JCasa BLOG

more white

as i come down the stairs in the morning - frequently seeking coffee - i have to stop and marvel at the brilliant warmth of the soft white in my little studio/workspace.  it's funny, considering we live in a house full of color.  it is like a breath of fresh air in the morning, and a warm oasis in the evening.  and now i'm noticing white everywhere.  heck, even my cholesterol seems to favor white these days, ahem. 

off to write this month's tutorial for SMS, then wind some yarn.
i'm thinking a warm white.  enjoy your day.  xoxo

holiday shop!

the shop has been updated with a few sweet handmade gifts - pretty things made from pretty old things, just like i love.

and if you are eager to make a few gifts this year, check out my patterns and tutorials - coloring wallets are always a big hit with kiddos, and list-takers are a mama's best friend.

visit JCasa *handmade goods + enjoy 10% off your entire order now through the end of november - simply enter coupon code "JCasaTHANKSnov2010" during checkout.  i'm off to finish up a cozy new knitting pattern as well as this month's tutorial for sew, mama, sew - back soon!  xoxo

white

[unrelated studio progress photo]

i am thankful for family near and far, friends, fresh air, full bellies, firewood, warm woolies, starry skies, kids who take it upon themselves to say grace, spontaneous sunroom concerts, the noise and energy of a very full house, the quiet afterwards, being able to sleep in this morning, and enjoying a quiet day at home.

wishing you + yours happy thanksgiving!  xoxo

during

don't get me wrong - i loved it last year.  and the year before.  but considering my wee studio space is less than 70 square feet, and add in a year of juggling 100+ secret projects, and what i ended up with was a room packed to the brim with fabric and all the stuff of crafting.  it was sensory overload.

i had a dream that cute little canadian lady and her team of organizing ninjas popped in to film an episode of "neat."  and then i woke up decided to do it myself.  pronto.  everything is boxed up and temporarily stashed in the basement (next to the treadmill, ahem).  and by reducing my shelving considerablly, i am guaranteeing that less than half of it is coming back.  more space to move + breathe + create.  i wouldn't call it spacious by any means, but it's my space and i know i am lucky to have it.  so why not give it a little lift.

yep, right before thanksgiving.  while we're at it, why not paint the sunroom and art/dining room, as well.  doesn't everyone take on a little home makeover before company arrives? i've only to choose colors.  and make an extra cup of coffee for my secret weapon - a friendly painter pal who will arrive monday bright and early.  thank goodness.  xoxo

: : :

i anticipate lots of goodies that will be much happier being used, as opposed to being shelved. so look for a studio sale of fabric + other crafty goodies in the coming weeks.

transitioning

the garden has been put to bed until spring.  the deck has been emptied and the yard cleaned up.  the garage sorted out and an entire truckload set aside to be passed on to others.  there was reminiscing about all the places we've been with those double strollers.  but there was also delight in knowing that they'll be put to good use and continue to log miles for years to come.

transitions can be tricky, if you let them.  one minute the trees are ablaze with the most colorful leaves, and the next day they are bare.  one day your little ones are crawling around at your feet, then you blink and they are "kids" with bright minds and dreams of their own.

sure, the days grow shorter.  but the air is crisp and fresh, and the sky at dusk is bluer than i ever thought possible.  the beach stuff may be packed away, but yarn resurfaces in abundance.

i suppose it's about loving all those moments while we have them, as opposed to yearning for what we have not, or cannot control.

enjoy what was.  enjoy what is.  and enjoy the enjoyment.  xoxo

make an übercowl : one willow

so you got the memo and you're back for more - great!

embrace that gorgeous skein of handspun or equally amazing bulky wool you've been saving for just the right project, and transform it into a super warm + cozy piece that will fit everyone in the house.  you can wear it over your ears, neck, head, shoulders or any combination thereof... and just in time for winter!

knit in the round on large circular needles with a ridiculously simple twisted rib, this (not so) little number works up quickly and has no seaming whatsoever.  that means it will be off the needles and onto you (or someone special) in a few hours.

: : :

one willow

• yarn:  about 110 yards of something amazing + bulky (i am using this skein of 111 yards of misshawklet handspun 2-ply mill end wool)
• needles: US #13 24" circular needles
• gauge: 3 sts = 1" in pattern (if your gauge is different, or you are making this in a larger/smaller size, just be sure to cast on an even # of sts)
• see it onRAVELRY.

ready?  ok.

CO 60 sts and join to work in the round.
(k1tbl, p1)* repeat* until you have about 1-2 yards of yarn left.
BO all sts.

really, that's it.
simple is good. really really good, if you ask me.

make one.
share one.
stay warm.
be happy.  amen.

happy making!  xoxo

go find some bulky wool

and meet back here for a freebie. sound good?  xoxo

p.s.  bring your needles, too.  big ones.

saturday inspiration: white

we awoke to a snowy blanket outside our doors.  and it is still coming down.  big fluffy flakes that are the stuff of dreams.  and we're each enjoying it in our own way.  they're out there in the fort eating it by the handful while climbing, sliding, and making trails interspersed with snow angels.  i'm taking it all in from a cozy spot in the sunroom, sipping coffee, listening to saturday npr and knitting.

the garden has yet to be put to bed, but last years' snow pants still fit.  and that's what it's all about, really.  those rosy cheeks will soon be at the door - time to put the kettle on.  enjoy your weekend.  xoxo

hi there.

a few good things...

• about 2/3 of our firewood was delivered yesterday.  just in time.
• the hub is heading to los angeles to collaborate on the final mixes of our new album.
• i'm doing final revisions on my first book, and am excited to share that Teach Yourself Visually - Crafting with Kids will be released in April 2011 - and it's now available for pre-order!
• we're making this soup tonight - yum!
• i just submitted the first chapter of my second book.  (yay!)
• i feel great.  what i learned in one year is a blessing, and i am stronger because of it.
• i'm delighted to be a guest at habit this month.

be back soon.  xoxo