now available in Spanish :)

Although I know that for some of us, it's hard to admit that the countdown until Christmas has begun, it has... 

Many of us are busy with holiday market prep, and beginning our adventurous handmade gifts for the holidays! kudos to those of you who can manage to pump out gifts for everyone! 

I know that we're always looking for quick gift ideas, and I wanted to take the time to remind you of two of my free patterns! One is the ever popular mug hug. These are perfect stocking stuffers, or a quick added gift for your child's teacher.

Add a starbucks gift card, and a few chocolates (or a bottle of wine) and you're set! ;)

 I get so excited to see all of your versions of the mug hug, and there are many!!

The other pattern is my Jardain coasters! These are crochet, but I promise you, they're an easy peasy pattern! 

I am so excited to let you know that the Jardain pattern is now available in Spanish! Find the link here.

Here are the quick links to the patterns :)

Mug Hugs | Jardain Coasters

I have been busy clicking away, and watching my product grow for the market, and I have to say I'm getting pretty excited!! I promise to have a little update on the new items added soon!

What quick holiday knits (or crochet patterns) do you have in your bag of tricks? Come share! xo

jardain is finally on ravelry!

a few years ago i designed some coasters which were featured on versus. as well as a mention in molly makes!!! .. i call the pattern jardain. it's been received well, and that makes me kinda proud. you can find the free tutorial here. and i'm happy to say jardain is now finally on ravelry! wahoo!

and now i have some news....   i'm working on another pattern! i really hope you like it... i kinda do! it actually came about me doing a custom for someone, and i ended up just making my own pattern along the way. so i've decided to put it to paper... it's not quite ready yet, though i may be looking for some testers, as i don't really know any tech editors that also cover crochet.... of course i'd appreciate all feedback i can get!!

have a happy day! xo

the huntress

i have another f.o for you!!! 

this one, i know most of you recognize. it's the huntress vest. more commonly referred to as the katniss cowl. 

i've actually never seen the second movie.. where she's wearing this fabulous vest/cowl that EVERYBODY in the knitting, fibre arts, crochet community just HAD to have. i heard you could tell who the knitters were in the theatre, because they all gasped when they saw it. ha.

i know there are a lot of variations out there on this pattern. i have to say, i'm pretty pleased with this one. 

i love the detail of the chunky stitches...

it's a combination of knitting and crochet. most of the pieces are crocheted.... and you actually use a single crochet stitch to seam everything together. genius and speedy!!! 

most of you probably know that i tend to be most productive under pressure. i seem to thrive on overfilling my plate, and just keep adding things to it. i don't really know why, because i'm often wishing for "free time" to sit and knit. wait. i'm always knitting.... bahahahah i clearly just want more hours in my day, not because i feel overwhelmed, but because there's so much more i want to do!

hahaha. anyways, back to the point. 

productive under pressure.. yah. (i might have pushed this one out in 3 days... and it wasn't the only thing on my needles in that timeframe)

deets:

pattern: huntress vest by alexendra tavel

needles: 15mm/US 19 

hook: 17mm & 8mm

yarn: lion brand thick & quick in grey marble 3.5 skeins

i had to go up a hook size to get better gauge. and really, i like the look of the stitches more in the fatter hook. with the herringbone stitch, i ended up casting on 34 stitches, to get the proper size of the finished garment.

other than that, i really didn't make any other modifications. 

if you are into uber chunky projects, check out alexandra's designer's page on ravelry! very cute stuff there!

as i mentioned before, it's a quick project! i love it heaps! (too bad this one isn't for me).... it's incredibly warm, and would totally put on an edgy style in the cooler months! 

i'll definitely be making more!! now where did i put my bow? xo

these boots were made for....

being adorable. ;) bahahah, yeah,  had to go there!
often times when you go to teach something new, you learn something new :) and cute! that's sort of totally what happened with these booties!

