Looking Over

{Design*Sponge}

As we are looking over the brink of a new year,

this is a great time to reflect and introduce new things.

I have a few thoughts brewing on resolutions, goals, and Edwards, and once those thoughts are organized you can find them at The Pickwick Portfolio!

In the mean time, I'd like to introduce and re-introduce some wonderful and inspiring resources!

This is by no means an exhaustive list but they are the highlights of

creative, online finds for this year. Perhaps you've seen them already and perhaps these are brand-new, regardless, I hope they help to creatively jump-start you into the new year.

Caro, Mica and I in downtown Alexandria, VA

A Wholesome New World

In the past few years, our family has really branched out in the area of nutrition and my sister Mica has been quite the leader/researcher in this area. Not only has she come up with some yummy recipes and new traditions but she's also learned a lot about the history and the "why's" of what we do in the kitchen. Her "foodie" posts mostly cover gluten and dairy-free recipes and she also includes some interesting facts and tid-bits.

This is a great place for all of your health and nutrition interests!

L-R: Ana, Alyssa, and Amy

Days to Remember

Pressing Toward the Goal

Everything Good

The three blogs above are authored by some very sweet, new friends that I met in November at our annual church conference. Living in the wintry north and being delightful "stay-at-home daughters", they offer a wonderful perspective on making home a sweet place to be.

This is a great way to receive sound encouragement--they also have a shop (Rosebud & Wilbur)!

Kyleigh Fox :)

A Drum of a Different Beat

Kyleigh Fox is the sister of Cait Cady (whom you've seen here before) and I have had the dear pleasure of getting to know her a bit through email and meeting her-at last!- in person recently. She quilts beautifully and has a unique creative touch; more significantly, Kyleigh has a wonderful perspective on living Biblically and doing everything she can to please the Lord.

I am challenged by what she has to say and am blessed by her posts.

Inspiring photo from the blog

Soule Mama

If you haven't check this one out yet, please do! Amanda has a wealth of creative knowledge and is just so inspiring; she also does things as naturally as possible and I'm always inspired after reading her posts. Right now I am using some of her projects as an inspiration for an upcoming shop item/new project--stay tuned!

I Still Love You

You might have seen the button for this on my sidebar.

I love Melissa's creativity, DIY's, and tutorials! It's a great place to get calligraphy ideas, color and placing, as well as some great ways to refashion your favorite clothing items.

She also has great photos and an easy to navigate site.

Flying Fingers

If you are in the Sleepy Hollow/Tarrytown area, I would highly suggest making a visit to the Flying Fingers yarn shop! It's an adorable shop set-up, snug in the main street of Tarrytown. They have a wonderful, colorful selection of wool, angora, and blended yarns!

And if you have a moment to spare, take the 30-second walk up the street to Coffee Labs! It's a warm coffee shop with their own roaster, right in the cafe!

Don't forget to ask about their burlap sacks (and get one for me too!).

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Well that's all for now, what are your favorite places?

Do you have a blog/shop that you just love?

Let me know and after a preview I'll feature it here!

{New Shop Items}

{All Posters}

Here ye, here ye!

There are fun new things happening in the shop!

A new banner and new items to show you,

so make your way over there and peruse through, and let me know what you think!

Be sure to check back here for more fun products, my closet/studio is bustling with new ideas and products while my knitting basket is full of new (and old) projects.

Needless to say, as full as my time is I always enjoy custom orders and I can make time for something that fits your fancy--

--don't be afraid to ask!

I hope that you're as busy with new inspirations and well-loved hobbies; it's wonderful to have things that full and make use of your time.

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Today I am packing for the Texas hill country for a long weekend!

I'm looking forward to spending time with my Grandparents and family there, as well as

some fresh tamales and empanadas,

long walks and hot tea,

Old Christmas movies and popcorn,

Giggles and lots of Spanish!

I'll meet you back here Tuesday for some fresh inspiration and possibly a tutorial

(as long as I can find the pictures!).

Bon voyage.

p.s. You might have seen the items featured here on the blog!

Family Portraits

I love old photographs.

