Ninnycat Crochet

November Love: The Cozy Project

2011-11-29T15:05:00.000-05:00

This month's crochet love is all for these absolutely sweet coffee cozies by The Cozy Project.

{They're customizable!}

I think this is the perfect gift to start your holiday shopping with (if you haven't already). The crochet can say all the things you mean to say, or don't get to say enough :)

About the artist

I love being creative! My mom taught me to crochet in my early teens and now I carry a zippy bag of yarn and a hook almost every where I go.
These reusable cozies are environmentally friendly. They can be stashed in a pocket or purse and reused every day . They are sturdy, and keep your hot drink toasty while protecting your fingers from heat. They also work well on cold drinks absorbing condensation and preventing that ring of water from lingering wherever you set your cup.

You can also find me here:
thecozyprojectblog.blogspot.comfacebook.com/cozyprojecttwitter @thecozyproject

Hope you had a sweet November :)
Warmly,
Vanessa

October Love: Voodoo Maggie

2011-10-22T07:57:00.001-04:00

This month's love goes to the Etsy shop Voodoo Maggie for this ridiculously cute Octo-Pumpkin Crochet Pattern.

{Octo-Pumkins!}
I cannot stand how adorable these photos are; I laughed out loud on the train today when I found this.

Climbing fences and getting into mischief with his pirate buddies.

This pattern is a perfect weekend project!

About the artist, Maggie Clark

I was just reading over my previous version of this and it was a little gross. I'm not all sweetness and light, but I'm a good person and a great crafter. I believe that art and the tools/supplies to create it should be affordable and hope to one day de-throne Martha Stewart. One the road to that goal I have a love of crochet, and want to share that with you. I can write up a pattern for or make plush of just about anything, so if you have idea you don't see in my shop just me a line.

I also just opened up shop with my big sister and my mom, offering digital and paper scrapbook embellishments. You can find us at http://thosecraftygirls.etsy.com

I also happily contribute to the April's Army Charity Shop which you can find here http://AprilsArmy.etsy.com Open at the end of every month. Go buy stuff for a good cause.

Happy Autumn, everyone!

Warmly,
Vanessa

September Love: Threads of Beauty

2011-09-06T18:25:00.001-04:00

September, the beginning of my favourite time of year, is now here. I am so happy that the weather has a chill already (the Sweater Queen is back!), and thoughts of crochet, comfort foods and walks through a leafy Central Park are always in my thoughts. And so, while I'm late to start many things this season, I'd like to start Autumn with some September Love (and a warm welcome) to the brand-new to Etsy shop Threads of Beauty.

{Alluring Bloom}
Seriously, can we talk about how wonderful this piece is? The soft palette of colours, and the touch of flowers; very feminine, very vintage.

Did you see the small pearl beading detail hand-sewn in? Swoon.

Here is a little intro from our artists Lorelai:

My name is Lorelai Bertino. I have been crocheting for many years and love all aspects of the craft. At times, throughout our fashion trends, crocheted pieces have been brought back onto the scene, making another statement about the timeless beauty of the art of stitching. Though we have fallen in and out of love with crocheted garments, I feel that crocheting, and the ornate pieces that can be created, always hold a place within our fashion history, future, and present.

Crocheting is not just about the tattered and worn, but loved afghan, draped upon the back of Grandma’s sofa, or the treasured, but faded scarf that was presented to you as a child. Crocheted pieces can hold beauty and class, elegance and timeless appeal that will only continue to stand out as trends fade and years go by.
I wanted to create crocheted pieces that were unique, lovely, and visually captivating. I wanted to create pieces that might change the way women looked at their every day wardrobe. Whether it be summer and you’re looking for that particular piece to take a summer dress to the next level, or maybe it’s winter, and you want to stay warm without resorting to the average scarf, I wanted to create pieces of beauty that would amplify any style with a vintage, yet fashionable feel!

Through my love for crocheting, and the time I’ve invested in each piece, I hope that you, too, will love the style in which I have presented this time honored tradition!

We love your work, Lorelei! Good luck on your crafty endeavours and keep us posted!

Warmly,
Vanessa

Love this month's artist? Visit her shop at www.threadsofbeauty.etsy.com

The Emily Bloomer

2011-01-15T15:22:00.001-05:00

I love the monochromatic nature of winter. Getting my Spring collection prepared for March has be such a colour-shock! It's like stepping out into bright daylight after spending the day indoors.

