a few years ago, Jennifer at CraftSanity contacted me to see if i would design a knitting pattern for an upcoming issue of their print magazine. it was early summer when i started, although we were looking ahead to the autumn issue. Fall is my favorite season of all (if one can truly have a favorite season, they are all so uniquely beautiful here in Ohio). i closed my eyes and thought ahead to the textures and hues of Fall. the lovely people at Briar Rose Fibers offered to contribute my choice of wool for this project, and their rich... Read more →
On the Menu: DINNER PIE
the last-minute dinner-making scramble happens to the best of us. especially when there are activites, lessons, sports, and not to mention a sunny day when everyone (including the cook) would rather be outside. enter the simple supper. i have a few go-to entrees that i rely on for when time is tight, leftovers are plentiful, or i just don't want to do so many dishes. Dinner Pie is a favorite. now you may be saying, "hey jennifer, that's just a quiche." au contraire, mes amis. perhaps some may call it quiche, but if you are looking to sway a skeptical... Read more →
Make Something Special: PATCHWORK SWITCHPLATE
fact: there are scraps of vintage fabrics strewn about the house. i can never seem to part with even the tiniest bit. fact: for months, the light switches in our sunroom has been without a cover. it was misplaced during our kitchen renovations and had yet to be replaced. one thing led to another... want to make one? or more? (me too!) Patchwork Switchplate WHAT YOU NEED: fabric scraps, a switchplate (they are stock items at most hardware stores; this one cost < $2), Mod Podge (i used Fabric Mod Podge, but regular Mod Podge would also work fine), a... Read more →
Make Something Special: THE GRADUATE
meet your new best friend: The Graduate deepening shades in the same color family highlight this oversized infinity cowl featuring gently rolled edges and a simple seeded rib stitch. knit one up in an afternoon using scrap yarn and leftovers in your stash, and show off contemporary ombré style while staying cozy all season. PDF for this pattern includes 4 pages of step-by-step instructions, full color images, and a super special secret bonus pattern! You will need approximately 200 yards (total) of bulky/chunky weight yarn in colors of your choosing and US 13 (9mm) straight or circular needles. One size... Read more →
Ricotta Roll-Ups
a while back, we shared how we made homemade ricotta. trust me when i tell you dreams are made of this stuff. and it's SO easy. you may never buy premade ricotta again. but no matter how much you enjoy it, DIY ricotta it begs the question - what to make with it? (other than eating it by the spoonful...) ricotta roll-ups you'll need: lasagna noodles (cooked) ricotta prosciutto (or soppressata works well, too - think salty cured meat, yum!) spinach (quickly sauteed in olive oil + garlic with a tiny squeeze of lemon at the end) fresh tomato sauce... Read more →
Make Something Special: HEAD IN THE CLOUDS
one of the great things about knitting with bulky weight yarn is the obvious speed factor. normally six skeins of any given yarn would have me second-guessing, but we're working with the big stuff here and let me tell you it flies over your fingertips and onto the needles almost as fast as you can run up your charge card at the LYS. Head in the Clouds is an oversized creamy white pillow cover dotted with cloud formations that are so dreamy. it's a simple project that starts off with meditative stockinette and shifts to working on a chart full... Read more →
Printable : Thanks + Happy Summer [sun tea jars]
the girls raced into summer with squeals of delight and much much excitement. it's been a terrific year at a terrific school with so many inspiring and motivated people, and they have blossomed so very much. now that school has been out for a week or so, we've been enjoying days with less structure, even more reading time, crafting indoors and out, cartwheels and croquet, late night dinners on the deck, and even later night bedtimes (and cocktails for the adults). ahhh, summer. i don't think i've ever loved you more. in keeping with our tradition of putting together special... Read more →
old-fashioned girl
[old-fashioned girl : our look for week two of Project Run & Play] looking over the precipice into the great beyond of all things sewing-related, i decided to narrow my focus in on attempting a few new-to-me techniques to create a sportswear look with details true to our style for the week two challenge of sportswear. ok, truth time. this is not the road we had intended to travel. we took a detour. and as it turns out, that has made all the difference. you see, my daughter and i (last week's model) had grand plans for a jumper (floral... Read more →
tell me a story skirt
and then my freckle-faced daughter looked up with her bright blue eyes and declared, as if the answer were there all along, "Mama, how about we make a skirt for storytelling." so that's just what we did. off we went to my studio, where she and i selected four fabrics from my stash - a colorful vintage print with fruits and vegetables in pinks and greens, a large gingham in soft green, a vintage white linen tablecloth, and a Jay McCarroll Garden Friends bunny print. then my girly proceeded to tell us a story about Hazel, Basil and Moss, three... Read more →
Make Something Special: BACKSTAGE PASS [slouchy knitted cap]
The perfect basic slouchy knitted cap to keep warm and yet so totally cool while showing off the wearer's personal style. Whether you make a cheery rainbow, add some kitty ears, or simply knit it in your favorite color, this simple + quick knit is destined to be a favorite. PDF includes 2 pages of step-by-step instructions, full color images to demonstrate pattern specifics. This piece is knit in the round on double pointed needles - it is a terrific project for confident beginners looking to embark on knitting in the round. And with no seaming, this little number can... Read more →