Lil' Miss Knits

Lovely Day in the County

Tanja — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:04:52 -0400

This past weekend I decided to take a day trip out to Prince Edward County.

I had never been and since I couldn't afford a weekend away, I figured this would just have to do.

And it did!

The drive was very pretty to say the least. Most of the leaves have changed colour already, but there was still areas that were a fiery orange. I drove through Wellington, stopped and had a lovely lunch at the Bloomsfield Carriage House in Bloomsfield and made my way to Sandbanks Provincial Park.

The beach was white and I loved the sound of the crashing waves! I think I was a bit surprised how many people were out and about including the amount of kite surfers. (Although considering how windy it was by the water, made sense - they really seemed to be able to go far!)

From there I went off to Picton. I was hoping to hit Buddha Dog but this time of year everything closes early! Boo for me.

I strolled around and walked into a store called Rose Haven. It was SO not my intention to hit a yarn store or buy anything, but I did. Picked up some black roving (which I needed), replacement felting needles (again something I needed) and made an impromptu purchase of some Habu silk stainless thread (?) yarn (?) - not sure what you'd call it and some Habu bamboo. I'm rather excited about what I'll be making with that!

On the way home I stopped and picked up a couple of small pumpkins - they were free - and then at George's Fish & Chip. The poutine was perfect. Crispy fries drowned in gravy and melted cheese. Very fitting for a cool, crisp Fall day.

I've got another day off today. It's started with laundry so far (I know not exciting, but necessary) and the rest of day... who knows!

Have a good one!

Crisp Fall Weather + Fresh Harvest Veggies = Perfect Time to Try Crock Pot

Tanja — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:01:22 -0400

Over the summer I managed to score a brand new full-size crock pot for $8 (yes $8!) at a friend's garage sale.

Today I have finally pulled it out, plugged it in and am ready to see if this appliance will become my new best friend in the kitchen.

I also thought it'd be smarter to try this out while at home the first time versus plugging it in, going to work and spending the whole day wondering if my meal is indeed cooking or whether I'll even have a place to come home to!)

I opted to try out a simple Beef Stew. It's a crisp and cool Fall day and it seems fitting. Plus, when I hit the farmer's market this morning they seemed to have all the ingredients just waiting for me to take them home and drop them into the crock pot: beef, onions, carrots and potatoes.

Side note: the carrots smelled so fresh and yummy! And I picked the tri-coloured little potatoes, just cuz I think the extra colour will look good on a plate.)

Everything's been chopped, sliced and diced and placed into the pot with some homemade broth (courtesy of my Mom) and spices.

Apparently in six hours I will have a lovely dinner just waiting to be eaten!
(Note, technically everything's already been cooking for two hours. Laundry, cleaning, knitting and the internet will all make lovely distractions til then.)

Latest Project: My "Bella" Mittens

Tanja — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 14:44:10 -0400

I love this mitten pattern! (Yes it is based on the ones Bella wears in Twilight - although I must admit, I don't really remember at which point in the movie. I'll just trust designer of the pattern!)

The cuff is nice and long and the fit overall is snug. But that could just be because of the yarn and needle size I'm using.

I finished the left one last night. (I apologize for the quality of the photo - I was quite tired and it was late.)

Now on to the next one!

The pattern is from Subliminal Rabbit.

Yoga (Pilates) Socks Done!

Tanja — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 08:55:50 -0400

After unravelling the first sock, adjusting the pattern and redoing, I am done my pair of yoga socks!

Overall they were pretty quick to knit and I have already planned how I'll be modifying the pattern again for the next pair.

Think I'll try them in next week's pilates class!

Yoga Socks Now in Progress!

Tanja — Sun, 31 May 2009 16:23:03 -0400

Ok, so I finally started the first of my stash clearing projects... yoga socks!

I have this lovely 100% wool yarn (soft not itchy!) that I bought from Lucy Neatby - it's called Sugar Maple. All made in Canada!

And then I bought this Yoga Socks pattern by Lisa Bennett from Meadowood Designs. (You can also check out Lisa's blog here - Meadowood Designs.)

Here's how it's going so far:

Looking for Inspiration...

Tanja — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:42:54 -0400

I just gone through my stash (yarn stash that is) looking for inspiration.

It's been a while since I've actually knit anything.

I've also gone through my stack of books (specifically my three favourite ones) and I've decided it's time to actually make something from them. Would make sense no?

And I now have a plan. I've tagged each pattern I want to try. And where possible, use up my stash.

The problem (only slight!) with my stash though is that I have too little of each colour/type of yarn for most of the projects I want to do... So I'll have to mix'n'match I think and keep my fingers crossed that it will all work out.

At any rate I think this will be fun!

Surprise in the Mail!

Tanja — Sat, 16 May 2009 20:19:52 -0400

I love getting mail, so I was extra excited when I got a package from saucedesigns.com.

