Sunday, July 21, 2013

Finished Nachtfalter, Wheeee!

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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. 

Nachtfalter Back

Why this week? Because Allyson 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. 

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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! 

Nachtfalter Front

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?

Fireworks 4th of July Chickens

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. 

Nachtfalter Week 5

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!  

Crochet Beach Bag

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. 

Sleepy Bun

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

Creamsicle Addiction

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

knitting for dolls!

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! 

doll jacket

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"?

Me & Mah Doll

You're welcome. 

Make sure to check out the rest of the blog tour for Knits for Dolls:

July 1

July 2

July 3

July 4

July5

July 6

July 7