… this guy!

Isn’t he adorable?

I’m also playing with some of this stuff:

I’m in Boston this (long) weekend! I’m teaching classes and speaking on a panel about publishing craft books. I’m also getting the chance to hang out with my buddy, fellow stuffed-animal designer Abby Glassenberg. That adorable bear up there is her Pete the Bear (a free sewing pattern!)

I’m taking lots of photos and getting my hands into lots of crafting… I’ll have lots to share when I get home!

Remember last year, I talked about the Purple Stitch Project? It’s a wonderful effort by Vickie Howell to raise epilepsy awareness.

Well, the plushie drive is back in full swing this year!

That’s right, it’s time for you to sew, crochet or knit purple plushies to send to children at Camp Brainstorm, a fabulous camp for children with epilepsy. With your help, each camper will have a purple plushie waiting on their pillow when they arrive!

Check out this blog post for all the details!

I sent a box of purple critters off this week:

I put in a couple of Ella Rae monsters in the box, as well as Ro the Tiny Monster and Avery!

The Ella Rae monsters that I designed are free patterns… so hop on over and download them!

If the deadline’s too tight for you this year, you can always get started for next year… I think it’s going to be an annual event!

I absolutely love making stuff. Sure, most of the time, I talk about knitting or crocheting… but the truth is, I love making just about anything!

So we’re having a ‘Craft School Saturday’ so I can tell you about my adventures in food-making!

Growing Sprouts

Whenever I come back from vacation, I want to dig into all of the ‘home’ things I missed… and I usually get into a few more than I had going before I left.

As soon as we came back from Vietnam, I started growing sprouts, which we had been in the habit of buying (pre-grown) for our salads.

Turns out that growing sprouts (well, I guess ‘sprouting’ sprouts, to be accurate) is ridiculously easy. I bought a pair of sprouting screens, popped them into the lid of a mason jar, added sprouts and watered twice a day. In a week, we had sprouts!

Rendering Lard

I’ve always found the idea of rendering lard fascinating. That you could turn the fat we’d usually throw away into a substance that can be used to make yummy pastries… say no more. I wanted to try.

I discovered a how to render lard tutorial and tried it out with a big chunk of fat from a pork shoulder I was cutting up and freezing.

Well, not everything I do is a success. Despite following the directions (I thought) to the letter, my result is runny and yellow instead of white and hard like the lard I buy from the butcher.

Ooops. Do let me know if you have ideas about what I did wrong.

Sigh. I might have to give this one a try another time.

Churning Butter

I made butter back in 1st grade… but that was with the help of Miss Anselmo, so it hardly counts as a notch in my belt. I thought I’d try again.

Still recovering after the lard snafu, I’m happy to report that churning butter was a snap! I had gotten Home Dairy: All You Need to Know to Make Cheese, Yogurt, Butter & More for Christmas, and I followed the instructions, which are basically to put heavy cream into a mason jar and shake.

In no time I saw the butter and buttermilk separate:

Which I strained off to get my own butter!

I couldn’t be happier! I promptly spread it on a slice of my freshly-baked challah and enjoyed it!

What’s Next?

I don’t know why, but getting into food and crafts really helps me feel like I’m ‘settled in’ back home.

I probably won’t keep up with the pace of trying 3 new adventures a week… but I’m wondering: what should I do next?

According to my Ravelry Page, I started these boot liners on June 18th, 2012. That’s 11 months ago.

Of course, I haven’t been crocheting them for the whole 11 months. They began hibernating (probably because it was summer and I didn’t feel like working on winter-wear)… and then they slept clear through the winter!

I’m happy to report that last weekend, I finished them!

Ta da!

Look how nicely they fit!

I modified a pattern from A Crafty House: adding some colorwork to the cuff and a little bit of shaping so that they fit tightly around the ankle. I love them! You can wear them ‘up’ (for extra leg warmth):

Or ‘down’ for extra plushness around the boot-exterior:

It’s a shame that I finished them right when it’s gotten warm! Ah, well… winter will come again next year!

Thanks for stopping by and reading!

If you want to see more great finished items… make sure to visit Tami’s Amis blog, the organizer of this great FO Friday theme!

I hope you have an awesome and craft-filled weekend!

I’ll be in Boston this weekend, teaching at Gather Here and speaking on a panel at Brookline Booksmith! So much fun!

Today’s guest tutorial is written by Jennifer Crowley, the designer/teacher/blogger at www.tinkingturtle.com.

Jennifer Crowley is a knit and crochet designer who teaches up and down the east coast. You can check out her designs on Ravelry. Recent and upcoming publications include Sockupied, Knitpicks and Classic Elite Yarns.

When not knitting or crochet, she can be often seen zipping around DC and the surrounding area on her bike.

