champagne maker

Counting Stone Sheep!

2012-01-27T00:30:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all, I've added yet one more blog to the roster.

This one's dedicated to knitting visual inspiration.

It's a tumblr log of all the wonderful images that fill up my computer.

Again, I'm making space and saving it elsewhere to share with you guys.

Have a visit and bookmark it for when you can't sleep!

~ Counting Stone Sheep ~

Of course I'm still HERE, as in right here.

Stitch Poet Patterns live HERE.

My Crush Party lives HERE.

The After Party, Crush Cul de Sac, is HERE.

I still blog for Rooney Robison Antiques HERE,

and have added an Interiors tumblr for her HERE.

Oh and sorry, sometimes I can't keep it all straight and you'll find a

hand-knit cabled cowl blogged in with a French antique farm table.

Just go browse and I hope you enjoy the eye candy!

How'bout them Dawgs!

2011-12-30T01:17:00.000-05:00

Alexander Youth Network

2011-11-26T17:49:00.001-05:00

I was recently asked to create a

Holiday Card to benefit Alexander Youth Network.

My inspiration came from all of the photos of

bundled Penguins in New Zealand after being cleaned of the oil spill.

"The mission of Alexander Youth Network is to provide quality, professional treatment to children; irreplaceable components of such therapy are love, affection, and compassion. Each year, Alexander serves over 5,700 children with, or at high risk of, serious emotional and behavioral problems often induced by neglect or abuse. A majority of the “kids of Alexander” come from low-income homes, some are separated from their natural families, and many live in the care of therapeutic foster parents."

To learn more about Alexander Youth Network, go HERE.

Read more about how you can help and contribute to make a difference.

You can Purchase Holiday Cards or even Donate to the Angel Network.

For Molly . . .

2011-11-02T01:23:00.003-04:00

...soft pastel on sanded paper...

Extra Baggage!

2011-10-19T13:13:00.001-04:00

My friend Page (we go way back to Middle School!) came to our Monday night hen party toting a big ol' fuzzy, green, felted "samsonite" and annouced "HELP" when she waltzed into the room. Yikes...it had these long brown felted handles tied in a knot and a super long loop to catch her beautiful horn toggle. The toggle was the only thing going for this felted project. Of course I said, "Page! hahaha gimme that thing, I'll fix it!" Honestly it took me forever to get to it (sorry Page), but I had a ball once I gave it a "haircut!" (Page, why didn't we take before pics!)

After I trimmed all the wild fuzz away (not a fan of the fuzzy felting..break out a razor!), I immediately cut the long handles off! GONE! Those were bad. I used hemp to wrap the top edge to give it some shape and hide where I sliced off her handles. Tied the long toggle loop in an overhand knot to shorten it up a bit and added some handles from my stash. The animal print is just a bit of free-form needle felting and we decided one side was enough.

I lined the bag with fabric left over from PrettyStuff's apartment and gave Page plenty of pockets. I added a covered, firm bottom to the inside. I don't like a droopy bag.

Thought y'all would enjoy seeing the end product

and it might give you some ideas for any unfinished

felting projects gone bad.

I love the way this turned out!

Love you Page!

Biggy Size the Chip Bag with a KIT!

2011-09-28T12:41:00.001-04:00

Knit Picky Yarns in Winston Salem, NC

has KITTED! the Big Chip!

...If you visit their site and can't find it online...

CALL THEM!

Email: knitpicky@bellsouth.net
Phone: 336-768-5599

They did a wonderful job pulling the kits together!

They have a great selection and have even chosen linings!

Another Giveaway . . .

2011-09-15T10:09:00.003-04:00

Don'tcha just love free stuff?!

And I get the biggest kick out of giving it away.

The trail starts HERE!

Go Win!

Never Toss a Remnant!

2011-09-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

When I shop for the fabric linings for my bags,

9 times out of 10, I'm going to choose a ~ Westminster Fabric ~

...Kaffe Fassett, Amy Butler, Rowan, Free Spirit...

always a winner!

Order Status? SHIPPED!

2011-09-09T21:11:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited to see my new stash!

I ordered this Berroco Link which is this gianormous chain yarn

calling for something like size 50 needles!

Wonder if I will even knit this?

I might just put it in a bowl!

You know how much I love kid mohair... and this was on sale...

...Queensland Collection Caracara...

I got enough to make the Wrapigan!

What do you think?

The Wrapigan in kid mohair?! YES!

I can't believe it's taken me this long to try that!

...and because it was on sale,

and this color would be AMAZING in my new family room...

Yes, enough for a small throw for the chaise is on it's way!

...and last, but certainly not least...

Berroco's new Boboli

It reminds me of Noro, which I can't get enough of.

I knew I'd have to have some when Debbie @ The Fibre Studio

teased me with it last time I was there.

Again, no idea what I will do with it, but it too

would look amazing in my family room as a throw

on my robin's egg blue sofa!

I know, I've got some stitchin' to do!

I think the next bachelor season project will have to be a throw.

A Stitch Poet Giveaway on Crush Party!

2011-06-01T12:56:00.004-04:00

There's a Stitch Poet GIVEAWAY on

~ CRUSH PARTY! ~

Enter for a free pattern and a chance to win a

~ Boathouse Row Capelet ~

Giveaway ends on June 10, 2011 so hurry!

and the winner was... Melissa of Reverie Daydream!

Grapes of Wraps!

2011-05-31T12:18:00.000-04:00

Crocheted kitchen twine!