{the emily bloomer}
I love teal; it's such a bright, cheery colour. It reminds me of rainy spring days.

I played around with a pattern in a baby book I bought, and gave it some loving adornments:

{lavender mohair flower and chocolate ribbon}

{soft white shell lace edging}
Teal is the preview colour number one for my Spring 2011 collection. More colours to come!

Besitos,
Vanessa

The Audrey Cardigan

2011-01-13T10:24:00.001-05:00

After much tinkering with last Sunday's project, I finally worked my way through the pattern (with lots of improvision), resulting in this beautiful baby cardigan.

{The Audrey Cardigan}
The original pattern was classic, but a little plain. So after making and assembling the sleeves and body of the sweater, I started to design some finishing touches that would give it a vintage, classic baby girl look. I stitched a peter pan collar (which is my favourite collar; it's sooo childlike and vintage-feminine; I've changed quite a couple of collars on my jackets to this) to give more character, and stitched a shell lace edging down the front of the sweater to cover the buttons.

{peter pan collar}

{hidden buttons}
The sleeves were supposed to be full-length, but I shortened them to elbow-length and finished them in white picot-edging. The finishing touch is a small vintage-style button at the very top of the collar.

{picot edging}

{vintage-style button}
I absolutely love this cardigan; I will definitely make more and put them in my Etsy shop.

Besitos,
Vanessa

Winter Wonderland

2011-01-12T12:56:00.001-05:00

It snowed overnight, and we awakened to another beautiful morning; the bare trees, grey sky and covered ground makes everything look like a tranquil black and white photo.

And can I say? I absolutely love Winter. And grey days. For some reason, cloudy days cheer me up. There is something so comforting and calming about overcast skies and rainy or snowy days. I'll take them anytime over sunny days. I hope it snows for my wedding.

I hope you get a moment of warmth and comfort today; I'm off to make a cup of hot cocoa.

Besitos,
Vanessa

My Crafty Sunday

2011-01-09T12:40:00.001-05:00

What I nice morning so far! The sun finally came out, and all the snow is making it extra-bright outside.

I started to work on this newborn baby cardigan pattern from Simple Crochet for Cherished Babies; it's a great pattern- in theory.

The measurements seem a little large for a newborn, so I'm making some tweaks; I'll keep you posted on how it comes out. And {hopefully} it will look like this when I'm done:

Wish me luck! Lol

Besitos,
Vanessa

Random Acts of Kindness: A Giveaway!

2010-12-28T21:41:00.001-05:00

I cannot believe 2010 is already coming to an end. I always take this quiet time in between Holidays to reflect: How did I spend this past year? Did I act with enough kindness and generosity? Was I thankful for all the good things and people in my life? I'd like to think so.

I'm taking so many great things with me into the new year, and I'd like to do the same thing for one lucky reader! I'm giving away a complete Winter accessory set from The First Frost Collection!

{win this set!}
Here's how to win:
Come on over to my blog and comment on this post: tell me the best thing about 2010. Did you receive or give a random act of kindness? Are you thankful for someone in your life?
I'll choose the winning respondent on Saturday 1 January 2011 and mail them this wonderful set to keep them warm this Winter!

{hand-warmers}

{muffler}
The set includes a hat, hand-warmers and muffler/neckwarmer. One size adults.

{snowflake detail}

{muffler button and embroidery detail}
I'd like the first thing that I do in 2011 is to give the gift of handmade. What will your random act of kindness be in the New Year? :)

Besitos,
Vanessa

Subscribe to my blog to keep posted on new giveaways and mire crocheted goodness!

The Croton Falls Collection

2010-12-23T12:07:00.001-05:00

I made myself a hat in September: mustard yellow, covered in bobbles. I just wanted something texturally interesting; I love how squishy bobble-stitching is!

{detail of bobble-y goodness}
I walked into the deli wearing it, and everyone at the market loved it! What a nice pick-me-up; I needed the encouragement that day :)

{my hat, blue version}
So I went home and started making more; with matching neckwarmers to go with them. And they've been really popular so far! I'm now putting the collection in my Etsy shop, named after my new home up here in New York.

