Antique Road Trip

O'Neil's Antiques

I know when I set out to write this blog I wanted to focus on crafts, family, and life in NYC. Well I can't help it is my love of crafts and family are also tied into my love of travel. This Thursday (yes during the blizzard) my family and I started out on a road trip from New York to North Carolina to visit some family. Since the weather was bad we decided to drive about half way and spend the night near some of our favorite antique stores around the Delaware/Maryland border on Rt. 13. If you haven't figured it out already I am infinitely interested in tradition. I am a firm believer in understanding your roots before you can grow and spread your branches. So I guess it is no surprise that antique store amuse me. Walking through an antique store is like walking through a mini time capsule.

Loving all the books I found

One of our family's favorite antique stops is O'Neil's which is a few miles before you hit Maryand.  We have been coming here for years and absolutely love the big collections of estate jewelry, antique furniture, and treasures spanning a few centuries worth of nostalgia.  We were saddened to see that within the next few weeks the store will be closing.  The lovely couple who owns O'Neil's have decided after over 25 years they will be retiring.  On the bright side appointments can still be made to view their jewelry at their home.  Since everything was pretty much on clearance I went to work digging through each section looking for treasures. (Yes that is me sitting on the floor exploring craft books... the owners did say to make myself at home :)

Maybe I'm addicted, but at least its a healthy addiction

While there are so many beautiful things I would love to buy I decided I would focus this expedition on finding craft books, patterns, tools, and supplies.  I love looking through books to get ideas.  Many of the crafts I grew up with in my family seem to have faded as video games and computers have become the way to entertain so its pretty difficult sometimes to find resources.  Antique stores are a great place though to find these lost treasures.  Usually I feel lucky if I find a book or two but this trip I guess I was rewarded for braving the winter weather.  I  found so many craft resources that I actually had a hard time picking which books to buy and which I had to leave behind. With just two antique store stops I had literally piles of new craft goodies.  If you are looking for a cost effective place to load up on supplies antique stores, thrift shops, and yard sales are a good place to start.

Holding some of the new craft stash!

As for our followers, you can look forward to many new items in our Etsy Shop within the next few months.  The hardest part is going to be deciding where to start!  There are so many good ideas that inspire new items for my personal collection as well as the shop.  I even found some patterns I remember my Nannie working on when I was a little girl.  I love when we find little trinkets that remind us of our past.  Nannie was such an important part of why I am the crafter I am today so those things that remind me of her are extra special.  Antiquing turned out to be a successful part of the trip but we still had a few hours drive until we could begin our weekend getaway with some of our Southern relatives so we once again hit the road.  While flying is definitely a faster way to travel I wouldn't give up our road adventures for the world.  There is nothing like meeting new people, discovering hidden sight seeing gems, and spending time with your family.

We continued driving down south and decided to take a route that would bring us over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.  For those of you who have never traveled this strip it is a combination of tunnels and bridges with a beautiful view of the water.  We were lucky enough to hit it just as the sun was setting.  The view was so colorful that we decided we couldn't just quickly pass it by.  Instead we stopped at their rest area.  There is a restaurant there with water views as well as a gift shop and convenience area. It is also a great place to stop and take a few family photos or just enjoy the spectacular view.

After all the snow we have had in New York this year it was incredibly refreshing to stand by the ocean on a warm day, listen to the seagulls and the churning of the water, and watch the sunset.  On that note, I will update our readers next post on the rest of the trip!

A sunset so perfect it almost doesn't seem real

For Part II of our road trip adventures click here!

 

Winter Accessories

January 3, 2014 Snowstorm

New York has already had a pretty eventful Winter.  At least four snowstorms and an Arctic Vortex later I think snow gear is a must.  In not a big hat person, but a headband, scarf, and gloves are a must before I dare to brave the cold temperatures.  Over the years of of my favorite things to make are crochet scarfs.  Not only are scarfs a fun accessory but for people like me, who don't tolerate the cold very well, they are a very practical and essential part of any winter outfit.