I used a G Hook with one ball of Kitchen Twine and single crocheted a circle one row wider than the wine bottle. I continued evenly without increasing to create the tube for the wine bottle and then worked 3 double crochets into each single to create the ruffle. Add a rawhide tie with fun beads and you've got a fun way to WINE & TWINE someone special or your summer hostess!

h2ocolor...

2011-05-17T23:23:00.002-04:00

...a little boat for my friend meg...

just posting a painting to move the texty,
bloggy stuff down the page

Texty Bloggy Stuff . . .

2011-03-21T11:42:00.000-04:00

I'm frequently asked about the different metals I use in my jewelry designs. I just saw this little explanation of the metals on ~ Sundance ~ and thought I'd blog it forward. When I'm working in gold tones, I usually buy Vermeil findings because I love the color. It's soft and most skin tones friendly. I also use Gold-filled as well, but it can sometimes look dark and not fresh like Vermeil. I like Sterling, but hate to polish and if you don't wear the piece a lot, it will need polishing.

Sterling Silver is a white, highly reflective precious metal composed of 925 parts of pure silver and 75 parts alloy, usually copper. Copper provides the silver with sufficient hardness and wearing qualities, as pure silver is sometimes considered too soft to be used or worn everyday. Sterling silver is used in a wide variety of jewelry for a beautiful polished look.

Vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is a combination of precious metals. The inside core is pure sterling silver. The outer coating is of solid, finely crafted gold. These two precious metals are combined to produce long-lasting jewelry that looks, feels, and endures exactly like pure gold.

Gold-filled is defined as a layer of 10kt or better gold mechanically bonded under heat and pressure to another metal, then rolled or drawn to a given thickness. The quantity of the gold must be at least 1/20th of the item's total weight. The item must be marked as 10, 12 or 14kt gold-filled. Gold-filled is much thicker than gold plated, and gold-filled items are generally considered lifetime products.

Orange Fence

2011-02-25T12:43:00.002-05:00

"orange fence"

...watercolor...a cow @ gray's...tiverton, ri...

Pssst...

2011-02-23T10:46:00.000-05:00

I just saw that there's a

Stitch Poet Giveaway

~ @ In The Loop ~

Hand-painted Needlepoint Canvas Cuffs...

2011-02-12T12:59:00.001-05:00

{custom orders welcome}

email for info

Bead My Valentine...

2011-02-11T16:03:00.002-05:00

...Peruvian Opal...Vera Wang Lace...

...faceted seed beads...freshwater pearls...

...beaded crocheted chain...sterling toggle clasp...

A little painting for...

2011-02-11T15:59:00.004-05:00

~ PrettyStuff ~

love, mom

Don't Forget to Visit!

2011-01-16T20:31:00.001-05:00

Don't forget to visit ~ My Crush Party ~

where I'm much more of a big mouth about

lots of fashion, interiors, food,

photography and lots more.

I also collect images on tumblr in the

~ Crush Cul de Sac ~ where you

can drive around for hours!

You're invited!

Come by!

Bachelorettes, Cast On...

2011-01-11T11:56:00.002-05:00

Rowan Lima (7 skeins), Size 9 Needles

The Bachelorette season has begun and yes, I've cast on a new Bachelorette Sweater. I almost wasn't going to watch because the guy's voice makes my eyes roll and then there was the vampire girl. Too much. But Patterson was home and Caroline came over to keep the tradition going. So...the first night I finished a sweater I had been working on forever and cast on some ~ Rowan Lima ~ for a scarf. By Thursday, I was dashing to Charlotte Yarn to fetch whatever they had left in the color I had chosen. This yarn is amazing! I'm in love!

The blend of Baby Alpaca, Merino and a touch of Nylon is soooo super soft and it has the coolest texture as the yarn is actually like an itty bitty knitted i-cord. I saw this yarn when it made the scene at TNNA, but for some reason didn't purchase any until my friend Mary Beth decided she needed to learn how to knit. She's making a cowl and with every boo-boo she asked me to fix, my crush grew stronger and I had to have some. Obviously, the two skeins I started with turned into seven and my scarf is now going to be a sweater. Stay tuned...I'm 5 skeins in so by next Monday...I should have another cast on...

Pillows for Hobbs! (the gone to college son)

2010-11-23T14:14:00.005-05:00

I finished one of Hobbs's bolster pillows today.

I have no idea what I measured when

I started these things,

but when I put the pillow form into

what I thought was a finished project...

NOT!

I was almost finished and it was a foot too long!

too focused on getting them the right size around,

I guess I forgot to actually measure the length,

so what was suppose to take me one hour tops,

ended up several, a total refitting.

and lots of poking around with the seam ripper.

Seriously, I almost cried. UGHHHH!

But at the end of the day (and the foot of the bed)

One bolster pillow checked off my list.

It looks like a duffle bag and

I lettered it with sentimental locations.

(My feet on the CrushParty banner

are standing on one of them!)

Pillows for guys are hard. Most guys aren't exactly fans of throw pillows, but I think Hobbs will approve. I'm keeping the trim to a minimum and when I do use it, I'm using the tough manly stuff (hemp). It's insanely difficult to sew as it is so dang thick and stiff. As you can see, my cording join sucks, but it was not a friendly cord and I was so close to throwing it all in the trash, but I figured Hobbs wouldn't care. And if I would quit pointing it out, maybe no one would notice. I wanted to be finished with these two bolsters before Hobbs comes home tomorrow for Thanksgiving Break, but it's not going to happen. What's left to make? 1 bolster, 2 Euros, 2 Standard Pillowcases, 1 18" Pillow, 1 coverlet, a pillow for the rocker, and finish the curtains. There's lots of stuff to frame and hang, but it's starting to look put back together...Maybe by Christmas break?!

