Jersey Girl Knits

Fantastic Five: Hand Knit for Fall

noreply@blogger.com (PreciousKnitsShop) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 21:19:00 +0000

I am honored to be featured in the latest Zibbet blog. This is SO exciting! Please stop by, take a look, and leave a comment.

Fantastic Five: Hand Knit for Fall

Fall is finally here. And I don’t know about you, but I could not be more thrilled to say goodbye to those hot and humid summer days.

With the temperatures slowly dropping, and the fall breezes upon us, this week’s Fantastic Five will help you stay warm while looking good. And because hand knit accessories are high on my list for fall wardrobes, and I admire anyone who knits because I never quite mastered it myself, that’s where we’ll be focusing today.

1. The Dublin Wrap by Jersey Girl Knits $95: Give your old outfits some added versatility with a convertible shrug/ scarf wrap like this one. It can be worn in a variety of ways and can also be knit in a wide selection of colors. Made of a lightweight wool blend, this Dublin Wrap can be worn from season to season.

2. Hand Knit Striped Scarf by Jessalin Beutler $50: Stripes are a great way to add a little flavor to your wardrobe. And this unisex scarf made from hand spun wool, would be an easy way to bring those stripes in for fall.

3. Eco Friendly Green Spring Summer Cotton Shrug by ReflectionsByds $65: What I love most about this shrug, besides the elbow-length sleeves, is the color. Typically we see lots of dark and earthy colors for fall, but there is no reason why you can’t infuse a brighter pop of color in to your closet as well.

4. Scarf/shawl in Purple by Rhea Clements $44: And here is another great example of fabulous color. Love the combination of blue and violet in this scarf. Much like the Dublin Wrap (#1 in our roundup), this scarf can be worn in a variety of ways. And because its knit using bamboo, its also super soft and cozy.

5. Handmade Bamboo Poncho by Anny May $55: And if you’re looking for a staple accessory, this is it. A basic, hand knit, black poncho. Perfect with jeans and a t-shirt for a casual look that still feels very put together. Or toss it in your purse, and take it with you where ever you go. You’ll never be cold again.

*image (very top) c/o Jackie Moon

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Tags: anny may, fall, hand knit, handknit, handknit for fall, handmade, jackie moon, jersey girl knits, jessalin beutler, knit, reflectionsbyds, rhea clements, scarf, shawl, shrug, women, womens

Help a Dog!

noreply@blogger.com (PreciousKnitsShop) — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 14:46:00 +0000

Write a Post Help a Dog

Write a Post , Help a Dog

•Each year, more than 4 million dogs end up in shelters and breed rescue organizations. Pedigree created The PEDIGREE Adoption Drive to help shine a spotlight on the plight of these homeless dogs.

•This year the PEDIGREE Adoption Drive is raising awareness for homeless dogs by donating a bowl of food to shelter dogs for everyone who becomes a “Fan” or “Likes” The PEDIGREE Adoption Drive on Facebook. So far more than 1 million bowls have been donated.

•Special for BlogPaws West: For each blog that posts about the PEDIGREE® Adoption Drive through September 19th, PEDIGREE® will donate a bag of their new Healthy Longevity Food for Dogs to shelters nationwide. It’s simple: Write a post, help a dog.

Please take just a few minutes to make a quick blog post mentioning the Pedigree Adoption Drive.

On Thursday Sept. 16th please go to

Life With Dogs Blog

and leave the link to your blog post so it can be counted.

I'm in a Treasury...

noreply@blogger.com (PreciousKnitsShop) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 01:03:00 +0000

This is so exciting! I am amoung some of my favorite knitting designers on etsy.. Don't these knits look yummy??