I had someone who is learning to crochet, and was determined to make these for her new niece... and boy are they cute! so while I was sorting out the newer to me stitches and techniques, the first of these booties came together pretty quickly!

it's definitely one of those patterns that looks much more difficult than it really is... and the possibilities are endless in terms of "style" go.

here are the deets:
pattern: crocodile stitch booties by: bonita patterns
yarn: worsted odds and ends... mostly are cascade 220 I believe...
hook: 3.5mm (E)

I definitely loved creating these... they are a super fast pattern to hook up, and I totally recommend them! I thought the pattern was fairly well written. there is heaps of info and pictures. I did make sure to mark the beginning of my round with a safety pin.. helpful for me for sure...
a part of me thought I would add decorative buttons to it, and sew some Velcro on the insides.. .though I'm nervous as all get out with my machine... especially when I'm dealing with worsted weight wool... and then I thought I'd hand sew... but clearly I haven't gotten around to it... maybe I'll just leave it for now. I think they're pretty cute as is, no?

now to find a baby to wear them!

do you enjoy a quick satisfying crochet project? any faves? xo

deep breath.

We are clinging onto the last few days of summer here. Listening to the hum, and basking in the late evening sunlight. I'm beginning to store away my favourite memories of this season... ...and look forward to cozy knits, heathered yarns, tweedy textures.... mingled with the sound of the fire, and cooler temperatures.

It's crazy how fast this past summer has gone. But that must mean it was a good one.... jam packed full of fun, giggles, sunscreen, water parks, slip and slides, campfires, and hammocks.
We've got some big changes on our horizon. Owen is getting ready for his very first days of school, and daddy has to leave on Monday morning for a two month trip to sea.
So as we quietly tuck away our summer... we look forward to the newness of fall... and what cozy, and exciting things that will bring for us. Already my brain is tinkering away of warm woolen patterns.. my fingers are itching to make squishy sweaters and toques.

http://tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com/page/12

 

I plan to have an extended weekend from the blog. Monday will most likely be an emotional day for us, and I think a quiet day full of cuddles, hugs, and fall planning will be in order. Wishing you a wonderful end of summer!

what do you have planned for your weekend? are you anticipating fall? xo

yarn, sister love, & online friends becoming real! ;)

I think it's high time I told you a bit about my trip to Virginia WA.. particularly the part about going to fibre space!!! of course seeing my family was the highlight of my trip... but honestly, going to fiber space, and meeting Sandra of duck duck wool rates awfully high! I was giddy.. so so excited! I knew I wanted to go yarn shopping while on holidays, but I wasn't about to drag everyone around so I could touch and feel yarn in every store... so I picked just one. (I know, right? that's so nice of me!) and it was fibre space. and I loved it! oh my goodness! my baby sister came with me, which is awesome, because she's picked up knitting in the past year or so, and has grown by leaps and bounds! guys, she's just finishing up her first Georgia! and trust me it looks awesome!

but i'm getting ahead of myself... haha anyways, we arrived before it opened... just in time to grab a lunch but not before I had to pose for a pic. (told you I was excited!)

honestly, this is the cutest store! I love their set up. having a place to sit comfortably and chat away is so important... and I love how cozy this space looks!

 

I am loving this deer above the fireplace!

 

of course I left with a little haul. (i may have mentioned that in an earlier post) hee hee... want to see what I snagged? of course you do!

 

 

I made sure to do some research before I came out, so that I knew what I wanted to scope out.. there were some amazing yarns there!

I also wanted to be sure I would buy yarns I would have a hard time getting at home.... and something I've never knit with before...

 

 

just before I left, I had heard about dye for yarn in a ravelry in a forum. something I knew I wanted to try. funny though, it's the first I've heard of this yarn, but apparently there is a pretty huge following! I had to get 2 skeins though. this colour is so rich, and I wanted the option of knitting up something bigger if I needed. with the name hot desire, I kind of had to get more than one. ;)

 

 

 

 

I have always wanted to knit with string theory colorworks. always. and now that i'm getting into sock knitting, I would be dumb not to have bought this skein. haha. this colourway is called: solar flare.. kind of fitting since we went to so many space museums. hahah and the stripe pattern works up with 10 rows orange, 10 rows red, 10 rows yellow. weee!

