Sunshine and Sewing

A while back my girls were giving me a hard time about my pot holder situation.  Most were nearly 20 yrs. old ugly and pretty ratty.   Most were cheap dollar store buys that were not very protective from the get go and quickly started falling apart. Why have I bothered keeping them all these years I’ll never know other than just to have pot holders

I’ve been having fun using scraps from quilting making myself a few, but then I found these fun prints

And went a little crazy cutting out potholders.  I have a dozen or so nearly done so I’ve decided to list a few in the Etsy Shop.

I Love love love these prints! How fun are those peppers and the spice print…I’ll be keeping a few of those as they match my kitchen perfectly.

********************************************************

We’ve had beautiful weather this weekend!  High 60’s and I think it even hit 70 for a few hours yesterday.   Mr.Fix-it gave the main garden another once over with the tiller and also tilled the melon bed so I think I’m nearly good to go.  I’ll let it set a day or so to dry any weeds, rake and start planting.

This morning looks just as sunny so I’m off to PT and then hone to plant peas, a bit of laundry and more sewing!

Have a great Monday

Katie

Technorati Tags: Katidids,sewing,potholders,quilting,gardening,random

Was I supposed to be Cleaning up?

Oops!

not much is getting done in the studio/workroom cleanup wise but, I’m having fun sewing!

I had a bunch of strips and scraps left over from the doll skirts. I couldn’t throw them out…

They were to bright and cheerful!

I didn’t have enough to make it very big 17 X 20 but it will make a nice doll quilt.

With the strip sizes I was using it ended up a little wonky so I‘m not sure I’ll list it in the Etsy shop but Evie may like it.

Maybe, What do you think?

Finishing the quilting portion now

What did you work on today?

Katie

Technorati Tags: Katidids,sewing,quilting,doll quilt,Etsy,waldorf inspired

Here Fishy Fishy Wool Longies & Another Cutie!

Just Listed to Katidids Etsy “Here Fishy, Fishy” Medium Longies with coordinating hat. 

I can just visualize a little one with fingers swishing in a Koi pond saying here fishy fishy!

And, meet Miss Peyton!

Is she a doll or what?

What a sweet model in her custom knit Elizabeth Tunic & shorties

I love that red hair and such a sweet smile!  Thank you Nicole for sharing the pictures!

Technorati Tags: custom knits,customer photo's,elizabeth Tunic,longies,etsy shop,katidids,handdyed,knitting,stocking

Black Rainbow Skirties

The twins skirts are done!  Lanolized and drying right now. Lots of ends to weave with these but I think they turned out cute!

“Mixed Blues” Shorties,knit on a Cascade 220 base is  another custom ready for tomorrow mail.

I think I have enough left for a small to medium pair of longies

And a pair of small shorties with a soft ruffle cuff. 

Shades of purples and greens. I dyed this yarn last summer and just got a chance to use it.

These should be listed in the Etsy shop this evening. 

Currently on the needles is a tunic for Marguerita I should have finished in the next day or so.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Mothers Day!

Technorati Tags: custom knits,shorties,rainbow skirties,Etsy,Katidids,tunics

Fresh off the Needles…This Week

I love this mulberry tweed. Touches of black, white and camel.

These shorties were my first time knitting with Cestari wool & I have to say I LoVe It! It feels like a heavy cotton in your hands but is oh so soft. I understand it wears like peace fleece

Speaking of peace fleece, a pair of shorties using scraps of other colors to accent…I think they need a bit of embellishment on the leg but, not sure what yet…any ideas? A small sleep sack. I’ve had a few Moms asking for something to use with a preemie to newborn so I scaled down the pattern

A few others on the needles including longies and skirties for 2 sets of twins, a few pair of fingerless mitts and a striped pair of longies after that.

