new shop items//posies

vintage upcycled fabric posey--bright floral craze

It's no secret that I love estate sale shopping.

The thrill of the chase is so fun and it makes for a really entertaining weekend at times. 

Well, one fine Saturday we girlies went to an estate sale, after walking through my usual rooms (kitchen, dining room etc) I made my way to the bedroom closet, and there I found it. Behind the granny sweaters and 80's cast-offs, there was the mumu; bright, cheerful, and nearly sliding off the hanger, it was there.

$4 later I was the happy owner and as soon as I got home I promptly pulled out the seam ripper and got to work on the gargantuan material. After cutting and singeing I sewed these bright beauties together (surviving with only one burn!) and now I present them to you. 

What do you think?

vintage upcycled fabric posey--peachy keen 

Personally, I think they'd make a great addition to your Mother's Day gift package.

Just say'in...

At any rate, I've been making some marvelous knitting discoveries (as you may have seen from this board); already I've added this bonnet pattern and this knitted top to my project list. Now the knitted top is kind of a really big deal for me, I've seen many knitted tops gone wrong in my short lifetime and I don't want to be that person walking around with an ill-fitted fiber top (perhaps you've seen sometime like that before). 

However, this seems like a pretty fool-proof pattern, and my hopes are high.

More on that later.

smiles and waves

 Isn't Eva just edible?
What you don't  get from these pictures is the sweet squeals and cooing sounds that come from this wiggly cutie, nor do you hear the rest of her Tia's and her Mama speak all kinds of lovey things, nor can you feel her chubby hands and cheeks.

You're missing out.

One of the things I love about being a Tia, is the excuse it gives me to knit all sorts of things for my adorable nieces and nephew (remember this knitted dress?). Though enjoyable, this project took me a bit more time to complete than I'd like, due mostly to the concentration I needed to get the hang of the lace pattern and I can only take so much of the stockinette pattern but at long last it is completed and more importantly, it still fits her. :)

 For this project, I used the Wave Jumper pattern from this book (thank you, library!); the blue wool from England (via my Dad on one of his business trips), the green wool from one of the craft shows at Homestead Heritage, and the buttons are re-purposed from an unworn jacket. The pattern was easy peasy to figure out and looks like it'll fit Eba for months to come, or at least until this weather stays cool. ;)

I probably won't be doing any personal knitting for a while as I have a few other projects on "the list" but after those are completed, I'd love to find yarn for this delightful shawlette or this super cute sweater.
What's on your project list?

flying away

Well, my friends, the time has come for a break, a blogging and shop break that is.

The next few weeks will be filled with driving, flying, window shopping, knitting, talking, eating, touristing, and wearing cowls (oh, yes, my friend, you can count on that!); I can't guarantee that I'll be able to blog very much while I'm away from home so we'll just say it's a break. ; )

Due to the wonderful traveling that will be happening in the next few weeks, I wanted to let you know that 

I'll be taking a blogging break until November 1st.

When I come back you can count of fabulous posts like,
Me and My Etsy Story

Brick-and-Mortar Selling: How The First Attempt Went and What I Learned


Things "We" Saw: A Photo Post With My Favorite Sights and People From My Trip.


New Friends and Links


Aren't you so excited? Well, I am. ; )

Also, I wanted to let you know that I'll be participating in this 12 Before 2012 project, be sure to check out the new tab above to see the complete list as well as this informative post for more details!

Do you have a 12 Before 2012 list? Let me know! I'd love to see what you have and what's on your list.

{sorry, the photo source is unknown! Let me know if you know!}

knitting my bit

{source here}

I really love these posters from WWII, they're so creative and echo a unique time of hard work; it's one of my very favorite periods to study and I love reading about nearly every area regarding it.

As you can imagine, the one above print is one of my favorites. : ) 

Last week I mentioned that I was arranging my samples to take to North Carolina, well this week I am here to tell you that I. wasn't. kidding. There is a mental list somewhere with a outline of each item I need to make before flying out on Friday; there's really only three sample boxes to make, and--if I spend my time well--there is just enough time for what I need to make. This time around I'll mostly be knitting, with only a few sewing projects; thankfully they're both things that can be done in traffic, long grocery lines, listening to this groovy tune and this enjoyable book, and while watching Jane Eyre (I l.o.v.e. that one). 