 

 

 

 

 

I have had my eye on the uncommon thread for a long time. I've never ever knit with it before.. and I know I will love knitting with this skein. it's uber lux at 50/50 merino wool and silk and this colour is amazing! brassica. swoon.

 

 

 

 

 

I also wanted to be sure to buy something local to the area... and this gorgeous skein by neighborhood fiber co. just had to come home with me. the colour is edgewood, and I feel like it's one of those colourways that can change a bit depending on the lighting. it's really quite stunning. Sandra was telling me that neighborhood fibre co. has been a part of fibre space since the very beginning. i'm excited to work with this!

 

 

 

 

of course the lovely Sandra was so nice to also gift me a skein of her very own yarns! guys, if you haven't had a chance to check out her etsy shop yet, you really, really should. Sandra has such a knack for colour. and her bases are amazing! this skein is called night bokeh. it's seriously beautiful!

 

 

 

having the opportunity to meet Sandra face to face was awesome! the knitting community is such a close one, and it amazes me the people I've had a chance to meet through ravelry and the blog. we chatted at the cute nook in the shop, and the time just flew by!  Sandra managed to snag a pic of my sister holding her new yarns too... see that skein of the string theory? that's some amazing pinks and red! isn't my sister cute?

 

 

 

of course we weren't leaving without a pic ... and huge thanks to les for taking this one :) (Sandra, your camera takes awesome pics!!!) I had such a blast! and I hope to see Sandra again some day. also to have been able to share this side of me with my sister was pretty special too! (and yah, that mannequin is creepy).

 

 

so there you have it :) this was definitely a highlight for me. and i'd go back in a heartbeat! do you have a fave experience of travelling and finding the perfect yarn store? have you knit with any of these yarns before? have you had a chance to meet up with other ravelers/bloggers ? come chat! these topics make me smile. xo



a solution...



nataliedee.com

you know that time of year when you want to be super inspired by your stash... you've been collecting at some awesome markets this summer, and you can't wait to cast on for warm, cozy fall and winter knitting? you also know that feeling when you look at your stash and realize you must have just lost all sense of organization and order? bahaha. some of you like to have our skeins wound at the store 'cause it's more convenient... but now you've lost all of those ball bands? what the? 

crap.




nataliedee.com

but don't you worry. guess what I discovered today? one of my besties, Shannon, of luvintheommyhood has the best solution!! it will honestly make your day... and your stash's day too! I promise!! this solution she has makes you excited to dive into your disorganized stash and show it who's boss... with a very pretty flair!

want to see what i'm talking about? you'll have to head on over to her blog today. I promise you won't be sorry :)

and now you can really tackle your stash, get it all organized, and soooo ready for fall and winter knitting! you'll fall in love with your stash all over again... and know exactly what you have! hurrah!

as for my progress on the sskal.. well I don't feel like showing you this week. lol! I've made progress, but it's hard to see... drops alpaca is some small sport weight yarn.. (uber small I think)... and the 3.25mm make for harder-to-see progress... I promise you next week though, you'll see some great progress! i'm still loving the sweater, and still can't wait to wear it! xo

so go on over to Shannon's post today! k? and have a fab day. xoxo

ps. I just love Natalie dee cartoons, don't you?? bahahah.

final prep!

Well we're into the final stages of prepping for fibrations. this weekend is going to be fun! Markets, for me, are always a blast... I like the crazy prep, the nervousness, the rushing around... I don't know why, but I do. The weather looks lovely for Sunday though! And you can bet I'll be ready to see all you fiber-loving folks!

There is something kind of magical about fibrations. Being an outdoor market is definitely part of it. If you're in the area, I highly suggest you come on by to check it out! Admission is free, and the toonie raffle is amazing! The prizes to be won are better than ever! Vendors have stepped it up a notch, and the items being offered for the raffle are enough to make anyone giggle with glee! I know I have my eye on many items! Come browse, bring a blanket.. knit in the sun,.. enjoy some of the food vendors, and shop! Sounds like a perfect weekend to me!
Here are the details again on the event!

