Tuesday, December 10, 2013

busy making




















time for the christmas tablecloth! it's just like santa's workshop here! busy busy busy. chuck has been gone on a backpacking trip and i was able to stay home a few days from work. it's been heaven, really and truly. getting things done! most of the time i didn't get out of my jammy's, or even cook (leftover pumpkin pie for breakfast and take out baked potato soup from the deli, yummy comfort food in cold weather, temps have been down to the 30's at night).

i made: a sweater for baby layla, and one sock, eight project bags (with toadstool fabric) swatched some new marled merino and started a ribbed hat in black cashmere (at least that kind of makes up for knitting in black, ugh.). i watched: hallmark movies, out of africa, midnight in paris* and the hatfields and mccoys (did you know they made up? shook hands and all). * made me want to read *this again.

~ the tiny sweater was made from this book using madeline tosh merino light in the winter wheat colorway. i used soft suede for the ties. baby layla lives in kentucky, where i see there is snow, i hope it will keep her warm and cozy. i like kimono wraps for babies, there is a double layer of fabric around the tummy, important!
ravelry notes here.

~ the project/gift bags were made with a double drawstring and fabric by moda, called a walk in the woods. there are foxes too!

~ the sock is going to (hopefully!) have a partner... pattern found here

~ pretty marled wool was my first purchase from here. there are one thousand five hundred fifty yards of fingering weight. the swatch is made with a size six needles, wondering what this will want to be? it's awfully pretty :)

~ the embroidery happened over thanksgiving with my girls (daughter and granddaughter), they practiced their stitches and i made more project bags, these were sent off to a kal and as a thank you. hopefully i will have more in the etsy shop soon! oh and the blocking pins i had a chance to try on the baby sweater are fantastic! the company  i ordered from has run out, but i found more here. (they look the same to me).

~ and last thing! did you see the yarn bowl? the one in the photo right above the one of chuck and owen on the beach? i am so happy to be able to share with you another creation made by my good friends karen and pat, the tsutsumida's. they made the yarn bowls i've shown here on the blog before. the humble potters (hee hee, yes you are) have opened the doors to their new shop, 'crow's nest studios'. to celebrate, they are offering this bowl, a giveaway!  measuring approximately 4 1/2" across and 3" high, it will easily accommodate most any ball or yarn cake. we are warmly welcoming you to put your name in the hat for the sweet yarn bowl. karen and pat will ship anywhere. they would also like you to know they will be adding more handmades to 'crows nest studio' so check back (EVERYTHING they make is amazing). to enter leave a message in the comments with your email so i'll have a way to contact you. this giveaway ends on sunday december 15.
thank you for stopping by and something i've been meaning to say, thank you and welcome new followers, friends. how lovely. xxxxxxxxxxxx lori

p.s.  forgot to say i hiked too, needing a break from all that making! and right before chuck left we took a few (two) walks on the beach, the tides have been incredibly low. owen thinks being out there is the most fun thing on earth. :)

joining with ginny and nicole

64 comments:

  1. Heavenly days, you are busy as a bee! Just reading about all you're doing makes me tired (in a good way;). I'm making socks with the charcoal marl & red too. Mine aren't striped though -- just red heels & toes. Love your stripey ones -- they're so happy looking -- just like you & your sweet cosy home. Isn't this the most wonderful time of the year (that's a song isn't it ��) -- all cosied up at home making pretty things for your friends & family? I just love it!
    Warm blessings to you Sweet Lori ❤️❤️❤️

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  2. there's been much making on my end as well ~ my table is covered with finished things and not so finished things but the growing piles make me smile regardless

    what a happy lovely colorful post ~ and the yarn bowl is yummy ... I would love to have one for my own (and I still covet one of those lori-made project bags...someday!! hehe!!)

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  3. What fun projects you have going on. What an adorable yarn bowl. It looks like it would fit perfect in my car for my bus stop knitting :)

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  4. I love every.last.thing. I have been meaning to buy one of your yarn bags <3

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  5. OMG, the pot...it' s perfect. i love things w/ a little twist or surprise.

    And your photos and projects - really makes you wanna be a better person. Inspireing. Thank you for that!

    ajutalu@gmail.com

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  6. Oh that is such a beautiful piece of art the yarn pot. Just lovely and I would love to be included in the drawing. Thanks so much ! My email is tacisimmons@ gmail.com

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  7. Sounds like you have been having a wonderful busy but relaxing time. Beautiful project - I especially like the sock, looks like something Santa's elves would wear.

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  8. Lovely projects you have on the go. And yes, that yarn bowl is gorgeous!!

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  9. Fa la la la !!!!! Nice crafty table!!!! Next year I would love to join you as an extra elf!!!!!! ;oD
    Love the knitting blue bowl a lot!!! please, consider me in !!!!!
    Thank you, xxxxxxx Ale

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  10. The yarn bowls are beautiful - and so practical too. Just been reading your blog for a little while but hope I can join in too please?! juliex

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  11. Oh my you have been busy! I pulled out my Christmas tablecloth that my mother cross stitched, I love it so very much makes me feel like she is with me. I'm glad you had some days off work so you could get some "me" time in. Lovely knitting. Your friends are very creative!!