So you are planning a trip to Washington DC, and you want to visit some yarn stores? Well, you are in luck. In addition to being a city full of cultural attractions, DC has a number of yarn stores, accessible by a combination of riding the Metro, Bus, or walking. If you are fortunate to have a car, the access to Yarn Stores improves even more. Recent changes have meant that old yarn stores have closed, and new ones are joining the group this year, so it’s a great time to go and check them out.

When I first moved to DC, I didn’t have a car, and was entirely dependent on my bike and public transportation. I have firsthand experience about what stores are the easiest to get to, and in this quick tour I’ll highlight the ones that are accessible to public transportation.

I think of the DC Yarn stores by Region. In Maryland, there’s: Woolwinders (8), The Yarn Spot (5) and Knit & Stitch = Bliss (4). In DC, there’s Looped Yarn Works (1) and The Knitting Loft (2). And in Virginia, there’s: Fibre Space (3), Uniquities (7) and Aylin’s Wool Gatherer (6).

Disclaimer: I teach classes at Woolwinders, Fibre Space, and The Yarn Spot as a contract. I do not believe this influenced my review.

Looped Yarn Works

Looped Yarn Works (1) is located on the second story of a beautiful building near Dupont Circle Metro Station, about a 2 ½ block walk away. Looped offers a nice range of different priced yarns. One of the things I love about Looped is the amount of Natural light they have in the store. Susan and Janie, the owners, have put such careful work into making the space welcoming to customers, and are constantly featuring new activities, visiting authors and other events in the store.

How to get there: Looped is located on 1732 Connecticut Ave, NW #200 (remember, they’re on the second floor!) in Washington, DC. The best way to get there is by metro, as there isn’t that much parking in that area of town. Dupont Circle, located on the Red Line, is very close to the store.

The Knitting Loft

The Knitting Loft (2) is the newest addition to the DC Metro Yarn Stores, having opened in the Summer of 2013. As a new store, their selections of yarns are still expanding, but the staff couldn’t have been more welcoming when I stopped by over the summer. The great thing about this store, is they are wheelchair accessible and on the ground level. Located near the Eastern Market, the store is the perfect stop on a day of window shopping.

How to get there: The Knitting Loft’s address is 1227 Pennsylvania Ave Southeast, and is near both the Blue/Orange Line Metro. You can get to it from both the Eastern Market or Potomac Ave stops – both are about a 3 block walk away, though Potomac Ave is marginally closer. Parking, if you choose to drive, is a little bit easier to come by, but I think it’s still easier to metro in.

Fibre Space

Fibre Space (3) is the hip yarn store of Old Town Alexandria. They specialize in hand painted and hand dyed yarns, but have a good range of workhorse yarns too. Fibre Space offers a vibrant array of classes and great space to sit and knit. I always love checking out the window displays when I come to visit – they always have something creative put up! This last time I visited their window had a mannequin with a packed box of yarn – referring to the fact that in a few short weeks they’ll be moving around the corner to a new location that offers more space and versatility. It’ll be exciting to see how the store continues to expand!

How to get there: While technically in Virginia, Fibre Space is very accessible to DC and so it’s easy for tourists to visit. Fibre Space’s address is 102 North Fayette Street (for now) and is about 6 blocks from the King Street Metro. It’s a little bit of a walk, but under a mile, and it’s a pleasant walk at that, with lots of stores to widow shop. If you choose to drive, it’s easy to get off 495 and go straight up Route 1 (N Patrick St). You should consider parking along King, Prince, Duke or Queen Street, or any of the cross streets. Then walk to the store. Most parking is one or two hours – so be careful how much time you spend in any one place. If you are planning to make an afternoon out of looking around Old Town Alexandria, take the Metro and save yourself the worry.

The Yarn Spot

The Yarn Spot (5) is my personal “local yarn store” and until I moved this past year, I could easily walk to it in about five minutes. The Yarn Spot features two great places to sit and knit (a circle of couches and chairs and a table) and a friendly welcoming atmosphere. Yarn is arranged according to weight, with a middle section that rotates out different yarns that are being featured. They also have spinning supplies and fiber. With a knowledgeable staff – this is the perfect store to go to if you have a “knitting emergency” and need some help. They feature a wide range of yarns, from hand dyed yarns to workhouse yarns like Spud and Cloe Sweater and Encore.

How to get there: The Yarn Spot’s address is 11406a Georgia Ave, Wheaton, MD. Unfortunately, they are a bit hidden from the road, but if you look for “The Anchor Inn” sign, they are in the shopping center located behind the sign. The store has parking if you choose to drive, or it’s about a 1/2 mile walk from the Wheaton Metro to the store.

