Winter Blast

I met some great people today at Winter Blast, in Astoria. We hung in despite the crazy rain. Here's some pics from the day...

Actor Crafts Success!

Loads of fun was had at Molly Made's latest craft show. It was a little slow at first, but ending up being quite a hit. I mean really, I would NOT have been there at 10am either if I wasn't working. Wish I had taken a pic of the table and my GORG new table cloth, but you'll have to wait til my next show Dec 13th, Winter Blast in Astoria!

Here's a few pics of happy customers!

Love the family pic! Susan is sporting a Molly Made Felted clip on the white knit hat made with love by her Mom!

Elliot is busy measuring the table using his official Molly Made tape measure!

Gorgeous Daryl Getman in her Gorgeous custom skoodie! This was made just her Daryl and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out! Daryl is a brilliant performer and photographer.

check out www.DarylGetman.com

Craig and I died when he tried on this skoodie! It looks like it was made just for him! Love it! Craig is super talented has been busy performing all over NYC - check him out here.

Um... this is clearly just me being goofy. I made a bunch of dino skoodies (I call it a Skoodosaurus)a few years ago and I really need to bring them back! This one is going to Craig's nephew! I love the wonky eyes!

There's lots happening with Molly Made. I'll keep you posted!

Cheers!

CRAFTS IN CHELSEA

Molly Made is making it's craft show Debut! CRAFTS IN CHELSEA Here's a quick look into all I've been working on...

I'd love to see you there!

Saturday October 17th

10-6pm

21st Street Between 8th and 9th

Crochet Guild of America

I recently joined the Crochet Guild of America. What a great decision! I went to their conference in Buffalo and had a fantastic time. My head is spinning with loads of information. I attended the Professional Development day, took 4 classes, and met several professional crochet designers and teachers.

Here's a few highlights from the week...

JD came with me to help with the drive and to keep me company when the classes were not in session. But, while I was at the conference, I was on my own. I had made a few connections through Ravelry, and Twitter, but I was still pretty nervous. One of the main connections I had made was with a woman named Jocelyn Sass. (she is known as CuteCrochet on Twitter) She has been a super cheerleader via twitter, but I had no idea she would turn out to be such a Crochet Angel! Jocelyn took such great care of me and explained any goofy question I had with such kindness and intelligence, introduced me to several lovely people (including Wendy Cozby who is with us in this pic) and helped me connect with many designers and editors.Her help on the design front helped me to SELL several pattern designs to two different companies! I'll have more news on that once things are official.

The first and last classes I took were with Edie Eckman. First I attended her

hour long talk about Designing for Publication during Professional Development Day, and I also took her class called "Unlearn to Knit." I highly recommend both classes. Submitting for publication is definitely a different beast than submitting for an audition. And, after taking her Knitting class, I really feel like I am in control of my stitches. I can actually tell what I am creating with the yarn and the needles, rather than just doing what someone else told me to do. In this picture, Edie is holding one of her books called, The Crochet Answer Book. A book I happen to love and had with me on the road for all 9 months of the Chitty tour. Pretty cool : )

This next picture is with Myra Wood. I sat in on her seminar on Self Publication at Professional Development Day and, took her class on Free Form Crocheted Lace. The info she had to Share about Self Publication was so empowering. I have lists of websites and computer

programs to go through. I have had book ideas in the past, and knowing I can easily publish my ideas myself makes the idea of publishing more of a reality. On Friday I took her class on Free Form Crocheted Lace. Boy, oh boy, was this the class for me. For a long time, I've known that my love for crochet is found in the freedom of knowing I don't really need to follow a pattern. I can follow patterns, but I much prefer to make things up as I work through the piece. This class was like a key to the world of crochet I'd been looking for. My first few pieces were a little funky, but I can see how easy and liberating this style of crochet can be. I also learned that Myra lives in Southern California. If my crazy dream of opening my own shop in So. Cal. becomes a reality, I am so happy to have her as a connection. I can't wait to set up Myra Wood knitting and crocheting workshops in my own shop.

And, here we have... The Crochet Dude! Drew Emborksky (The Crochet Dude) was the MC for the Professional Development Day. He also set up a warm welcome meeting for new members of the guild. Drew and I actually have a funny history. I follow him on Twitter, and while I was in Houston with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, he tweeted about coming to see the show! I wrote him back and said, "No way! I'm in the show!" We talked a bit about the show and that was that. Then, at the annual CGOA meeting, I won a raffle prize. I went up to get my prize, and in true goofy Mahoney fashion, I decided to give a good ol' showgirl kick to the face. Clearly this was out of the ordinary in the world of Crochet. I had not yet introduced myself to Drew, but saw him almost die laughing. I had not planned on pulling out a high kick, but it proved to be the perfect reason to introduce myself and remind him that I was in the cast of Chitty. Drew was super supportive and gave me some great tips about the "designer meet and greet" that I attended on the Saturday morning. If our shop plans come to fruition, I'll definitely be asking Drew to come to Cali as well.