Praise the Lord for this glorious wind blew in a delicious 65 degree morning today and I am reveling in the chilly breeze! It makes working with wool blends that much more wonderful.

So, until Friday evening, I'll be 

          ...singing. Yes, though only one of us Marques Chica's takes lessons, we all sing quite liberally. We've taken to turning up our playlists on youtube and pandora just enough so that we sound just like the bands we play. 

          ...working out every.day. even though my Dad isn't here to partake in our bleary-eyed sessions. 

          ...sewing up necklaces to take to NC. Instant gratification projects are just great.

          ...knitting up items to take as well as planning a knitted outfit for the bun in the oven of a sweet friend (It's so fun to knit for little babies).

          ...sipping a yummy brew of coconut chai (with almond milk, please!)

          ...packing, both mentally and literally. The former for a trip to Dubai and the latter for this trip to NC, it's so sad/funny that I have to continually be...

          ...reminding myself that I don't own these fabulous english riding boots (or these either), like I said, sad/funny mostly sad though.

          ...containing my utter excitement at visiting with some beautiful and dear people in the coming weeks and months (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!).

What will you be doing?

There's No Place Like...

...Home

It's been very nearly a week since I was last in Austin. 

Not surprisingly, I really miss rinsing diapers (crazy, I know), wiping chubby hands, and getting bitten by Wee Teeth (long story); the rhythm of my home is pretty different from the hustle and bustle of little people laughing and ricocheting around. In case you get the wrong impression, we Marques girlies can get pretty crazy in our own way.

Since being home, I've been settling into my new routine (read: trying to get used to a house without littles--we miss you, Hoods!) and since I've become a huge fan of lists, I made a list of things I'd like to do for September, wanna peak?

Organize Closet (again)

I've become inspired by Kendi's organizational post

Create business goals for 2012

Post Fall 2011 Line for Shop (knitting, knitting, knitting)

Make two more projects using UK yarn (post to come)

We have a trip to NC coming in October and I want to be ready!

Begin video series (Youtube, here I come!)

Research, research, research for my Light bulb Idea (again, post to come!)

So, there you have a few of the things I'm working on; thankfully, I don't really see anything currently on the calendar that would prevent me from checking these items checked off, aside from the fascinating book I'm reading. I'm about 3/4's of the way through The Help and so far, I've really enjoyed it (thanks so much for lending it, J!); a kindred spirit loaned it to me, we have similar taste in novels and this is no exception. I love the feel and flow of Kathryn Stockett's work. It reminds me very much of Harper Lee in the sense that I can clearly "see" everything happening and I am quickly familiar with the characters; the story is set at the tail end of one of my favorite times in history and I love the way Stockett has incorporated so much of the culture and happenings of that time. Have any of you read it/seen the film? 

{Note: the following is not at all to meant to downgrade fiction reading, it's just something I haven't done in a while.} I haven't read a fun, fiction book in quite a while, so I feel the need to ration the time that I spend reading; it's dreadful, but somehow I feel like I'm wasting time when I read fiction (that. sounds. so. prudish.). Honestly, I haven't read such an intriguing novel since, The Chosen (loved that one) or The Red House Mystery (delightful story!), but like Pinterest, I ration the amount of time I spend reading. 

Are you mostly a fiction or non-fiction reader? I'd love any of your suggestions!

Thoughts From a Coffee shop

{picture credit}

Here I am sitting in this --freezing cold-- Starbuck, enjoying the remainders of one shaken iced green tea (wishing it was something warmer!), and I'm wondering two things,

what sorts of thing would you like to see on this blog?

would you be interested in more personal or design pictures?

The ball is in your court now, what are your preferences?

Also, (as I slowly freeze to the sound of Ella Fitzgerald) I'm knitting this adorable baby dress in anticipation of my still-cooking niece; the lace part is finished and I hope to be weaving in the ends sometime tonight (a great quick knit!). The pattern is pretty easy peasy so far and I'm enjoying the fact that there are no double pointed needles involved,

circulars are so much better for on-the-go knitting!

