Cowl Crazy

Every since I posted about the Sveta Dresher I cannot get cowls out of my head. Especially after Stephanie decided to pick up her needles, and tonights temperature of 20 below (Celsius that is). I think I'm going to attempt just a simple tube with size 13 circulars and Lion Brand Thick and Quick. I really wish I could get my hands on some Rowan Big Wool though. *sigh* This weekend I finished the teal and gray mittens posted below and moved onto a burgundy and brown pair, they are knitting up fast.

Here is some more Cowl inspiration:
Lion Brand Pattern (you do have to sign up to view it, but it is free!)
Moderniteter, again. Can you tell they are my greatest source for reference?!Both Emma Nygren
Also check out this one, it's a great shot and made from another free online pattern from a brilliant knitter that I admire.
Oh my, I almost forgot this one:by Fringe *drool*

Finally some snow!

Ok, really I hate winter. I hate the cold, and the mountain of snow that builds up on my walk to university. However, it does make for a festive environment. Usually by November a thick coating of snow is already on the ground, but today was the first time the snow has stuck! My second pair of mittens is almost done...only 6 more to go for Christmas. Yikes! I'm trying to aim for one finished per week and then I should be ok.
Yet, in an attempt to stay warm all I can think of is knitting myself a ski sweater!
I found this pattern in Vogue Thick Knits which I found at the local library's annual book sale. It is definitely a possibility, after the mittens of course.
I'm not the only one that is into Ski Sweaters right now:
Lula Issue 5
Lucky December 2007

Moderniteter September 2007

Yesterday while checking out Refinery29 I drooled profusely when I found this cardigan. It is exactly what I am looking for. I'm still killing myself for not going in and buying one I saw in a Minneapolis thrift store window.
But in the meantime I have this one:
Can you tell I'm obsessed?

Nomia Wool Tunic Dress

Just like e I am in love with this dress:Everything about is to die for, and that bag... Unfortunately it is out of my price range *sigh*. My only hope to attempt to create something like it. Fortunately there is a pattern in my stash that is close. Maybe when exams are over... I'm thinking possibly the pattern for the blue one.

Twirling is most fun, Darling

On Friday night after school and before going out I sat down and made my very own Party Skirt! I think it is the fastest item I have ever sewn, and really cute, if I do say so myself. I just used the Burda Style tutorial previously mentioned in the party skirt post. It is red 100% Duponi silk, not my favorite kind of silk, but it is the only silk I can buy here. I think for a skirt it turned out quite nice as well the texture of it really works with the gathers, and as a plus, it is high waisted. (My new obsession)

In the meantime I have found some other examples of Party Skirts:
Isabelle Marant Fall 2007

ModerniteterOr you can buy one at Creatures of Comfort, but seriously it is so easy to make your own!

Knitting Idols

I thought I 'd share some of my favorite knitting designers and tag groups tonight. I'm so full of knitting inspiration I feel like I'm going to burst. Honestly, I think I was made for winter, or at least winter was made for knitting sweaters!Knitta, Probably the first knit tagging group (Don't quote me). Based in Austin, Texas but seen around the world. I think this is such a great idea, non-permanent graffiti that livens a space up.

Masquerade, also a knit tagging group based in Europe... not sure where at the moment. They're not afraid to crochet too.
Sveta Dresher, she makes gorgeous knits for women and children. Quality materials and absolutely stunning results. I dream about her crocheted suri cape.
Jacqueline Knits, ever since her apple cosy was featured in the New York Times she has been selling out like crazy. My personal favorite: the coffee cup sleeve, absolutely brilliant.

This inspiration will be keeping me busy, as well as all the mittens for Christmas presents.

Braids

I love braids. There is something so classic about them, they evoke a Grecian beauty. When my two favorite fashion magazines both devote an entire spread exactly a year apart devoted to them, it's obviously not just a trend. To me braids represent feminine beauty, I remember being so proud when I mastered them so I could braid myself a little bracelet out of embroidery floss. Braids are also wonderful for keeping my curly hair (yes, it's curly) back and out of my face, but looks much more elegant than a ponytail.

Nylon Dec./Jan. 2007
Lula Issue 5

First pair done!

Mittens and my new Gap dress.

It's a good day.

Matrioschka Dolls

I love Matrioschka dolls... well not just the dolls, I love anything that features them at all. I even created my own stamp which I used to make greeting cards last year in print class, if I find it I will take a picture!
This is why I just caved in and bought myself wrapping paper that I first spotted on this blog, when once again I should be writing a paper...
I also love, but cannot afford this Ivana Helsinki bag:

Other notable Matrioschka prints are from Superbuzzy, and Urban Outfitters

I'm Back!.. and Broke..

Luke and I in Minneapolis for the Rememberance Day long weekend.
Pictures by my beautiful friend Ali.

Party Skirt

After seeing a picture in NYLON of a Poltock and Walsh skirt, I was over come with the desire to have a flippy party skirt. Now I see them everywhere! Which of course only increases my need to have one. I recently purchased some red duponi silk for a dress, but now I think a party skirt will do. Burda Style even has a tutorial for this one:

Also check out this one by la fee, a great French girl who makes beautiful creations.