These are just a few of the talented people I met at the convention. Now that I'm home I feel like I'll never have time to actually put into action all that I learned. But, shoot, I'm gonna try. I'll end this post with a few links that I picked up this weekend. I can't wait till the next CGOA week. I feel like I fell in a rabbit hole that took me to a Wonderland of Yarny Goodness. The world is curiouser and curiouser, and boy is it grand.

Jingebrewear

First of all... Jingebre means Ginger in Spanish and I LOVE GINGER. But more importantly... Sheldon, a new up and coming designer, is so super cool and has great ideas. He also was a dancer like me! We had loads in common and I look forward to catching up with him in Chicago sometime soon.

Kim Kotary

I met Kim during professional development day. She lives in Queens! She has some great designs and had great tips on setting up a new web site.

www.crochetingwithdee.com

I also met Dee during professional development day. Then, I took a class called "Crochet Your Knit." I learned many new techniques including the Tunisian Knit Stitch. Super cool! Check out her site, lots of info!

Doris Chan

I have been following Doris Chan's blog for a while now, but I'm even more excited about it after meeting her in person! During the welcome meeting for new CGOA members I couldn't take my eye's off of her lacy skirt. It had such a youthful bounce. I loved chatting with her and I'm currently obsessed with her Avalon Top which can be found at...

www.NaturallyCaron.com

This website is updated frequently with a free pattern and an audio fashion show! I had a great meeting with Cari Clement from Caron yarns. She knows her stuff, and gets the type of young, funky designs I love. I also really appreciate their work with Rwanda Knits. I've used Caron Simply Soft for Skoodies in the past. It makes for a lovely supple cuddly light weight Skoodie. It is so great to know a face behind their designs and yarns.

www.RedHeart.com

I also met with Bobbie Matela of Coats and Clark. They make Red Heart yarn which will always have a special place in my heart. It's the yarn I first learned to crochet and knit with and I think their website puts it perfectly... "yarn and designs for real life." You can find Coats and Clarks products everywhere and you can always count on them for sturdy "real life" projects. In fact, I think the first scarf I ever sold was made with red Light and Lofty. Bobbie was the first person I met with at the designer meet and greet and she was super informative and so encouraging.

www.jellyyarns.com

It's a little kooky, but looks great for kids. I bought some to give to my 10 year old friend Aly. And... I bought the gold sparkly skein for me. I'll post pics if I come up with something cool. And... their reps were pretty great.

I've joined a really great knitting/crocheting gift exchange called Secret Pal.  Here are the rules.

As of now - we have to answer and post this questionnaire.

Super fun.

Questionnaire for SP14

 

Here is the questionnaire for SP14. Please be sure to post it in a spot on your blog where your pal can easily find it. Since your pal will use this to help create your packages you'll want to have it posted to your blog no later than July 10th, but sooner would be better as it can be helpful to us in selecting your pals.

 

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?  

I love so many yarns. This is too hard! As for what I don’t like, I am not into yarn that is crazy furry or eyelash yarns.  This week I’ve really been enjoying Frog Tree Alpaca.  I love earthy colors.

 

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

 I have two pencil cases for small hooks and needles and a large plastic needle case for my longer needles. I keep my circulars loosely in a bag with other notions

 

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? 

I’ve been crocheting for 10 years and knitting for 1. I’d consider myself an advanced crocheter, and a good beginning knitter. I could probably do more than I give myself credit for, but I loose patience with following knitting patterns pretty quickly.  I love to create as I go.

 

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? 

No – I should look into that.

 

5. What's your favorite scent? 

I love orange and lavender candles. When I wear perfume I wear earthy herbal sents.

 

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? 

Black liquorice, and ginger. I guess I like candy with bite.

 

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? 

I don’t spin, but I’d love to learn how.  I needle felt, and have started some wet felting. I’m interested in crafts of all kinds, especially crafting that can be done on the road.

 

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) 

I have a Mac and I use Itunes. I love folky music with lyrics that really mean something. I like lyrics that make you think. David Wilcox is my all time favorite songwriter.

 

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

 I’ve been in a purpley blueish mood lately. I also love brown. I guess I tend to stay away from really bright colors.

 

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? 