The advantage of being able to make your own scarfs is the color and materiel options are endless and I can make the exact size and design I'm looking for.  Since the scarf rarely leaves my neck, even once I'm indoors, it is great to be able to match them to some of my favorite outfits.  There are also some pretty fashionable ways to wrap or tie scarfs, so being able to add the extra length I prefer is another great reason I make my own.


With the recent temperatures plummeting so low my car's tires actually stuck to the ground, and wind chill numbers around -15 my scarf of choice for this winter is something thick, plush, and extra warm.  After a quick trip to the craft store (ok, maybe it wasn't so quick, but who could blame me for spending so much time there when there are so many great craft options?!?!) I decided on a deep burgundy red color.   Bernat's Soft Boucle Yarn caught my eye because of the rich color and the new "quicker and thicker" design.  FYI, I did notice a notable difference though in color and texture between dye lots so make sure you buy enough of the same lot for your intended project if you go with this yarn.  While some yarns you can get away with mixing lots, this is definitely not one of them.  Also, if you are new to crochet or knit this may not be the best yarn for you.  It is woven in a loose manner that some new crafters find hard to create with as it is easy to place the needle through the thread of yarn instead of under it.

Just as the label promised this yarn was plenty thick and it does work very quick. The yarn label called for a "L" crochet hook but since I was concerned with warmth I choose a "K" crochet hook to keep the stitching a little tighter.  While a single crochet scarf would have almost totally eliminated this problem, I wanted to make sure the soft plush quality of this yarn wasn't lost in smaller tighter stitches.  For this reason I decided to create the scarf in double crochet stitches with the slightly smaller hook which gave me the desired look, feel, and warmth.  I'm a huge fan of infinity scarfs right now so with that in mind I began crocheting away.  The picture on the right (don;t mind my pjs) shows the work in progress scarf after only a short time.  I made the scarf about 70 inches long before closing the infinity circle (a good length if you like to double the loops around your neck for a little extra warmth) and about 10 inches thick.

After completing the scarf I had some yarn left over.  I could have held onto the remaining yarn for a future project but all I could hear was a little voice in my head telling me my yarn stash is big enough. But... I refuse to waste craft materials... sooo... I decided the perfect solution was to make a matching headband!  After completing a basic headband I stitched a portion of the headband together creating a pinched bow effect.  Overall I am very happy with the yarn and the finished product. After only one night of cuddling up and crocheting I have two great new Winter Accessories.  I'm ready to face the next round of of Arctic Vortex cold expected within the next two weeks!

Finished Scarf and Headband (Color appears lighter due to camera flash)

Special Orders

Just dropping in for a quick update.  The past few weeks have been pretty busy with lots of special custom orders.  Along with new tissue box covers like the Michigan State Spartans as one example, I received another request for a custom design last night.  Plastic canvas isn't the only area were custom requests have picked up.  I have a few baby sets to keep me busy as well.  While its fun reproducing patterns and designs I have already created (sometimes tweaking colors etc) I love when I have new special order requests.  Anytime I create with my hands I'm happy but there is nothing like creating with my hands and mind to bring an idea to life.  Take a look at the beginning to one of the special request baby sets.  Ill be sure to post the finished product once it has been gifted to the soon to be mom.

While this set is still missing the special touches I am excited to see it coming together. How about my fellow crafters out there, do you prefer to work off a pattern and replicate a proven favorite or does attacking a brand new concept excite you more?

  

Successful Snowday

A few days ago I wrote about my crafting plans for Blizzard Nemo.  I am happy to report that my relaxing snow day was a success.  After work on Friday I made a quick stop at the supermarket (I am still dieting and I was determined that even Nemo would not get in the way of me reaching my goal weight by this summer).  By the time I left the market 20 mins later the roads were covered in ice and snow was beginning to fall.  I made it home safe and sound and vowed not to leave the house until there was no longer a risk of me slipping on ice (I had one run in with black ice already this week and my knee is still paying for it).

I made myself soup for dinner, put on some good tv and enjoyed the view of the falling snow from my warm couch.  It was only a matter of time before I broke my vow to remain indoors.  The snow was just too beautiful and I couldn't help but to go take a quick walk with my best friend through our winter wonderland.  While we could have enjoyed the snow in the morning there is something special about the fresh fallen snow before its marked by children's footprints, car tracks, and plows.  

