A change in the weather... beach cover up

              Time to switch gears!!!

I can feel it!!! Summer is on the horizon! The weather is changing, the sun is shinning, and the sky is as blue as ever. Down here the change is barely noticeable, but subtle as it may be, its here. And just in time too, with spring break fast approaching, its time to start making the fabulous cover-ups that we will wear... well, I wear them with everything. But its not just about flow-y tunics, this year designers have put out shorts, maxi dresses, bags, and even a colorful and oh so inspiring hat. The one pictured above is by Missoni, which explains the beautiful colors, and yes I think we can make something very similar.




This  little one shoulder stunner is from the Michael Kors run way. Every year he seems to include some knit or crochet number perfectly neutral, laid back, and chic.





Perhaps a bit dressier, but it screams out R-E-S-O-R-T. I love the different textures, and the white on silver, well lets just say I love white, summer, spring, fall or winter. This one is By Claudia Sheifer.





Would it be to much to wear a knit bikini with a crochet cover-up??





 Ahhhhh,  the crochet shorts. Kate Hudson wore them on set, and I have had my eyes on them for some time. Maybe I should work the hook as I work the elliptical... 10 pounds in 2 months?? Add a few inches lenghwise?? Throw in a few spinning classes, cut back on the sweets, and ... I'll think about it.

In the meantime, I'm working on a new crochet Tunic pattern... stay tuned.

Details - 
All pictures via Net-A-Porter

http://www.net-a-porter.com/

The popular colors

It never occurred to me, that black and white fabrics would be so popular among mothers-to-be. It trully is amazing, but we can never seem to have enough black and white prints. We try to stock up on polka dots, stripes, florals and geometric prints, but somehow, they just fly off the shelves. Here are a few pictures of a cotton print blanket and a matching burping pad, all in a combination of black, white and yellow. How very appropriate for a little spring baby girl!

A valentine's treat

Is there anything better than a doughnut? Well yes, and healthier to, it's a doughnut muffin. Baked, not fried, and with the tops brushed with clarified butter, and dipped in cinnamon sugar. Heart warming home-made goodness all wrapped up and ready for a special kid's classmates, and for teachers too.

Truth is, as good as they are, they are simple and easy to make. I start off with a recipe from King Arthur's Flour, then substitute the flour for Gluten-Free baking mix, and the butter and milk, for lactose free substitutes, and voila, they are almost allergen free! Now, if i could limit my intake to just one or two, they would be perfect, but... they just too good.

To turn these yummy mini bites (I baked mine in mini cupcake pans) into perfect valentine's treats, I used a little cake pop adaptation.

After the muffins were all sugared and cool, I used the long lollipop sticks to skewer each muffin. Then I placed each doughnut pop into a small treat bag (perfect for little helpers), tied the end with a pretty ribbon, and off to the internet in search of some cute printables.

 I found these lovely and colorful valentine's over at Secret Agent Josephine's blog. They are available in full color, or to color with crayons and markers(more help from little hands!). Print as many sheets as you need, the lovely pdf is free! Cut a little slit at the top, and another at the bottom, and slide the end of your doughnut lollis. Cute right? I think they make an great treat, and all under 1 hour! Happy Valentine's to all!

Blankets and throws

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Last fall our friend I. made the most beautiful trow. It was soft, colorful, and inspiringly big. I've always admired people who undertake such ambitious projects. Now that her throw has caused quite the rivalry between her kids, she has begun another one. She is as talented with the hook as with her color choices. This time around, she is doing a gradation of colors, and because her last one was big, this one will be huge. Large enough for two snuggled on a couch, and large enough to sit all warm and snugly at the foot of my bed. Did I say my bed? Oops!

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In search for inspiration, and motivation, I've found chunky throws, warm bedspreads, oversized knit pillows and lacy crochet covers. These projects are not for the faint of heart. They take time, they require patience, tons of yarn, and a little perseverance, something I. clearly has. Here I am drooling over gorgeous bedspreads, in perfectly styled bedrooms, and all the while, I have a sneaky little throw-to-be waiting to be finished.

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If you have a soft spot for these beauties gathered from around the web, Martha Stewart has found a solution to the "being completely covered by your ever-growing, heavier by the minute, bedspread to be" as you work your stitches. Instead of doing a granny style blanket, her amazing team has designed a pattern using garter stitch rectangles, and joining them, in a very modern non 70's looking way, using a contrasting color. What this means is that, if you can knit a scarf, you can make yourself a bedspread. Now that is something I can do! Now to chose colors, and set a time frame...

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Je t'aime

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Valentine's day is just around the corner, and what better way to say I love you, than with a little yarn, a bit of embroidery, and mais oui, in French. Just a bit of inspiration heading your way, with just enough time to make a little something, and if you;re pressed for time, just follow the links for a quick Etsy purchase!

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Yarns with altitude!

We just got back from TNNA, and already we have new yarns coming in. Himalaya Yarn is made the old fashioned way, hand spun and hand painted in... Nepal. The colors and the texture are as exotic as you would expect, and the feel of the yarn is amazing.  Along with the silks, we just received some very fancy products, great for knitting or crocheting baskets and even some jewelry. To read more about the yarn, their philosophy, and their amazing work in Nepal, visit Himalaya Yarn.

Monday inspiration

While magazine browsing at the airport, I came across an irresistible little spread in Country Living.

The article featured my favorite things, neutral colors and yarn.

The photography, the styling, and the products featured are inspiring, so much so, that the magazine now sits at home.

What's in your project bag?

Like most who knit or crochet, I have a few WIP (work in progress) all going on at the same time. I have a little project bag for each, where I keep the yarn, the needle, the pattern and the piece in question, and although it seems I am in a confession mood, I have way more WIP than I'd like to admit. But there is one little bag full of goodies, spare needles and a few surprises, that I keep with me at all times. Its my first stop when I feel the need for something quick and satisfying, a little blanket fringe, a flower, maybe even a little pillow cover. So here it is, the contents of my project bag revealed. 

Left over Perle Cottons, a little hemp, some wool, two skeins of taffy, two scissors, a colorful collection of hooks, and among other things, a plastic toad. 

 Mind if we peek into your stash?!?!?

Of flowers and patterns