...here's how the rest of the room is going...

(click the pic to zoom in)

1,000,000 Ravelers!

2010-11-14T13:51:00.000-05:00

Wow! That's alot of sticks clickin'!

Friend Me!

"It's My Party" is now available!

2010-09-03T09:21:00.002-04:00

"It's My Party"

2 skeins Malabrigo Kettle Dyed Merino Worsted

New Patterns soon...

2010-08-04T02:16:00.005-04:00

"In the Loop"
will be available as soon as all the knots are worked out!

It will be sold exclusively @ ~ In the Loop, Norfolk MA ~
with ~ Ellie's Reclaimed Cashmere ~

Using the "Undertow" graphs to make

this top-down cozy "LowTide" sweater is a cinch!

(I will try to make the notes available to my blog buddies soon.)

~ Universal Yarns/Fibra Natura/Shepherd's Own ~

Wofford College

2010-07-10T14:11:00.003-04:00

...Ink & Watercolor...

Old Main, Wofford College

You do know I'm gonna be an

empty-nester, right?

...But Wofford's not too far away...

Wonder how often they will let me visit?

Before the final rose...

2010-07-02T14:52:00.000-04:00

Didn't make it to the final rose ceremony

with this season's sweater so I'll cast on another

this Monday night. I've made my pick anyway.

Roberto!

duh!

Rowan Kidsilk Haze (3 colors), size 7s, top-down

Hang In There !

2010-05-15T01:33:00.000-04:00

...one pair of hoops and lots of drops...

Hang these tiny trinkets from your ears

or hang one from a necklace.

Prices vary, please inquire

and/or make a special request.

Send me an email!

Because we just felt like it!

2009-12-09T18:20:00.004-05:00

Stitch Poet's choice for most felting projects is

Plymouth Galway Worsted

Knits quickly and evenly and Felts cleanly!

Visit thier Blog and see which Stitch Poet

felting projects they love!

By George, I think she's got it!

2009-11-30T00:41:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving...

I did!

Juniper Moon - Fantastic Give-Away!

2009-11-18T20:43:00.005-05:00

Visit Juniper Moon's Website and enter to win

a weekend at Shepherd Camp

for you and a guest!

Juniper Moon Fiber Farm

I hope I win though, cuz who wouldn't want to see these guys again! When I last posted about this farm, they were on Martha's Vineyard, but they have actually relocated their farm to Charlottesville, Virginia this fall. The farm is beautiful and I've got my fingers crossed that the random selection gizmo picks me! Wonder who will be my traveling partner....

"Early Attic"

2009-09-22T08:20:00.010-04:00

. . . Recycle, Recycle, Recycle . . .

I can remember more fun activities than moving all the stuff in that van into a college provided living space, but not many more fun than getting to make my daughter's room a home away from home. She's happy there, and she rarely comes home, but she does call often and I sleep better knowing that she digs her little space down in the 'burg.

Our first summer project was to disguise a stain on an old sisal rug that had been, years ago, demoted to attic space . Power washing assured us that it was clean, but there was still a noticeable stain from the years it spent in the laundry room. We decided to monogram; every college girl needs her fair share of monogrammed belongings, and we were pretty sure this rug would fit in the roll-out garbage bin if we made a mess. It turned out perfectly, and, unless you're trying to notice it, you might not even see the stain.

Next up was the tiny little chest of drawers. My daughter insisted that it needed a fresh coat of paint and I just couldn't leave it at that. When I heard the words "Pottery Barn Kid's" come out of my son's mouth, the challenge was on. (Please note that this chest was purchased at "Good Wood" in the same Freshman year that the tattered cardigan mentioned in a previous post was purchase.) Shame on me for not taking any before pictures!

Inspired by a lingerie chest at Rooney Robison's, I purchased a bundle of bamboo at Michael's and fetched my trusty dremel. I split bamboo and Gorilla Super Glued it along each drawer's edge and around the top. Filled the cracks, painted, a little sanding, and a glaze. Sweet little chest of Kappa Delta T-shirts and enough underwear to assure no trips to public laundry rooms will be needed. No lie, junior year and she's NEVER done her laundry and I think she's quite proud of it. What is wrong with me for allowing this? At least I get to see her, even if it includes a few loads of laundry. It just means she has to stay longer when she comes!

Last, but not least, were the additional throw pillows that, like monograms, make it an oh so feminine space. Pearls and monograms, don't go to college without 'em. Don't worry, I know, Hobbs will take an army blanket, a pillow, X-Box, a fridge, thumb tacks to hold a sheet on the window, and some clothes... He will wash those clothes and I will have to call him on Sunday nights if I want to hear from him. Yes, this much I know is true... unless he needs money, right?

The Beverly Hillbillies!

2009-09-21T08:42:00.007-04:00

Our 3rd year moving Elly May to college.

Jed wouldn't let me ride on top!

Just in case anyone was wondering why I keep hanging on to my old mini-van... It's not the kind of car that you can't wait to get another, but then you just can't let it go. In March we blew out 13 candles on the mini-van cake and crossed our fingers for another college trip. We did it! Now we're just hoping it makes it to move-out. Granny Clampett would be so proud!

2009-09-15T00:48:00.001-04:00

Satin and Organza ribbon with

Rhinestones

Jackets Required...

2009-08-22T11:16:00.015-04:00

No matter what the invitation says,

you always need somewhere to stash your lips.

..........