I can't wait to see you!

have a fantastic weekend! full of sun, yarn, friends, good coffee, and heaps of smiles. xo

follow me! (pretty please)

as you've probably gotten the reminder from google, or have also heard the buzz... following blogs on google reader isn't gonna be happening anymore...
so i'm here to let you know that nook is also on bloglovin!

 

you can also follow nook on:

feedly | facebook | etsy | ravelry | instagram | pinterest

i'm still trying to organize the social media part of my knitterly life. there always seems to be something though, hey? but i'm having fun with it, and eventually it will all come together :) 

how do you follow blogs? are you sad that google reader will no longer be? 

my needles are clicking away here today, and the coffee tastes especially good. here's hoping for a productive day! xo

just a heads' up

june 8th happens to fall on this weekend. and do you know why it's so special? it's the first day for world wide knit in public day! yup! and i'm telling you now, because i want you to be prepared. ;) the event lasts from june 8th - 16th.

do you want to know a little bit more about it? this is actually the largest knitter run event in the world! (fun, right?)  it was originally founded by danielle landes in 2005, and is now in the hands of astrid salling, who took over in 2011.
knitting in public is something that i do on a daily basis, but seeing events hosted... heaps of knitters gathered together in a park, kind of makes me giddy! and you can find these events popping up more and more!
check out the world wide knit in public day website for more info.

this is me with local food blogger family feedbag a few years ago on salt spring island.

you can be sure i'll be toting my knitting around with me. i hope to park my butt down in a park somewhere with many other knitters :) it's such a fun event, and you get a chance to meet so many other enthusiasts!
you don't have to be knitting either, crochet, or any fiber related crafts are awesome!!

Source: crochetconcupiscence.com via Crochet Concupiscence on Pinterest

so now you have lots of time to plan a public knit in... or just find one and join in. it doesn't have to be a hugely planned thing (but if it is, it's a lot of fun!) it can even be your pals and a park and a great picnic!

tell me you're joining in! i'd love to hear where you'll be showing your knitterly (or crochet!) pride! xo

a step back... for inspiration :)

i am recognizing that i can't necessarily fit it all in. though i desperately want to. sometimes i have to let one thing slide. and for me, yesterday it was the post. it's ok though. because i'll always come back to this space. i get so much from sharing with you, and chatting so much yarny goodness :) it's a favourite space for me for sure!

Source: etsy.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

and so it was a quiet one yesterday... it felt good to get the office organized though. one of these days, i might just "flash my stash" :) though i seem to have run out of shelf space. lol! i have been collecting some lovelies ever since vogue knitting live. and i really seem to have gotten "the yarn bug" pretty bad. lol. it's ok though. there are worse things to collect for sure. and i know i will knit with them. i so look forward to it too!

..aren't those mason jar covers the cutest ever??

i have felt really inspired by my stash. this is a really good thing! and i'm seeing heaps of colour. i'm super excited about that!

the only complaint i have is that i just don't have enough hours in the day. but isn't that the case with most of us? i think so :) in the meantime, i've got work knitting to tackle, and then some serious KAL knitting. i can't wait to show you my progress!

i'm also already dreaming of casting on another project :) it's a nice thing when us hard-core knitters are super excited about knitting all year long. don't you think so?

so tell me, what's on your needles? are you making good progress? feeling excited about your next knit or crochet project? i'd love to chat! let's stay inspired! xo

best moments...

this morning is probably one of the sunniest mornings we've seen in a while. and it kind of makes you be in a good mood. really, i think it's hard to be grumpy on beatuiful mornings....