I'm especially fond of the yoke patterns, another nice feature for this one.

Aside from my frigid fingers and toes, I'm really enjoying spending this lovely morning in a coffee shop, lots of people watching opportunities, as well as being privy to all sorts of conversations (nobody pays attention to the studying/knitting student in the corner).

I've already made up fascinating stories about my fellow coffee shop customers (one could be a Viet Vet and another looks like a murder mystery writer--you can just tell).

Are you a people watcher?

Today's the Day {Giveaway}

{Oh, Hello Friend}

Well, folks, our giveaway goes from today until midnight tomorrow,

so, go ahead and comment on this post!

Remember, this giveaway is a part of the Happy Summer! giveaway

hosted by Sarah from forgiven. love much.

When you're done here you ought to head over there and see the giveaway

roundup; there's more fun to be had you know.

Enjoy!

Happy Summer Giveaway!

Well, summer is here all bright eyed and bushy tailed!
We've been at the pool, in the sprinkler, and trying new ways to cool off
(let me know if you try it--we're big fans here!)
Hence, the slight lapse in blogging time, we've been a bit busy around here!
More on that later...

Also, I've added a few new items to the Etsy shop, please have a look around and let me know what you think and what you would like to see more of in the future!
I'm also interested to know what you all think of the newest addition to the summer line, it's a bit different but I've been wanting to expand my creative horizons. ; )

Now for that giveaway. *grin*

I'm very excited to announce

the very first giveaway for Lemons and Blueberries!

Thanks to Sarah from forgiven. love much,
I've been inspired to give away
two skeins of vintage Italian Mohair.
These treasures were found at a recent estate sale and are entirely clean and unused;
I tried to find more information on them but couldn't! If you happen to know the dates or more info, please share--I'm always interested in the story behind what I find.
For those of you new to mohair, it's a wonderful world. : )
Just by following a simple pattern you can make things like
this Cat Cay Cowl, something out of this look book, or these fun Sabrina Mits.

So here's how it'll go down:
From July 1st to July 2nd
the giveaway will be open until midnight, July 2nd.
1. Follow my blog (if you don't already) and
leave one comment below and include,
2. The nutshell story of how you met one of your
kindred spirits/dear friends,
3. and your email address (I'll get the winner's
physical address after the announcement).

Here's a few important p.s.'
*I'll be shipping no later than July 8th
**I will be covering international shipping, so those in Kenya, Kazakhstan, and Cadiz, feel free to join too!
***It's very important that you provide your email, that way I know how to get your physical address!

I'll be announcing the winner on July 3rd, so stay tuned. :)
Let me know if you have any questions.

That's all!

My Favorite Kind of Days: Rain

{Picture Credit}

Yes, I am a sucker for dark, cold rainy days.

Perhaps it's because we've had a bit of a drought this summer or the fact that I

don't live in Seattle (the Seattle natives that I've met are adamant that I would

get sick of the rain); at any rate, I love a good soaking rain that lasts from the

wee hours of the morning to just after dinner. It's very conducive to snuggling

on the sofa, curling up in the covers, and taking a nap.

Today has in store some errand running, violin playing, studying (naturally),

and hopefully some knitting. Buying yarn for my summer sweater is a part of the

errands I need to run and I'm happy to say that I've decided on a color.

I picked up a book from the library (just for fun) called Accents; such a great

resource for learning just about any sort of accent from Highland Scotch to Bombay

India, Mr. Blumenfeld gives a detailed explanation for every sort of accent.

Imitating accents has long been a pet hobby of mine so it's pretty fun to read a

formal study of them.

Beware, I may be sporting a Zulu or Australian accent the next time you see me!

Also, I'm studying lots of books/videos on makeup for film-

-such a lot of fun things you can do!

Any interesting books you're reading?

Today is the perfect day for curling up with a good one!

Bits of My Home and "Hello Summer"

{Irises gracing the dining room table}

Ah, summer, the time for pool parties to get in the sun and games of scrabble

and cards to get out of the sun; this year I'd love to have a few movie night

with friends, start a bookclub, and try out this Basil Lime Soda recipe

--anyone want to join me?