Casual Attire? You still don't need a hobo or the kitchen sink to lug around on the dance floor, but maybe a little linen? burlap? Liberty cotton? vintage upholstery with a sassy lining? Dressy Casual? City Casual? Your guess is as good as mine. I read this "Wear-Whatever-The-Heck-You-Want-Attire but please come to our party!" but you're still gonna wanna take your lips in, and your cell, but those jeans are too tight to put anything in those pockets! Semi-Formal? Sassy little Cocktail dress and a silk pouch of some random but reasonable color for your lips, keys and your Coolpix. Formal? black velvet? satin? pearls? something that matches your dress perfectly!

..........

please note:

none of the above mentioned purses come with a date and

stitch poet will not be held responsible for any stolen purses

due to jealous girls lugging the current IT bag of gianormous proportion

with eight other girls at the party that lugged in the same bag...

2009...an even better year!

2009-08-06T15:45:00.010-04:00

The Bachelorette Season Sweater!

...Rowan Calmer...

vintage mother of pearl buckle

I watched the Bachelorette this summer with my daughter and a handful of her favorite girlfriends every Monday night. I will tell you that I enjoyed the girls more than making this sweater, but you probably already knew that. Caroline didn't make it to the end of the season with us. Summer class got in the way, but she was there in text messages and always weighed in with her opinion. We missed her and Rush did too! The last stitch was made during the "After-the-Final-Rose" special. Now I need to tend to the inspiration of this project....the original, pictured below is quite tattered. And I possibly need to get my sewing machine out and make Ed some new trunks! Those too were probably from 1978.

There have been several requests for the pattern for this sweater, however I took not a single note during this season... I was having too much fun with my girls. That is not to say that there will never be a pattern, but just not right now. It is, however just a simple top-down and I am happy to email the cable graph to anyone that wants it! If you're a small, I'll even count my cast-on! Just send me an email and I'll get it to you ASAP.

1978...a very good year!

2009-08-06T15:23:00.013-04:00

...here's the before...

I bought this sweater freshman year on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill...umm..."The Town Shop" I believe it was. It's seriously tattered and worn, but don't worry, I'll figure out how to make it presentable so that it doesn't have to be sent to sweater heaven. This sweater has been through 19 roommates (not counting Jeff or that girl that I didn't know her name one summer at the beach), countless sorority parties, has been stollen and returned twice, but lost and found only once, has had two sets of buttons, went to Africa with me on my honeymoon, goes to Westport every year without fail (and always will), seen lots of baby spit-up, still loves the flea market on Saturday mornings and will always be my favorite "grocery store" sweater....y'all know how cold it is in the grocery store! But the time has come to either pack it away, or do something about the ratty edges or the bag-boys at the grocery store are going to think I'm trying to steal a cart when I push my own bags to the parking lot! I'll keep you posted on how I decide to mend this beloved garment and will probably post the "after" when that happens. I'll wear the Bachelorette until then. It can't replace this sweater, but the stitch pattern was worth repeating!

YIKES!

Online....the old way!

2009-07-25T13:27:00.005-04:00

Well, it's not Nanny Payne's clothesline with white sheets for Becky and me to hide between, but it's bringing back those memories! The only thing missing besides the sheets is the sound of that hickory switch shooing us out and on our merry little way. I'm so excited about my new line in the yard and about how my favorite summer dress is going to smell. I am now going to email this picture to Becky and tell her how much I love and miss her (and Nanny)!

a mix well edited!

2009-07-22T17:28:00.005-04:00

The Fibre Studio at Yarns to Dye For!

http://www.fibrestudioshop.com/Home_Page.html

I am honored to post that Debbie Davis at the Fibre Studio in the Cotswold Neighborhood here in Charlotte, NC has added Stitch Poet to her inventory! Debbie has a great eye for beautiful yarns and has exquisite taste. Her shop samples are beautifully knit and totally inspiring. While the shop is small, it doesn’t need to be an ounce bigger as it is so well-edited! Think the Paper Skyscraper of Yarn Shops y’all! Please go by and meet Debbie if you haven’t already. She’s the sweetest thing and I’m confident that, once you meet her, you’ll be putting the Fibre Studio on your weekly to-do list.

PLEASE NOTE:

Stitch Poet will NOT be responsible for anyone

falling off the stash wagon as a result of this posting!

"Boathouse Row" will get new photos soon! FINALLY!

2009-07-21T10:34:00.010-04:00

Photoshoot for Caroline!

wish you were here!

When "Boathouse Row" goes to reprint, it will have new photos!

If you're a shop owner and you still have the original patterns

in your inventory, but would like these new photos

to share with your customers, let me know.

The cables on the original black sample

were hard to see in the photographs.

Problem solved!

champagne had a little lamb...

2009-07-19T17:13:00.002-04:00

. . . perfect little twins. . .

dakota and delaware

too bad i couldn't get them in my bag!

why does summer end?

key to a great knock-off...

2009-05-19T14:16:00.006-04:00

leather + brass + a day with Nellie = a great knock-off!

..pearls & leather..

Watch for more of these!

bigger fish to fry...

2009-05-07T13:10:00.005-04:00

.for the fishing widow.

when there's jewelry involved,

we can pretend we love it..right?

precious tiny vintage fishing button (1/2")

garnets with copper and brass

(17"necklace with 3"drop)

You should have seen the one I didn't make!

bzzzzz

2009-04-30T19:08:00.005-04:00

french knot bee

on taffeta backed satin

with gold embroidered wings...

pillow maybe???

POOF!

headed to the MDPD silent auction

Fancy-Smancy

2009-04-30T18:58:00.002-04:00

rose quartz

amethyst

pearls

...

cascade over

rouched

silk

Girls & Pearls...