I learned my lesson trimming my hair (I always say that but yet still do it!)…I realized last time I trimmed it I’d given myself a mullet !!!! AND NO ONE SAID ANYTHING!!!!! So, yesterday morning I started trimming…….and chopped a big hunk out of the back. I’d like to claim it was lack of coffee to sharpen my focus but I’d already had 2 pots. To make matters worse, Mr. Fix!~It was taking me out to Supper for our anniversary….

in public…

with this hair.

No way

no how!

(No, there were no actual photos taken)

I called a new salon that everyone has been raving over “ Big Hair Peace” Wow, Lisa did a great job. I have super fine hair which can’t be cut like thicker hair. It looks choppy if you do but, she did a wonderful job!

So now I have short hair…and kind of like it!

So what have you been up to?

Technorati Tags: Katidids,Etsy,longies,shorties,hair disaster

Finishing Frenzy!

I spent the day ‘Finishing”. Finishing all those ..(ok, not all of them) random projects laying about. I hate the finishing stuff it’s painful. Just let me knit, the ends I keep hoping will miraculously weave themselves in, the lanolizing and blocking…UGH! I do this to myself, get so far on one & start another project. So, In keeping with my “one word” thing I’m finishing them up. Just grabbing off the top of the pile and doing what needs done. So…..

A large Skirty & soaker I started this weekend. Ends in, lanolized and drying now. Its even listed in the Katidids Etsy shop!

These medium shorties I knit last fall. Today I wove in the ends, made the tie & lanolized. Still need to list it though.

Large shorties I finished last night, DONE!! Even listed

Another pair of Smalls (from this winter), ends, ties lanolized & blocked

And they’re even listed.

I think there are about 5 more pair that need “finished”. I’m not looking or counting, when I complete a new I make myself grab 2 off the pile to finish. I’m tellin ya it’s painful all this finishing.

I’ll be glad when the piles FINISHED!!!

Please tell me I’m not the only one who does this!

Technorati Tags: katidids,custom knits,longies,shorties,skirty,Etsy,finishing,knitting

Gotta Do, Gotta Learn Lists & Of course a bit of Knitting!

One of the many things I have on my “Gotta Do, Gotta Learn” list is to find recipes for make ahead seasoning mixes. You know what I mean, those little packets of spaghetti, chili, taco, & herb mixes prepackaged, great time savers but full of all kinds of stuff we don’t need to be eating. Yes, I can make a good spaghetti or chili sauce without them but, they come in handy in a rush. But, they realllllly add up. I’ve been meaning to find recipes to make my own & spoon out as needed. Well, great minds think alike! I stopped in at a ” new to me” blog “A Home Grown Journal” and she has posted a recipe for a Taco mix! One down and a dozen or so to go! Be sure and check out her quilting blog, the quilts are just beautiful!

I finished up the Flirting Fairy Large Capri’s

I used some of my BFL stash. If you ever have the chance to knit with BFL wool, do it! you won’t be sorry. Its super soft and silky, doesn’t pill & is sturdy as all get out and will hold up to rough & tumble toddlers.

I started a pair of Silly Stripe custom longies Bright Pink with Wine & Light Pink Stripes.I have the first set of stripes completed now & am just waiting for feed back from the customer.
So, Of course while waiting I dug in the stash & started another pair. No photo but these will be a Large pair of 2 tone Blue Marl

Someone asked me the other day, “Don’t you get tired of making longies?” Well, NO! Each one is so different. I try not to duplicate any color combination so each pair is always like a new item. I know it may sound silly. It’s like quilting..you may make numerous split rail fence quilts but using different fabrics each one is “new”. I am checking into the licensing for a few other patterns. I should have some news on those in the next few days.

Stay warm out there!

Technorati Tags: katidids,knitting,customs,etsy,longies

Snow Days & Knitting!

Well for once the weather man was right on the money! They called for 3-6 & we got 6 Then through the day we got a bit more

We ended up with almost 10 inches. More to come today & tomorrow! The road crews have done an awesome job keeping the highways and side roads plowed & drive-able. I love the crisp crunch sound of walking in snow, & the heavy silence that comes with it.