Though we don't really have a beach here in Houston I'm looking forward to

getting into the water this summer and have lots of sun time with my nieces

and nephew, because it's just so much fun to go to the pool with stickies.

What are your favorite summer pastimes?

{Lounge Around Baby Sweater}

So, the shop has been refreshed and replenished with new items, just in time!

Today's new listings are just a start so be looking for new ones in the weeks to come.

Here are a few peaks at what's in the Etsy shop, enjoy.

{Butter Yellow Lace Baby Hat}

Have you been by Spancy's Closet yet?

Check out Sarah's project on Goodsie and it's kind of a test to see how things sell;

I'm looking forward to hearing her results and opinion!

I've already bought something and am please with the process, very similar to

buying something on etsy

(I especially love how the shipping cost is worked into the price.)

{I just love the half off section in the floral department}

This week will be moving on in my studies with educational psychology and reading

more about the effects of caffine and sugar (gasp!), as well as buying yarn for my sweater

(which will be unveiled to all of you in September!).

KAL's are so fun. :)

What plans do you have for the week?

Summer Sweater Fun

{Quince & Co.}

I'm very excited to be presenting this great knit-a-long from

luninthemommyhood!

What's a knit-a-long, you ask? Well, it's a fun motivator for knitters during the

hot summer months, basically meaning that you sign up to make a sweater

before the fall. This Summer Sweater KAL has you making your sweater from

June 15th to September 1st--seems like a long time but when you have a plethora

of other projects it's just the right amount of time. :)

I've decided on which project and now I'm thinking of "just the right" sort of

yarn! (I'll be sharing those details later!)

I'm hoping to write a "progress post" each week as well as a

picture of how things are going.

Please let me know if you plan on joining and what you're making!

Hello Tuesday

{the Edible Dom--who is not just one, he's two now!}

So, my weekend was filled with plans, checklists, flower arranging,

witnessing sweet, wedded bliss, and lots of Odwalla drinks (Okay, just two ;).

It was positively wonderful--but more on that later!

{Not only does he melt your heart, but he plays croquet too.}

For now, here are some updates on what's been going on.

Currently in my knitting bag are: an eggplant hat for a wee Webb addition and the beginnings of my second baby sweater! I'm using this five hour project from Ravelry and I just love it.

Pictures to come...

{Dommi and Nani, with the remainders of his mohawk.}

{Lucy Pevin--I mean, Mia, with a hearty battle cry on her tongue.}

{Sophie}

Yes, you may have guessed, we're headed to Austin tomorrow for Dom's birthday (Didn't I tell you we're part gypsy?), that means fresh pictures of the stickies, lots of hugs, reading books aloud, playing lots of imaginary games, gluten-free bakery testing, and homemade tortillas

--God is good.

And How Does That Make You Feel?

{My dear Maggie, who used to be my affectionate sleeping buddy

and is now a free and mouse-catching farm cat.}

Today I've started studying for my psychology exam, yep, that's what I said too.

Though I'm only in the first 48 pages of the textbook, I must confess that I'm finding

it all terribly interesting, despite the liberal leanings, I'm really enjoying it so far.

However, after reading the first 48 pages, I'm thinking that now would be a good time

to begin reading Jay Adam's Competent to Counsel, which I'm told is an excellent

resource for Biblical counseling.

More thoughts on psychology and Freud are soon to come, I'm sure. ;)

Aside from that, this week is devoted to purchasing the edible and non-edible goods for the wedding, as well as sewing beads to trim a certain veil. As I love multi-tasking, I've been listening to the fascinating mysteries of Sherlock Holmes while I sew, it's so entertaining!

I'm still (slowly but surely, just like the turtle) working of projects for the newest addition to my sister's family. An eggplant hat and green sweater are in order, as well as, booties and diaper covers (in times past they were wool sweaters).

As gifts, I will be knitting this beautiful Cedar Leaf shawlette

for some special ladies, isn't the pattern lovely?

All of that will go along much faster next week (read: after the wedding)!

How is your Monday looking?