One of the antique shops that we seasonally frequent has a box of old photo's for sale. Mostly there are quite a bit of wartime photo's and family shots like the one's above.

The knowledge that these were once cherished memento's makes looking through them a bit odd and slightly morbid.

At the same time, I'm glad that as the owners don't care for them anymore, someone else can;

Much better than dusting up someone's attic or the rubbish can.

And, as the cashier at the shop said,

"At least they're in good hands now".

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What sorts of things do you keep an eye out for while you're shopping?

A few of mine are sentimental photo's, spoon rings, vintage fabrics, and depression glass.

{Recent Creation}

Here is another custom order crown that I donated to an auction.

You remember me mentioning the Frye family and their adoption process?

Well, I was very excited to participate in a Facebook auction to raise funds for their family.

You can keep up with them at their adoption blog, Walking in Faith;

Mr. and Mrs. F are currently in country on their first visit with Alice. It has been a sweet blessing for me to read their daily posts and what the Lord is doing there!

This project reminded me what I LOVE doing custom orders.

Each time I learn something new and am able to expand my creative horizons. This was my first time to work with sequins as well as the first time to add ribbon to the end of the crown as opposed to elastic--I like the ribbon much better :)

Sophie willingly agreed to pose for these shots as well as her bunny. Isn't she adorable?

{Apple Cider and Van Gogh}

{Vincent van Gogh}

I found this peaceful print in my studies for the Humanities exam and I think that it's the most non-van Gogh looking painting that I've seen yet. Quite a far cry from Sunflowers and Almond Branches in Bloom, San Remy, this simple piece is giving the viewer a peak at her knitting labor.

How did you like my ultra mini-Sister Wendy commentary?

I must say that I will be very sad when this exam is over; I've really enjoyed all of the art, literature, and music studies!

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Well, we are planning to spend the latter part of next week at my Grandparent's home in the Texas hill country. This will be our first Christmas with them in this great state; usually we would go to see them in frigid New Mexico but since they moved here last year, this will be different.

I'm very happy to say that the scheduled knitting/sewing projects are done for the month and I'm furiously working on a few side projects for my Dad, a sweet friend, myself,

and a new pattern. Hopefully pictures will follow of...

a Harry Potter-like hat and scarf,

a super cute and warm Longford and/or Republic hat,

a lavender, lacy cardigan, and

a sweet, yellow beret

(a new pattern from Stitch Nation that I

found--for free!--at Hobby Lobby).

Yes, the knitting basket is full again and I have this hankering for hot apple cider--again!

The urge came to me in Baltimore and I'm afraid has followed me all

around our travels and back here at home.

Unlike chocolate chaud, you can keep drinking apple cider without the fear of a sugar rush.

At any rate, back to knitting.

Happy Merry Christmas

November Highlights {in pictures}

{one lucky duck}

If you're in New York and in need of a raw food fix or just a really good salad,

Pure Food and Wine is the place to go,

just be sure your wallet can manage the cost it is to make the food

(I which case, I would highly suggest the Spicy Thai Wraps).

It was a bit like culture shock to come home to a Houston December after being in a New York November (as in a 25-30 degree difference!), but home is very sweet :)

Here are a few shots of the times we've had over the past two weeks,

enjoy!

My sister Caro enjoying a Gray's papaya hot dog!

Not sure it would make it after being shipped halfway across the country but it was pretty tasty.

{National Gallery of Art}

Soon after this picture was taken, I found a $20 bill on the sidewalk, neatly folded and screaming, "take me!". So I scooped the dust out of my wallet, place it inside, and named it "Lucky". Green proof that I don't miss everything.

A great window display outside a bookshop (ideas, ideas, ideas!).

22, November

Quail egg from Whole Foods!

For a mere $.89 you could take that cutie home with you--we we're pretty tempted.

Fun times with my very dear friend, Maria

A Very Merry Birthday

{Design*Sponge}

Thirteen more days :)

Twenty is a big step for me; I've never been twenty before

and that means I won't be a teenager anymore

--actually, I hadn't thought of that one (really, I hadn't!) until my orthodontist mentioned it.