Woolwinders

Woolwinders (8) is one of my favorite stores to go for classes. They have very knowledgeable teachers and staff, and every time I go there I learn something new. They have a good selection of mid-range yarns, and highlight some really interesting higher range yarns. The last time I was there I appreciated their selection of Rowan Pattern books. I love how two of the walls of the store are windows, and how much natural light comes into the space. It really makes it easier to choose colors for my projects.

How to get there: Woolwinders is a brisk walk from Shady Grove Metro Station – just under a mile. Located at 404 King Farm Blvd in Rockville, MD, this is also a good store to drive to, with plenty of parking street-side or behind the store.

Knit & Stitch = Bliss

Knit & Stitch = Bliss (4) is one of my favorite stores to go to if I’m looking for patterns or books. They have a really good selection, and a nice area to sit down and flip through all the books and patterns as you are deciding what to work on. Yarn selection runs from midrange to some nice high priced yarns, and they have a great selection of needles and notions. Located near the heart of Bethesda, there’s great shopping and restaurants nearby if you wish to make a short trip of going to the store and picking up dinner or lunch.

How to get there: Knit & Stitch = Bliss is located at 4706 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda MD. If taking the metro, walk West down Rockville Pike until you turn right on Bethesda Ave. If driving, there’s plenty of street parking available, and a few different parking lots if you don’t relish parallel parking.

Aylin’s Wool Gatherer

Aylin’s Wool Gatherer and its compatriot, Uniquties, are both a bit harder to get to by public transportation, but still worth the visit.

Aylin’s Wool Gatherer (6) has the honor of being one of the longest running stores in the metro DC area, running upwards of 35 years. Specializing in offering a wide selection of mid-range yarns, including some nylon blends I haven’t noticed elsewhere, this store is a solid addition to the Metro DC Yarn stores. When shopping, prices are listed on sheets throughout the store.

How to get there: Aylin’s is a bit hidden from the street, being located on the third floor of a building (however, there’s an elevator!). Their address is 7245 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church, VA. However, when walking or driving to the store look for the Starbucks in Loehmann’s Plaza, and go around the corner. You’ll see a side entrance to the building; take the elevator to the third floor. The store is down the hall. If you have difficulty, call the store at 703-573-1900 – they are old hands at giving directions. As to transportation, this is one store where driving is definitely easier, though it is possible to take public transportation. If you ride the Metro to the Dunn Loring-Merrifield Station, you can then walk to the Temp Bay D (follow the signs). From there, you can catch the 1B bus towards Ballston Station. Get off at Arlington BV & Graham Rd, and walk towards Loehmann’s Plaza.

Uniquities

Uniquities (7) offers not only yarn to knitters and crocheters, but is one of my favorite stores to check out for their spinning supplies. One of the other things I love about the store is their separate class space, which makes taking classes very pleasant. I also love their yarn choices, with a stunning collection of sock and laceweight yarns, and a wide range of worsted and aran weights too. They carry some of my favorite yarn lines, like Mountain Colors, Blue Sky Alpacas and Manos Del Uruguay.

How to get there: Uniquties is also a store that is easier to drive to. They’re located at 421 Church Street Northeast, Vienna, VA. Driving, there’s a spacious parking lot to park at. If you are looking to take public transportation, take the Metro to the Dunn Loring-Merrifield Station, then walk to Bus Bay B. Take the 2T towards Tysons Corner and get off at R 123 Maple Ave & Beulah Rd. The store is a block away.

Want more stores?

While the eight yarn stores I’ve highlighted here are the easiest to get to via public transportation, there are a few others that deserve honorable mention.

• The Knitting Boutique: 910 Cromwell Park Drive, Suite 108 Glen Bernie, MD
• In Stitches Needlework: 8800-F Pear Tree Court, Alexandria, VA
• Nature’s Yarns: Germantown Square 11212 Lee highway, Fairfax, VA
• All About Yarn: 8970 Old Annapolis Road (Route 108) Suite G, Columbia, MD

I only brought one project to Vietnam, and it was a bead crochet necklace.

I didn’t do too much crocheting while on vacation, but I did work on it while on the flights. I estimate I’ve gotten about 80% done:

(The little cutie you see is a Rilakkuma toy I picked up on my Tokyo layover!

I’m excited about it! I’ve made a bead crochet bracelet, so this will be my biggest piece, yet!

I’ll keep you posted!

That’s what I’ve been up to this week… how about you? I hope you have an awesome Wednesday, and get some great knitting/crocheting done this week!

If you want to check out more Work-In-Progress posts, please check out Tami’s Ami’s Blog, who’s been organizing a great WIP Wednesday blog theme! And, don’t forget to come back for FO (Finished Object) Friday!

