hipknitized

How To: Make a Pom Pom YouTube Video

2012-01-27T17:31:00.000-08:00

Here is a past blog post that I decided to make into a YouTube video for you all to enjoy!

YouTube Giveaway Contest

2012-01-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

Here is my first contest of the new year! It's quick and easy and the winner will win a surprise prize handmade by me!

All you have to do if view my new YouTube video and leave a comment below it in the comment field or on facebook. I will then pick a winner Monday Jan 23rd via Random.org. Easy as pie!

Good luck have fun and please share, the more the merrier!

Happy Knitting!

My First YouTube Video!

2012-01-18T09:07:00.000-08:00

Please, like, share and subscribe!
Thank you!

Vegan Chickpea Salad

2012-01-15T15:11:00.000-08:00

I LOVE chickpeas and salads so I thought why not share one of my recipes with you! This recipe is a little time consuming only due to the fact that the chickpeas have to soak overnight in the fridge and then cook about an hour or so until tender so prepare in advance and give yourself lots of time...in the end it will be worth it!

To start, pick through the chickpeas and discard any ones that look to be bad. Place in a bowl with plenty of water to cover (by at least an inch or two) and refrigerate overnight. You will notice them swelling up and getting bigger and bigger!

The ingredients you will need are:

2 cups dried chickpeas

Half a cup red wine vinegar

10 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

6 cloves of garlic

2 tablespoons fresh basil

2 teaspoons fresh thyme

2 teaspoons fresh rosemary

2 teaspoons fresh minced oregano

Sea salt and fresh ground pepper

Half a cup pitted kalamata olives

Half a cup sun dried tomatoes

1 small bunch of green onions, sliced

Drain the chickpeas and place in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for approx 50-60 minutes or until tender. Drain and let cool.

Whisk together the vinegar, oil, garlic, all the herbs and salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooled beans, kalamata olives, sun dried tomatoes and green onions, mix really well until everything is blended together.

Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy!

Hope you like it!!!

~2012~ The Year of New Beginnings...

2012-01-09T07:39:00.000-08:00

Wow, 2012...when did that happen! In the words of the late great John Lennon: "Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans" how true is that. Life has been busy as I am sure it has been for all of you, a lot of new changes as well to embrace. I will hopefully be making more time for this blog which has been lacking the past 8 months or so...so once again I hope you can join me on my journey, a smorgasbord of the many things that life has to offer. All things positive leading into 2012, new beginnings, happy endings...

I have still yet to organize my main studio in the new house, on my list of never ending things to do...but hopefully will find some time today to get at least some organizing done, in between putting the laundry away, house cleaning, knitting, cooking, and all the other wonderful callings that being a domestic house goddess has to offer...loving every minute of course!

The last project for 2011 was to make a few different pairs of slippers, the pattern was embellished from one found in a "Creature Comforts" pamphlet, simple but a lot of counting and making sure that both slippers turned out the same which always seemed to be a challenge!

What's on your needles for the New Year?

Happy Knitting!

Shearling Fleece Booties

2011-12-06T16:14:00.000-08:00

I always wanted to try my hand at adding simple embellishments to pre made items like, faux suede and faux leather. So when I was in a store a while back and saw these infant sherpa fleece slippers that were so velvety soft I just couldn't pass on by!

I have to admit adding a cuff to these little booties is for sure a beginners task and they knit up in no time at all! A great idea for a last minute gift that is mindless and can be knit up in front of the t.v. in an hour or so depending on how quickly you knit.

So next time you are looking for an easy handmade gift idea for a shower or Christmas gift I highly recommend these little shearling slippers that you can add a simple cuff to, so cute!

Happy Knitting!

Tis The Season!

2011-11-07T18:19:00.000-08:00

Aren't these photos just the sweetest!

This little Santa hat can be made just in time for upcoming Christmas photo shoots, available to order through my Etsy shop:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85196232/newborn-santa-elf-hat-crocheted

Photos courtesy of Liisa Sefton Images, high quality photos that are amazing!

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/LiisaSeftonImages

Please check out and "like" her facebook page.

HoHoHo!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T06:57:00.000-07:00

Wishing you all a safe and happy Halloween!
Enjoy!!!

Introducing...Binoo and Patchy Patch!

2011-10-17T17:51:00.000-07:00

These guys have been in the works for awhile now, my mom actually designed the patterns by herself! Pretty awesome I think!!! Toopy is still in the works...for sure the hardest of the three.

We have also been making a lot of sock monkey hats in a variety of colours, they make me smile every time I look at them...so cute!