2009-04-30T09:56:00.008-04:00

Let no man come between a girl and her pearls!

...Rowan Calmer linen stitch bodice...

...Cotton Rag Sleeves & Fisherman knotting skirt...

...Cotton batice lining and silk trim...

...vintage glass & freshwater pearls, crystals, rhinestones,

and matte gold chain...

Just add one girl!

i am so sorry that there is no pattern for this dress!

i promise to record all stitches if another makes it to the needles....promise!

ask and you shall receive...

2009-04-16T22:37:00.007-04:00

necklace with 3 strands of chalcedony,
freshwater pearls, and aquamarine

Lots have emailed and wanted to see more of the necklace in the banner...I think it's my all-time favorite! It's long, so it's hard to photograph, so to get a better look, don't forget you can click the picture to see a full screen shot. And have you seen French Knot Monogramming? My friend Gretchen turned me on to this...hope I did it right. Any suggestions for it's final destination? A pillow? A purse? Help me out! I haven't the foggiest idea where it will end up. Also, the knitting that served as my plate here will soon be a pillow. I'll let you know how that turns out too.

something old, something new.....

2009-04-16T00:27:00.002-04:00

and something blue!

vintage brooch, freshwater pearls,

aquamarine, and blue quartz

The Bees Knees!

2009-04-15T23:40:00.007-04:00

Nothing could be finer....

than to win something so perfect on

http://www.thebrightsideproject.com

from Natasha Salkey, a London jewelry designer

http://www.stashjewellery.com

I was recently on my favorite website, Daily Candy, and found my new favorite website, The Bright Side Project! Y'all, they're giving away the coolest stuff. Something different every day! All you have to do is answer the featured artist's question and wait. Of course when I saw this irresistible bee necklace, I pitched my answer, crossed my fingers and toes and held my mouth just right! Can you believe it? I won! Even Natasha Salkey, the artist, couldn't believe it when she discovered what a perfect match she'd chosen. I've kept the secret long enough. It's time to let the bee out of the hive! Please visit The Bright Side Project and then scoot right over to Natasha Salkey's website to see more of her irresistible jewelry. Maybe I'll "stash" something in my own Christmas stocking this year!

Bow-datious no.3

2009-03-22T15:49:00.004-04:00

3rd addition to Spring's Bowdatiousness!

(18"copper chain, 1"x1.5"copper bow w/ amethyst drop)

Aimless?!...I think NOT!

2009-03-18T16:53:00.010-04:00

MOVE OVER KATE SPADE, HERE COMES HANNA!

Gadabout (gād'ə-bout') n. An aimless pleasure seeker;

A traveler in search of enjoyment and amusement;

One who roams or roves for social activity.

Well, Hanna Nation is anything but aimless!

Her new fine monogram stationery has a definite direction and I don't think she has lost her way. Hanna seems to have found a perfect expression in each illustration that she has created. It's fresh and different. She's so clever in where she locates your monogram. This illustration, and Patterson's keen eye for fun little baubles, has inspired this Spring's "Bow-datious" trinkets.

(http://gadaboutpaper.blogspot.com)

Please visit Hanna's website to learn more about how to order your own stationery and, if you have a fella that needs his own cardstock, don't miss the link at the bottom of her homepage to Gallivant! I'd say this was pretty close to perfect for graduation!

(18" necklace, brass mesh bow 1.25"x.75")

Well, he's not stitched....

2009-03-17T12:09:00.006-04:00

(Hobbs is 3rd from the left in the back row.)

..but he's one of my two best projects ever!

someone please tell me why my son

is the dirtiest one in this picture!

Spring Break 2009

Habitat for Humanity - El Salvador

..the whole crew..

..work crew house #1..

..work crew house #2..

..work crew house #3..

(Hobbs is 4th from the left on the front row.)

..work crew house #4..

International Year of Natural Fibres!

2009-03-17T11:42:00.003-04:00

Martha's Vineyard Fiber Farm strikes again!

to learn more about what's going on,

check out Susan's post here:

http://www.fiberfarm.com/2009/03/international-year-of-natural-fibers

and i think this little guy needs a bath!

the luck of the irish...

2009-03-12T13:21:00.007-04:00

...raffle donation...

18" gold filled chain with matte gold and garnet beads

1.5"copper mesh bow, brass and crystal .75" drop

Kappa Delta Shamrock 'n Roll

Wofford College

18th Annual dinner with proceeds to benefit

Prevent Child Abuse America

Tuesday, March 17

maybe I should have made this green...

key ingredient...

2009-03-12T13:14:00.004-04:00

vintage key

felt, carnelian and citrine beads

brass chain

..28" with 2.5"drop..

New Logo?

2009-03-02T18:50:00.003-05:00

I think Hobbs thinks I

need a new logo!

(at least he didn't put me on a broom!)

"mom"

snow day artwork by Hobbs Maker

Who Needs a DOG?!

2009-02-25T21:40:00.004-05:00

Look what I found in my backyard today...

Think she'll let me make her a sweater?

Rush would be too jealous.

She was just chillin' by the rose beds...

Three more popped up through the hedge when I went outside.

more daly darlings...

2009-02-22T12:05:00.004-05:00

tiny sketch with watercolor (3x5ish)

the daly girls with their pup

Daly Dog Daze...

2009-02-22T11:42:00.003-05:00

soft pastel and watercolor

on sanded paper

Be My Valentine...

2009-02-22T11:32:00.002-05:00

vintage pearls, chandelier crystals

and brass chain

handmade glass and pottery goblet - joyce abbott maker blackall - maine

Little Annie Rooney...

