whip up

book: Vintage knits for modern babies

kath_red — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:47:33 +0000

Vintage Knits for Modern Babies by Hadley Fierlinger. Ten Speed Press (October 6, 2009)

Vintage knits for modern babies has a distinctive poetic aesthetic that I am drawn into, the designs have a vitality and depth that rocks gently back and forth between pragmatism and romanticism and the photographs are of a fantastic quality.

Many of the patterns in this book are designed for using some of the amazing alternative yarns that are so easily available now – organic cotton, angora and alpaca and wonderfully soft blends specially designed for babies – these are described in the introduction along with a short but easy to follow techniques section for some of the extra bits that are included in some of the patterns (such as knitted motifs, embroidery + pompoms).

The designs are suitable for beginners to more experienced knitters – and for newborns to toddlers – there is a sweet layette outfit in garter stitch – perfect for the beginner knitter, knitted bunnies and a most adorable double breasted ‘car coat’ for little girls – so so gorgeous – with a darling little collar and matching beret (intermediate knitters).

A perfect raglan pullover for busy little toddlers – and a must-have ballet crossover cardigan for your little girl – along with plenty of booties and bonnets and blankets -for every baby and every knitter.

[the petite beret pattern is available online here]
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free pattern: origami wrap sweater

craftapalooza — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:45:55 +0000

Totally totally loving this. Perfect gift idea. Link to pattern.

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30 of the best advent calendars

kath_red — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:47:47 +0000

its getting close – the time when you need to have your advent calendar up and running – the countdown starts soon … here are some ideas.

1. Fabric cones – filled with goodies for advent – from pickles [see pic above]
2. string of lights advent calendar pattern from elsie marley
3. The how, where, what and why of advent calendars from uncommon grace.
4. pickles snowing presents advent calendar
5. advent calendar kit from kristen doran
6. advent calendar pouches available from nuvonova etsy store
7. Maya’s recycled advent calendar
8. advent calendar sew-along with stockings pattern from craft apple
9. pink chalk studio’s house quilted advent calendar
10. these knitted stockings would make a fantastic advent calendar

11. get the kids to make their own advent calendar garland with these paper cones [see pic above]

12. gorgeous sewn calendar with tear off paper numbers [see pic above]
13. advent calendar creative process – and gorgeous finished result.
14. wooden spool advent calendar
15. Elizabeth’s quilted advent calendar tutorial at sew mama sew
16. cozy memories sewn pocket advent calendar
17. purl bee felt advent calendar tutorial
18. skip to my lou little birdie advent calendar tutorial and template.
19. strapped for time – try this simple little bag advent calendar
20. sweet shoes – advent calendar

21. I love these sewn up brown paper bags – advent calendar – this might be the go for us this year. [see pic above].
22. burlap stockings advent garland – love it
23. green kitchen – solstice calendar
24. paper notes advent calendar
25. wisecraft advent calendar
26. recycle bin advent calendar
27. buttons and linen advent calendar
28. advent calendar stockings
29. papiervalise stamped advent calendars
30. mini advent calendar tuteSimilar Posts:

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2010 mini photo calendar template

craftapalooza — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:49:00 +0000

A great gift idea. Link to template. Via Shim and Sons tweets.

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2010 calendar feature artist: Maritza Soto

kath_red — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:24:29 +0000

over the next couple of weeks we are going to find out a little more about the wonderful makers featured in the 2010 whipup calendar – Maritza Soto is featured with her image of her loving softies.

Maritza Soto – also known as soto softies lives in Cambridge, MA (in the US).
Main craft of choice: sewing, specifically sewing softies
Craft hero: there are a few – Lisa Congdon, Hillary Lang (wee wonderfuls), Stephanie Congdon Barnes (little birds), Nicole (craftapalooza), Caro (splityarn)
Fave crafty materials supplier: ReproDepot fabric, Hancock of Paducah’s, A Child’s Dream Come True

I asked all our participants to answer a few questions about their creative process:

1. When did you start making/crafting, and who or what inspired that
first creative burst?
I first started seriously crafting about 3 years ago. I was inspired by all these wonderful crafty blogs. Once I picked up a few Japanese quilting and toy-making books, I started playing and experimenting more with design.

2. What would you say was that light-bulb moment when you discovered your ’style’ and really hit your making stride?
I’m not sure. I would definitely say that I have a style, but I think it is still developing and growing.

3. Why do you make – what do you get out of it?
I have to admit, I am all about the finished product. I really enjoy photographing and playing with my softies once I finish them. I get tremendous joy from seeing other people appreciate them. I love how people of all ages respond to them at craft fairs; they always manage to bring a smile to someone’s face. That’s a great feeling, knowing that your work can do that.