When all was said and done the next morning we had about 10 inches of snow.  Other parts of New England were hit by 30+ inches so we were lucky we didn't have that much snow to shovel.  After a quick clean up I spent the rest of the day catching up on tv shows I haven't had the time to watch, and crafting.  Despite the howling wind, freezing temperatures, and snow covered EVERYTHING I was in a bright springy mood.  I completed some bright citrus colored wash cloths and then decided create a top for a set of towels. The linen towel set has a beautiful bright sunflower with two lady bugs embroidered  on each.

Blizzard Nemo 2013

As if the Northeast hasn't had enough weather related excitement the past few months tonight we are bracing for Blizzard Nemo.  Despite a fall on black ice earlier this week I am kind of excited for this storm.  Snow  storms are the perfect opportunity to pause all the "to-do" things and just relax. So with over a foot of snow heading my way I am planning a weekend of cuddling up on the couch, some hot chocolate in hand and crafting while watching the snow fall. On the crafting agenda is some cotton washcloths, hanging dishtowels, and maybe some work on a special surprise project I have been working on.  Lately I have been spending a lot of time working on plastic canvas as these projects have been in high demand at Handcrafted Holidays.  I honestly have missed crochet and can't wait to see some of these projects completed.  

Starry Night Blanket

A few weeks ago I wrote about my first country escape of the summer.  While I was there I was touched by the beauty of all the blue ripples created by the light of the moon and stars reflecting off the clouds.  It inspired a new baby blanket idea and on my most recent trip to the country last weekend I took advantage of the beautiful nights to start and complete my project.  We were lucky enough to have beautiful weather the entire weekend so sitting in my rocking chair on the porch until all hours of the morning crocheting this blanket was the perfect way to pass the evenings.

I had found a soft variegated blue yarn that captured all the hues of blue from the night of the picture (I apologize again since this picture does not do the sight justice).  Once I had the yarn the next thing I had to decide on was a stick.  I tried a few samples and found a shell stitch was best at mimicking the puffs of different blues.  As a finishing touch I added two bright white stars to highlight my favorite part of the country sky.

  Take a look at the blanket in my etsy shop:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/HandcraftedHolidays

Reader Input

I am lucky enough to have a long weekend this week and I have decided after work to head back to my aunt's country home for the weekend.  As you read in my post A Weekend to Recharge, last time I was there I was inspired to start a new crochet project.  I found the perfect yarn for my idea and it is already packed and ready for the trip into the mountains.  I'm looking forward to relaxing for a few days.  Not to mention it will be nice to work on the crochet project in the place that inspired the idea.

Since I will most likely be disconnected from phones/internet I will not be posting for the next few days.  I have received the most interest so far regarding my "how to" and explanation blogs.  I figured we can still make this a productive blogging weekend.  Please leave a comment below with any questions, how to topics, or helpful tip areas you would like me to discuss in the future.  I will take these comments into consideration when choosing future blog posts.

How To: Yarn Pom Poms

When I was a kid I think every winter hat I owned was topped with a pom pom.  I stopped wearing them when it was no longer "cool" to have that adorable fuzzy ball on the top of your head.  Well wouldn't you know that pom poms are back in style and they are no longer just for children's accessories.    

While pom poms can be a fun addition to a crochet or knit project, they are also a great way to use scrap pieces of yarn. I wanted to try creating a pom pom but I wasn't sure which of the many "pom pom tools" to purchase.  There are many options out there and I didn't know what was best.  Most of my craft friends recommend  the Susan Bates Easy Wrap Pom Pom Maker.  While I had used a friend's kit and found it easy to make, I am always trying to find ways to save money.  Though these kits are not expensive, if I could make pom poms with what I already have at home then I could put that money to use for new yarn :)  

Again after much searching I came across a homemade method that would create the cute pom poms I desired without me having to dig into my pocket.  I came across this pattern from helloknitty.com.  The Pom Pom Pattern called for cutting cardboard into shapes that mimic the plastic tools found in most pom pom kits.  While I found this method to be easy enough, one of my craft challenged friends felt this was too many steps and a little too complicated for a beginner.  