2009-02-21T13:53:00.009-05:00

Happy Birthday Rooney!

Little Annie Rooney, if she could stand, would measure about 8" tall. She was inspired by the best story teller I know, Rooney Robison, and one of her stories! Ask her to tell you about her first day in Kindergarten...

Petal Pink Blue Sky Alpaca Sport on size 3s created her body. She's weighted with a fanny full of rice so she'll sit still. Rooney says she thinks she was meant to be a gypsy because she loves the sparkle so much....hence her little necklace of faceted amethyst (Rooney's Birthstone!) and freshwater pearls and little earrings to match. Her dress is a vintage hankie with an edge of VERY old tatting lace made by my very own great grandmother Squires. Now my favorite part, and the reason I finally finished this little baby is her hair. I purchase a 4 oz. bag of washed, uncombed Mohair locks from Martha's Vineyard Fiber Farm (http://www.fiberfarm.com/). When they arrived, well, ta-da, Little Miss Annie Rooney!

I plan to make the whole crew at Rooney Robison Antiques, so watch for the next cast memeber. I'll have a contest to see who can guess which one of us she is.....(employees are ineligable for this contest!) It'll probably be a dead give away, but I'll think of a fun little prize for the winner...

but seriously...

2009-01-20T16:50:00.005-05:00

every girl needs one of these at her desk...

xoxopatterson!

Ol' Mother Hubbard...

2009-01-20T14:02:00.005-05:00

decoupaged the cupboard!

and the bathroom!

bare? not so much...

HO! HO! HO!

2008-12-23T20:01:00.003-05:00

Y'all have a great holiday!

xovxov (kisshugstitch!),

Champ

Bow Wow Wow, Yippee Yo, Yippee Yay!

2008-12-11T01:27:00.004-05:00

Toto, We're not in Kansas anymore!

We're on Knitty!

http://www.knitty.com

The Bark-A-Lounger!

WINTER '08 ISSUE

Don't be a scaredy cat! It's not that hard!

have a great day and don't step in a poodle
sorry, i couldn't help myself...

Just one more Boathouse Row!

2008-11-19T20:49:00.003-05:00

"Boathouse Row"

3 skeins/Rowan Cocoon/Alpine

us# 8 and 10 circular 24"

VOTE!

2008-11-04T13:41:00.001-05:00

...in my lucky jeans!!

Susan had a little lamb...and some goats!

2008-10-30T23:49:00.012-04:00

Martha's Vineyard Fiber Farm

Jeff and I got engaged on Martha's Vineyard by the Edgartown Lighthouse, so when I saw the little sidebar ad today on Raverly, I just had to click on it. Look what I found! I'm in love and I've not even touched them.

...these faces...can you stand it?

susan gibbs is the shepherd at

martha's vineyard fiber farm

i want to be her in my next life i think...

mvff is the first community sponsored
agriculture for fiber...

is this the cutest thing you have ever seen?

and i thought my dog was cute in his sweater!
he's cold too after his haircut...

please visit their website, blog and etsy shop:

http://www.fiberfarm.com

http://www.mvknits.etsy.com

What's all the BUZZZZ about?

2008-10-30T14:40:00.006-04:00

my friend shelley and reeve came by yesterday to stitch a bit. shelley insisted on breaking out the camera. if you know me, you know i don't like my picture taken.... but she succeeded and i think it captured our day perfectly.... shelley's prehistoric sewing machine however, never made it up and running... what a tangled bobbin we wove! anyway, you can see "the hive" in all its grand and glorious messiness.... i think we'll try for a better pic (i'll clean up a bit) next time, but for now, this one is way fun....

y'all come see me!

WOOF! Go Terriers!!

2008-10-08T17:43:00.004-04:00

"Old Main"

... pastel and watercolor on sanded paper ...

Auction Donation

Wofford College Homecoming

Terrier Ball, October 10, 2008

Wrapigans and Mustard Seeds....

2008-09-21T10:11:00.008-04:00

If you follow my blog, you know I’m not a bloggy blogger and rarely do I type my thoughts out loud in this column. But this morning, I just received the sweetest note! I’ll post it here, but remove the names to protect her privacy. It has inspired me to be a little bloggy for a minute. I want her to know that she’s made me feel just like the Wrapigan made her feel and made my day.

Between this note and the hugs I get when I’ve finished something for customers, friends, family or more importantly my daughter, I am often reminded just what the real reason is that I continue to just … make stuff …

I once had a friend that was very ill and he nailed my purpose here… One day as he, his wife and I were involved in some project at their home (I don’t remember the project just the moment) and he said, “I know you…you just want to make people happy.” I will never forget that. When he was in the hospital at the end of his precious life, I was frozen. I could not get myself together. While driving in my car on the day I planned to visit my friend, I heard John Hyatt’s song, “Through Your Hands,” 3 times, on 3 different radio stations, in a 20 minute car ride. Ok, Ok! I get it. How can you help? Make something significant. I went home and made his wife a necklace with a mustard seed charm and rose quartz…I know you get that. Matthew 17:19-20 "…if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." And Rose Quartz…love. When I was young, my mom wore this charm bracelet that had a mustard seed charm on it. Then, I always thought it was the weirdest thing that she kept that charm on her bracelet when the glass around it was cloudy from scratches and chips created by the other charms. You could hardly see the seed any more, but at the moment when I realized what I wanted to do for my friend, I knew why my mom never took that charm off or replaced it with a new one. I got it.

So, I’ll keep making stuff…and sharing it with you....it’s what I do.

