Cheep Cheep

Lauren (from The Lo Down) & I spent some quality time in Northampton, MA {if you haven't -go immediately} whilst I was home for Thanksgiving -which included many hours spent @WEBS{heaven/drug for knitters}. In addition to spending beaucoup dollars on yarn & yarn related goodies we each got a project bag made by Blue Sky Alpaca. I was in desperate need of a small knitting project bag & these babies are pretty cheap {& cute!}. WEBS only had three options, but there are a few more found on this site. Lauren & I characteristically went home with the pink & purple, respectively.

West African recycled basket

Handwoven basket by West African women using recycled materials. This would make laundry chic. Here.

ALL Knitwear by Annie Larson

ALL Knitwear is a Minneapolis based company headed by Miss Annie Larson. It's all American - design, construction, etc. The small handmade batches of yummy knits are sold exclusively online. Super important to support small American businesses, especially ones who support lovely, fun knits (gosh I love knits, though that's probably abundantly clear by now...) Visit her site here. Enjoy!

Gauge This

I don't know how many of our readers are knitters/crafters - I know for sure Lauren from The Lo Down is, but I saw this in the Fall 2010 issue of Vogue Knitting {Oh yah, I don't read Vogue I read Vogue Knitting....judge away!} and I'm sort of obsessed. My needle gauge/ruler is a boring little metal thing -this is what I need! From etsy user Karastix.

Birds of a Feather

Paper sculptures by Anna-wili Highfield:

Nicole Gastonguay

Nicole Gastonguay is a fiber artist from NYC & she does these silly things without a pattern, so they come out randomly each time. Yummy, delicious {literally} knitties. I'm into knitting plushies now, so maybe these are next? Although they are wicked expensive & don't offer a pattern to follow. blah.

Oldie

These images from dottie angel's blog basically define my existence these days. I've been canning practically every weekend & knitting every second I get for hours & hours (not that this latter activity is new). My new canning obsession makes me long for the days when I can have a place of my own with a big garden. So far, I have made a bunch of applesauce, whose run-off created the most glorious fresh, nothing-added apple juice I have ever tasted in my entire life (I'm making more this weekend). Also, made a bunch of raspberry jam, which came out great & not too sweet. I'm pining to make some cranberry sauce & Boston Baked Beans as soon as I can, so stay tuned for a photo journey through my preserving activities.

Is That Seat Taken?

Adorable London-licious pillow. Want.

{Via: NotOnTheHighStreet.com}

Sheeptastic

I'm failing at post titles, I know! I'm obsessing over this painting by etsy user Davs. I could see it in my future craft room where I knit my life away happily. ha! If only there was as much time for knitting as I wanted, but her paintings and things are wonderful - I'm getting a folk art vibe for sure.

très chic

I featured this etsy user, Elizabeth Ocean, a long time ago - from a post at the very beginning of my blogging tenure {view here}, but she is one of my favorites {& from my homestate too!}. Her 18th century prints & postcards are genius -as a nod to one of my favorite Frenchies {Marie Antoinette}. I really enjoy using them as Christmas cards.

Isabella's Art

I purchased one of these prints for my sister, Kathleen, for Christmas last year & I'm pretty sure my mother followed the same route for this year. These are really clever, and well-done, prints, shadow puppets, & stencils from etsy user Isabella's Art, who is from Holland. Her stuff is brilliant - mostly fairy tales; & I want it all. Here are some of my favorites:

Wood You Care To Share Your Bright Idea?

Ok... I know..it's stupid, but I was trying to be clever with the title. I'll be better next time. Crafty idea from etsy user anzfer from San Francisco. A little driftwood, a little electricity..wah lah!