Knit some golden autumn sunshine

Hand knitted Aran yellow s...
gaillimh
$25.00 USD
Bees Honey Comb Cuffs Alpa...
twoknit
$35.00 USD
Adult knitted beret style ...
mehran
$31.00 USD
Knitted Knotwork Slippers ...
Morrgan
$35.00 USD
Knit Saffron Bulky Cowl / ...
Karmacrochet
$35.00 USD
Golden Daisy Warm Knit Moh...
reflectionsb...
$65.00 USD
Knit Wool Vase Cozy - Clas...
valeriesgall...
$25.00 USD
Buttercup Luxurious Knit S...
TickledPinkK...
$85.00 USD
Handmade Knit Aspen Scarf ...
JerseyGirlKn...
$58.00 USD
Knit Honeycomb Chunky Cowl...
shmugusta
$42.00 USD
Butternut Squash Yellow Co...
wildwhimsy
$16.00 USD
Brown Flower Yellow Knit C...
shmugusta
$12.00 USD
Esperanza cowl Original kn...
Laboutiquede...
$5.00 USD
Knitted Power Cord - Yello...
KnitKnit
$56.00 USD
Hand knit iPod or iPhone c...
onaroll
$16.00 USD
Knitting pattern - Sunny L...
HandmadeHandsome
Sold

Another Hand Dyed Beauty..

noreply@blogger.com (PreciousKnitsShop) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 19:39:00 +0000

This wool was hand dyed by Melissa and I too! Isn't it GORGEOUS!
She has quite the eye for color. Can you believe that this was once a boring off white men's winter sweater? See with a little effort and a bit of creativity one can create. 100% recycled and repurposed. Now this is recycling!!!

See What a Day Spent Crafting Can Create....

noreply@blogger.com (PreciousKnitsShop) — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 20:09:00 +0000

Yesterday was my birthday. I had such a wonderful day shopping & crafting with my best bud and partner in crime - Melissa. We went to a few thrift stores, flea markets, antique stores looking for goodies.

On our journey I found this rather boring wool sweater at the shop. I picked it up not knowing what I would do with this thing. I often resurrect sweaters that have seen better days in to warm soft goodies to wear for winter and I knew this one had potential!!

So, as I was deconstructing this little lovely Melissa suggested that we dye the yarn. Hmmm. Did not have any of my dyes left so we searched for other ideas. Melissa being the brilliant creative artist that she is suggested food coloring. My first reaction was no that won't work. But I wanted to try something. So, I sent her off into the kitchen to mix some color while I worked on taking this monstrosity apart. She loves mixing colors and experimenting with new crafts.

Look at what she created! Just amazing... Now she is my head mixologist/partner in crime...

New Aspen Scarf

noreply@blogger.com (PreciousKnitsShop) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:08:00 +0000

This is my latest design - The Aspen Scarf

French Press Slippers

noreply@blogger.com (PreciousKnitsShop) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:07:00 +0000

I bought this pattern today from French Press Knits. I have always admired these slippers. They are simple, elegant, and timeless. My two best friends from college are coming down this coming weekend for our much needed yearly girls weekend out. I haven't seen them in a year. As we are all just so busy these days.

It amazes me how different our lives have become but, yet we are still great friends. A housewife who knits, a mom who is an interior designer who owns her own business and haute couture fashion merchandiser living the high life in NYC. Just goes to show how strong friendships do last and last forever. I love these girls. We have been through many laughs and many tears over the years. They are my sisters.

So, I decided to make them these slippers to remember this weekend. A little handmade gift to two very important women, friends and sisters in my life. Thank you for being wonderful, for listening, for laughing and for all of our memories now and in the future.

Enjoy!

Coming Along Nicely

noreply@blogger.com (PreciousKnitsShop) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 17:52:00 +0000

I can't believe that it has been this long since I posted lasted. I have been so busy working on my new line of toys for my other store PreciousKnits. I have taken some time recently to work on crocheting. I am determined to learn this craft. It will allow me to make a variety of things that I can not make knitting.

I have been trying to make granny square's since last year. My mother-in-law tried patiently to teach me but I just could not grasp it. I recently bought a few beginner books and decided to start at the beginning and work through the book. A totally new concept for me. I usually pick something out and try to make it. Then I get frustrated because I haven't learned the stitches that are involved. After frogging back more times than I care to share, I finally did it! I made 8 squares so far. Eventually, this will be a pillow sham for my couch. Yes, I am actually going to be making something for myself that I intend to keep. Shocking!

I have been obsessed about these squares because I have lots of little bits of yarn. They are too small to knit anything with but perfect for granny squares or crocet in general. If you are a crafter you understand why we just can not throw out the littliest scrap of yarn, paper, fabric, whatever. I mean sometime down the line, maybe years from now, you may find a use for it. After all there is nothing wrong with it.

