Autumn Update

Autumn is in full splendor here in Central Pennsylvania, and KnittenKaboodle is as well.  Many new items are added to the website, and more coming through the next few weeks.

Additionally, we have a new retail customer in Hanover, Pennsylvania: Furs by Susan, which is owned and operated by the creative and interesting Debra Markle.  Her boutique focuses on a wonderful selection of luxury outer ware and accessories in many different fabrics and fibers.  If you are in the area, please stop in and visit her at 1 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA 17331 web address . Two of the items she selected: Alpaca and kid-silk mohair caplet with removable pin closure and silk-mohair triangle scarf with fancy border.

It's time for harvest and fall vegetables and plantings at Tait's Harvest Shop and I've added a few new aprons and spiced trivets there:

Spiced trivets that waft lovely spices when meeting a warm cup, dish or kettle

Very clever owls with a gentle bottom ruffle, and appliqued owls

Low volume is very big this year; halter neck styling and deep pockets with accent trim

Dreaming of the tropics, even as summer passes; extra long ties in belt carriers and pockets

On the knitting front, I've been busy working on new items for the holiday season, for the website and for the shops.  I continue to focus on the lovely and popular silk-mohair creations, and am also working on a few cowls inspired by the highly popular Outlander series.  More on that later ....

I did a few new things for friends and family:  A pretty scarf in technique that looks woven and a yummy bulky neck warmer (matching hat yet to come).  

 On the quilting front, I completed the table runner I discussed in earlier postings, which was waiting of the quilting and binding steps.  This was a birthday gift for my Mother.

Thanks for checking in!  More to come in the days to follow.  Enjoy Autumn.

Spring Progressing

Hello again.  Like the buds on the trees and slight greening of the grass, I am coming awake again after the prolonged drag of winter!  I have some updates:

Updates:
Knitting - The cardi sweater (I named 'Cole') is completed -- last seen ready for sew up:

Knit from Madeline Tosh Merino Light, color way 'Grapefruit'

Quilting Challenge: 

The table runner is pieced and marked for quilting (once my quilting extension table comes in at the local sewing machine shop).

Other Activity:  I created a new line of spring-summer weight accessory scarves, which are available at Tait's.  I made two of most styles, and will put the second scarf on the KnittenKaboodle website. 

I love scarves and accessories and I've been collecting suitable and wonderful fabrics for the past several years.  Most fabrics are lightweight cottons or pretty and versatile knits. When selecting fabrics, I think about 'wearability' - choices that work with busy lifestyles.   I also think quite a bit about selecting the edging thread colors, which is important to achieve the desired look -- blend, contrast, accent, define -- polish overall.  These are created as easy to wear with cotton sweaters, denim or suede jackets, or a lightweight dress.  Also great gifts! 

Early Spring Lightweight Scarves

Only at Tait's - Cotton Voile

Only at Tait's: Cotton Knit Infinity Scarf

A Last Word for Today:
I created a new 'Farm Fresh' apron group, with these two delivered to Tait's:
Additional styles are on the cutting table at the time of writing this entry - very cute also!

Ruffle trim with kangaroo central pocket

Butcher style with contrast pockets and ties

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. 

Late Winter, Fresh Aprons Delivered

Just in time for the February special events at Tait's Harvest Shop (their website)!!  I've put together some new aprons, a combination of traditional styles with updated touches and a funky newsprint print in fun and functional apron styles.  Perfect for any season and any reason! 



A favorite 'shortie' style: short body style with a deep working pocket on the front, fully reversible




Pretty and graceful body style; lace trim and generous neck and waist ties




Fun style with ruffle trim and a kangaroo pouch style centered pocket




Classic butcher style apron in an updated stretch cotton fabric with lurex accents and a smart accent trim




A market-style half apron with two pockets and wrap around ties



Six new zipper pouches added as well!