Tag Archives: knit hat

Let the Holiday Magic Begin

This year I am SO ready to begin decorating for Christmas. On one hand I absolutely cannot believe it is that time of year, but on the other hand I am ready and excited for it. Are you feeling festive earlier this year? We already have quite a few houses in our neighborhood with their Christmas lights turned on. I think others may be feeling the same as me…???

Way back in August I purchased tickets for the Chicago Botanic Gardens Lightscape event. This event sold out so quickly last year, so I purchased the tickets on the day they went on sale. We picked a random date which happened to be this past Saturday. It was a beautiful evening–just cool enough and dry (rain had been predicted for Saturday earlier in the week). We got lucky because you just never know what the weather will be like on November 21st when it is still mid August. It was a festive start to the season… and so good to be out in society. This event is totally outdoors and everyone stayed far enough apart and wore masks. I felt very safe.

My favorite exhibit was the waterfall made with lights. It originally is the waterfall garden, but they dry it out for the winter. It’s hard to capture the essence on video, but trust me it was amazing!

Other news! I finished a holiday ensemble for Gina. Here are a few pictures.

Gina’s cardigan was knit with my Light Cardigan Little Darling pattern. I used the instructions for the long sleeved version and the longest body length. I added an eyelet lace design on the neckline and hemline. I think it worked better on the hemline; it kind of gets lost on the neckline. It’s probably because I had to add all of the missed increases right after the lace pattern. I also added a lace motif on each sleeve which I like.

Gina’s ear flap hat was the sample I made for my newest pattern. I ended up changing the pom pom from pink to red because it needed a little red to coordinate with the rest of the ensemble.

The Christmas stocking was knit with a free pattern from Little Cotton Rabbits. I made the leg 4 stitches narrower, but otherwise followed the pattern as written. It was quick but fiddly. I am not keen on executing a p2tog tbl. I think it only needed to be made a few times, but I found it very difficult and put me off of the whole pattern. I wonder if a regular p2tog would work…

I published a YouTube video from my past week’s work or so. While I worked on this ensemble I took video here and there. It’s not a tutorial–just a virtual visit with me while I create it. Please join me.

I wish all of you (who celebrate) a very Happy and safe Thanksgiving. Hugs to all of you, my friends. 🤗 ❤️

Happy Fall Y’all

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Autumn in the northern hemisphere begins on Tuesday! Are you ready for fall weather? Our nights have been quite cool–no frost yet, so the flowers are still blooming. The days remain warm, but long gone are the 90 degree days that made up much of our summer. The past days have been beautiful! If only every day were like this!

This week I finished “Apple Picking” for the Little Darlings. Gina won the modeling lottery and is happily modeling it for you. Doesn’t she look sweet? She’s even found a few apples already.

*Wool cap embellished with apple pom pom and crocheted leaves*.

Gina surprised me; she likes to climb trees, especially apple trees!

The fabric I used to sew Gina’s dress was from 2015 (I think), or maybe earlier. It is a Japanese lightweight cotton fabric from Lecien; the collection’s name is Floral Collection Flower Sugar.

Back in 2015 I used this fabric for another ensemble modeled by Gina (shown below). “Apple Season” is for warmer weather. Gina will be a lot cozier in her wool knitwear this year.

I hope you enjoy the first week of autumn, or spring (lucky you!) if you are in the southern hemisphere. Thank you so much for stopping by. What are you up to this week? I’d love to hear from you. ❤

“Frosty Festivities”

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Hello everyone! It looks like I picked the perfect day to start my Christmas/holiday doll ensemble release. It’s cold and frosty here in northern Illinois which makes me feel quite festive on this morning. We even had snow flurries yesterday, and the sky looks like it could send us some more today.

Since my 10″ Boneka sculpted by Dianna Effner doll, Rose, is the new girl it seemed appropriate that she should kick off the festivities for 2017.

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Rose wears a teeny tiny snowman and pine tree print (a Japanese cotton) dress with French lace trim.

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Her embroidered merino wool cardigan is embroidered with classic Christmas colors and clear “icy” seed beads. Her black bead (Czech glass crystals) buttons mimic the snowmen on her dress.

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Rose’s hat features a wide “fur” brim. It is in red wool with a Christmas green pom pom. The skinny scarf is also made with the same green wool.

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Rose’s ensemble includes Chip (pictured on the left), a needle felted snowman. She has named him Chip because he is always chipper and ready to take part in holiday festivities. Chip wears a tiny hand knit red merino/silk elf hat. The hat’s tassel and his “scarf” are made out of the same yarn as Rose’s scarf and pompom. His features are seed and Delica beads which are carefully sewn on with needle and thread.

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