Lists

{as seen on Design*Sponge}

Today I was getting ready for the day,

when I came across yesterday's "to-do" list.

I love my "To-Do" lists.

If you haven't started making them, and you'd like to be more organized

(and remember things!), then I'd highly suggest creating one for yourself.

My Dad suggested ranking my items with A, B, and C

according to the order of importance.

Mine looks something like:

Make biscotti-A (check!)

Blog-B (check!)

Read psych book-A

Get beads for project-A

Cast on N and J's hats-C

Practice piano-A

I just loving crossing things off at the end of the day.

It also helps me evaluate how much time I spend on each item and

what I need to be doing first.

I've kind of gotten to the point where things are out of mind if

they're not on "The List", it's pretty bad, BUT if they are

on "The List" then that shouldn't be a problem.

I also have a separate one for knitting and craft projects, so

that I don't get caught forgetting someone's birthday present!

How do you organize your days?

{Hello Again}

Well, I'm back! It was a much needed break to focus on

other things. : ) Like letter writing! That's right,

I still enjoy the lost art.

I'm excited to be working on this blog again and there are

lots of post ideas swimming around in my head!

My family and I headed up to the Texas Hill Country

for my Grandmother's birthday celebration and

some excellent family time. Mica was able to make very good

use of her new camera (more on that here);

I'll be showing some great pictures of my

nieces and nephew in future posts.

I finished my very first baby sweater!

Again, baby things are so confidence boosting and I

can't wait to show you the finished product

(hopefully on a real baby!).

There is a story that goes with it but more on that later too.

As always, food. : )

This is a new chicken soup recipe that I. just. love.

The Thai curry spice is key and it's a great

variation on the soup. A bit warm for these toasty,

windy days but it's still a great comfort food!

What have you been up to lately?

Have any of you been apart/started a book club?

I'd love to start one this summer and I'd be very

happy to know what little things you've enjoyed!

I'll bet you're wondering about those

{Dubai Covers},

well, you can stop wondering and click

on the button at the top of the page

(or here).

Just had to add that one. : )

Hello, Union Jack

Interested in British flags? Check out this British item in the etsy shop :)


{Remember!}

Check out the {Dubai Covers} page above!

It has all of the details for purchasing and ordering

the nursing covers we made for our trip!

Today we girls bittersweetly dropped my Dad off at the airport

for his two-week business trip to the UK (yes, he's off again!).

It was bitter because we know that two weeks is a long time, and it was sweet

because of the fun things he might be able to see on the weekends,

the souvenirs he might bring back, and when he comes back to the States

we'll meet in Austin for my Grandmother's birthday party.

As I'm looking at the schedule for the next few weeks, I know that the

time will pass very quickly (though not quickly enough for some of my family!).

Unfortunately he won't be in the London area this time, so he won't be able to

attend church at the Metropolitan Tabernacle but this gives him an

opportunity to visit some churches in the northern part of England.

It's also exciting because that part of the country is so chock full of things to do

and history to relive; just about every town has a wall to walk around, an old

church to visit, and a tower to climb. Like in the U.S., you can do just

about anything for a few £'s. There will be plenty to do for him on the weekends!

If you should have the inclination, Dr. Peter Masters has most of his

sermons available on sermonaudio.com and

it's a great companion for the evenings!

So, in the meantime, I'll be working on a video project for this blog and will

be posting the details-hopefully-later this week!

Magpie Ideas

{Design*Sponge}

So, on one of my study breaks (yes, I do take study breaks), I was perusing various design blogs for ideas and I came across so many that I had to share with you!

Enjoy.

First of all, I was thinking of the lack of fun, spring pillows on my sister's sofa, then I saw a DIY for this cute floral one with a HUGE poppy in the middle: I love this pillow.

Also, I remembered how much I love sweaters and saw a pattern for this sweater

which I just love! Can so picture fixing an early cup of tea in this...hmm...

Then, I remembered my sewing project and came across this adorable pattern;

possible tea towels anyone? They make great hostess gifts!

After finding out that my sister is have a GIRL, I've gone a bit batty in my knitting ideas for the newest Webb offspring, I present to you this sweet sweater.