I am so proud of myself! Patting self on the back! Well back to work I go!

Something Different..

noreply@blogger.com (PreciousKnitsShop) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 21:52:00 +0000

Got an email from my mom today. She always finds these great articles. Now this has nothing at all to do with knitting but it's art. I am a huge fan of art. This story is really worth checking out and is, I found, very interesting.

mental_floss Blog & He Took a Polaroid Every Day, Until the Day He Died - StumbleUpon

Love these knit toys!

noreply@blogger.com (PreciousKnitsShop) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:25:00 +0000

Where's Rupert???

Timeless Playtime with Knitted Toys

Ellie The Elephant (Han...
TheHunnyBunny...
$40.00 USD
Bob the Bunny Hand Knit...
VeryCarey
$37.00 USD
Myeloma Buddy Handknit ...
Feresa
$10.00 USD
Organic Cotton Bunny
individualababy
$12.00 USD
Violet - Wild Horse Kni...
liziandlulu
$36.00 USD
Handmade toys for kids ...
bgordon2
$24.00 USD
BEANBAG TOYS
AIAInspiredDe...
$5.00 USD
Three Little Pigs Finge...
WeeKnit
$9.20 USD
JOLLY TOTS - toy dolls ...
dollytime
$4.95 USD
Rupert the Handmade Kni...
PreciousKnits
$30.00 USD
Hand knitted bunny, 11....
oritdotandolls
$40.00 USD
Tiger, Hand Knit, All N...
woolies
$45.00 USD
Hand Knit Baby Sock Mon...
clarann
$25.00 USD
PDF - Knitting Pattern ...
oliverboliver
$3.99 USD
Knit Catnip Mouse as a ...
VivaLeChat
$5.50 USD
Cow Toy Knitting Patter...
Jellybum
$3.50 USD

New Fingerless Gloves

noreply@blogger.com (PreciousKnitsShop) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 20:54:00 +0000

This is a new design that I have been working on for Fall/Winter 2010. 100 % wool.

Thrift Store Jackpot

noreply@blogger.com (PreciousKnitsShop) — Wed, 26 May 2010 19:38:00 +0000

I am so excited! Today I went around to a few of my favorite thrift stores. I am always on the look out for knitting and crocheting tools. (The vast majority of my knitting and crocheting tools are used.) I think that they have a greater appeal to me because someone used them. Used them to make things for their daughter, grandchildren, sisters, friends, charities and the like. I think about what was made with these simple tools. Sweaters, hats, socks, scarves, mittens, Christmas stockings the list is truely endless. I get a bit of comfort knowing there were used well and used often. Much work, joy and love goes into something handmade. It part of the joy of knitting.

So, today, I hit a jackpot. I haven't in a while but today was my lucky day. I got 37 stitch holders, 7 sets of DPN's, 2 sets of straight needles and 2 crochet hooks (also a bit of yarn I could not pass up.) All for the grand total of $4. Yes, $4.

For those of you who are not knitters. I can't get one pair of straight needles with a 40% off coupon at Michael's for $4. Yeah!!!! So, I suggest for those who are interested or might be interested in learning a new craft. Check out your local thrift stores first. You will be surprised at what treasures you may find.

To Post or Not to Post

noreply@blogger.com (PreciousKnitsShop) — Wed, 26 May 2010 16:46:00 +0000

I haven't posted in a awhile. I have been busy on my new line of fingerless gloves for the winter season. I can not wait to post them.

Here is my dilema:
I want to put them up but I am torn since this is a knitter's slow season. No one is looking for wool items in the summer. Unless, of course, it's winter in your country. Should I wait until fall or should I post them now? Not sure what is the right business decision here. Any suggestions??

Once

noreply@blogger.com (PreciousKnitsShop) — Wed, 12 May 2010 15:29:00 +0000

Have you seen this movie yet? If not, rent it! I happened across this movie a few years ago and my husband is a music nut (he also plays the drums). I had never heard of it but it had something to do with music so I thought he might like it. Well he loved it and it is one of his favorite movies of all time. There are no known actors or actress's but it is truly an artists film. It is so authentic. The music is awesome & so inspirational. The songs were written by the main actor and the music is sung by both main characters in the film. They are not just actors they are artists. Their songs will touch your heart and make you cry (a happy cry) A rare thing today to find both. Trust me RENT IT!!