I set out again to find an alternative to allow even the most inexperienced crafters to create the pom poms they desired.  I decided to play with some scraps and see if I could find an easier method.  After a few failed attempts I found another homemade, cost efficient way to craft a pom pom.  

All that is required is a piece of cardboard, yarn, and scissors.  Follow the directions below. 

1. Cut a piece of card board to approximately twice the width of the final pom pom size your want to create. (Tip: I try to recycle whatever I can, and I have found that the cardboard toilet paper rolls we usually throw out make great pom pom boards.)
2. Wrap the yarn (use scraps to make a multi color pom pom).  The more yarn you wind around the cardboard the fuller your pom pom will be.  
3. Once you have achieved the thickness you want, fold the cardboard and slide the cardboard out from inside the yarn loops.
4. Take a long piece of yarn and place it under the center of the bundle of yarn (If I plan to attach the pom pom to a hat etc, I will make this piece long enough for me to attach the pom pom).  
5. Tie the string around the center tight and knot it twice.
6. Use the scissor to cut the loops both above and below the tie you just created.
7. Fluff the pom pom to you liking and trim as necessary.

I hope this helps with creating your own handmade pom poms.  They make a great accessory to top off a hat.  I have also used them to create children's toys by adding eyes and making them little critters.  And for the animal lovers reading, I have yet to meet a cat who does not love to bounce on of these pom poms around the house.  

Decoding Yarn Labels

My first project was a scarf made from a spare skein of yarn lying around my house.  After I finally completed my first crochet item, I instantly wanted to begin a new project.  I walked to my local craft store and confidently walked to the yarn section.  What could be so difficult about picking out a new yarn for a scarf.  Well lets start with who knew there were so many options?  I mean I should have after years of watching my Nannie but seriously who knew?!?  All of the sudden my head was filled with questions... what yarn type, how thick, can I use the needles I have at home, what color/colors, how much would I need, and why does the "same" yarn look different skein to skein?  My simple desire to create a second scarf suddenly felt a little overwhelming.  I wished my Nannie was there to answer all of these questions.  I eventually figured it all out but I know of some new crafters who have been discouraged from creating the project they have in mind due to yarn confusion.  So here is a quick summary to help decode the world of yarn.

As for what type of yarn, looking at the fiber content will be extremely important for some projects, while not as important for others.  Some of the common fibers are wool, fleece, cotton, and synthetics.  

• Wool is a natural fiber made from a sheep's coat.  It is commonly used in knitting and can suit almost any project.
• Fleece comes from the coats of various animals.  Some types of fleece that may seem familiar are cashmere, mohair, and angora.  These fibers are less common, often more expensive, and are not usually used for everyday projects.
• Cotton is another natural option which comes from a plant. It is soft and gentle on skin but also incredibly durable.  I recently discovered 100% cotton yarn is a great housewares fiber for projects such as washcloths.  My vegan friends and customers are fond of this fiber.  
• Synthetics are probably the most common fiber you will find in your local craft store.  Nylon, polyester, and acrylic are often found in some combination.  The yarns can vary greatly in texture and look even when they are comprised of the same material.  These fibers are often your least expensive yarns and are great for everyday projects.  

You may also come across yarns created for a special look such as variegated yarn which is different shades of the same color within a skein or tweed yarn which has color specks of a different color scattered throughout. Novelty yarns are also growing in popularity and variation.  These yarns may include: faux fur, ribbon, alternating thickness, and chenille fibers.  These yarns may be more difficult to work with so they are not the best option for new crafters.

Once you find the fiber you wish to use for your project the next thing to look at is the weight of the yarn. This will help answer a number of questions.  You can find the below symbols on the yarn label to help guide you in your decisions.  Most patterns will specify which yarn works best.      

As you can see from the above chart, the the yarn weight will help you decide the thickness, the hook you should use, as well as an idea of how much you will need.   While this is a good guide it is important to remember these guideline are not absolute. The thickness will also be affected by the stitch you choose.  The hook size for a project may also be affected by how tight you complete your stitches.  In order to better determine the ideal hook for a project you should stitch with different hooks until you match the projects gauge.  

