Monthly Archives: May 2013

Fun with Hair Clips

I’ve been working on some cute hair clips for girls to sell on etsy.  The trouble with accessories for kids is that you need pictures of actual kids wearing them. I had to find me some kids.

I called my good friends Pat and Jenny

Photo credit: Ella

Photo credit: Ella

who have an amazing daughter Ella

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who is pretty much as strong-willed as I am.  I knew I had my work cut out for me if I wanted to get professional looking pictures that showcased my products.

At first Ella was not interested in my hair clips.  Then she was very interested.

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She got everyone to join in the fun.

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Photo credit: Ella

Photo credit: Ella

In the end, this was the best picture I got.

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I don’t know if it’s what I need to sell my product, but it’s pretty darn cute! Look at that smile!  I guess I’ll just have to spend more time with Ella, Jenny, and Pat in order to get some more pictures.

Oh, and, parents, Ella spent a good hour playing with these hair clips, so they’re more than just an  accessory – they’re a toy!

 

Leaf Panel – Free Knitting Pattern

I’ve been working on a big project that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time – one of those wrap cardigans that is just a big rectangle with holes for the arms, so the sides fall down in waves. Here’s an example.

My design is knit from side to side and uses four panels.  Here’s my progress so far:

green wrap progress

I have a long way to go!

The left side is the top/side edging, and the right side is the bottom.  Here’s a detail of each panel from left to right:

edging

peacock panel

leaf panel

wave panel

All of the panels except the leaf panel are standard designs found in many large pattern books.  I knew I wanted a embossed leaf panel to run along the waistline, but I couldn’t find the right one, so I had to write my own.  The resulting pattern is for an intermediate skill level (experience required), mainly due to the fact that the stitch count is not consistent from row to row.  I’d love to hear what you think of this pattern or if you have any questions!

Forest Green Cabled Jacket

Back with City

I recently made this jacket for my husband.  The pattern called for a simple jacket with ribbed edging and stockinette stitch, but that just didn’t seem like much fun.  I liked the collared, zip-up jacket, so I kept the basic shape of the pattern and added some cable panels and some moss stitch for texture.

On the back, there are three wheat ear cable panels in the middle and honeycomb panels on both sides.  The collar is moss stitch.  The two front panels are honeycomb outlined in wheat ear cables.  The sleeves are all honeycomb, with moss stitch on the underside.

Back Closeup        Front Closeup

Here’s how this jacket looks in a river with some buffalo.  Not bad, eh?

Buffalo!

Hopefully one day I’ll write out the pattern in full!