"A Wrapigan Hug"

a note from a customer...

Champagne,

I wanted to write to you to say thank you for designing the Wrapigan. That may be a strange thing to write someone to say, but I believe that if a pattern truly touches someone, that should be shared with the designer. I’m a fellow Charlotter and though we’ve not met in person, I see you everywhere in my LYS’s.
Why has Wrapigan made such an impression on me, you are probably wondering by now.

Well, my dad passed away about 2 1/2 weeks ago now. It has been a very hard few weeks and has left me with a lot of emotions to deal with. My friend ****, or **** as most people know her, had just finished her Wrapigan and wore it to the funeral. She was so funny about it, but she insisted I put it on, and that it would make me feel a little better. Well, I humored her and I put it on. Much to my suprise, it made me feel warm, safe, and comforted. It’s kind of like having someone just put their arms around you and hug you. When I got back home to Charlotte, I knew I would have to knit one of my own. And I did finally pick up the pattern and the yarn to do so at Close Knit yesterday.

Again, I know you don’t know me, and I know that is a horribly sad story to share with someone I don’t know, but I wanted you to know that Wrapigan is something that has given me a bit of comfort in a time that I’ve needed it desperately.

Thanks for doing what you do.
I hope to run into you for real one day :).

no, thank YOU!

YIKES!!!

2008-09-19T16:58:00.002-04:00

PLEASE NOTE:

IN THE NEW "MEMORY KEEPER" FINGERLESS MITTEN PATTERN,

THERE IS A MISTAKE IN THE WEIGHT OF YARN USED!!

THE CORRECT WEIGHT IS:

SPORT!

ruffled feathers....

2008-09-13T16:58:00.005-04:00

Get your feathers on!

satin ribbon, habu fringe tape,

vintage chandelier crystals, faceted gem stones and pearls

My new best friend! MOD-PODGE!

2008-09-10T00:00:00.005-04:00

Decoupage!

I'm bringing it back in style!

patterson's dorm room addition...attic chic 2008!

Pedi-stools!

2008-09-09T23:28:00.006-04:00

When the girls come marchin' in....

they'll need to take a load off in those fancy dresses if their last name starts with an M, N, O, P...

Poised and Perched at the

NC Debutante Ball, September 2008

When you find your beau...

2008-09-09T23:17:00.004-04:00

be the belle of the ball with the

prettiest bow!

and the cutest beau!

nc debutante ball, september 2008

"Boathouse Row" NEW pattern!

2008-08-13T13:10:00.005-04:00

just one more....."Boathouse Row"

a great gift knit!

pictured in Cascade Baby Alpaca Chunky (3 skeins)

3.5 sts/inch, US#8 and 10 24" circular needles

approx. 324 yards

row, row, row your boathouse row

i'll see you on the wharf!

"Undertow" NEW Pattern!

2008-08-10T14:08:00.004-04:00

Get swept away by the "UNDERTOW"

You're sure to need a lifeguard with this one!

It is my most favorite project ever.

Blue Sky Alpacas Sport Weight

Petal Pink (516) 4 skeins,

and Med. Natural Brown (003) 7 skeins

US#4 (24" and 30" needles)

behind needle #1, 2, and 3....

2008-08-03T13:35:00.011-04:00

coming soon...

watch for more photos and dates for

NEW STITCH POET PATTERNS

available this fall!

"Memory Keeper" NEW pattern!

2008-07-17T20:46:00.009-04:00

now available...

Remember your Junior year abroad? Those mittens you knit on the train in Spain? Ok, so these aren't those mittens, but they'd make a really sweet gift for the traveler on your Christmas list! Order your "Memory Keeper" pattern now for an August delivery!

blue sky alpaca sport weight

100% baby alpaca

6 Colors, US#5 dpn

Did you ever wonder...

2008-07-06T12:55:00.006-04:00

if the tailor bird's granny taught her to stitch...

what's behind closed doors...

why you can't see the forest, but you can see the trees...

how to feather your nest...

what my version of a family tree might look like?

Your Grandfather's Cuff Link...

2008-06-16T11:25:00.005-04:00

what you do when there's only one in the box...

felt package: "the grinch" by stitch poet

pattern available through listed stitch poet stockists

Little Flower Child...

2008-06-16T10:58:00.003-04:00

for the fancy little hippy in all of us!

make tiny little flowers from

any yarn, any weight, any needle,

any where, any time...

email me and i'll tell you how to make them!

"In A Clutch" Pattern

2008-06-14T16:43:00.004-04:00

"In A Clutch" gets yet another new cover!
This one inspired by Juicy Coutour...so girly!

2 More FREE Patterns on RAVELRY!

2008-06-14T16:12:00.006-04:00

"Take Me To New York"

sample knit by Betsy Rinehard (Thanks Betsy!)

a simple shrug pattern to cover your wings

made famous at Stitch Fine Yarns,

now free for everyone!

"Blossom Shop"

a wrap of Prism's irresistible Blossom yarn

fringe your wrap with a collection of

organza and satin ribbons instead of yarn.

(hint: choose only one color and several neutral ribbons)

http://www.ravelry.com/designers/champagne-maker

It ain't over 'til the Yak Momma Sings!

2008-06-06T10:44:00.005-04:00

look at this fuzzy little thing!

i feel like a yak aunt!

Bijou Basin Ranch has a new addition!

"it" has no name as of yet...not sure if it's a girl or boy.

25 lbs.

18 inches tall

24 inches long

"My Secret Life With Bees" NEW FREE Pattern!