It seems so much more than nineteen, so I'm hoping it will be a better balance for the braces:)

Seriously, I don't usually get so excited about my birthday but this one is

pretty special for two reasons--okay, maybe three:

1. We'll be in New York(!!!), thus the East Coast in the Fall.

I'm really looking forward to the accents, colors, and yes,

the cold!

Papaya drink and hot dog, roasted chestnuts, and NY pizza,

here I come!

2. I might be able to convince my family to go see an opera

(I'm thinking a matinee of Cosi fan tutte, we shall see).

3. We'll be with dear, sweet friends.

This is probably the main reason that thrills me the most :)

{bonus} For just one year it will be that much easier to calculate how far apart

Nicole and I are in age! Yes, that reason was free of charge

This is Grace.

She is small and very sweet.

She's also sporting the latest custom birthday crown; made with love for the party of a special birthday girl. I've branched out from the style I used for Mia; for example, with the one above, I covered the elastic with fabric and I did a few things different in the way I embroidered the pieces together. It was pretty fun to put together and I hope the Little Birthday Girl enjoys it!

{Inspiration}

This is a lightweight coat a dear friend loaned to us--isn't it adorable!

Yes, those felt flowers are sewn onto the sides of the light blue corduroy

I'm so excited to wear in on the plane!

We still have a few things to wrap up at the house and all of the packing to do!

Tomorrow we are planning to spend some time in Austin and are hoping to find some hostess gifts, other gifts, and general shopping. I know we just saw them

but we're all aching to see Nicole and the Stickies!

Dom won't be 17 months forever and I don't think we can see our family too often.

Are there any other Fall birthday people out there?

It's my favorite season and a pretty good month in which to have a birthday :)

{on the needles}

This is reason #562 of "Why I Love Ravelry"

(Beside the entire issue of free patterns)

A few years ago I misplaced a fabulous Spud and Chloe pattern (oh yes, I was super sad), but I've re-learned the Honeycomb stitch, so perhaps I can re-create it on my own since I can't justify re-buying the expensive pattern for something that I could probably knit without it.

It is my current "take with me everywhere I go because you never know when you will have a chance to knit" project.

Like a few rows at the park on a crisp-Houston-November day,

before going to adventure in the woods that is :)

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So, what are on your needles--or sewing machine, crochet hook, or loom?

{Happy November}

{Design*Sponge}

"Do what you can,

with what you have,

where you are."

~Teddy Roosevelt

That has been an inspirational quote for me this past year, and just about sums up my outlook on knitting, sewing, and just about every area! Coupled with setting goals and priorities, it has been so helpful as my small business has slowly taken shape and grown.

I love my crafts and I'm thankful that I am living in this time and season that I can devote time and energies to improving these hobbies. I also want to be so guarded with my time and not be so caught up with them that I forgo my responsibilities and place with in my home! Hence the setting goals and priorities! It is much easier for me to set aside a project when I know that I am on schedule; also, it's helpful for the happy customers!

Do you have goals and schedules? They're so handy, especially for this upcoming season!

I'd love to know what helps you the best and if there are any tried and true methods you would suggest!

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p.s. The birthday countdown begins--22 more days,

I'm so excited :)

In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning

{Design*Sponge}

As usual around this time of year, when people ask how I am doing I say,

"Oh busy, busy, but a good kind of busy."

"Busy"--Studying, sewing, knitting, hosting, travelling...you get the idea, LIFE.

But it seems that particularly, right around my favorite time of year, things happen.

For instance:

::Knitting like a crazy woman, preparing for trunk shows and custom orders::

::Planning a family vacation up the East Coast!!! We've wanted to do it for ages and, Lord willing, will be spending Thanksgiving in New York with some dear friends (!!!!!!).

I'm so excited ::

::Hosting Austin family this weekend for Semper Reformanda conference (looking forward to hearing Paul Washer!)::

::When I can drag upself up in the wee small hours of the morning, I study (currently for the English Lit exam--which I love)::

Right, so, it doesn't seem like a huge load when I type it all out

but let me tell you, there are lots of "little" things that fill in the day!

