Under the Red Umbrella

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Finished Nachtfalter, Wheeee!

Here's my finished Nachtfalter sweater! I finished it over the 4th of July weekend, but I wasn't able to take pictures of it until this week. I've been wanting another airy summer sweater, and I think this will fit into my wardrobe quite nicely.

Why this week? Because Allyso n Dkyhuizen of Sweatshop of Love is here! Although she was just here in February, but she's back to help me film my web series, and to start a new business.

Yup, you heard me: New Business. It's called Red Letter Day Stitches - a site dedicated to holiday embroidery fun. It's something we've had in the works for awhile, so I'm excited to get to work!

Allyson and I have been busy bees, so things have been a bit quiet on this ole blog. But Allyson has Instagram-ed some fun photos of the past week, so be sure to follow her here!

Friday, July 12, 2013

Happy Friday! More ukulele videos!

This week has been a bit of a whirlwind, prepping for my upcoming web series. I haven't been doing much crafting, but I have been making things.

My friend, Joel, and I have been talking about making some sort of YouTube channel for awhile, and eventually came to this little band - The Hypercolor Kids. We'll be posting covers of favorites from the late 80's to 90's. Stuff that makes us think of childhood and high school, re-imagined on a ukulele, because that's the only instrument I play that makes sense for this. Although maybe we'll do one with accordion, for laughs!

Ps. There's an applique piece over my left shoulder that I never blogged, similar to the center of this piece, so that counts as sharing something crafty, right?!

Monday, July 8, 2013

Happy Holiday Weekend! Here's what I've been up to:

How was your holiday weekend? If you are in the US, that is. If you're not, then how was your regular weekend?

I spent the 4th at a BBQ & Pool Party where I befriended a sweet two-year old named Talulah (she shared her special pool noodle with me), and hung out with chickens. I finished out the night by watching the fireworks from my front door. Pretty good seat.

I made a lot of progress on my Nachtfalter sweater - ok, I actually finished it. I love it and can't wait to wear it!

I finally started my crochet beach bag! I've finished the bottom, so now it's just 14 rows of mind-numbing double crochet. It'll be a good project to pick up and work a few stitches when I need a little distraction.

Also this is two items on my summer list - Beach Bag and Pool Party - that are close to being complete. I already took down the sticky note that said "Pool Party." Consider it done.

Lookit this silly bunny! She's snuggling with the wooden leg of a chair. Bunnies are funny.

Seriously - it's so hot and I can't get enough ice cream. I might have a problem.

And lastly, I wanted to film a little something to test out my new camera equipment, so my friend Joey joined me on this ukulele duet. It's a cover of "Jolene" by Dolly Parton we quickly threw together. Enjoy!

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Knit For Dolls - A Doll Sweater, A Review, and Picture from 2006

If you know me (or have followed me on Twitter since 2011), you know I have an unhealthy obsession with American Girl dolls. So when I was offered the chance to review Nicky Epstein's new book, Knits for Dolls, I was totally in!

I grew up with American Girl dolls (I have 4 - Samantha, Felicity, Kirsten and a "Girl of Today," my lovely model), and I'm happy to say that my nieces are starting to get into them, too. They have Bitty Baby dolls, and I love looking for knitting patterns for them. Perfect Christmas and Birthday gifts!

Knits for Dolls fills a void that I noticed when searching for patterns - Nicky has designed hip, trendy sweaters for these dolls! I made the Perfect Match hoodie, and it turned out adorable. There's an array of cute cabled and color-work projects - perfect for using up those odds and ends left over from human-sized projects - with coordinating accessories like purses, headbands and socks.

Proof of my AG-obsession? When I first moved to Chicago (in 2006), I worked as a Doll Hair Stylist at the American Girl store. Yup, you read that right. "Pics or it didn't happen"?