Back in the Groove!

I know it's been a while, but I have not been idle! Over the course of the past months, I've been working hard, and taking workshops to further my creativity. Also, I added quilting to the my growing list of creative endeavors.  And now, it is that time of year when I plant myself in the workshop and craft the holiday items for my local favorite shop (Tait's Harvest Shop) and for my website.

Additionally, this year I added some new items to the line up: fabric scarves, table runners, fleece scarves and neck warmers, and Christmas stockings.  



Chiffon Scarves





Fleece Scarves - perfect for transition temperatures

 Exciting things for the holidays are brewing.  Here are a few pictures.



A sampler of knitted scarves and neck warmers - great fibers!




New! Hand crafted 'made fabric' stockings




Some of the wonderful fabrics for aprons and spice trivets


In case you're interested in this summer's progress, here are a few things I've been working on:



"Improvisational" Pillow - pieced in 'wonky' blocks




Custom designed, special order for Tait's Harvest Shop to be used in the store




These fun slippers, featuring a clever knot design are a class I am teaching in October at Stitch Your Art Out, Pine Grove Mills, PA




A few of my friends (I love you guys!) and I knitted various versions of this shawl




Cynthia Spencer (pictured) will soon be publishing this pattern of mine in her Really Clear Patterns

This is also a class coming up in December. 

Gearing Up for the Holiday Season!

The Creative Process Brought to Market!

Is it too early???  For those of us shopping for groceries and running errands in stores, it may feel too early to hear the music and see the glittery displays, but for artisans and craftspeople, we have been working on the holidays for many months now.  

This year, I am so lucky to have lots of my items carried in two special shops that feature artisan foods and works, with an emphasis on local/country suppliers and artists. 

Concept:
I thought I would spend a few minutes talking about what goes into the works I create; the materials and process.  I create high quality, artisan hand knitted and hand sewn accessory items, that are beautiful and fit into a modern lifestyle. I think nothing is more frustrating that buying that hand crafted item and later realizing it was just not all that wearable. My items are unique and luxurious, but are made to be worn happily for many years. 

Fabrics and yarns are selected keeping in mind trends in fashion and home decorating, as well as input from the merchants to coordinate with their shop and holiday themes. And sometimes I make something just because I like it!


Materials:
All through the year, every where I go I search for interesting fabrics and yarns. I also benefit from wonderful friends who keep a lookout on their travels as well.  I've made several purchases via the help of talented (and tasteful!) friends and the modern miracle of picture messages on the cell phone. 

Knit goods use fine yarns of desirable fibers such as merino, silk, alpaca, and mohair to name a few. I create pieces of all sizes and shapes, but primarily send neck warmers and scarves to Tait's Harvest Shop for the winter holidays and season. Texture, fiber and embellishments are key design decisions, but the focus always remains on wear-ability and functionality.

Process:
I'm not a mass production shop; knits and aprons are unique. Each piece starts with a decision about style and then fabric/yarn choices and combinations.  New body styles are frequently added, and popular body styles are used and/or adapted as customer response continues to grow.  I try to use a variety of widths (body coverage) so there is something for everyone. Some ties wrap around once or twice, and most all neck ties are adjustable for maximum sizing flexibility. When you buy a piece, it is unique. Sometimes a concept is selected again, but it never comes out the same way twice.


Result:
Anyone local in Central Pennsylvania can drop in at Tait Farm Harvest Shop,  Rt 322 just east of State College and Boalsburg;  and those of you in the Washington, DC area drop in at  Smucker Farms of Lancaster County  at 14th and U, NW. 

KnittenKaboodle Website:
The website also carries items not found in the shops as well as some wonderful pieces from a few other select artisans, which you are encouraged to try out as well.  
The website is a gallery-style offering of one-of-a-kind hand knit and hand sewn items from me and a few other artisans. At the time of this writing it is undergoing some updates, including revised postage rates (improved!). 



The spoils from a recent trip to Canada and NY Finger Lakes region.




Aprons ready for selection by Betty and Eli Smucker for their 14th and U Street shop in Washington, DC (they took the all!!)



Yummy Madeline Tosh yarns, waiting for a worthy project.  Each are hand dyed in small batches of 3. Colors are amazing in both hue and variation.