is a cruel fact of life that we are not good at everything we try. And ya know what? Practice doesn't always make perfect!! OMG!? I know.
I am refering specifically to my sewing, and a little to my attitude towards my Etsy store, KloseKnit.
Oh, and another thing, just because you enjoy doing something doesn't mean that you are necessarily good at it either. Wow, i am a bitter (old) woman today!
I am spread too thin, and things are suffering. I have also realized that you get what you put into your shop/hobby. So instead of knitting anything that strikes my fancy, I need to stop the ADD knitting and FOCUS.
So the shop will be stocked with things I like to knit, and am Good at knittng! I hope to offer more colors of same things. And have them ready to ship this time, instead of knitting frantically when I get an order. I can do this! I can manage my time! I can offer a great product that I am excited about!
It will be better for me and better for my customers.
Oh, well that is all I have time for today.
Back to work.
~ Eileen ♥
I am refering specifically to my sewing, and a little to my attitude towards my Etsy store, KloseKnit.
Oh, and another thing, just because you enjoy doing something doesn't mean that you are necessarily good at it either. Wow, i am a bitter (old) woman today!
I am spread too thin, and things are suffering. I have also realized that you get what you put into your shop/hobby. So instead of knitting anything that strikes my fancy, I need to stop the ADD knitting and FOCUS.
So the shop will be stocked with things I like to knit, and am Good at knittng! I hope to offer more colors of same things. And have them ready to ship this time, instead of knitting frantically when I get an order. I can do this! I can manage my time! I can offer a great product that I am excited about!
It will be better for me and better for my customers.
Oh, well that is all I have time for today.
Back to work.
~ Eileen ♥
Blog Follower Friends!!!!
Hi, I want to let everybody who checked out Shepherdscross.etsy.com and liked their alpaca/llama blend that the price is getting ready to go back up, from its sale price $10.75 to $16 a skein.
Just FYI.
I have a hat knitted with the dark brown alpaca. I will finish it tonight and post the picture here tomorrow.
Stay tuned!
Eileen
Just FYI.
I have a hat knitted with the dark brown alpaca. I will finish it tonight and post the picture here tomorrow.
Stay tuned!
Eileen
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