I'm learning to be more devoted to a schedule instead of the

naturally flexible and spontaneous person that I am :)

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What fills your fall days?

p.s.

As I research all of the literary time periods, I enjoy listing to this song, oh, and this one too. Enjoy!

{Fall Sale}

I've been pretty busy lately and very grateful for the different projects.

Here is one that I'm very excited to share with you!

It's all about the brand new,

Lemons and Blueberries

Fall Pre-Etsy Sale

15-22 October

For fans of the Lemons and Blueberries Facebook fanpage, you can get in on our exclusive Pre-Etsy prices!

This means that our fall products are ready and waiting, but before I upload them onto my shop I wanted to offer some special prices to you!

Just visit the {Fall 2010} photo album and search for the exclusive pre-Etsy price!

Remember, the sale ends the 22, October!

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Not on Facebook? It's easy, just contact me and I'll send you the pictures and prices :)

Enjoy.

{Home}

I've just come back from a little over two weeks in Austin with my Aunt.

She needed someone to help with the house while she rested and recovered from have her fifth, sweet baby. Rebecca Nicole has made such a wonderful addition to the family!

I can't tell you all of the lessons I learned managing four children and the house, but I can tell you how thankful I was that my Uncle and Aunt allowed me the use of their car and responsibility to take the children for outings!

It was such a blessing to be so close to my sister too! Nicole graciously gave her time to spend lunch and afternoon outings with us and I really treasure the time spent with her.

To spend time with Mia and Sophie was very sweet.

This is Abby.

She is small and very funny.

She's also modeling my new felt crown creation

(made over the course of two movies and a cup of teaccino), which was given to my niece Mia for her fourth birthday.

I had been browsing a few inspirations for a while, then decided that free hand and a combination of a few things were the best. It really was quick and easy-peasy to make (one of my favorite combinations).

So, even though I am home, it won't be for long :)

I feel like I say this every season, but this really has been a busy season for my family.

It's the way we like it and the way we work best I suppose!

Really, I appreciate it because it forces me to manage my time well (or at least try to manage my time well) and has made me appreciate the small seasons of quiet and rest even more.

That's one of the things I love about busy times; that feeling of being so tired-because-you worked-hard at the end of a full day.

Sleep really is sweet to the laborer.

{Yellow}

Butter, cheery, and bright come to mind when I think of this lovely color.

It's one of my very favorites and one of the most inspirational colors I know of, so here are a few photos that have kept the creative juices running these past few weeks.

Enjoy.

{Note: these come from the wonderful, Design*Sponge}

Busy Bee

Design*Sponge

Well, a part of me thought that I might possibly be less busy after I set up my shop,

ha, quite the contrary!

My mind (and craft tray) are budding with new project and project ideas!

The biggest one is a "Baby Bum" diaper cover project.

Both my Aunt and sister use cloth diapers for their stickies~very cool! Wool is a wonderful cover for these because they practically clean themselves! In addition to knitting your own, there are several ways to recycle wool sweaters and make them into covers.

I have been all week researching how to do this and yesterday was able to trace out a small cover for a pattern. I will be felting this cover but am still undecided as to the detailed shape. Thankfully, I have some time before the cover will be needed, so in the mean time I am enjoying the mental challenge!

Hopefully, there will be a tutorial and pictures to follow the completion of this project!

New Beginnings

Well, it's here, the moment you and I have been waiting for!

My brand new etsy shop is now online and open for business.

{Please note the new shop link on the sidebar!}

I've added a few things already and have plans to upload more items as time goes by.

To be quite honest, I'm a wee bit nervous about selling online but I'm planning on taking everything in stride and being willing to correct my mistakes!

I'd like to note a few people who have encouraged and greatly helped me in this venture.

This is by no means a complete list, but I would like to take this time

to thank some particular people:

1. My parents, for encouraging me to have a plan and vision for this cottage industry, and to take the time to make it happen.