{hat in sage}

{matching muffler}
I even decided to make some bags for the set as well; I really wanted to keep this. Really.

Maybe I'll make myself one after the Holidays!

Besitos,
Vanessa

The Diana Capelet

2010-12-19T10:17:00.001-05:00

This beautiful capelet is another piece from The Luxe Collection, crocheted accessories inspired by Anna Godbersen's dramatic series surrounding the lives of the young and beautiful of New York City's wealthy families in 1900.

Hand-crocheted in an antique ivory coloured medium-weight yarn, the Diana Capelet can be worn from Autumn to Spring. I enjoyed making this so much, I'm thinking of making myself one over the Holidays! I love the balance between the simplicity of the colour, and the elegance of the lace-stitching.

{ribbed mock-turtleneck collar}

Like it's namesake, the Diana Capelet looks just as natural in a dressy, formal setting or just sitting with a favourite book. Picot edging gives the capelet a vintage, ultra-feminine finish.

I had a wonderful time designing this pattern and making this piece! Thanks for stopping by; I hope you enjoyed this post!

Besitos,
Vanessa

The First Frost Collection

2010-12-07T10:12:00.001-05:00

Today we got our first snow! It was a wonderful way to awaken: tiny snowflakes floating down on to the grass and windowsill, clouds fluffy and light grey. I wish I'd taken pictures!

To celebrate the first snow of December and the upcoming Holidays, I created The First Frost Collection: a limited edition of hats, scarves, mittens and mufflers in festive Winter colours and embroidered with little snowflakes.

{hat & muffler set}

{baby mitten}

The First Frost Collection will only be available at the Astoria Market for these next two weeks; stop by and get the gift of handmade for the holidays!

Besitos,
Vanessa

The Hudson Collection

2010-12-03T11:55:00.001-05:00

Winter is just around the corner; up here, the frost covers the grass early in the morning, making it a sparkly green-white, and crisp to the touch. Days like these make me pine for chunky wools in muted, comforting colours.

{The Henrietta Neckwarmer}

The Hudson Collection brings rustic charm to warm, inviting accessories, such as The Henrietta Neckwarmer.

{The Henrietta in Natural}

The yarn is soft and pillowy, and the oversized buttons on the neckwarmers gives it a playful, whimsical touch.

{The Henrietta in Cranberry}

{The Henrietta in Vintage}

{The Henrietta in Berry}

I hope you enjoy this collection! You can find The Hudson Collection and more at my Etsy shop. Happy December, and stay warm!

Besitos,
Vanessa

The Luxe Collection

2010-11-19T14:01:00.001-05:00

All of my Goodreads updates for the past month have seen that I am very much engrossed in The Luxe series.

{The Luxe, book #1}
This series portrays all the glamour of Old New York: the parties and balls of the city's elite, beautiful Gramercy townhouses- and the dresses. Oh how I love the descriptions of their beautiful, voluminous dresses accompanied by gilded jewels.

The series is what inspired this lace-edged capelet I made over the week.

{The Luxe Capelet}
The capelet has a turtleneck with side buttons, contoured shoulders and full circle body. The bottom is hand-sewn with lace edging.

{lace detail}

{neck button detail}
I absolutely love this piece, and I'm almost tempted to keep it! I tried it on, and it drapes perfectly.

So before I change my mind, I will be posting my favourite piece to my Etsy shop this weekend, and starting a new section, The Luxe Collection, for all things that I make which are inspired by this series. I hope you enjoy, and have a great weekend!

Besitos,
Vanessa

P.S.,
I found this awesome iPhone app, Old Photo Pro; it takes any picture you choose and gives it a beautiful vintage look. I tried it on myself:

{Miss Vanessa Alsondo}
I'm no Diana Holland, but I love this photo!

The Catskills Collection

2010-11-17T16:20:00.001-05:00

Winter seems to be arriving early, and so I've pulled out all of my heavy winter sweaters, coats and accessories. I've even been crocheting some things for myself, which I don't often have time to do! I've been very inspired by life in the Hudson Valley; the state parks and nature preserves, beautiful foliage, small towns and local farms, mountains and snow. It's all so very panoramic.

This Winter, I wanted the things that I crochet to be inspired by the lovely Empire State: New York. My first collection is the Catskills Collection.

