New Hats

Hi!
I've been a knitting machine.  I put up 5 new hats in the shop ... and they might be favorite yet.  I ordered yarn from my favorite company in Toronto - Americo.  They have the BEST yarn... it's expensive, but it's worth it.  I am in the process of setting up my mini studio in my new apartment.  I should finish by the end of the week -then I will be able to do more work on my sewing machine.  Hopefully I can add some new blankets in a couple of weeks.

Etsy Shop Update

Hi guys...
Long time no type.  I seem to only post when big things are happening, and well... big things have happened.  I got married, moved to Brooklyn, and reopened my Etsy Shop.  I am hoping that this move, and change in jobs will allow for more time creating/blogging.  I hate to keep saying I'm starting this blog up again, only to post once and let it fall wayside.  But I am going to make a whole hearted attempt at dedicating more time to posting.  Our apartment and my studio are still in shambles, so it might be a slow start, but none the less it feels great to be back.  I will be posting soon about this past summers natural dye experiments and some up coming projects.  But anywhoo it's late, so I am off to bed.  I will leave you with some images of my recent knits, items in the shop.

Good bye Brother, Hello Singer

     My first sewing experience was about 5 years ago when I went to visit my great friend in Ithaca.  She signed us up for a community sewing class.  We made tote bags.  There are embarrassing photos of us somewhere, holding up our hideous totes.  The class consisted of the two of us, and our teachers (the 60 year old future versions of us).  Anyways something clicked.  Not to say I was good, I think I may have been terrible.  But as soon as we got back to my friend's apartment I went online and bought the cheapest sewing machine possible.... my brother.  This machine cost about $60 including shipping, it was the greatest machine.  Sure we had our moments.  There were times when I screamed, "It's garbage!!", and my boyfriend would come in and budge a few things here or there and it would be good as new.  But that game got old.   

Old Brother

    My machine was screaming for retirement.  So I am letting her go, and in return bought her Great Aunt on eBay.  A machine that is a good 50 years older than her, but was built to last.  I bought a Singer RFJ8-8, it was made sometime in the late 50s early 60s in Canada.  I was a bit nervous having a 40 lb machine mailed to me from a random on eBay... but this guy packed it for serious.  I've never seen anything like it, newspaper, boxes within boxes, foam, air bags, the whole deal.  The carrying case is in pristine condition which also helps.  I'll keep you updated on Grandma Singer I haven't made anything with her yet, as I just received her today.  Check back.

New Singer

Blanket

I've started making blankets.  Who would have known it would be so easy.  It took about a week to complete.  I work about 2 hours a day on it.  I've already started another one that is in the same pattern as below but in different colors.  I think I might start up my etsy account again.  I feel like I always want to start it up just as it's about to get warm.  And most of the things I create are for winter.  Oh well.  Anyways, if anyone is out there... let me know what color combos you think might make a good blanket. 

Ipsy

        I love getting mail.  Like it is the highlight of my day.  I love magazines, and packages, and cards.  Recently I discovered Ipsy.  It's only $10 a month and you get new makeup every month! It even comes with a little makeup bag each month.  This is perfect for me in so many ways.  I never EVER buy makeup.  And when I do go to buy some, I can never make up (no pun intended) my mind, and usually walk away empty handed.  Another reason it's great is it let's me try new brands and colors I might not usually pick for myself. I literally buy the same products I did when I was sixteen.  Anyways, I get my first package in December.  I'll let you all know how it goes.

Ballet

So I'm a few Ballet classes in.  I'm actually doubling up on classes at a few different studios because it's so much fun, and I'm sooo bad at it.  My flexibility seems to be the big thing holding me back so I've been trying to stretch a lot.  I've mastered the bun though, so at least I have that.

Now all I need are these catbird cashmere shorts to go over my leotard and I'll be in business.  

It's been so long

           Hello world.  I stopped posting on here over a year ago.  So much has happened in that year.  I moved to Boston, I've had two jobs, two apartments (just moved into my new one), I'm engaged and planning a wedding (Crazy!).  I've still been doing some knitting (see bobble scarf below), I also have some new interests - Dance.  I am taking Ballet and Tap classes at The Brookline Studio and The Brookline Ballet School.  I had my first tap lesson today and it was amazing!  I took dance when I was much younger and while it may not be like riding a bike, there was something still there - it came back much more naturally than I thought it would.  

         Another thing taking up much of my time is planning my wedding.  Peter and I are getting married this May.  I'm not much of a wedding person.  I never imagined any aspect of my own prior to the engagement so theres a lot of work to do and decisions to make.  So far we have the date (May 17, 2014), the venue (Centennial Farms Manor), and the save the dates which we will be mailing out these next couple of weeks, and that's about it.  No dress, no caterers, no colors, or details, or photographers, or entertainment, or flowers.  And while the wedding is 6 months away (eeek!) I'm not too stressed because I have a lot of ideas.  

       Anyways, it feels great to be back here.  I have so many wonderful things going on in my life, and I'm feeling very inspired.  So check back often as I'm hoping to post on a weekly basis.