And of course these sweet little newborn hats which you can find at my Etsy shoppe:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/71203976/chunky-knotted-newborn-hat-in-eggplant

Happy Knitting and Crocheting!

New Surroundings

2011-09-06T19:37:00.000-07:00

I am finally settling into my new surroundings and loving every minute! I had anticipated my most recent move to be a difficult transition and was extremely wrong...I guess change can be a good thing! It's easy to become a creature of habit, but sometimes in life it's better to let go then to hang on to the past. I said goodbye to my childhood home, the only house that I had ever known, and the only house that my son had ever known as well. I had fears that my sentiment would overcome me...but that was not the case, if anything the change has been liberating. Happiness!

I have come to the realization that unpacking is not enjoyable...worse than packing! In saying that I guess everything takes time and eventually everything will find a place. I haven't even begun to conquer my studio...getting there though...

At the present I am designing a "Where's Waldo" hat for a Hallowe'en costume...so far so good. Thinking it will probably be my next free knitting pattern.

Happy Knitting!

Coming Soon...

2011-08-01T19:03:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Just a quick note to let you all know that I should be back in full force once September rolls around. I have had a super crazzzzzy Summer and am moving to top it off...busy, busy!

Happy knitting in the meantime...

Free Pattern: Funky Hamster Hut!

2011-06-29T13:22:00.000-07:00

Here is my latest free pattern! This funky hamster hut can be used for play or as a funky little house for you favourite little rodent, enjoy!!!

What you will need:

Pair of size 3.50mm knitting needles
Approx. 100g of main colour yarn (something firm so it will stand up right)
Small amount of trim and tassel yarn (scraps will do)
Crochet hook

Gauge is not important.

House:
Cast on 58 sts
Row 1-6, k in garter stitch (knit every row)
Then bind off 4 sts at the beg of the next two rows...then 2 sts at the beg of the two foll rows.
Work even in garter st for the next 6 rows.
Cont. in garter st and cast on 2 sts at the beg of each of the next two rows, then 4 sts at the beg of two foll rows.
Work even in garter st for 8 more rows.

House Top:
Change to stockinette st and shape the top of the house,
Next row: (RS) {K2tog, k5}until end of row
Purl 1 row (and every wrong side rows)
Next row {K2tog, k4} until end of row
Purl 1 row
Next row {K2tog, k3} until end of row
Purl 1 row
Next row {K2tog, k2} until end of row
Purl 1 row
Next row {K2tog, k1} until end of row
Purl 1 row
Next row {K2tog} until end of row
Purl 1 row
Next row {K2tog} until end of row
Purl 1 row
Next row {K2tog, twice}
P2tog cut yarn and thread through rem sts pull tight.

To Finish:
Take your scrap yarn and crochet and edge all around the opening and bottom of your hut. To add a tassel to the top cut several strands approx. 5 inches long and pull through the top of the hut add a knot and clip off to desired length.

Have fun with this and enjoy!!!

Funky Hamster Hut

2011-06-13T15:46:00.000-07:00

You would think that I have plenty of time on my hands by the look of my newest design! Most people who are super busy and barely find time to sleep don't design funky little critter huts, except me of course...oh I'm such a nerd!

I thought this design was cute though, sort of funky with a kick of colour. I do not have a hamster or any critter the size of a tennis ball that would fit in my hut but none the less I felt the need to create this lovely little home...maybe I'll post it on Etsy for someone just as quorky as me to purchase so they can design the interior of a rodents humple abode...we shall see...

Care for the design? Let me know and maybe it will be my next FREE PATTERN! It has been quite some time since I have posted one of those...happy knitting!!!

A Couple of New Items...

2011-05-15T15:18:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of new items that will be added to my Etsy shop. Aren't they just the sweetest! Both items make great photography props. I hope to be adding on with more of a variety of animals, cows, birds, monkeys, bears...I guess it's really endless with what you can come up with! Keep checking my shop for all my new listings!

Happy knitting! (and crocheting!)

Accepting Change.

2011-04-23T17:44:00.000-07:00

Sorry folks it has been awhile since I blogged a new post, my life seems to have taken over the past little while and I have found it hard to keep up!

I have still been knitting a bunch and have kept up with my Hipknitized on facebook as well as my Etsy that you will see the the right of this blog post.

One thing that has been consuming my time is that I have decided to make a major change in my life and put up for sale the only home I have ever known. Yes, that's right I have never moved from the home that I was first brought back to as a newborn baby as well as the home where I brought my son home to when he was a newborn. Now that I'm 30...it's time to make a change. Change...wow, why is that word so hard for me to accept...I have never been a fan of change be it as it may because most of the "change" in my life has had a negative impact and therefore has lead me to become afraid of the word...

