Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Long Vest

I purchased enough materials to make this long vest by Schachenmayr last year at Stitches West. I finally pulled the yarn out of my stash and started this project a week ago. I have no idea why I waited this long! This is such a simple knit, and the yarn is just so soft to work with. I have already completed the entire back of the vest, and keep in mind this is an extra long vest! The length of the vest is 30"!


I am working on the left front, and I think the two front pieces may be more difficult. Let's hope I finish this one quickly! Are you working on new projects or just trying to remember what you have already purchased?  

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Stitches West 2013

Stitches West is happening this weekend. I took a day off from work on Friday so I can shop up a storm. As always, it didn't disappoint. There were new vendors offering adorable items. Here are some of my favorites:

Coco knits: I love all of the loafers, ballet flats and shoe patterns they offer. I have purchased these patterns previously; the patterns are so easy to follow, and they simply look beautiful. I just wish the bottom of the shoes wasn't so slippery. Still, I love these patterns. I also got a few shawl pins from Coco Knits; they are not as gorgeous as some of the other shawl pins, but hey for $3, I am not afraid to lose it!

 Coco Knit Booth.

What I adored the most from this booth was the felted flower pot. I think it was one of the cutest things I saw at the convention. I will need to make one. They didn't offer the pattern for sale at the booth, but you can purchase it online.

 Just too cute!

Yarn Bowl: They had these charming ceramic bowls made for yarn! I couldn't find her website to share with you here, but if you are at Stitches, be sure to check it out!


Never Not Knitting: I discovered a tiny baby cardigan. The pattern is called Little Oaks - Coastal Kids. I fell in love with it on the spot. Alana Dakos was there to walk me through it and explained to me what type of yarn would work best for it. She is awesome. Apparently there is an adult version of the same cardigan in the Coastal Knits book, which I bought last year at the event.

Chicken Boots: I am so proud to tell you that I discovered these tiny iron-on labels to help you identify your needle sizes and lengths in whatever needle organizer you make! I think they are perfect for my double point needle organizer.

Ribbon Street: They had hand sewn project bags, book covers, wallets, etc. with Echinos fabrics.

Mother Bear Project: I purchased a pattern to make this bear years ago, but never got around to actually making it. They had a booth there, and someone came by to drop off 20 bears she made for these kids! I was inspired to find that pattern and make a few bears for kids in need in Africa. If you are looking for something to knit, but don't have a project in mind, then I encourage you to check this out. You make the bear, mail it off to MI (I think), and the organization will mail these bears to children in Africa.

Of course, there were tons of yarns!  I couldn't help but get some. If you live in the bay area and have time this weekend, I highly recommend you stop by!

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Ripple Baby Blanket

I have always feared crocheting. I think it's because I can never get the edge straight. However, I think I have it figured it and  turned five balls of gorgeous yarn into a beautiful ripple baby blanket. I got the yarn from JoAnn's, and they work quite well! I machine washed and dried them. As much as I enjoyed crocheting, I think I am ready to get back to knitting. Are you heading out to Stitches West in a week? I can't wait! Do you have your favorite booths?

I love the combination of these colors. 

On a different note, my sweet husband surprised me with a special delivery to my office. These gorgeous roses on Valentine's Day made me blush. I can't remember the last time I blushed, but I tell you I was so red after taking these flower back to my office :) Thank you honey! I love them. 



Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Year of the Snake

Happy Chinese New Year to those of you who celebrate this wonderful occasion around the world. This is the biggest holiday in Asia, and people are usually off work for ten days (paid!). I miss collecting red envelops full of money and staying up all night on New Years Eve as a kid. So glad for those wonderful memories with family.



Year of the Snake: 
"Ancient Chinese wisdom says a Snake in the house is a good omen because it means your family will not starve. This could be taken metaphorically to mean that a Snake could never have a problem with his family starving because he is such a great mediator, making him good at business. Or it could mean that a Snake would be willing to sacrifice his possessions, something the Snake has a lot of, in order to pay for his family’s food. Any way it is interpreted is representative of the Snake’s character and is a measure of the value he puts on his material wealth. The Snake is keen and cunning, quite intelligent and wise."