This collection takes it's name from the Catskill Mountains, about 3 hours north of the city. In the winter it's all snow-covered peaks, skiing and hot chocolate by the fire. I wanted to make some things that were perfect for the mountain frost.

{sweater socks}

{earflap hat}
Every piece in the Catskills collection is made in natural colours and muted tones, edged with a soft, contrasting yarn that gives it a shearling-style finish. Feeling cold is a distant memory with these cozy pieces.

I love every piece I made, and I hope you do, too! You can find the Catskills collection at my Etsy shop.
Besitos,
Vanessa

Autumn Crocheted Goodness

2010-11-11T15:57:00.001-05:00

I've been a busy bee, crocheting away making warm, cozy pieces for the upcoming chilly weather.

{Hat from the Catskills Collection}

{Catskills Muffler}

I almost don't miss the {much more} active social life that comes with the time and money remaining from a grownup job. But all in due time, and I'll be back out and about; and my yarn is pretty good company in the meanwhile :)

I finally have the opportunity to restock my Etsy shop with pictures of all my work, and I'm happy to say that I've already made a few sales! Yay!

I'll post all my pics here momentarily.

Besitos,
Vanessa

The Astoria Market Grand Opening

2010-11-01T13:53:00.000-04:00

Hey all!

There has been a huge lapse between this posting and the last; between working an impossibly busy job and then finally making the move back to NYC this Fall, I've sadly nothad much time for crocheted goodness. But, most boxes are unpacked and I'm feeling settled in enough to get back into the swing of things.

My first NYC show of this season is at the grand opening of the Astoria Market at Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden in Queens, NY.

Here are the details, and I hope to see you there!

Sunday 7 November 2010
12-5pm
29-19 24th Avenue

Queens, NY 11102

N or Q to Astoria Boulevard (second to last stop). Walk 1 block to the intersection of 24th Avenue and 31st Street. We are located between 29th Street and 31st Street.
Find more directions here.

Can't wait for the first show!

Besitos,
Vanessa

Things We Love: Dachshunds!

2010-05-06T15:35:00.001-04:00

When I adopted Cocoa last year, I was instantly smitten (well, almost; paper-training isn't fun, and getting her just now to stay still long enough to snap this photo wasn't fun, either, lol).

Now, I always find myself saying a long "awwwwww! How cuuuuuuute!" whenever I find great little doxie-themed gifts like these:

[Little Dachshund Ring by MooshyGooshies]

[Keep Calm and Love Doxies Poster by The Lobster Pot]

[El Perro Caliente The Hot Dog by ChetArt] I really laughed out loud at this one; edging awesome.

Got a furry loved one? Search Etsy for a little something to show some love!

Besitos,
Vanessa

April Showers...

2010-04-22T12:14:00.000-04:00

You know how the old rhyme goes. And another one of my favourite sayings, "A place for everything, and everything in it's place" has given me a little Springtime inspiration.

I love taking a walk in the rain. I do not, however, enjoy toting a soggy, drippy umbrella around with nowhere to put it. And sometimes, just sometimes, I'd really like all my accessories to match.

Enter: Ninny working all week on matching Spring travel sets. Umbrella cozies, pocket tissue holders, hats and bags, all 100% cotton to keep you dry in the rain and cool in the sun.

See? No drippy umbrella (or noses!) in sight.

Just slip your umbrella in...

And button it up!

I have a habit of forgetting to pack tissues with me once Springtime arrives, which usually leaves me a sneezy, sad disaster.

But for the sake of matching girliness, the hat and tissues come with me everywhere. *Yay, girliness!*

Besitos,
Vanessa's

Crafty Spring Semester

2010-03-31T00:09:00.001-04:00

Starting in April, join me at First Class, Inc. for some crochet goodness.

Friday 23 April from 12-2pm I will be teaching Crochet 101, where you'll learn all the basics you need to get your first project started.

Come back the following week for Crochet 102 on Friday 30 April to wrap up the basics, learn basic motifs like granny squares and troubleshoot your current crochet project!

Still need another crochet fix? Learn quick and fun crochet patterns that can be done over a weekend at Crochet 103 on Saturday 8 May from 10am-12pm. Hope to see you there!