I turned 30 a couple of weeks ago...it didn't really bother me, but I think with age comes wisdom and wisdom comes from experience and to experience different things you need to be more accepting of "change" in you life. So this is where I'm at...30 years young and ready to accept and let go of certain aspects of my life. I will see where this road leads me, and continue to take you along the way.

The house that I am interested in purchasing is a century farmhouse that is 135 years old, tons of character and charm, plank floors, high ceilings, all the beautiful things an old home has to offer. It excites me to think of my family living there and beginning new memories. I have decided not become sad about the things I may leave behind on this new journey, but to be happy about all the new experiences change will bring to my life and embrace them in full force.

So from here on in "change" will no longer be something to avoid but something to embrace and accept. Not my typical blog post I know but I'm sure there are a few of you out there who are reading that know what I'm talking about. Happy Easter to you all!!!

Ahhh, Country Markets!

2011-03-30T17:25:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we took a day trip and spent the day at Convent Garden Market in London, On.

It twas wonderful! Not very busy but lots of lovely goodies to browse at. I love all the handmade items including artisans bread and such...it gives me such a "at home" feeling :)

As always I had my knitting in hand and spent a few hours catching up on some orders while people watching (another favourite pass time of mine!)

I treated myself with a visit to "The Tea Haus" a huge tea shop that has hundreds of different blends to offer...oh it smelled so good!

And of course I had to leave with a few different blends in hand and am so happy I did!

Love.

"Who Loves the Flower Girl?" Photo Contest

2011-03-17T14:04:00.000-07:00

Hey all, Happy St.Patrick's Day! I just want to let all of my readers and followers know that I am having a contest on my facebook page and for everyone to join in! "Hipknitized"

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/HipKnitIzed/133337825979
Just click the link and go to the disscussion tab for all the contest rules. The winner who's photo receives the most likes wins a FREE pink crochet hat and interchangeable flower clip! (shipping included!)

Check it out! Contest closes March 25th 2011 so hurry on over and upload your shots!

St. Patrick's Day SALE on my ETSY shop!

2011-03-14T10:37:00.000-07:00

10% off everything in my Etsy shop from now until St.Patrick's Day!!!

Just enter the coupon code GREEN17 for 10% off your entire purchase!

Happy Shopping!!!

Click the link below for my on-line shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/hipknitizedtrends

Kate

2011-03-12T13:36:00.000-08:00

This is Kate, she was my rainy day creation from yesterday. I didn't have a pattern in hand or really any idea of how she would turn out in the end. I think that sometimes that is the best way to create...just from pure impulse!

Kate was made from an old t-shirt that I no longer wore. I loved the striped pattern and black and white colour and just knew that I had to create something or someone out of it! Tim Burton's movie Beetlejuice always comes to mind when I see black and white stripes so I just couldn't help myself and had to create something somewhat creepy.

If you are interested in "Kate" you can find her in my Etsy shop along with many of my other creations. Just click the link on the right hand sidebar that says "ETSY".

Here's hoping everyone is having a beautiful weekend!

Crafter's Wrist

2011-03-10T18:42:00.000-08:00

I suffer from what I call crafter's wrist. Sometimes it is worse than others, sometimes it is non existent and sometimes it is a constant dull ache in my right wrist. (Which is odd because I am left handed!) I knew I needed something to relieve my pain and since I am not too keen on taking medications to soothe my ailments I figured some sort of brace or support would be my best bet...and it was!

A few months ago I was at Micheal's with my fifty percent off coupon in hand searching for an items that wasn't on sale so I would benefit, walking the aisles I saw the "Creative Comfort" brace and thought, "Well, why not give it a shot!" as soon as I placed it on my hand it seemed to relieve my pain. It is made to support and protect your wrist and keep it ergonomically correct, it is also may I add extremely comfortable and I have even slept with it on with no issues. The one that I bought is the one in the photo above, although they do have many different styles and designs I decided on this style because it had massaging ergobeads.

If any of my fellow knitters and/or crafters suffer from wrist pain I say it's worth giving this glove a shot. It's affordable, comfortable and hey I think it even looks cool! If any of you have had relief from any other products please share, it is always nice to see what other options are out there and what work for other people.

Happy Knitting!

And oh yeah, happy soon to be Spring!!!

For the LOVE of Vinyl

2011-03-06T12:39:00.000-08:00

I have always had a thing for records but just recently it seems I have been going out of my way searching thrift stores trying to feed my love of the past. The photo above is from my scavenging this weekend!