Source: littlewoollie.blogspot.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

and it's making me feel inspired. now those are the best moments. don't you think?

also this is the most adorable kitchen. i happend upon a blog...little woollie and especially for those of you who crochet, you'll love it! go check it out!

what are you up to? feeling inspired lately? are you swatching away? come chat. i'd love it! xo

wishing for spring.....

so i think i 'm done my tinkering now. :)
i know that sometimes i like to rub it in that the weather is warmer and more spring-like over on the western side of canada than pretty much anywhere else in canada and much of the us... and well probably more places. yeah. it's a tiny bit mean of me, i see that.. and i'm sorry.. i'm just a happy girl to be able to live out here. i'm pretty blessed, i think.  but i do remember the winters dragging forever when i lived in ontario...
and you know i wish i could change the forecast for you, but since i can't i thought i 'd do something else...

i've decided to host another facebook sale! there's no reason that you can't be stylish while transitioning from winter to spring... and i've got some doozies for you!! it's a strictly cowls and bootcuffs sale. however, just so you know, i have a few women's toques (some might fit men too) that i am happy too offer to those who are interested.... and if you are, just send me a private message... and i'll send along pics..
but let's get on with the sale, ok?

 
these cabled boot cuffs flew off the shelves out here! they are super warm, knit with an alpaca blend, and the yarn was actually brought back to me from peru! they're not too bulky, and will keep your legs uber warm, while wearing your stylish boots. they work great for your wellies too! xo it's also my first design for purchase, and i'm super proud of them  :)

the chevron cowl is also one of my designs. i love the bulky pop of colours in this garment. so bold, and spring like!! these cowls are a wool blend, and are washable. the thing i love about cowls, is you can't easily loose them... and they can't get caught up in your jacket. so even while wearing lighter jackets, this baby will keep you uber warm as well!

the arbutus cowl is really one of my absolute favourites. it's designed by the lovely jane richmond, and the marriage of this pattern with madelinetosh yarns (yea, you heard right!) a 100% merino wool hand-dyed yarn is just beautiful!
you can really wear this cowl right into spring. it's not very heavy at all, and the colours are simply stunning, trust me on that one! i enjoyed every single stitch of this pattern! i know you will love wearing these as well!

now i know that most of you readers of this here blog are actually knitters and crocheters as well... but if you know of friends and family who are freezing their as&* off... and they might be interested... send them on over to nook's facebook page, ok?
i really do appreciate it!!

oh wait there's one very cool thing about this sale... as you canadian readers know, shipping across canada rates are brutal... seriously people... they're high... well no one wants to put a damper on some early spring shopping... so shipping's on me! yup! shipping is free for this entire sale!!! (i'll ship it the most affordable way i can, which surprisingly in some circumstances is express-post!)
but i am not about to leave anyone out....i'm not like that....

 shipping is free worldwide! 

you'll probably want to tell your friends. xo 
so thanks dear readers, in advance for spreading the sale news! i so appreciate it!! and for you knitters? whatcha knitting on? have you tried any of these patterns yet? xo

in bloom

easter comes early this year! this is something i'm only realizing, when i'm still trying to play catch-up from winter. but i'm totally thinking of spring colours, flowers, baking lemon squares.. (meh i always think about baking lemon squares), tea... gardening.. you get the picture...
and i thought it's been a while since i've done a ravelry "from the archives" with you!
so without further ado...

remember this?

i had a lot of fun making this blanket. :) and the colours just pop, don't you think? this is the pattern : summer garden granny square by lucy of attic 24. i love how you can really come up with so many variations for this blanket, to give it a completely different look. enter v.2. :)

i admit i was a little obsessive over the creams, oranges and blues... i whipped up that one in just under 48hrs! (i told you obsessive). lol!  it's a great pattern to help you use up those scraps of yarn as well! kind of a great spring cleaning activity for your stash, don't you think? and you'll end up with a lovely bright and cheerful blanket :) xo

 i highly recommend this pattern :) truth be told, i've actually got 2 other blanktes that just haven't been photographed yet! yeah, it's a fun pattern, and you can cater to any size you want! and really... we could always use a dose of cheer, bright colours, and flowers.. don't you think?

to see more pictures and my notes check out my ravelry pages here and here on these projects. :)

have you whipped up any of these garden blankets? it's a great way to use up the stash! what are you working on this week? xo

note to self....

Source: etsy.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

do you ever find that you wake up just waiting for inspiration to hit you? i'm quite guilty of that actually... and i find myself getting impatient for feeling inspired. it's a funny thing.

and then this morning i realized that if i don't just stop to enjoy the now, and take advantage of the present, i'm going to completely miss this "inspiration" i'm looking for.

because it's usually staring at you full on...