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  12. I love your blog & pictures. It's a joy to have a peek into your creative world.
    Thank you for the chance to win the yarn bowl. It is beautiful.

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  13. Oh my goodness, the christmas tablecloth is so so lovely!!!
    Such wonderful making happiness! How I would love to join you for some stitching.
    Winter wheat, good soft golden!
    And you reminded me, Jason has been thinking about making glass knitting needles!
    Please send love to the ocean for me, and know I am sending love to you...
    Renee xo

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  14. Well, the elves have certainly hit your house!!!! Busy, busy, busy...!! I had to chuckle as I scrolled down those gorgeous photos....and got to the marled cone. Yep, I just started a simple little layering top. Looks the same as yours, although mine is Habu silk (and I'm doubling it for sknitsb's--'twisted').
    yes, Kentucky is snow-covered and looking a lot like Christmas...but temps start to warm by next week. We'll probably have soot and slush soon, so loving the look right now!! Lucky baby will welcome that knit for sure.
    And...thanks for the chance to win. Beautiful piece of art.

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  15. Oh my goodness, there are so many wonderful things going on at your house! LOVE the tablecloth and all your handmade goodness!

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  16. I hope you can hear me chuckle as I see all of your projects; we're just alike! I have 4 knitting projects going at once, trying to finish a quilt for Ari, and thinking about cookie baking next week. I love being able to work at home and stay in my jammies and have old movies on a lot of times. Happy Holidays, dear friend XOXO

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  17. i wish i could find the energy to make. pregnancy has me sleeping whenever i can. but i cannot wait to make a kimono for my little bean

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  18. oh, forgot that I would love to be included for the give away on that yarn bowl... so lovely! roosjeblog @ yahoo DOT ca

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  19. Beautiful and comfy-cosy, as always, Lori! The yarn bowl is a beauty, too. Thanks for a chance to win it!
    SylviePB is my Ravelry name.

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  20. I LOVE casting my eye over your beautiful pictures! You do look busy, dear Lori! The weather here is glorious: clear skies and frosty grounds. I love this time of year although it would be better if we had more hours in the day to make everything, right?

    Hugs from France,

    Stephanie

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  21. Love all the projects you have going. I too seem to have more than usual going on - tis the season! Love, love the yarn bowl and would like to be included in the drawing. See you soon.
    Jayne

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  22. Hi Lori, (love your name!)
    You inspire me with all of the gorgeous projects you've got going! Keep enjoying your holiday season and thank you for the opportunity to win that beautiful yarn bowl. Much aloha, Lori

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  23. you have been busy busy! love all the stuff you are working on, especially the wee baby sweater. <3

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  24. What a beautiful post! I love the little yellow sweater! Thanks for the chance to win the bowl... I have wanted a yarn bowl for ages!

    wild(dot)whispersblog(at)gmail(dot)com

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  25. This is lovely, Lori. It's so nice to see all the things you are making. I would love to win the bowl. Thank you! gardenknittr on ravelry

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  26. wow you've been so busy Lori and it all looks lovely. The baby sweater is very cute. I miss making baby things. The family sewing day looks so much fun. One of my sisters is coming next week and Hannah's coming home and we plan to have sewing bee, too.

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  27. How lovely! I would love to win the bowl. I am katja (dot) rose (at) gmail (dot) com.

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  28. Wow, you have been busy. Wonderful stuff Lori.
    And what a lovely giveaway from your beautiful friends.
    Lots of love and seasons greetings to you! xxx

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  29. My goodness you have been busy!!! What beautiful projects. You are so very talented. That beach looks incredibly peaceful right now. Ours is covered in snow right about this time!

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  30. dear lori
    you really are a busy bee
    and one day
    i will be able to knit socks....

    it would have been wonderful
    if you could have come to my exhibition
    but
    it was only for one day
    and i only sold 2 prints ;^((
    but it was a great day nevertheless ;^))
    and soon
    i hope to open a webshop, haha!

    love
    Patrice A.
    x

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  31. Your woolly presents look so warm and comfy, Lori!
    And thank you for the lovely yarn bowl giveaway. xxxxx

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  32. I love the bamboo marking pins, I've never seen them before. The yarn bowl is so beautiful!

    ~Amy, Abby & Maddy

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  33. What a delightful time you have been having! I do love an empty house and a pile of making. The bags, the wee kimono, the sock and the embroidery look lovely. I particularly like the pic with the books and nic nacs crowded onto the Christmas cloth. It has so much to say. Enjoy your preparations.

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  34. Oh I love the little sweater! Wonderful colour!
    I tried to comment earlier but it didn't work, I hope this reaches you because I love the little yarnbowl.
    My email is stickflickorna@hotmail.se

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  35. Nice making, mama! So pretty. I love your little tray/shelf with all your goodies.
    Sweet giveaway! (And I hope you will visit mine today.)

