Book Review: Topsy-Turvy Inside-Out Knit Toys

Hi all! I've had this lovely little book since shortly after its release, and I can't stop knitting from it! 

I have always proclaimed myself as a non fiddly bit knitter and would steer clear at all expense of knits requiring lots of ends or seaming up. So I really don't know what set off the sudden need to buy this book, but I'm so glad I did! Not only were my fears of fiddly bits completely unfounded, Susan's genius designs and easy to follow patterns were a joy to knit. I have knit multiple toys from this book including the snowman to tree, egg to penguin, egg to alligator and a few more as well! All have turned out quite sweet and as fast as I knit one it goes just as quickly out the door with its happily enthralled new owner     

So far this little guy is the only one who stayed long enough to get his picture taken, but alas later the same day he was claimed by a very happy newly five year old boy ;)

He is very cute but he does look rather sleepy. 

So my review is definitely get this book! You won't be disappointed and its even fun just to flip through now and then, guaranteed to make you smile. 

Next on my needles will be the dog house to puppy I think....or maybe the squirrel they are both good choices I can't decide. Also on my needles right now are two pairs of socks, a cardigan and another honey cowl which I'm hoping to finish tonight!

Well that's it for now dear friends I'm off to knit land for the rest of the afternoon. See you soon :)

* my opinions are my own I just truly enjoyed this well written book and thought to share the fun. 

Busy, busy, busy!

Hello crafty friends, 

I have been busy lately working on some new projects that are soon to be revealed.

 In the next bit I will be posting a new cowl design, a free sock pattern and a link to my brand new Etsy shop where I will have hand dyed fibers and yarns as well as some project bags and other accessories. 

I'm super excited to share this all with you and I hope you'll keep checking back to see what's new. 

Best wishes, 

Natasha 

A little sneak peak: 

Sock Love

Lately socks seem to be the only things moving off my needles. 

This lovely pile has been distributed between my husband's sock drawer and my own. Not to forget the three pairs also recently finished and the fourth in the works that will soon be added to his collection as well. I really should be knitting anything other then socks but for the life of me I just can't seem to stop. 

Sock yarn is Indigodragonfly.ca colour way Rock Paper Scissors Lizard Spock, pattern is mine soon to shared and the project bag is one of my own creation. 

What I'm drawn to knitting at different times of my life usually speaks volumes about how things are currently and right about now I'd say things are busy and chaotic but in a fun kind of way. So I think socks I shall keep knitting even though I have a project list a mile long...another pair or two will do me no harm. 

Long time no see...

I have abandoned my poor blog long enough. I am planning a come back if you'll have me sweet friends.

There are so many wonderful things I want to share with you but for now let's just say Hi shall we?

Hello!

Day 7 - Handmade Holiday Links

Today I just thought I would share a few interesting links

* Loads of Handmade Holiday ideas here at Plain and Joyful Living
* I know this isn't holiday related but I just love this idea a knitted wedding
* Magpie shares some great last minute knits
* A fun gift idea for the gardener in your life.
* A little inspiration for your sewing room

Be back tomorrow with another project, until then I'm off to brave the gusting wind to take the dogs for a walk and bring in firewood.

A Couple of Dishcloths - Day 6

This year we're not using any traditional gift tags, in place of paper we'll be using various handmade toppers two of them being these two dishcloths. A Luv Bug for my Mom in law and a Cheeky Monkey  for my sister.  Along with the bookmarks I already blogged about here I also still really want to make a bunch of these wishy washy fishy tawashi's.

Ughh it's hard to get a decent photo of a textured cloth isn't it?

Day 5 - Keeping it simple Christmas tree garland

This is the view I had from my kitchen window this morning so lovely and crisp feeling, than I thought if something as simple as snow can make a tree look so wonderful ...why every year do I spend so much money creating a "theme"?

 So keeping with the idea of keeping it simple I broke out my 4.5mm dpn's and set to work.

I cast on 4 stitches, started to work in I-cord and around 20 or so feet I realized this is going to take more time than I thought...I tried to talk N into it but he just wasn't buying my it's so relaxing speech (hmmm...) I guess I'll have to keep at it and in another 20 or 30 feet I should be done ...right?
 

The "almost 20' pile". Looking at this picture I think maybe I should wipe the toast crumbs off the table before knitting on it or at the very least before taking a picture.

Day 4 - Hand Sewn Ornaments

Just a quick post today to share a few of the felt ornaments I've been working on, I love to make these quick projects they involve such a small time commitment that once finished they always make me feel like I accomplished something!

Warmest weekend  wishes!

Handmade Gift with a Family Tie - Day 3

Following our rhythm N and I began our day together discussing our families before he left for work and I set about completing my daily tasks. Family is such an important aspect of our lives that for this reason I feel so strongly about this gift. As simple as it may be this all purpose salve has a history to it, N's Opa has always spent every moment of his life doing something to benefit his family, one of these pursuits happened to be Bee Keeping and until quite recently we have all enjoyed the lovely honey and beeswax which he harvested. Sadly he is no longer capable of such activities and we have all gently rationed out what is left of so may years of love. N and I happened to be in possession of one of the few liquid honey batches ( he usually preferred solid) that he ever made as well as a tiny amount of beeswax, this morning over our coffee we finally decided how best to share this gift with our families.

                           

Packaged along with small jars of honey I made a batch of all purpose salve simply by shaving the beeswax and adding the honey to an apricot oil over a double broiler until melted. This may seem basic and easy but I think it's rather fitting to make a gift that is meant to soothe and protect us when that's what he spent his days trying accomplish.

Day 2 - A little bit of knitting

So yes this post is about knitting but it's also a little bit about giving back to your community and sharing what you can. Even small things make a difference and this is one of my simple favourites all you need to do is knit squares! There's nothing easier than a 40 stitch square (4.5mm needles) right?

 I knit these out of 100% acrylic yarn for easy washing and care they're the perfect stash buster, I've already used up a couple of part skeins that were too small for other projects. I was originally just going to drop off the squares at the Huntsville (Ontario) Hospital where volunteers sew them together into blankets to take to the Chrysalis Women's Shelter, however I have so much stash yarn that I'm trying to work these up quickly so I can donate fully completed blankets instead. I'm really hoping I've got enough yarn and time to get at least two finished. If anyone is looking for an easy way to clear up some yarn mounds ;) .....just knit squares and make a difference!

 Of course that's not all I'm knitting I still have some Holiday gifts left on the needles like the Old Shale Blanket which is planned for some good friends who are expecting their first baby! I love how easy this is to work up, the pattern repeats are easily memorized and I can still cart it around with me in the car to work on because of it's tiny recipient's size.

 I'll have more projects to share in the coming days but for now of course I'm off to knit!