Learning to Crochet

noreply@blogger.com (PreciousKnitsShop) — Wed, 05 May 2010 20:25:00 +0000

I know that I haven't posted lately but I have been busy teaching myself how to crochet. Like I need another fiber hobby but I can't help myself. I just love to learn. I have always wanted to learn how to crochet. I thought about taking a class but I get frustrated when they don't move at my pace. Once I get something I want to move on and my impatient mind hates to be told what to do. Yes, I know I should be patient but I am not. ( I get this from my father's side) My mother says I have been impatient since birth. I laugh and it is now a family joke.

My mother-in-law tried to teach me how to do a granny square during her last visit and I simply could not grasp the concept. Too many in's and out's. I was lost. Anyway, my aunt was down for Easter and she gave me a quick tutorial. She started to crochet a few months ago. She is great! Just like me we learn something and want to move on (She is my father's sister) So, she left me with my yarn and hook. When I got home I practiced and practiced. I even bought crocheting for dummies. (my first dummies book ever) and I got it!

Now I am still a beginner and I have no idea how to read charts yet but I am progressing. I am so proud of myself. Wish me luck on my new obsession!

Stitch Nation Yarn Review

noreply@blogger.com (PreciousKnitsShop) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:33:00 +0000

I saw the add for this yarn in the Sunday flyer for A.C Moore and I decided to give it a whirl. I am always looking for new affordable yarns in great colors to knit with these days.

I have to say that the selection of colors, for this particular yarn, in my A.C. Moore is nothing to write home about and the only color that I liked was the green. So, I bought it.

Let's just go over the mundane stuff first. It is called Stitch Nation by Debbie Stoller Full O' Sheep. It consists of 100% Peruvian Wool and is distributed by Red Heart. Net wt. is 3.5 oz (100g) and 155yds (142m). On sale for 2/$7. That said my first impression (besides the colors) is that it is scratchy. I would not call this next to the skin soft. Maybe a hat but definitely not for scarves, mittens or sweaters. (in my opinion, of course)

It also splits. I am not a tight knitter nor am I a loose knitter. I find myself right in the middle. As I was knitting along my merry way this yarn started to fall apart. Now I have done a bit of spinning and I am able to put it back together but I just don't think that I should have to do so. It happened to me more than once while knitting and sewing up my seams. Not impressed AT ALL. Also, I would not recommend this yarn for beginning knitters due to this very fact. I would think that I was doing something wrong when, in fact, it's the yarn that is faulty. Furthermore, this yarn would certainly not hold up to much frogging back due to the lack of its durability & it is fuzzy nature as well. (like mohair).

So, would I buy this again? - probably not. I can find better wool at my LYS for about the same amount and in better colors.

My advice - save your money and get better wool.

Homemade Banana Nut Bread

noreply@blogger.com (PreciousKnitsShop) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 19:05:00 +0000

On Sunday I decided to make may favorite - Banana Nut Bread. I thought that someone else might too. So, I decided to share my secret recipe. It really is delicious. Give it a try!

You will need:

2 c unbleached all purpose flour

3/4 c Sugar

3/4 tsp baking soda

3/4 tsp salt

1 1/4 c walnuts crushed ( I use about 2c b/c I love them)

3 very ripe banana's

1/4 c plain yogurt (I use organic but any will do)

2 eggs

6 tbls melted butter

1 tsp vanilla

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the bottom ONLY of a loaf pan.

Combine the first 5 ingredients in a large bowl and set aside. In another bowl mash the banana's then add to them yogurt, eggs, butter, vanilla. Lightly fold the banana mixture into dry ingredients until just combined and batter looks chunky.

Add to loaf pan and cook for 55 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes.

We Have to Stop Cutting Down the Trees

noreply@blogger.com (PreciousKnitsShop) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 22:10:00 +0000

Knitting in the sun..

noreply@blogger.com (PreciousKnitsShop) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:41:00 +0000

Today I decided to knit it the sun. Here is a picture of my little spot.. Come join me.. relax and have some iced coffee. I think we all can use a break these days.. Even if it is for only a few minutes.

Flowers from the Past

noreply@blogger.com (PreciousKnitsShop) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 20:07:00 +0000

Here are just a few pictures of what is growing in my garden this year. I am waiting patiently for it to come alive again this year.

