Slouchy Lace Beret

Slouchy berets made a huge statement last year and I'm sure that is going to continue this year. I made this beret using Stitch Diva's pattern and Louisa Harding's Mulberry ( a dk weight plied silk). The result is stunning.

I made this in one day! Need a gift or want a quick fashion statement? Come on in to Yarntopia and we will get you all set up for success.

A Year In The Making

Last year I joined thousands of folks on Ravelry and participated in a challenge during the Olympics. My freeform crochet bra was truly a work of art; however, after spending so many hours creating this wonderful piece, I wanted to wear it!

I decided I was going to knit a skirt for it and wear it over a camisole. A couple of months ago I picked up the needles and got busy. I didn't want the knitted lace to look too perfect - I wanted a random, yet polished look. It was great fun. I kept the pattern on the sides and back consistent (yo, k2tog), but on the front panel I adjusted the flow of the pattern according to what happened on the row before and what I wanted to happen on the up coming row. I changed the direction of my decreases and where I placed yarn overs in order to acheive a pleasing aesthetic.

Here is the result:

I am so very excited to wear this beauty!

dishrag swap

dishrag swap
Originally uploaded by Hip Cat

I'm blogging the easy way today - directly from flickr. I'm loving all my goodies from the Tea and More group on Ravelry. I'm dying to try the Huckleberry tea. I wanted to take the picture before breaking into the bag. It is so much fun to get stuff in the mail!

Diggin' the Tunisian

I am nearing the end of my submission and will give you just this tiny sneak peek.

I am thrilled with the way this is turning out; be looking for it in a few months. Now, I can hardly wait to get on to my next project. I have 3 options: a skirt worked on the bias, a light summery top, or a lacey wrap. Whichever one it ends up being I will be wearing it to TNNA in June, and then the pattern will be available for sale when I get home.

Everywhere I look these days I see a place that needs something handmade. I am having an urge to do some home decor projects. The fuel for this is likely the demolition that occurred this morning on our master bathroom. I will wait until I have after pictures, but suffice it to say - this is long overdue. I designed a shower curtain that I have decided I must make for the hall bath. It will be very bold and graphic similar to the mod art of the early 1960's. I have plans for a throw for my bedroom that will use some of my handspun collection along with other great yarns for a one of a kind piece of art.

Oh, so many plans and so little time.

T.I.E.,
Sheryl

Resolve?

Well, so much for my determination to blog daily. I am astounded at how easy it is to get out of the habit of doing things - even things I want to do. In the past 2 weeks I have fallen off the exercise, healthy eating AND blogging habit. No looking back. I am moving forward. I have been busy crocheting away on things I can't show off yet. I can, however, catch up with photo postings.




I LOVE this book! Sharon Silverman has written the book that was in my head. Oh well, that's OK, she paved the way for the rest of us to follow. Most of you know I have had a love affair with tunisian crochet for over a year. I find it fascinating and most importantly it is different. I thrive on the unique. This book has great instructions, pictures and projects. There is something for everyone. I bought a copy for me and now that I know how great it is I am going to carry it in the store. I have longed for a resource to give my Tunisian crochet students and now it is here! Thanks Sharon!


Speaking of tunisian crochet, this something I am working on for the store. I used Karen's Dragonfly Wings as inspiration. I think it still needs tweeking before I am happy and ready to write up a pattern for it. I am busy working on a tunisian project for publication and have so many ideas floating around in my head. I plan on self publishing my tunisian patterns beginning in June (May is already booked solid!). I have 3 completed projects that just need to be written and about 10 more sketched out waiting to come to life.

Now, just how do I get more hours in the day?



T.I.E., Sheryl

Swaps Rock

I haven't done a swap of any kind in a long time but when I found the Ravelry Tea and Yarn Swap I knew I had to join in on the fun.  Since the whole point is about tea as much as yarn I decided this would be a great way to try different teas.

This is what I got in the mail this week:

The yarn is a beautiful hand dyed tweed sock yarn.  There are two different teas, cookies made with tea and a rosemary/mint/tea soap.  So much fun to get goodies in the mail!

Here's a peek at Yarntopia - come see us when you are in Houston.

Flit & Float

I love knitting this project. First, it is beautiful; next it is just interesting enough to keep my attention yet not so complicated that I can't do it in public. A score on both points.

Designed by fellow Texan, Birdy Evans, this lovely scarf is from the current issue of Knitty. I am using Ella Rae Merino Lace and am loving how it is working up. I only have one lace pattern and then the ruffle to knit before it can go to the blocking board. I will be finished this week. I think this pattern would be gorgeous with beads placed in the lace. Maybe next time...

T.I.E.

Sheryl