Inside my Samba Sauce Ring in Red Coral was wrapped up in hot pink and electric blue tissue and made me think of candy. She also included a cute card/note, her business cards, a few magnets and pens (again all in her signature colours). I'm a fan of packaging so getting my ring and all these extra little goodies was pretty darn impressive!

So a big THANKS to Liz (Chief Diva of Design) over at saucedesigns.com!

Omigosh! My sushi got featured on Etsy

Tanja — Mon, 04 May 2009 22:53:56 -0400

I got an email today telling me my sushi was featured on Treasury West on Etsy.

Admittedly, I have no idea what Treasury West is, or how many people go to that page, but I have to admit I think this is pretty cool. Pretty cool indeed!

Hair Band with Felted LadyBug - Now for Sale!

Tanja — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 16:39:21 -0400

I've been rather slow in listing new items in my Etsy shop. I blame my computer. It's been on the fritz for a while now (meaning it likes to shut down when it's been on for what it considers too long!)

At any rate, here's the latest item - Hair Band with a small, but very sweet felted ladybug:

You can check out more pics of the Ladybug Hair Band and details here.

Featured on IndieNorth's Blue Gallery!

Tanja — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 10:44:37 -0400

So how cool is this? IndieNorth.com pulled together a "Something Blue" Gallery on their site today (the theme obviously is handmade items that are blue...)

Anyways, one my little blue felted flowers was featured in the mix! I'm #2. Yay!

You can check it out here.

P.S. For those of you not familiar with Indie North (I only just recently discovered them myself!) they're a Canadian Indie Business Collective.

I {heart}: jennifer graham ceramics

Tanja — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 21:04:09 -0400

I met and saw Jennifer's creations at the Stitch 'n Kitsch in Waterloo. I love the simplicity of it.

You can read about Jennifer and check out her work on here site: www.jennifersgraham.com.

I {heart} felted sushi!

Tanja — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 01:58:22 -0400

I added some new items to my Etsy Shop tonight including felted magnets.

I am particularly fond of the sushi. (Ok, I really do love the sushi! It was so much fun to make!)

Decorating Eggs in Traditional Slovenian Style!

Tanja — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 16:03:23 -0400

Every year growing up Easter was all about good food, company and decorating eggs.

I can't say much has changed except that I now partake in the decorating aspect of things. My parents are Slovenian, so decorating eggs is done in traditional old school style. My Dad was taught by his Dad and he has now passed on the tradition to me.

It starts by dying the eggs using onion peels (all natural baby!) They make the eggs this lovely golden red/brown colour.

Then using a sharp blade, you etch/scratch your design into the egg. My Dad's style is all about portraits of famous people (usually of the political variety). When I finally grasped the technique (meaning stopped breaking eggs) I went with a more abstract patterns and designs. (I can't draw portraits for the life of me!)

Anyways, check out all the egg decorating pics here!

Signs of Spring

Tanja — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 14:45:00 -0400

The violets in my windows have been blooming like crazy for the last couple of weeks. Clearly this is a sign of Spring!

Stitch 'n Kitsch Show Next Weekend!

Tanja — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 18:39:11 -0400

I've been working hard to get everything ready for the Stitch 'n Kitsch show next weekend in Waterloo. I'll have some small knitted items (iPod cases, etc.) and lots of felted goods (hair barrettes, pins and magnets - they're new!)

For details and map, check out the Facebook event or visit their group page.

Crafting fun!

Upcoming Spring Show!

Tanja — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 08:25:44 -0400

I'll be there! Will you? It's gonna be fun.

How cool is this?

Tanja — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 07:05:06 -0500

My friend Adrian sent this to me a few weeks back - Doctor Who Scarf. So guess what's on my project list now?

I have to admit, I think this will be fun to make. It is just a scarf, and it should go relatively quickly - considering it'll be over 6 feet long, but having grown up watching Doctor Who, I think it's kinda cool.

Fortunately whoever manages this site took the time to figure out the pattern for EACH season's Dr. Who! She even recommends what yarn to use and how much you'll need.

I'll be making the one from Season 12.

Sack Boy Pattern

Tanja — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 06:52:17 -0500

Hey! So by total fluke, I actually found a free knitting pattern for Sack Boy. I've seen other versions, but this is the one by Alan Dart. (Have any of you seen his stuff?)

Anyhoo, they had this pattern available in Simply Knitting.

Last Minute Craft Show

Tanja — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 08:06:02 -0500

I managed to get into a craft show last minute:
Artisan Gift Fair

So if you're near by or need last minute stocking stuffers (like my friend Judy), then you should pop by. Free admission.

New favourite song... right now

Tanja — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 10:49:50 -0500

Eagles of Death Metal - WannaBe in LA

KOZO Holiday Market

Tanja — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 21:11:42 -0500

So even though I don't do anything with bookbinding or paper, my stuff will be on sale at KOZO Studio's Holiday Market. Check it out.