The gauge is how many stitches and rows per a set inch, or square.  Above is a sample of a gauge square on a yarn label.  The hook size in the middle is a good start but once again you final choice will be based on your own personal stitching.  Yarn weight is also very important when you want to create a project with multiple yarns.  While you don't have to use the same yarn type, or even brand it is important that the weighs are the same.  If they are different there will be noticeable differences in thickness, and maintaining the gauge will not be possible. 

As for how much yarn you should purchase this is often the hardest part to determine.  Many patterns make a recommendation for how much to purchase. If you are using a different yarn than the recommended skein then it might be a good idea to use a yarn calculator to ensure you have enough.  When it comes to crochet or knit projects more is almost always better.  This is especially true for yarns that have dye lots, are limited editions, or are being discontinued.  Not all yarns have a dye lot, but be sure to read the label carefully to ensure if there is a lot that you purchase enough skeins from the same lot to complete the entire project.  While it might only be a slight difference, when you begin to work the second dye lot into a project, there will be a notable difference.

I hope this helped decode the yarn label mystery.  Don't be afraid to try new yarns, just make sure you take the time to ensure you have the right yarn and tools for the project you have in mind.  I know I haven't posted part II of our early Mother's Day outing but I am hoping to get the pictures from my sister's camera soon.  

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Book Review- "A Life in Stitches: Knitting My Way Through Love, Loss, and Laughter"

A Life in Stitches: Knitting My Way Through Love, Loss, and Laughter by Rachael Herron 

A friend of mine from work text me to let me know she had come across a book she thought I'd be interested in. I am an avid crafter and a few years back a began my own small craft business. I often find myself crocheting through life's many obstacles and I found this book to capture that feeling. The author describes her passion for knitting as a security blanket, a type of safe zone, and I think this is a feeling many crochet/knitters are familiar with.  In my first post I explained my fascination with how a string can become something great; you will find this is also a sentiment shared by Rachael.

Rachel takes her readers through some of the best and worst times in her life.  She does a great job of putting a comical twist on bad situations and reminds her reader that hard times are just lessons learned to carry with you to the better times.   By the end of this work you will feel like you know Rachel and her family. Reading her book helped convince me that there were others who treasured family and crafts as much as I do.  It is part of the reason I am writing this very blog.  You will laugh and cry, and if you are anything like me, be inspired to create.  This is a great quick read that I hope to pass it on to a friend as my friend was so kind to recommend it to me. 

Picking up the pieces

I am often asked how I began to crochet?  I'll admit it is not the typical young New York woman's hobby.  I had been fascinated with crochet since I was young.  My Nannie was a seamstress and she also enjoyed crochet.  When I was little I would love to listen to her tell stories of when she was young while watching her create beautiful handmade items.  My favorite was watching her create delicate detailed embellishment designs with the fine thread.

Despite my fascination, I had never asked Nannie to teach me.  The magic she created with her hands felt like a  skill I could never accomplish.  As I got older Nannie spent less and less time with her needles and thread, and even less time crocheting.  She was diagnosed with Alzheimer disease and was slowly losing parts of herself.  Her crafting was just one of the many pieces slipping away.  As Nannie's disease progressed it was hard for the whole family.  The farther away from us she drifted into her mind the more I wished I could find a way, any way, to keep her close.  Sure we had incredible memories of late night talks, watching musicals and times filled with the joy of her singing and dancing, but it wasn't enough.  I needed something that I could do to make me feel close to her something that I could take with me forever.

After years of struggling, the doctors told us Nannie was at her last days.  Spring had just begun and it seemed wrong that a time of new beginnings would have to be a time of goodbyes for us.  It was during those last few months that I decided I felt closest to Nannie in crafts.  It was while she worked with her hands that her mind was free and she shared the most.  I went home one night after the nursing home and picked up one of her crochet hooks she had left at our house.  I found a skein of yarn intended for one of our projects and began the quest to crochet.  I had watched Nannie's hands in awe for years and now I was determined to make my hands look like hers.  It was by no means an easy task.  I pulled apart that first scarf time and again and no matter what I did I could not get my stitches even.  I just kept trying and trying and as the days went on and Nannie came closer to the end I came closer to picking up the pieces.