2. Kelly and Andrea, for providing invaluable knowledge and insight in entrepreneuralism.

A very heartfelt "thank you" is in order for the sweet encouragment and example you have been, whether you know it or not. I have been so blessed by your influence and wise words.

3. Mrs. Emily Frye, for being an encouragment in all things crafty and "knitty"; by your words and deeds I have learned many things not only about crafts but also about life. You are a true example of a Titus 2 woman.

4. My wonderful sisters, thank you for the all of the times you encouraged me, tried on my creations, gave me your honest opinions, modeled for photographs, and shared late night conversations. I love and treasure you.

5. The Wonderful Hood Family, your words of wisdom are truly priceless!

Thank you for donating your children to model my items and giving me much insight. I have really come to love and treasure your family, and am very grateful for you.

6. Emily Rose, you are such a sweet sister and a great inspiration to me.

I learn so much from your gentle spirit and willingness to work with your hands

and find your joy and delight in the Lord. You also take beautiful photographs!

7. Jasmine, your input, interest, and encouragement is so very important to me.

I love you dearly and am grateful for you.

Let me say again how grateful I am for each person above and the ones I have not named.

It truly is a blessing, may God be praised!

Alice Faith

Mary Cassatt

Perhaps you remember reading here about a sweet friend, Mrs. Emily Frye, wife-mother-and knitter extraordinaire!

I am so excited to share with you her new blog. I've thought to myself for quite a while that she would make a wonderful blogger; with her extensive knowledge of crafts, motherhood, and striving to be a godly wife, coupled with her sense of humor, blogging would be a literal breeze.
Well, this is part of the reason why I am so excited that she has started a blog; I'm even more excited because this blog will archive their journey of adopting.

This has been a sweet and blessed development and I have been encouraged and convicted by listening to what the Lord has shown and is showing to the Frye family. Their joy and faithfulness through this journey has been sweet to witness.

So, I highly encourage you to head over to Walking in Faith; there are two posts thus far so it really shouldn't take you long to catch up on what has been happening in the life of the Frye family.

Enjoy.







p.s. Yes, Alice Faith is the name the Frye's have chosen for their new little blessing.

Praise God for His sweet and great faithfulness!

There Once Was A Chair...

...quite a plain chair.

This piece has been in my room for a few years and recently (like, two months ago recently), I bought some fabric that better suited my fancy, and took off the original fabric.

For some reason that I can't remember, I waited a while before putting the new fabric on, and I realized that this new project went a wee bit over my head (read: I was very nervous).

Thankfully, I now have a sweet, friend helping, who is a much more accomplished seamstress than I. After just one afternoon, we've made some wonderful headway and are half finished with this chair! I'll post more when I've finished :)

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{side note}

This post from Oh, Hello Friend (you are loved) reminded me of how fun it would be to learn about printing on a letterpress.

Coming Along

This month finds my mind and knitting bag pretty full.

There are so many projects I'd like to start (and finish) as well as lots of things to fit into our schedule; it's funny how quickly time flies by. It seems like I'm always working to make the most of my time. I've come to the conclusion that few people are truly busy each moment of the day/week. Quite the contrary, the majority of people really have lots of spare time; it's really a matter of redeeming it. So, I ought to be grateful for the schedule I have a make the most of it.

For me, getting up earlier (accompanied with going to bed earlier) and scheduling my month has helped--novel idea, I know, but it's the simple things in life :)

And now, a few pictures from my knitting bag...

Here is the workings of my first lace cardigan, and despite the fact that it has been frogged a few times, I understand the lace pattern! It's pretty exciting since it opens a whole new world of lace patterns and it will (hopefully) make this cardi go a bit faster so I can wear it!

This is one project that I need to make time for,

as I really can't visit with people and knit at the same time for this one.

Here are some sweet mary jane booties (aren't they cute!) that I made via Ravelry;
I learned some new things on this one and now I can whip out a pair in a day or so--easy peasy! This would be a great, quick gift to make for a special, wee someone; I plan on making a few pairs this week.

And finally, the beginnings of a chemo hat that I am planning on donating.

