I'm a KnitWit!

My MIL taught me and DQ how to knit this summer. I am now completely nuts over it, looking for different needles, different gorgeous yarn, and even "Torn Fabric String".

My first project--a case for my PDA!

It's basic yarn, with a stockingette stitch, and I'm pretty darned proud.

My next, a case for my beloved MP3 player:

It's Chenille yarn and GAVE ME FITS trying to do the stockingette stitch, so after undoing it like 10 times (and the yarn falls apart doing that) I gave up and just stuck with the "knit stitch/garter stitch". MUCH better. I love the softness of this, the plush colors and the celtic button I found.

My current project is a tote bag using "Torn Fabric String" made from strips of batik fabric. OHHHHHH how I love this! So up my alley since I tend to use batiks in my quilts. It's going to be so very neat as soon as I can track down more to finish it.

I'd like my next project to be fingerless gloves; my hands get cold at the computer and other activities where I need the dexterity of my fingers. I'm going to hunt down some yummy natural yarn, perhaps cashmere or even silk or bamboo yarn. But I need more lessons first!

I'll be taking a few custom orders at The Crafty Angel. Hope to see you there!

Memo Boards

One of my latest endeavors has been making "French Memo Boards"--Canvas covered with fabric and sewn with ribbons and buttons. Here are the first 3 I've made:

This was my very first, for my daughter's room. We fell in love with the realistic dolphin print and irridescent ribbons. This hangs directly on the wall with a picture hanger. You can insert items between the ribbon, or clip them to the ribbon (my daughter uses small slip barrettes). You can even loop award ribbons over the buttons themselves.

I wanted a place to show off my piano students and their progress (they earn points for practicing, which they redeem for prizes).

This is for our room, which will eventually be a whole Klimt theme. I got lucky, purchasing the last 1/2 yard of this European Klimt print from eQuilter. I think this is my favorite one, loved the sheer ribbon and antique-looking buttons, plus the variegated ribbon it hangs from. I had to put up pictures of our recently departed dog, Max, as well as our new puppy Willow, and her object of torment, Cassie the cat. I'll also put up some inspirational quotes and other things that strike my fancy.

If you are interested in one, please visit my newly opened BlogStore, The Crafty Angel! I will have custom orders available (just in time for the holidays) as well as a few other items.