Over the past year, I've gotten a lot of requests for felted (technically, it's fulled) tabi from runners, but I've been kind of loaded with a few large custom commissions. This time of year is the time of year where I should really be working on cranking out huge numbers of socks for the holidays, but it's always the time of year that I get itching to perfect some new designs. This time, it's going to be these felted tabi, so rejoice all you runners out there. :)
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I've been a bad blogger. Seems like every time I hit a lull, life decides to get exciting. The past few weeks have been better, and I've had more of a chance to get some knitting done. This week, I decided to do some instant gratification projects and worked up two pairs of fulled slippers. Awhile ago, I knit my first pair by bungling a pattern, and they're so much fun I made up two more pairs. These have slightly higher sides, making them more clog like, which is a bit more practical if you're doing more than just sitting around. They're super thick -- about 1/4" on the sides -- and the bottoms are doubled for extra squooshiness.  The past few months have been nuts. I'm usually full into knitting frenzy for fall by this time of year, but I'm woefully behind and just starting to get back into the swing of things. I've been needing to do some self nurturing, so I spent some time last week making myself a new pair of socks. This week, I'm going to take stock, make sure everything I have completed is listed in my etsy shop, and make an up-to-date list of what colors and fibers I've got available. I've had some time over the past couple of months to work on some ideas, so I'm glad of that. I finished a pattern for footies last week and have my first pair completed, and I hope to be adding more of those to my shop. With how popular ballet flats are, I hope these appeal to someone!  The past few weeks have been insane and I've been completely out of touch. I actually haven't knit a stitch in THREE WEEKS! All of you knitters out there can appreciate how hectic and stressful it's been, with just that one sentence. :) So a PSA. Everyone dies, some sooner than others, and it's a dirty, complicated business. For your friends, for your family, take care of what you can early. Advance directives for your medical care, a will, and life insurance can all be helpful, but let your next of kin, at least, know your wishes. This can be sooo hard, but it's important and can save your loved ones so much pain and struggle and let them honor you. And a shout out. Many thanks to LifeLegacy. Donating your body is not necessarily as straightforward as you'd think. Some places require preregistration months before a person dies; some places require you to pay for transportation (which can be a huge expense); some places don't require preregistration but may be full when the donation is ready; and some places only provide service during normal business hours. LifeLegacy has a 24 hour hotline with representatives who are available 24 hours a day, requires no preregistration, and makes the process as low impact as possible. I hope to be listing some of my new designs, soon, but plans, as always, are very subject to change! I'm really excited about the upcoming cool weather and seeing how people react to them.
I spend a lot of time coming up with new ideas...most of which never get done! About a week ago, I decided to make more of a dedicated effort to get knitting new things. Rather than tediously planning out my next moves and doing intricate sketches, I'm trying out the wing-it technique. As a result, I've come up with the world's ugliest sock, and this:  I'm pretty pleased with the result, and think I've perfected the pattern. I knit this fish net tabi in a 98% organic cotton, 2% elastic yarn. It works up fantastically for tight knitting like the sole and toes, but it gets pretty saggy through the mesh upper and leg after a few stretches. Once I find a more suitable yarn, I'll get these puppies in my shop! Every time I think I've caught up, I get distracted by something else! There's been a lot going on in the twiddletoes world, and that's both a good thing and a bad thing. The spring weather has been the biggest wrench in the works, recently. Reading outside while the dog suns herself is just too tempting most days, and my production has slowed. I have recently brought some life back into my stash, so I'm hoping I get some yarnspiration soon. I have tons of ideas but am just soo lazy on the implementation. :) I think I've finally caught up on all of the custom orders that came in at the beginning of January. I love the frantic rush, mostly because it puts me into knitting overdrive and allows me to finish a sweater in a week!  Yep, finished in a week. Now that things have slowed down, the knitting factory desires have slowed down, too. After I get a few more new listings of my regular ol' tabi in my shop, I'm going to continue to work on my experiments. Mom, wife, and jewelery artisan has been crafting since she was little, and I bet you couldn't find one craft she hasn't tried! She mentions polymer clay, smocking, and French lace along with many others. I found this little tidbit in her etsy profile and think it really fits with her shop: I create so you can Create Yourself. How neat is that? After looking through her shop, I found I was completely struck by her Peruvian thread earrings. They look painstakingly crafted -- the thread woven to form a variety of patterns, strung with beads, and all in a wire wrapped frame.    I really love the funky, modern, colorful designs that she seems to create the most of.  You can read more about Heidi, her inspirations (a really lovely piece), her goals, her family, and her crafts on her blog. I know I've written about this lovely lady before, but it's always good to catch up with old favorites. Teresa is in love with jewelery design -- from concept, to material selection, to completion. She really goes for unique and uses a wide variety of materials, techniques, and textures in her work. Check out this eye popping, dazzling bracelet:  Teresa is also a big supporter of handmade. Her blog frequently features other artists and shares tidbits about her life. You can also find her at her Handmade Artists shop for more showcases of her handiwork. I already showed you hot and sunny, so I've picked out something a bit more subtle. I love green, and these dainty hoops are so classic.  First, I must apologize for being behind on this post. I thought I'd posted it, but it was hiding in my queue! It's been one of those weeks... This week's feature is Jewelery by Janelle. There are so many extremely talented artists and artisans out there, but every now and then you run across a shop that really has...that je ne sais quoi that hits you. For me, Jewelry by Janelle's shop is just that. It's her use of woods that really gets to me. I love natural woods in my home, be it furniture, paneling, or a piece of driftwood on the wall, but the textures, colors, and absolute glamor that she brings to life in jewelry (and in the last case below, a magnificent box) from is truly beautiful.    And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that she also creates equally lovely non-wood jewelry. I was particularly struck by this snowflake obsidian set she has listed. It's subtle yet striking and would pair wonderfully with so many outfits, formal or casual.  Make sure to check out her blog! She regularly features other artisans and is currently hosting a giveaway for one of her delicious bangles! |
AuthorI'm the brain behind twiddletoes. Read here about material experiments, projects, and my online adventure.  Archives
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