I did complete this pair of medium shorties & have them listed to the Etsy shop

A pair of Forest Fairy Carpi’s are also done all but weaving in the ends, I’ll have photos of those tomorrow. Right now I’m working on a pair of silly stripe customs. I love the color combinations Mama’s come up with!

So, what are you working on?

Technorati Tags: Snow days,Katidids,knitting,customs,Etsy

I’m In A Etsy Treasury!!

WOOOOT WOOOOT!!!

Check it out here!

These are the longies that were featured. As soon as I figure how to copy & post the full page I’ll put that up!

So my skills at this are sadly lacking but….

What a awesome collection of

Indiana Artists!

Technorati Tags: Katidids,etsy,INcrowdteam

Longies Stocking At Katidids

I’ve completed a few pair of longies

all range of sizes

A few Shorties

To get ahead for summer

Merino, BFL & Purewool, Trying to narrow down the stash

All are listed in the Etsy Shop &, I should have 2 pair of Large Boys done by the weekend & possibly a skirty if my hands hold out.

I didn’t think you could wear bamboo needles out but it seems I have! 2 more pair are on the way! A bit of dishcloth knitting that never made it to the shop, Rachel said she could “take care of these” for me when she visited before Christmas!

Lots to catch up on, but I think I’ll do that tomorrow!

Technorati Tags: knitting,etsy,katidids,longies,shorties

And the Winner of the Star Crayon is ……

Using the scientific system of numbering the entries I then asked my brother in law to pick a number……

The winner is number 5

cindy_sullivan@XXXXXXX !

Who said:I would love the star crayon for my son! He loves to draw and he loves the nursery rhyme "twinkle twinkle little star," so this would be the perfect gift for him

Cindy, I’ll be contacting you this afternoon for your address!

Thanks to all who entered.

Technorati Tags: katidids,etsy,winners,give away lemondropshop

Giveaway!~Fav’s on Etsy..Support Handmade

A few months I found a wonderful Etsy seller LemonDropsShop. I purchased some cute hair clips for Evie hoping they would be the set that actually stayed in her baby wisps

Boy was I (and Erika) pleasantly surprised….they worked! With no fuss or pulled strands! Very well made, no loose or frayed ends. Needless to say we’ve picked up a few other sets.

I looked at them at first and thought I could make these….after checking in to the supplies we decided it wasn’t worth the bother as the pricing she offers can’t be beat!

A Mom of twins, who knows what is useful and works amid all the baby garb..after all she has 2 product testers in residence!

I’d been looking at her bibs for our “Drool Diva” and When she offered a give away a few months ago I signed up!…

And won!

I really like her nontraditional baby prints, bright & cheerful but not overly cutesy. The second bib I ordered after winning. I’m not sure what she uses in the construction but, they are to date leak proof & great size to protect clothing.

Her shop is full of baby fun & user friendly items. She has recently started stuffed animals….with her own touch! Look at this Hippo, is he not the cutest thing?

I ordered this Star Crayon for Hayden, Its a great size for little hands to hold on to.

I just wish I’d had this post completed early enough for Christmas as her items are wonderful, she offers the customer a variety of fabrics and patterns to select, her customer service is EXCELLENT! Fast shipping and gift packaging!

So, as a belated gift to readers, I’m having a giveaway!

I ordered an extra “Star Crayon” which will be great as a stash gift or for your own little one!

Here are the rules,

Leave a comment telling me your favorite baby item in her shop….(be sure and look at her sold items also) for an entry

Link the giveaway on your blog for another entry & let me know, for a 2nd entry

Tweet and or face book for a 3rd/4th entry..(These can be as many as you’d like)

The drawing will be held Christmas Eve, and announced by the 26th. A quickie!

So, what are you waiting for….go check LemonDropsShop out!

Technorati Tags: gifts,giveaway,lemondropshop,Etsy,Bibs,babies,katidids

Weekend Knitting

Mr. Fix~It is hunting again this weekend so I’ve had a bit of a knitting marathon. And baking Chocolate Chip Cookies.

