it's beginning to look a lot like...

We spent all day yesterday decorating the apartment while listening to Christmas music - She & Him and Michael Buble. The lights are hung, tree is up and we completely rearranged the dining room to accommodate a new hutch. Is there anything more refreshing than rearranging furniture? My favorite is that little nook created by the blue chair and the accordions. 

Just a reminder, free shipping in my etsy shop until midnight with the code "FREESHIP." Happy Cyber Monday!

Give Thanks (and Free Shipping)

I mean to post this yesterday, but then someone was not cooperating with the photo shoot. Sigh.

Happy Thanksgiving! I have so much to be thankful for this year - family in Michigan, friends in Chicago, friends all over the US, and friends made online that span the globe. I'm feeling all tingly and lovey right now, and I just listed my felt ornaments on etsy, so let's do this: The coupon code "FREESHIP" will get you free shipping on everything in my etsy shop until Monday.

Hope you have a great weekend, and if you're in Chicago, come out and see me at the Urban Folk Circuit handmade market tomorrow at the Double Door from noon to 5pm. Love you guys!

It's the day of the show, y'all!

Today I'll be at the DIY Trunk Show at the Broadway Armory from 10am to 5pm!

                                        

There will be over 100 amazing artists, so it's the perfect opportunity to start (or finish) your holiday shopping. The Broadway Armory is located at Broadway and Thorndale, right across from Moody's in Chicago. All the info you need is here. 

Wedding Present Idea: Instragram Tinybook

You may remember that earlier this year, I attended three weddings in two months, and captured it all using the Instagram app on my iphone. Well, I had a bit of an ulterior motive...

I gifted each couple these tiny photobooks! Ordered from Printstagram, each little book has 24 photos from each wedding. 

The quality is pretty amazing for how small they are, and they're magnetized to stick to the fridge.

A cute & unique post-wedding present! 

FO Week: Advanced Embroidery (Class!)

I finally finished and photographed a bunch of stuff, so it's FO Week!

I finished this little moon-inspired embroidery as a sample for my next class with the Sweatshop of Love! 

Here's the description:

"Advanced Embroidery – Fill ‘er Up!: In this sequel to the Beginner Embroidery Class, you’ll learn all the techniques you need to fill in large areas with embroidery, and walk away with a bubbly sampler. You should be comfortable with straight stitches and french knots. Monday December 12th from 7-9pm. $25, additional $6 for materials" 

Click here to sign up! 

FO Week: Habu Kusha Kusha Scarf

I finally finished and photographed a bunch of stuff, so it's FO Week!

The Habu Kusha Kusha Scarf*. 300+ rows of stockinette. Tiny needles. One super boring, yet whimsically airy scarf. 

I get it - I felt really zen while knitting it - but I don't know if I'll wear it. It's kinda like - there is no purpose in it other then to meditate while knitting it. That, and it was something different for me. 

But it did bring me to the macaron truck, so it's not all bad. 

*I first typed "Kesha Kesha Scarf," and then thought to myself "No, that can't be correct!" 

FO Week: Little Cabled Belt for Aidez (with pattern!)

I finally finished and photographed a bunch of stuff, so it's FO Week!

Ok, I know what you're thinking: C'mon, Katie, you finished your Aidez weeks ago. That does not count. 

But look closer! 

Yup, the belt. I knit up this matching belt to keep the darn thing closed. 

Would you like to knit one for your Aidez, too? Here's the recipe:

Little Cabled Belt for Aidez

CO 14 stitches

Row 1:  k1, p1, k1, p2, k4, p2, k1, p1, k1

Row 2:  p1, k1, p1, k2, p4, k2, p1, k1, p1

Row 3:  k1, p1, k1, p2, Ear of Corn Pattern (RT2, LT2), p2, k1, p1, k1

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until belt measures about 65 inches, or desired length, ending on wrong side (row 2). Bind off. 

FO Week: Navy Lace High Waisted Pencil Skirt

I finally finished and photographed a bunch of stuff, so it's FO Week!

When I was at home in Michigan a few weeks ago, my sister, Meghan, asked me to teach her to use the sewing machine. We've both been obsessed with lace skirts, so I drafted a simple pattern off this picture. 

I love the way mine turned out! It's a high waisted skirt with four pleats on the front, a matching lining, side zip and lapped waistband. Meghan's is the same, without the pleats, in a lovely teal color. 

I can't wait to wear it during the holiday season! 

weekend in numbers

Number of:

Days Chris has been growing a mustache for Movember (click for his page): 6

Macarons from the Macaron Truck: 7

Ornaments sewn: 30

Bowls of pumpkin oatmeal eaten: 2

Christmas presents cast on: 1

ps. This week shall henceforth be known as FO Week! I finally had time this weekend to photograph a bunch of finished projects, some from over a month ago. Whew. I'll post them all this week!

A Day in the Life of a Costume-Stitcher

So I meant to post this little video last week, but I had a hard time because the original was rotated and I could not figure out how to right it. I finally downloaded this app and did it on my phone, but there was a bit of a loss in quality. It's not terrible, so I hope you still enjoy it!

ps. I'm katiecanavan on twitter!