Find out more about how to get your hands on a copy of the 2010 whipup calendar here.Similar Posts:

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how-to: appliqued succulent sached

craftapalooza — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:29:00 +0000

Link to tutorial.

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how-to: small photography light box

craftapalooza — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:21:01 +0000

Just what I need!

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book: Its my party and i’ll knit if I want to

kath_red — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:37:48 +0000

It’s My Party and I’ll Knit If I Want To! By Sharon Aris, Allen & Unwin (September 1, 2003)

A lucid, pragmatic and often entertaining treatise on why knitting is cool / popular and ‘in’. Of course knitting has been ‘in’ amongst those in the know for a while now – but it seems it is getting taken a bit more seriously with sociologist, Sharon Aris, going on a pilgrimage to find out more, discover knitting secrets and become immersed in the knitters culture. On the way she discovers a personal love of knitting and surprises herself at how knitting changed her life.

With a compelling voice questions are asked ‘is knitting the new feminism?’ (otherwise why are all her career minded friends knitting…what is going on?), ‘is knitting the new yoga?’ (discovers rehabilitation and meditation effects of knitting akin to yoga), knitting your way to ‘the good life’ (knitting for some means a return to their roots, to a more natural and handmade way of life). More chapters discuss the social aspect of knitting, the trendy side to knitting and knitting as a way many of us are reclaiming our heritage. Knitting seems to hold the answers to many of life’s modern dilemmas.

This book is fun, lighthearted, easy to read and inspiring all at once, and with some insightful reflections – it makes a lovely read for the doubters and the believers.Similar Posts:

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2010 calendar feature artist: Blair Stocker

kath_red — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:22:49 +0000

over the next couple of weeks we are going to find out a little more about the wonderful makers featured in the 2010 whipup calendar – Blair Stocker is featured with her image of her knitting in progress.

Blair Stocker otherwise known as wise craft, lives in Seattle, Washington and her main craft is sewing and quilting.
Craft hero: Denyse Schmidt
Fave web site: Anna Maria Horner’s site is always fun, Design Sponge for home dec ideas, True Up for fabric news.

I asked all our participants to answer a few questions about their creative process:

1. When did you start making/crafting, and who or what inspired that first creative burst?
I crafted a lot as a kid, my grandmother taught me how to knit at the age of 4 (which I never fully appreciated the patience she must have had until I had my own 4 year old). I have gone through fits and spurts of crafting throughout my life since then, but I’d have to say when I had children in 1998, I really got into sewing and making all kinds of things for them. Its all just continued from there and creating is a part of my daily life now.

2. What would you say was that light-bulb moment when you discovered your ’style’ and really hit your making stride?
Writing a blog really showed me what my own style actually is. I never stopped to take photos and talk about what I made before I started blogging, but I can look back through older posts and see there is a common thread that I never saw there before (I honestly never picked up on just how much I like blue and green, for example).

3. Why do you make – what do you get out of it?
Making things is a way to just escape. It usually requires a lot of focus, and at the same time it clears my mind. So much of my day is taken up multi-tasking, but sitting and making something really allows me to focus and relax. I also believe that when we my family uses things that are handmade that we’re less likely to look at that as disposable. It just makes us more thoughtful in that regard, which is good.

Find out more about how to get your hands on a copy of the 2010 whipup calendar here.Similar Posts:

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30 of the best holiday buntings + garlands

kath_red — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:00:15 +0000

I do love a garland/bunting – they seem to add joy a sense of festiveness to any occasion.

1. adorable sewn paper bunting from geninne [see pic above]
2. Make a Chanukah Bunting at dollar store crafts.
3. family banner [via stamped paper bunting
5. craft blog has an easy bunting tutorial

6. mycakies has a super cute and simple bunting idea [see pic above]
7. easy felt bunting tutorial from lupin.

8. lobster and swan has some lovely mixed media buntings [see pic]
9. crochet bunting
10. children’s prayer flags [via crafty crow]
11. festive paper bunting with children
12. raven hill doily and linen bunting
13. vintage postcard garland

14. vintage linens bunting [via craftzine] I love this one – [see pic above]
15. colourful crochet doily garland
16. paper flower garland
17. scalloped fabric garland super easy – we made this one.
18. felt and pinecone garland
19. fall paper leaves garland
20. newspaper leaf garland
21. easy party garland
22. a beautiful garden garland
23. stitched felt leaf garland
24. felt circles garland
25. apples garland
26. paper doily bunting
27. party garland from Purl
28. felt balls garland
29. coffee filter garland
30. pompom vines garland

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