Source: zsazsabellagio.blogspot.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

so today, i'm taking time to breathe. be in the now... and enjoying the first glimpses and smells of spring.

i'd love to hear of what you're up to today! anything special on your needles? any new colours finding their way into your stash? come chat! the sun is shining, and the coffee is hot. xo

weekend celebration

it's friday! can i get a woop woop hurrah!!!!??
it's an incredibly wet and grey and windy morning here, but no matter.. because since it's technically the beginning of the weekend, we can watch a few movies and knit away, no? :)

and since my post yesterday that included the adorable crochet bunting, i've had buntings on my brain ever since. of course i have... and look what i just spotted this morning?

Source: ravelry.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

how cute are these?!?! this pattern is called farm stand flags and is by sarah young. see the rav link here. the one pictured is a knit variation of it, but guess what, she's got crochet instructions too!! wahoo! so we're all happy, really.  i just think buntings are such a great way to celebrate anything really.weddings, birthdays, change of seasons, and even just decorating! yeah, i love me some colourful bunting...

this weekend i'm actually planning on going to knit night! i can't tell you how happy and excited that makes me! i love my knit night girls, and it's been far too long since i've been able to attend one... so there will be much chatting, coffee, giggles, and knitting away.

of course, i'm also teaching both tonight and on sunday.. so we'll be having a very very full weekend stuffed with knitting :) sunday's class is all about cowls! if you're in the area and want to knit one, come on by for a class! you get your choice of 3 of jane richmond's cowls offered at the cloth castle. it's gonna be fun!

tell me, what are you up to this weekend? are you doing anything special with this last weekend in february? i'd love to hear about it! happy weekend, friends! wishing you a lovely one full of yarn, good coffee and tea, yummy treats, giggles, and snuggles with your loved ones. xoxo

colours in the grey

is it really thursday already? it might only be me, but the weeks are seriously flying by! february has certainly been a busy month for me! though i'm so looking forward to the spring! so here's a little springtime crush i have for you:

Source: weheartit.com via polliwogs in bloom on Pinterest

you know, so we can all start planning our brighter and lighter knits and crochet projects!

Source: yellowpinkandsparkly.blogspot.co.uk via Rebecca on Pinterest

though truth be told, today it's cold, raining, and windy here...
at any rate, it's a good day to cuddle up with yarn and needle, or hook :) because before we know it, spring will be here in full force and we'll be wondering what to make. never fear.. there are heaps of projects for the warmer weather! but my fave today is this lovely little crochet flag bunting! isn't it the most adorable? yeah. it is.

what are you creating today? i'd love to hear about it! xo

fox!

will you be there?! 

today is the final day to prep before the fair tomorrow... and as usual, i'm nervous.. and up extra early.. ha. the plus side, is that i've already done the dishes, made coffee, made my hubby his lunch and sent him with breakky off to work... aaaand it's barely after 7am.

i'll have lots of goodies for you! and i'm so looking forward to seeing you! there will be some fantastic vendors at this market... trust me, you're not going to want to miss this!



 i'll see you! at the fernwood community centre. tomorrow from 10-4. xo

today....

today i am knitting, and crocheting, and surrounding myself in yarn... and hopefully getting some organizing done on the computer...
can someone tell me why there aren't more than 48hrs in a day? because i could use that today :)

Source: dailydoseofstuf.tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

but i'm happy. blissfully so! because what knitter wouldn't be happy to be surrounded by beautiful yarn, and a day ahead of them to knit? (granted my day will also include manovering around a floor full of toys, and battle set ups of lego and army men)

Source: meinlilapark.blogspot.ch via Rebecca on Pinterest

i sure am...and while i'm working away on market knitting, and other secret knitting... i'm already dreaming of warmer weather knits... like this one:

Source: quinceandco.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

and this one:

Source: quinceandco.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

 these are both patterns from quince & co... and i'm in love with them.

.... what are you up to today? xo