Giant needles = handknitted chairs

Tanja — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 01:37:04 -0500

So a friend of mine emailed me to tell me about these hand knitted beanbag types chairs that were featured in the Globe today.

They're called Flocks Poufs and on sale at DWR.

When you go to the site, make sure you click on the zoom/additional views. They have a picture of the designer with these absolutely GIANT knitting needles. They're awesome.

Oh where oh where did I go?

Tanja — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 10:16:19 -0500

I'm having some temporary domain issues at the moment (boo!) so if you've tried to email me, chances are you got a bounce-back.

In the meantime you can use this:
lilmissknits@gmail.com

Chowder!
T

Weekend

Tanja — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 16:44:18 -0500

So Saturday I was at the Traditions of Christmas Craft Show which was awesome! I had a great time and it was so well organized. The people who came were really nice and friendly and the girls volunteering were really sweet.

The night before though, I was at the Chris Cornell concert. I know that has nothing to do with crafts, and knitting and felting. But it was such an AWESOME concert that I feels worth commenting on. Chris Cornell was the front man for Soundgarden and Audioslave. He played for 2.5 hours straight doing new stuff, old solo stuff, Soundgarden stuff, Temple of the Dog stuff and even requests from the audience. In the middle he did an acoustic set. It is definitely going into my top 5 shows. Made it to the front of the stage too which was great. Even caught a guitar pik which I've never done before. Actually, the pik landed in my hair. But that still counts right?

Now I just have to pick up the new album.

Lil Miss Knits Etsy Shop - Now Live!

Tanja — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 07:31:14 -0500

It's official! My Etsy shop is now open. Which means you can shop online and I'll ship it right to your doorstep!

Currently I have the felted hair barrettes and felted brooches listed but new items will be added everyday.

Shop now

Stocking Stuffers

Tanja — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 20:03:06 -0500

It's hard to believe, but Christmas is coming up FAST!

Next week I'll be at the SMLS Traditions of Christmas Craft Show in Oakville selling some of my handmade goods.

They are all small items and perfect for stuffing Christmas stockings with!

Here's a sample of my latest work that I am in love with:
felted hair barrettes.

Check out the ones I posted on FB event page here:
Lady Bugs
Watermelons
Little Flowers
Baby Turtles
Curly Haired Sheep

I also made some simpler ones that just use buttons instead of the felted bitties I made.

Wouldn't a little girl look super cute with these in her hair?

ARTICLE: Knit your own celebrity with Little Big Planet

Tanja — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 09:16:48 -0500

I was reading an article on Marie Claire about the game Little Big Planet (which if you haven't seen yet is very cool. I haven't played the game myself but I've seen screen shots and read reviews of it and the scenery looks like it was all cut out of bits and pieces of stuff and sewed or glued together. Super crafty. Apparently the game itself is quite good too.) Check out the game here.

Anyways, Little Big Planet is planning on releasing a bunch of knitted patterns of celebs. I don't know how much the patterns will be except that they will be limited editions (of course!) and come complete with accessories. (So I assume that means with all the yarn and sequins that you'll need to make them.) Madonna and Amy Winehouse are a couple of the celebrities that you'll be able to knit up. Neat-o.

SMLS Traditions of Christmas Craft Sale

Tanja — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 20:11:59 -0400

Tis' the season for Christmas craft shows!

One of the ones I'll be participating in is in Oakville. I'm pretty excited about it.

SMLS Traditions of Christmas Craft Sale
It's their 23rd year doing this.

Here are the details:
Location - St. Mildred's Lightbourn School
1080 Linbrook Rd., Oakville, Ontario
Date - Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008
Time - 9:30 - 3:00pm

You can also find their event on Facebook. I'll be posting some of what I'll be selling soon!

Come out, come out!

New book!

Tanja — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 09:32:51 -0400

Yesterday morning as I was out and about doing my good deed (donating blood), I decided to pop by Indigo. I could spend hours in a book store looking at everything on the shelves... (sigh)

I ended up picking up this book on felting. Even better - it was 30% off. Yee haw!

In it they explain the basics of felting including some standard terminology and they have some really nice patterns and ideas (scarves, beads, bags, blankets, hats, etc). But really, after you've got the basics down, I don't think you need to follow patterns - you'd just make whatever comes to you.

Can't wait to have some time to myself to try this method out!

handmade nation

Tanja — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 23:15:34 -0400

So a friend of mine emailed me today about this new documentary that is in the works right now called "handmade nation".

You can check out a clip here. (There's a book too.)

Basically it's about a woman (Faythe Levine) who documents the new wave of craft across America. She chats to alot of people including some well known crafters like Jenny Hart and Knitta.

Very cool.