2008-06-04T12:31:00.006-04:00

size small / 1.5 inches wide

size small / no optional button hole row

size large / 3.5 inches wide

size large / used optional buttonhole row

a new free pattern download on http://www.ravelry.com/

if you're not registered on ravelry, please feel free

to email me for your copy!

all shops that carry stitch poet are welcome to pass'em out!

Cinderella...

2008-05-27T17:41:00.004-04:00

Ok, what do you wear with glass slippers?

more tiny little clusters of seed beads and pearls

habu textiles wool stainless and sulky metalic thread

dress of olive tulle and satin ribbon

little leather rings and clusters

2008-05-24T18:25:00.006-04:00

tan leather, rose quartz,

glass seed beads

and pearls

each ring is one-of-a-kind

request half size larger than you normally wear

Delicate Accessories

2008-05-20T12:22:00.008-04:00

knitted and crocheted

accessories from habu textiles

wool stainless threads

Claire's Paris

wool stainless, vintage rhinestone/pearl strands and mop buttons

"Bijou Reflection" CORRECTION!

2008-05-12T12:37:00.006-04:00

For anyone that purchase from Bijou Basin Ranch at the Fiber Festivals over the past two weekends, we've had speedy knitter already make it through the pattern and on to her sash. She brought an omission to my attention (Thank you so much Amie!). The omission and correction are in the Linen Stitch Sash. Please note the following corrections to your pattern:

LINEN STITCH SASH:
Cast on 13 sts.
Row 1: (K1, sl 1 wyif) repeat to last st, K1.
Row 2: P1, (P1, sl 1 wyib) repeat to last 2 sts, P2.
Repeat these two rows until you finish your final skein of yarn and bind off on a RS Row. Your sash will be approximately 50 inches long.

Please note that any patterns recieved after these two shows will reflect these changes! Happy Stitching! Don't forget to send us pictures when you're finished!

The Cupboard HAS LEFT THE BUILDING!

2008-05-10T10:04:00.003-04:00

Up the hill to Headwaters....

door detail...

hidden family monograms in the turtle's shell...

interior antiqued paper walls...

"Bijou Reflection" Pattern

2008-04-26T21:22:00.007-04:00

This double layered scarf with a delicate lace edge
can be snuggled close to your neck to keep any chill out.
Its unique construction reminds me of a reflection.
It is worked lengthwise in one piece,

the top reflecting the bottom,

with a drawstring casing in the middle.

I’ve included sash instructions,

but you can replace this with your own fabric sash to add

even more personal style to this fun scarf.

I've embellished the sash with freshwater pearls

and added a leather label.

A little bird told me!

2008-04-14T21:23:00.003-04:00

. . . sweet ornamental pillows to pirch on a bench. . .
. . . great fabric, felt birds, feathers, leather and twigs . . .

. . . no, you can't sit on 'em!

A Better Date to the Prom!

2008-04-02T10:28:00.005-04:00

! cb's prom earrings !

! custome orders always welcome !

Some things.....YOU JUST CAN'T KNIT!

2008-03-28T18:10:00.003-04:00

Just one more bag of chips!

2008-03-24T00:54:00.005-04:00

another adaptation of THE CHIP BAG...

smaller than "the chip", but bigger than "chip off the ol' block"

(only one purl stitch between cables and eliminating the k2 st st sections)

"Beam Me Up, Scottie" Pattern NEW!

2008-03-21T23:12:00.023-04:00

The first time I wore this necklace, I was trying to keep pace with the fashion designers and their long layers with big baubles. I must say, I felt a little like my son’s solar system science project. Oh the things we do as fashion slaves! Choose a tiny choker using only the smallest size, or long layers of planet sized beads. How about earrings or a purse handle for your Stitch Poet clutch!

See more pictures on http://www.ravelry.com/

Worsted Wt. Felting Wool (Plymouth Galway Worsted)

US#8 Needles, Needle Felting supplies,

seed beads, chain and wire

3 Sizes:

tiny: 1/2" (1 yard) big: 1" (4 yards) planet: 1.5" (10 yards)

What a Girl Needs!

2008-03-17T09:37:00.008-04:00

....About those small packages!

Every sorority girl needs a tiny "chip" to don at fraternity row!
This one was a perfect size for what a party girl needs:
her cell phone, her digital camera, keys and lips!

What more could a girly girl need?

adaptation of "the chip bag"

Habu any Wool?

2008-03-13T15:33:00.009-04:00

Not this time!

My Habu Textiles Yarn(?) arrived today!

The Japanese strike again. I am as excited about this stuff as I get over a new color added to the Noro color cards! The cone is 75% Wool and 25% Stainless steel.

The raffia-like hank is 100% Linen.

They look beautiful with my recent find, Art Yarn/Silk Rhapsody, at a local yarn shop in Pineville, NC. I have also stashed away an Alchemy Bamboo that may find its way into this project.We have cast on, so watch this spot....you never know what it will turn into!

I purchased my Habu @ Knitch in Atlanta

1052 St. Charles Ave., http://www.shopknitch.com/

and Art Yarns/Silk Rhapsody @ the Yarn Shop by Rainy Day Creations

in Pineville, NC http://www.rainydaycreationsinc.com/

gitcha some!

No Diet for Stitch Poet!

2008-03-13T15:20:00.005-04:00

Things around here just keep getting bigger!

After working up the Chip Bag in a chunkier yarn,

I decided to see if it was worth it for the Clutch pattern.

I used 2 skeins of Crystal Palace Iceland on US#11 needles.

I didn't have enough yarn to knit the flap,

so if you want a flap, buy 3 skeins.

the big clutch measured 14" x 6" after felting...