Nannie's smile- one of the many trips to the park with her grandchildren.

Nannie eventually was taken away from her suffering and our family all found their ways to deal with the loss and to begin healing.  I found peace in working toward making my hands like Nannie's, the things she had made with her two hands had wrapped us all in love.  Whether it was her blankets that kept us warm, the details she added to our communion dresses, or the Halloween costumes that made us feel like we really were Glenda from the Wizard of Oz, Scarlet O'Hara from Gone with the Wind, or Raggedy Ann...we spend our lives wrapped in Nannie's love.

Though it would take me months after I had started, I eventually learned to regulate my stitch tension, how to make the ends even, and finally how to finish a crochet product I started.  When I finished my scarf  and wrapped it around my neck I felt as if I was receiving a hug from Nannie.  There really is something special about an item made by hand.  And so began my love of crochet and I cant help but to smile every time I think about how something I made carries on a piece of Nannie and wraps someone in love.  

My double dilemma

Until recently the majority of my attention was directed toward creating baby sets, scarfs, and holiday items.  The problem with that is I was limiting how often I was creating.  I find myself in a craft store at least once a week and I cant help but be drawn to certain materials.  Most people buy yarn in order to complete a project they have in mind.  I on the other hand often see a yarn that calls to me and I buy it knowing eventually a worthy project will pop into my head.  There is just so much potential in a skein of yarn.  This unavoidable crafting addiction has lead me to quite a beautiful collection of yarn (which might not be a problem if I lived in a beautiful country home with craft room included, but my family's small New York apartment does put some constraints on my crafting).

So I found myself in a double dilemma, I wanted to expand the type of craft projects I was working on to something that can keep me busy year round and I needed to find the right project for some of my treasured yarn collection.  After some web surfing and thinking I decided I finally had the perfect use for my beautiful bright 100% cotton yarn.  It is so soft and springy and all the flowers springing up inspired me.  I began my first set of crochet 100% cotton washcloths.  My best friend thought I was nuts, "Who needs crochet washcloths?!?"

After one use I was convinced everyone needs a set of these in their life.  Sure there are 100% cotton machine made washcloths but these are so much better. I love that with every wash they get softer and softer, kind of like your favorite old t-shift!  Not only did I use them for my personal "spa" exfoliating and cleansing needs, they are great for clean ups around the house.  I love to do my polishing and dusting with these because they don't scratch the surfaces and they are so absorbent. 

Yes I was sold that these were a great year round project that anyone could find uses for, plus they could be made to match any decor.  I set right away to make a few sets and put them up for sale.  So far the response has been great, so to answer my friend's question, no I am not nuts (well at least not for this reason) and plenty of people have found a need for these in their lives.

I get so excited to see them added to baby and bridal shower gifts.  Some of my customers have ordered sets to bring to dinner parties instead of the traditional desserts or wine.  They have been a Mother's Day gift hit.  Even some of my male customers have raved about their usefulness for car washing and detailing (I'm pretty sure they indulge in so spa time too, car maintenance just sounds more masculine)... And my favorite of all is when someone tells me they are buying a set to treat themselves!  I love hearing the personal stories of each item I personally create :)  

If you are interested in spoiling yourself with a set of these washcloths you can visit my online shop by clicking here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HandcraftedHolidays

From a simple string

I am blessed to have come from a family of inspired, creative individuals.  I am the oldest of five children and have a very large extended family.  They have taught me that there is something special about the sharing of handmade creations.  For generations we have passed down the skills and traditions of working with your hands to make unique creations.  The time we spend together creating has left me with many treasured memories.

While people often think a girl in her mid-twenties should not be as excited about crafts as I am, it truely is a part of who I am.  Time and again I find myself fascinated with how something small can become something magnificent... From a simple string of yarn comes a baby's first blanket, a scarf to keep you warm on winter adventures, or a washcloth used to care for your home.. perhaps most amazing is how a string of words can become a story.  Handcrafting is my family's story and each piece I make becomes apart of that.  I can only hope that the items I make and the stories I share can become something special for you and your family.

I am new to blogging so please bare with me as I learn and I will do my best to share stories, insights, and ideas with you.