Yes, the baby will-Lord willing-be born in July,

but this could be for the off chance that she will be chilly.

But wait, there's more!

Here is a patter for a baby sweater with some pretty cute button patterns.

Most of these ideas came from Magpie Patterns, check it out,

there's some pretty fun ideas that will fill your work basket!

Ode to Sweaters

{Sorry, source is unknown at this time--contact me if you have the info}

Confession:

I have a slight obsession with knitted sweaters.

Unfortunately I don't currently live in a climate to encourage this sweater collecting hobby (maybe that's a good thing), so I content myself with magazine clippings and imaginations--

for now at least :)

Most shapes and sizes will do the trick,

sweaters for lounging, for walking on the beach, for trips to the market, or just because.

They're simply wonderful.

Have I completed one in reality? Well, no--but I'm working on it!

More to come on that note :)

So, straight from Quince & Co., the Belfast Hoodie has been added to my mental list of sweaters to make.

When I make time to cast on another sweater (yes, I have one on the needles at the moment), I think this one may just be next--

I'll be saving my milk money to buy the pattern on this one I think.

Anything you're saving for?

Hello February

{Design*Sponge}

Tulips are one of my favorite flowers; they come in so many great colors and look wonderful in each stage of life (plus you can hide love notes in the unopened buds and give them to your sister for her birthday).

As I type this, I'm cheerfully listening to the rain pattering outside my window;

it's still fairly dark outside and the inside is still pretty sleepy!

I'm so glad that my sisters don't have to be filming today (yes, they're in a film class and are assigned to create and edit a film each week for class--they're pretty cool and creative!), but I think the rain provides a pretty dramatic background for a scene (or mud war).

Today holds a typical school/ music lesson day and I am hoping to start some more projects (some knitting ones and some embroidery ones--nope, can't tell you now!), and possibly have a cup of tea if it's still raining.

p.s. I have a few {on the needles} posts that need to be shown, so keep your eyes peeled!

Also, be sure to check out my etsy shop!

There are a few new items and one old favorite there!

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Dear February,

So nice to see you, but what was your hurry in getting here?

There were a few things I could have been doing in January but no matter, you're here.

I have lots of plans for you, not the least of which,

learning calligraphy (I have red and white valentines as well as

eggplant and white stationary in my head) and

attending my first Renegade Craft Fair (more on that later)!

Well, I had better get started on my day.

It's been lovely greeting you, please stay as long as you like.

Love,

E

Special Friends and Finds

{Part of today's finds at an estate sale}

This morning we all marched out into the crisp air and headed to a promising estate sale!

This one was pretty reasonably priced and held a variety of treasures;

there were marine uniforms from WWII as well as a collection of beer, wine, and whiskey barrels (all empty). It was interesting to think about the previous owners but I try not to think too deeply when I'm going through their belongings.

{I simply adore Tennyson's poems and

I'm so glad this collection includes so many of my favorites!}

I found a lovely, worn copy of Tennyson's poems, a 1960's coffee table book of Da Vinci, a big basket (A great deal, Aunt Amparo!), and a cute Dutch tin--not quite sure what I'll put in it but I know it will be a super cute replacement for something!

I just love it when birthday's seem to go on forever!

Yesterday some dear friends gave me this yarn as a belated birthday gift! They purposefully waited to get it when they travelled up to Montana to visit family.

This yarn was from the 2010 spring shearing batch from Serenity Sheep Farm Stay and I'm thinking that my first pair of handknit socks may come from these!

For now it will reside in my birdcage of treasured yarns, no really, I have a metal birdcage in which I keep yarn. Mostly it's filled with different yarns from Scotland, England (Both via Dad), a sweet friend, and now yarn from the happy sheep in Montana!

I realize that all yarn is local somewhere but I really like to buy yarn from local farmers in whatever area I happen to be in, kind of like buying organic at a farmer's market. It's fun to think that the sheep and people who spun the yarn don't live that far away from where you bought it, I even love the uneven way the dyes come out in the yarn; makes the end product that much more handmade.

It's one of the little things that make knitting fun and relaxing.

So, if you're ever in an local yarn shop and you happen to think of me,

go ahead and buy a few skeins :)