I love the album covers/sleeves, the sound of crackle in behind the music, and the eeriness of the record endlessly turning when every song has been played...

I personally think that most record shoppes are over priced and stick to thrifting for my private collection which seem to be growing at a steady pace.

It's so exciting flipping through the rows of LP's not knowing which album cover will be staring you right in the face next. Love.

Anyone else share my passion or have any favourite albums they would like to talk about???
Smile.

Homemade Almond and Honey Face Scrub

2011-02-26T14:43:00.000-08:00

reI have been itching to create some sort of exfoliating scrub for my face for sometime now. Today I went through my cupboards and came up with a few items that did the trick! I didn't measure anything and didn't really feel the need to do so, you can pretty well tell from the consistency if you need to add more juice etc...

Almond and Honey Facial Scrub Ingredients:

Handful of raw almonds (approx 10 or 12)
Spoonful of raw natural honey (this holds everything in place and is super thick)
Half a teaspoon of course sea salt (great for getting rid of dead skin cells)
A couple squeezes from half a grapefruit (try not to get it in your eyes...ouch!)

I first took the almonds and crushed them in a mortar and pestle. This will take a little while but well worth it. You want the almonds to become almost powdery but still have a few coarse pieces in there to help exfoliate. After crushing the almonds I added the sea salt and spoonful of raw honey, I then started mixing the scrub and added in the grapefruit juice. After getting the scrub to the right consistency I took about half the mixture and scrubbed my whole face with it. I decided to leave it on my skin for about 10 mins to get the benefit of all the ingredients especially the honey as a moisturizer...great for this time of year!

My skin feels super soft and clean. You can play around with the scrub and add different juices, oatmeal and even yogurt! If you have anything left over store it in you fridge in a sealed container, it should last about 5-7 days. Enjoy!

Busy as a Bee

2011-02-20T15:59:00.000-08:00

Oh my, I can't believe how busy I have been lately! My days just seem to string together at a constant pace...some would say that's a good thing! I have working in my studio on a daily basis trying to complete items for this years line up of shows. I will post the dates as soon as everything is firmed up!

This year is directed to larger shows a lot of them based out of Toronto and a few set north of here in cottage country. Very excited for what this year is going to bring and have already seen a great deal of attention in this month alone...crazy but wonderful! My first "big" show of the year will be shared along with the talented Yvettle-Michelle from Verona Collections, this will be our first year working along side each other and will hopefully lead us both to some really great places! We have decided to apply to The Toronto Clothing Show http://www.theclothingshow.com/ this will be the start of our line up. Yvette-Michelle had the pleasure of participating last year and we both decided that this year we should do it together so fingers crossed!

A few new items I have been working on are baby bloomers/diaper covers for your little ones tush...I haven't seen a whole lot of these around so thought that they would be a great item to add to my booth. Along with that I am really trying to push my Eco friendly line including accessories and clothing made from recycled, upcycled, vintage etc...material and am really enjoying working with these materials and the items that magically appear from them. I have added a photo of a pair of baby bloomers and a vintage yo yo headband. Lots more to come to keep checking back!!! Love.

Vintage Fabrics Yay!

2011-02-14T09:19:00.000-08:00

I went thrifting yesterday and found some wonderful finds! I find it sad that I actually enjoy the smell of a thrift store, that and the smell of old library books...strange but true so I will admit it. I had to make a trip to the city and had about five hours to kill so I figured where is there a better place to spend a few hours then an unfamiliar thrift store in a large somewhat familiar city! Love. Joy. Happiness.

Myself and a friend of mine from Verona Collections http://www.veronacollections.com/ have a booth booked at a fairy large clothing show in downtown Toronto in May so I figured I better get a start on preparing in advance! Nothing like scrambling at the last minute to make sure you have enough stock on hand...not a good feeling. We are in an area the is labeled "Eco Friendly" which is what a large percentage of our items are. So yesterday I figured I would stock up on some funky "new to me" fabric with a vintage seventies feel. My visions are: pillow case dresses, women's headbands, some unique new stuffies (Owls!) and anything else that I can dream up! Oh the love of ones own imagination, a little escape from the reality of everyday life that is needed every once and a while...

Any interesting thrifting finds lately...would LOVE to know! Leave a comment below and have a happy week ahead :)

Newborn Sweater Set Complete!

2011-02-11T08:05:00.000-08:00

I am happy to say that I have finally completed the full newborn set from Natural Knits

for Babies and Toddlers!

Two words:

Love it!