SEO Help

noreply@blogger.com (PreciousKnitsShop) — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 15:49:00 +0000

I was reading a book at the book store yesterday about SEO. It is called "Get to #1 on Google" by Ben Norman. A topic that I find frustrating and confusing (I am sure that I am not alone here) I just wanted to pass on some info that I discovered. I myself can not use it (I am on a mac) but window users can. It FREE, yes FREE and you can download it. It is called WEBCEO (www.webceo.com) It is supposed to be very helpful with tagging, ranking, analyzing etc.. So I thought I would share. The book also mentions Google Keyword Tool and wordtracker free. Just type into google "google Keyword Tool" to check it out and the same for wordtracker free. I know that getting our goods in the top of the search engines is very important to all of us. If you happen to have any other tips or places we all should be checking out. Drop me a line. I would love to hear them all.

My first Attempt at Dyeing Yarn

noreply@blogger.com (PreciousKnitsShop) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:54:00 +0000

Today I decided to try dying yarn. I bought the dye almost a year ago and have yet to find the time to try it. For some reason today seemed to be the right day. I am using some wool yarn that I already have. I wound it on my swift. Tied it in four spots and dunked it in room temp water. At the same time I heated a pot with water on my stove just before it started to boil. Squeezed the water out of it and stuck it in the pot. Fingers crossed. I have stirred it a few times. I am so impatient. I want it done immediately. I have no idea how I am going to pass the time while it dries.... The timer on the stove says 12+ minutes until it is done (according to the directions on the bottle)

It is supposed to come out to a burnt orange. Although it looks red in the pot. I hope it is not read as I have enough of that color yarn...

Has anyone else tried this recently? I would love to hear some tips or suggestions.

Designing Knitwear

noreply@blogger.com (PreciousKnitsShop) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:12:00 +0000

Lately, I have been working on some new designs for winter and I have to tell you that I am really enjoying the process,for the most part. The one aspect that I always find difficult is transferring what is in my head that I have already knit onto paper. You might think that this is the easy part since the object is already complete and it you have knit it before - well, for me, that's a big fat NO.

Last night I am on the couch, my usual spot, with all of my books spread all over the place. A notebook, a pencil, yarn, tape measure, scissors, the finished product and I am knitting the same thing over again trying to drain my head of all its thoughts. I would knit, frog back, knit again, write something down, then reknit and make some more notes, correct something else. I was driving myself nuts. My husband looks over and asks "are you okay over there?" I explain, he nods his head having no idea what I am talking about and I continue. It is our normal process when I am designing. Can you believe that I can actually enjoy this process? Don't worry I think I am nuts already!

Which brings me to Elizabeth Zimmerman. I have always been a fan. Her work is amazing and then it hit me. After all my years of knitting I never got it until now. I have always been a very cautious person. I could hear her in my head "will you just knit the damn thing already!" I started laughing. (Husband looks over completely puzzled wondering if he should laugh or call the looney bin)

Now I understand knitter's when they say trust your instincts and just knit. If it looks wrong there is a good chance that it is wrong. You don't always have to use a pattern and it is okay to change the pattern. Yes, that's right it is okay to change the pattern and to knit without one. I think the last part comes with confidence. The longer you knit the more confidence you have in yourself and your abilities. Of course, there is always that truly gutsy person who can do this from the start, I however, am not one of them.

This was such a freeing moment for me. An Ah Ha moment as Oprah would say. So, for all you crafty people out there like me who are hesitant to break the rules - Break them!! Never look back. It's fun and it's exciting! GO forth and try something new. Who knows it may turn into something spectacular.

It's Spring Time In My Garden

noreply@blogger.com (PreciousKnitsShop) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:12:00 +0000

New Summer/Spring Shawl

noreply@blogger.com (PreciousKnitsShop) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:42:00 +0000

The first addition to my summer collection is this beautiful handmade wrap or shawl. It was knit with silk and bamboo yarn. A combination that it bound to please. It is soft, elegant and timeless. You can dress it up or down. It can be worn in a multitude of ways - a scarf, a wrap, a shawl and it drapes beautifully.

Just a lovely addition to your wardrobe.

Ready to ship to you today!

Any questions, just write me