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  36. Wow what a beautiful series of projects! I love the embroidery and the little yellow sweater is adorable and looks so sweet and cosy

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  37. Oh my, so much good making happening in your home, love it all! And thanks for the giveaway, how lovely!

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  38. Oh to spend the days knitting, stitching and not cooking- sounds awfully cozy! Such a beautiful yarn bowl, my name is in the hat :) Thanks for the chance to win it!

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  39. Now I'm going to have to copy your socks! I am absolutely loving my reindeer shawl, thank you so very much for sharing your ideas! I dream of spending these next 2 1/2 weeks doing nothing but knitting, but it seems like this is the busiest time of year and it shall not come true for me. So glad you enjoyed your days!
    justaysmom@celosia.com

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  40. Lori, those photos of the beach are gorgeous. I love the idea of embroidering on a project bag. Did you say you have those in your shop? I'd love to get some to give as gifts.

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  41. All Lovely photos! I don't yet own a yarn bowl.

    StaceyKnitsIt ravelry

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  42. what is not to love about this post.. I always love your posts! the sweater is so cute, the color is fantastic! I love your little collections, the little knitted mushroom tucked into the little vignette is cute! my you have been busy!

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  43. Lori, I so agree with you that this is a busy time. Your photographs do show some really lovely examples of what you've been making. (Glad that you've also been about to get outdoors!)

    I did a quick click to your links and must remember to return. When more leisurely days return. Many thanks for sharing the info.

    Thanks also for your visit over at my place. Our fledgling snow storm forecast sort of lost its mojo. But the chill is definitely on. My grandmother used to talk about it being "too cold to snow" and I believe that she knew a thing or two.

    xo

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  44. Hahaha--only you can elevate a tiny tree to the classiest embellishment . You are a true designer and artist, ms Lori graham my friend

    Miss miss missing you
    xoxo
    kj

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  45. such sweet photos of all your lovely creations ♥ I love the little kimono ~ it was one of the first things I made for my first born grandson ... all wrapped up in a little cocoon :-D
    Adore the yarn bowl ... how I would love it ... I have a lab who is always by my side ...and sheds!
    thank you for the chance to win xo

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  46. So lovely to read you post, Lori. I can imagine how heavenly it was to have alone time to watch movies and craft and not cook!
    The winter wheat colour is so delicious, and such a sweet sweet little wrap for the wee girl.
    I am quite liking thos e bamboo pins, great idea.
    and the bowl, a givaway no less, how generous of your friends.

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  47. MY Gosh how many hours are there in your day?
    Wonderful creations Lori! It is always good to see what you are creating and to see your pictures always leaves one with a happy feeling
    Enjoy the Holidays dear
    ♥M

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  48. That sounds lovely, being able to take a few days off work - I am so glad you could have that! And you have been busy! I love all that you've made, and the little sweater is very sweet.
    The bowl is really beautiful - and practical too! -, so thank you to you (and your friends!) for this giveaway!

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  49. Even with the time that a couple of days brings, you made so many things! And they're so beautiful too.. Great work! The giveaway is fantastic, thank you so much !

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  50. Goodness Lori, you have been busy with such beautiful treasures!
    I love the little cardi and sock, even the sweet tree is so precious.
    Your photos as always are gorgeous.
    What a generous giveaway, thank you.
    Hope you are well my friend.
    xoxo
    Linda

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  51. I do like that cone of merino! Thank you for the chance to win the beautiful bowl, the colours are delicious!

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  52. So many beautiful projects you make my busyness look like I have been standing still. The yarn bowl is gorgeous thank you for the chance to win one :)

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  53. Hi Lori,

    Wish I could have joined you in Santa's workshop! I did not touch my crochet work for a whole week, pfff. It's all work and parties :-)

    You made some lovely things. The cardigan and the socks look so sweet. They will make some beautiful gifts!

    Wishing you a happy weekend! Enjoy your projects!

    Madelief xox

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  54. So many beautiful projects. I love your Christmas tablecloth. So very colorful.

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  55. I could totally see my yarn in that gorgeous bowl! Please pick me ;)
    wellabi401@gmail.com

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  56. Beautiful projects, beautifully presented, you make such exquisite things Lori! Thank you for sharing, and for the chance to enter your giveaway, Ali.

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  57. Love the cobalt blue in the bowl. Best wishes to the potters.

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  58. Oh you have been so busy, sweet lady! I love that you stayed in your jammies. My husband thinks it is odd that I love jammie/lounge days. He prefers getting dressed. Not me - no way! Love al you do!

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  59. Looks like you have a lot going on. I love to see what you are creating. Take care, Carla

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  60. Lori, You are so far along! I love everything, but the socks are my favs :-). I have been sick so I am way behind and fear I am not doing Christmas at all. I make art in my jammies all the time :-).
    P.S. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, the post below is beautiful.
    xoxo

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  61. A beautiful post, Lori. I love all your pretty photos, and seeing all the lovely things you have been making!
    Warm wishes, Helen x

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  62. Oh gosh, everything is so beautiful! It's always such a treat to visit you here. :)

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xoxo lori