Besitos,
Vanessa

My Cozy Sunday

2010-03-22T09:24:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was the bee's knees! Me and Ninnyboy got up nice and early to enjoy the sunny day waiting for us outside. I picked out some of my favourite Springtime accessories to wear:

Yellow jacket, green tote, red cloche and peeptoe shoes. Bright, flowery happy colors... Before leaving I made sure to bring along some goodies to enjoy while sitting in the grass.

We took Ms. Cocoa out for a nice walk in the neighborhood, and found a very pretty window display at our local antique shop.

Everything was pastel-painted and ornate. I want to live in this window!

Next we all went to the farmers market; it was crowded with excited people ready to shop for Spring produce. I was excited to buy some pretty flowers for my home.

After the market, then we enjoyed brunch with friends, and came home for a nice bike ride. The evening was spent on the couch, in pajamas by six. It was awesome to be in comfy clothes so early.

Hope your weekend went swimmingly!

Besitos,
Vanessa

My Crafty Saturday: Spring Inspirations

2010-03-20T12:58:00.000-04:00

Today is the Equinox; Happy Spring everyone! The day is sunny and warm, a nice preview of what the season will bring us.

I went to the market and bought some pretty tulips; they seem very happy in their vase.

I've brought out all of my cotton and linen yarns to make some pretty, Springtime projects! Umbrella cozies, pocket tissue holders, market bags, sun hats, all-around happiness and crocheted goodness.

My new red cotton cloche is perfect for the upcoming April showers; if I'm not feeling selfish, I will make some more to sell at the next Spring Market.

Not to mention, it matches my new Spring shoes. Yes, everything is swell in Ninnyville. Hope your weekend is going swimmingly!

Besitos,
Vanessa

My new 100 Things

2010-01-13T11:41:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! :)

I have decided, in the spirit of realistic resolutions that I am renewing my list every year; this list of 100 things is for 2010. If I only give myself one year to hit this list, it seems less daunting. I have to get rid of everything on my list, fifteen at a time, then make another fifteen and cross those off as well. I feel better already!

1. Learn to play piano.

2. Quit my job.

3. Throw more parties.

4. Crochet full time.

5. Work in a bakery.

6. Move back to NY after October.

7. Start a long-term savings account.

8. Visit Vienna.

9. Go to yoga every week.

10. Start a dinner club.

11. Become fluent in Spanish.

12. Go to the movies once a week.

13. Paint more.

14. Be more responsible.

15. Learn to sew.

What would you like to accomplish this year? Email me and I'll posty favourites!

Besitos,

Vanessa

Holiday Goodness, Pt. 1

2009-12-22T10:17:00.000-05:00

I've been toiling away, making my last-minute holiday cards and handmade gifts for anyone that I will be seeing this week.

Holiday Wishes card:

Snowman Joy card:

Winter Plaid card:

I got the Martha Stewart Encyclopedia of Crafts book for the Holiday, and I am swimming in crafty inspiration!

Ninnyboy and I are making homemade gift baskets for our families: We just finished bottling our own beers!

(FYI: Martha doesn't teach you how to make beer. In her book, B is for beading.)

The finished baskets will be posted soon!

Besitos,
Vanessa

My Snowy Weekend

2009-12-20T12:17:00.000-05:00

So can I just say? I love snow.

This weekend has been great: I made warm spiced apple cider, spent the day with Ninnyboy (the restaurant closed yesterday), and watched the snow come down by the window from my warm, cozy armchair. Do days like this really have to end?

I made little snowy cards, that matched the weather outside.

And I crocheted a pink South Ferry Hat, and made a matching muffler; I looove making chilly-day accessories!

On the agenda today: finishing some homemade holiday gifts and making some cider doughnuts. And finding a way to make this weekend last a little longer.

Besitos,
Vanessa

Location:Washington, DC

Crochet 101 this Friday!

2009-11-02T09:53:00.001-05:00

This Holiday, give the gift of handmade.

This Friday at noon I will be at First Class, Inc. teaching a Crochet 101 workshop!

Learn the basic stitches needed to start your very first crochet project: a scarf, hand towel, baby blanket & more!

This is the perfect opportunity to start creating beautiful things for yourself and lived ones!

Friday 6 November 2009
12-2pm
First Class, Inc.
1726 20th Street, NW
Washington D.C. 20009
(202) 797-5102

Besitos,
Vanessa