2 pair of small longies, I didn’t realize I was almost out of smalls, these knit up much quicker than larges. Almost instant gratification..but not quite!

A Gray & Cream Marle twist. Super thick and soft

This next pair is a hand dyed of mine. The colors were inspired from our trip to New Zeland 2 years ago.

The lake waters were so crystal clear, blues and greens with touches of purple ….I wish I could capture with dye and do justice to the true colors

I’ve been trying to clean up organize my wool. It’s taking over the living room. That I can’t say no to a great fiber bargain has started to become a problem….anyway last year thrifting I bought a large bag of cotton scraps & made countless dishcloths Well, in the midst of sorting I found the bag….got sucked in to matching colors……and started knitting…I can justify the distraction and say I was stash busting….Right?.

There are 3 others I haven’t taken a photo of. Very few skeins are enough for one cloth so I’m having fun striping & playing with patterns.

I just looked over at the room that looks like there was a yarn storm so I’d better get busy & clean it up!

What did you do this weekend?

Technorati Tags: knitting,stash busting,longies,cotton,dishcloths

Miss Evie Strikes A Pose

I finally was able to take a photo of Evie in her new Punkinhaus Gnome HatIt’s a tad big but I think the smaller size would be to small of course I may be a bit biased, bit I think she’s a doll! The hats darn cute too!

Today in Etsy I listed to day a pair of large longies I call Black Ice

I found the pink Trim and completed the Bunny Longies

On the needles I have a small pair of hand dyed and a small pair of Gray & Cream Marle, nice unisex colors. Just need to finish the legs and they will be ready to post.

Our son Aaron James’ birthday was yesterday. We called him In San Diego. He’s putting on a good front but I know he misses Ania badly. She’s still in Poland, caring for her mother who was diagnosed with cancer 2 days after the wedding. Thank God for Skype!

Technorati Tags: Longies,katidids,Etsy,Gnome,Punkinhaus,Aaron & Ania

What’s on the Needles Wednesday!

Bunny Hop Longies, all they need is cuffs…….When I find the skein! I’ve promised myself I’ll get some of this yarn organized before years end…Somehow in the process, I’ve lost err found a “perfect” spot for “working” skeins..(I’m sure that’s it)…but I have to remember where that is! So, for now they are resting….waiting for cuffs.

These are nearly done now. I have about 3 inches of leg and cuff’s left. I’m using a Cascade marle, Midnight blue and black.

Love the way the color is knitting up..but then, its Cascade. I don’t think they have any ugly colors!

These are just completed, “Rocker Girl” my color way in

heavy Merino from Wool to Dye For.

It’s that time of the year finally when its staying cold…not 30 one day and 60 the next.. Solid 30’s and 50mph winds….Miss Evie needed a hat! I wanted something different, something to tie on & found this. (The photo stinks I know.) I used the “Gnome” pattern from Pumpkinhaus on Etsy. I LOVE IT!! When it’s worn, the point stands straight up! The bottom snug’s up around the neck to keep the wind out & the front rib is just right. Now squeegie marks on her face but snug against her cheeks.

It calls for a bulky yarn but I wanted to compliment her winter jacket a deep pink (of course)…This yarn was in my stash so I used a double strand, its a hot pink, yellow and white twist. Quick & easy. Great for using up those odd bits of yarn. The directions are very detailed and clearly written. Be sure and look at her photos as she shows it being worn, mine does not do her pattern justice. I highly recommend the pattern if you need a quick holiday gift. I think I know 2-3 little ones and that will be receiving this for Christmas. I already have another in chocolate brown started for Evie that will have a bit of embroidery added. She even has adult sizes. I’m trying to talk her into licensing this pattern as I think it will look adorable paired with longies!

And don’t forget to sign up for a chance to win 2 oz of lanolin!

So, what’s on your needles?

Technorati Tags: katidids,knitting,longies,giveaway,gnome hats,punkinhaus,patterns,etsy,lanolin,Evie