When I published Flavia the Unicorn, I thought I was being quite clever in suggesting you could use the same pattern to make both a unicorn and a horse!

And then you guys got your creative juices flowing…

But my ideas are nothing compared to what happened when you guys got your hands on the pattern!

Horses and unicorns are child’s play! You started making donkeys and zebras!

Chloe made an adorable donkey:

And Nikki used the same pattern to crochet a zebra:

So creative!

I’ll bet that if you crochet this guy in pink, and leave off the hair, you’ll have pig!

What else can you think of doing with this pattern?

In the Boston area? Join me!

This weekend, I’ll be teaching two classes at Gather Here in Cambridge, MA.

There’s a class Saturday and Sunday… so if you’re in the area, I hope you’ll join me!

And on Monday night, I’ll be speaking on a panel at Brookline Booksmith about craft publishing along with Abby Glassenberg (author of The Artful Bird & Stuffed Animals), Kari Chapin (author of Grow Your Handmade Business), Virginia Johnson (owner of Gather Here) and Jennifer Urban-Brown (editor at Roost Books)!

The event is free, so join us!

I’m so excited… I’ve been waiting for this day for a while!

FreshStitches Dolls are here!

I’ve been wanting to design a line of dolls for a while… I knew they needed to be cute and adorable, but also easy to crochet. I was letting the ideas simmer in my head until I came up with some designs that were just right:

Don’t you love them?

There’s Olivia, the ballerina, Mia, the cutie with curly hair, Avery, the doll with a dress and Ethan, the boy doll!

Olivia the Ballerina is sporting an adorable tutu and ballet slippers:

I made sure to include a boy doll… because I don’t think dolls are just for girls! Little boys like playing with dolls, too! And check out Ethan’s adorable sneakers:

The dolls are 18″ tall when completed… so big and cuddly!

Grab the e-book

Of course, each of these dolls are cuties. But, I wanted everyone to be able to crochet a doll that looked just like them (or their little one)! So, I created the A Doll Like Me! e-book!

The e-book contains everything you need to make your custom doll! Check out all of the options:

Curly hair, straight hair, a dress, pants, sneakers, ballet slippers… all of the options to crochet the dolls I’ve shown you, plus your own custom doll!

I want everyone to be able to make their own cutie… so this week only, you can grab the A Doll Like Me! ebook for only $18! The price will return to it’s usual $20 next week, and is a huge savings over buying the doll patterns individually!

Which doll are you going to make?

I have a little secret… the next crochet-a-long (beginning May 23rd) is going to be a doll-a-long! So, it’s a good time to grab the pattern and start thinking about what you’re doll’s going to be wearing!

And because finding a great skin-tone yarn can be tricky, I’ve compiled a list of suggestions:

I can’t wait to see everyone’s dolls!

It can be hard to find a nice skin-tone yarn. So, I’ve compiled a few suggestions for you!

Keep in mind that it’s going to be hard to find a yarn that’s exactly like a skin tone… remember you’re crocheting a toy, not painting an exact likeness! Keep your mind open, and you’ll find a yarn that’s at least close!

Doll Day is tomorrow!

Don’t forget, tomorrow is the release day for my new, super-exciting doll patterns! I think you’ll love them!

And… now I know you’ll be able to pick the perfect color for your doll!

What’s the blanket stitch? Some fancy new crochet stitch?

Nope! It’s an embroidery stitch!

Why… I know you’re wondering… is there a tutorial for an embroidery stitch on a crocheting/knitting blog?

Well, it turns out that the blanket stitch is really easy to do and is a great stitch to use for attaching felt appliques to your crocheted/knitted fabric!

So, if you’ve mastered the hip stitch, you might want to go ahead and add the blanket stitch to your crafty hip-pocket!

In fact, it’s the stitch I used to attach the eyes to my new doll pattern (coming out on Monday!) I like the blanket stitch because it leaves a nice little border around the piece that you’re attaching.

Now for the video…

Here’s the video that shows you how to do it!

To view the video in full-screen, click ‘play’, and then the rectangle in the lower right-hand corner.

What do you think? Is it something you might try?

More about those dolls!

As you can tell from reading the blog this week, I am just over the top excited about my new dolls pattern that’s coming out on Monday.

I’ll be releasing 4 individual doll patterns, as well as an e-book called ‘A Doll Like Me!’. It contains everything you need to create a customized doll… one that looks like you (or a sweetie in your life)!

I just finished making the fancy graphic that shows all of the options:

Are you squeeing with me?

Tomorrow, I’m going to compile a list of yarn suggestions… because let me tell you, the hardest thing about making a doll is finding a natural-looking skin color! I’m gathering colors from oodles of lines of yarn… so I think you’ll be able to find one that suits you!