Right now it is sitting in a corner in my knitting bag because of a slight confusion in the pattern but I know that a quick visit with Mrs. Frye and/or youtube will provide the remedy.

A Foggy Day In London Town

{PhotoCredit}

Today this post finds me in the Texas hill country again, and yes, my Dad is in the UK (!!).
It is July (can you believe it!) and this month is full of knitting. Lots of knitting.

A sweet friend will be participating in a craft fair this Fall, and this is no ordinary booth.
Her husband recently recovered from a very severe cancer and, by God's grace, is healing and they have been blessed in so many ways by the experience.
Their story and the blessings they received are what they want to share and bless others with, so they are accepting donated hats, scarves, and blankets for the oncology center they went to when he was receiving treatments.
Her hope is that people will not only buy the items but also give them to a cancer patient they know, or the center itself!
I was so excited when I heard about all the delightful things she was doing and wanted to be help in some way. The past few months I had been looking at different organizations to donate to, but I hadn't found one that I felt personally connected with.
So, for a few different reason, I really wanted to help with this one.
So, I am busy knitting a few projects for this one
--I hope to have quite a few contributions come October!
Another great thing, is that I will be able to include an encouraging note for the patient, as will the person buying the item!

In addition, a sweet friend is expecting her first baby and I am so happy to be knitting wee baby things, in addition to chemo hats :)
This is such a sweet and special season.

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You can visit here to read the online journal we are keeping for our Dad while he is away--
just so he won't miss anything.

My Darling Clementine

Design*Sponge

This photo represents well my past few weeks:

bright. cheery. busy.

Bright because of the general summer feeling (and humid, did I mention humid?).

These next few months are budding with the possibilities of summer. I'd love to host a few flavored, ice tea party this season. Tomorrow we have blueberry picking in store, along with the arrival of our sweet friends from Austin. With the former, we plan on freezing and possibly making into a yummy blueberry tart. Then with the latter, we plan on feeding them lots of delish enchiladas and enjoying their sweet company.

Cheery, as in the cheery atmosphere that comes when you have wonderful fellowship with dear friends. We've been able to have quite a few sweet evenings; from people traveling from other states to a sweet family in town. Letters and great conversations have also added to the encouragment. I'm so grateful for the sweet fellowship that we've had!

I've also made time to play my cello and piano (not at once) in the evenings--a great use of time!

It's so relaxing and I love being able to brush up in the music department; Mica and I have been wanting to play a certain Mozart piece together, and now that she has the music I'm hoping we can begin practicing together!

Busy on account of studying for exams, living life, and preparing for a -hopefully- busy July (continue to stay tuned!). Also, we've added some wonderful curry, lavender, lemongrass, and two types of geranium to our herb garden! We're working to help them survive the summer heat and sun so we can enjoy them for future meals!

With all of this, the creative juices seem to be slow in coming; like Ruby from cakies, I've been a bit "dried up". Not to worry though, my case is nothing that a little rest and inspiration can't help. I'll get back to the creative project posts soon.

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And if you have a minute, check out my sister's great Buttermilk Pancakes recipe---they are so yummy, light, and fluffy.

Enjoy!

Purls and Bees

So, just when I thought I had a firm grasp of the art blog world, I find some cute and creative blogs! Perhaps these finds are old hat for you, but I hope that you will find some of these great crafts a fun addition to your Summer to-do list, enjoy!

The Purl Bee ~This site has some great tutorials and is separated into crochet, knitting, and sewing sections; so, there really is something for everyone. A few of my favorites are the Father's Day Tie, Molly's Little Purse, and these Felt Gift Tags.

Please let me know if you've completed or are starting a project from this site!

{Monday Favorites} Design*Sponge + Elizabeth Dye

:: Yummy Lemon Cake ::

Doesn't this look like a wonderful way to start your Monday morning?

Here are a few of my favorite posts from last week by Design*Sponge and Elizabeth Dye.

Enjoy!

:: Lovely Colors ::

:: Cozy Nooks ::

:: Fun Weddings ::

:: Summer Popsicles ::