No pets. I’ve recently developed a cat allergy, which makes me sad. I love all animals. I am recently engaged and (when I’m not on the road doing a musical) I live in a 400 sq foot studio in NYC with my fiancé.

 

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? 

Yes.

 

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? 

Patterns that don’t include seams or sewing : ) I also love patterns that combine knitting and crocheting

 

13. What are you knitting right now? 

I started my first Raglan sweater recently… with lace weight yarn, so it’s taking forever.  I’m also crocheting a hooded scarf  (a skoodie) for a friend. 

 

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? 

Love to!

 

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? 

My favorite are Lantern moon wooden needles.  I love circulars.

 

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

No : ( I’ve almost bought one several times, but I always give in to the power of my own self winding.

 

17. How old is your oldest UFO?  

Oooooo good question. I’m sure I have some in my storage unit that are super old, but us of now this darn raglan sweater has me stumped. I think I made a mistake and I can’t find the pattern. Ugh… I started it several months ago.

 

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?  

I think New Years Eve might be my favorite holiday.  I was raised Catholic, so I celebrate Christmas, but I’ve been to a few Sedars (which are clearly not celebrated during the winter) and I really would love to continue celebrating during Passover. Such a fantastic tradition.

 

19. Is there anything that you collect? 

Vintage purses/hats clothses/earings/buttons/records/dishes   I am also addicted to Anthropologie and I’m very grateful they have a sale section.

 

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? 

Being an actor who lives on the road makes it hard to commit to a subscription. I do like to pic up mags here and there.  I have to be careful with books… they are so heavy, but I love them.

 

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? 

I’m going to the Knit and Crochet Show in Buffalo this year. I am taking 4 classes. I’ve never taken a formal class, so I’m freaked and excited.

 

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? 

I wear a 8 ½  shoe. I’ve never made socks. I tend to work with thicker yarn. I do have a pair a friend made me… I love them!

 

23. When is your birthday?

 March 9th

 

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? 

Yep - MollyMade

I. AM. BACK.

I had a wonderful 3 week lay-off.  I spent the first week in California, the second in NYC and the third in the Caribbean.  Not too shabby.  We re-opened the show in Albuquerque and we are now back in the swing of things with 2 new cast members in Salt Lake City.  I'm making a commitment to post more often and I have lots and lots to share.   Here's a few highlights from the vaca.

CAN YOU HANDLE THIS FACE!!!!!  Little Lucia is the beautiful daughter of two of my very dear friends, Melissa and Ozzy.  I can not handle how cute she is, and I'm so glad I was able to see her in California.

PROJECT BRIDEWAY! My beautiful sister (the tall blonde) is getting MARRIED!  Super fun Shower.

Of course, I had to sport some "Molly Made" items on the cruise. I made this flower headband with my sis in mind. I hope to start a white bride inspired line. BUT.... my man said it looks like an egg... so now, all I can think is EGG HEAD when I see this picture.  Thanks mister.

I made these earwarming headbands for Marvin (on the left) and Richard (not pictured). I also made one for Skip's lady Tara. But I know Skip really wanted the flowered headband for himself.

Favorites from the road

Here's a few of my favorite Cell Phone pics from our road trip. 

We stopped at a little Mexican place in Amarillo, Texas, and they had flavor shots for sodas!  I don't drink soda often, but sometimes a good ol' fashion Vanilla Coke does the trick.

 The sign said this was the Largest Cross in the WORLD!   I don't know if I believe that, but it was pretty big..... and in the middle of NOWHERE!
 This is my official vacation project.  Never mind the fact that I've also finished 2 shrugs and a puppy hat on this leg of our vaca..... this is the official project that will eventually come with us on our cruise.  I'm still new to knitting, so this is super exciting for me. My first top down sweater, and my first go at double pointed needles! Look at that... IT'S A SLEEVE!

My cell phone camera doesn't do this sunset justice, but I still thought the contrast between the dark land and the crisp sky was pretty sweet.  Day 2 of our cross country drive is done... now... on to day 3.

Wholly Craft! - Columbus, OH

Yesterday was a seriously happy day. I mean.. most of my days are pretty happy lately... aside from the obvious stress of being on the road (long drives, too much stuff with too little space, missing my apartment, missing my family, missing my friends and not having a KITCHEN). But.. really I feel very lucky to be making a living doing what I love, with the one I love. That aside, as I was was saying, yesterday was a very happy day. It was set into motion by a fantastic shop we found in Columbus called "WHOLLY CRAFT!" I mean, seriously, just

the title is enough to make a craftaholic like me smile.

I first stumbled upon this lovely little shop while I was looking for LYS in Columbus. I found a great new shop, WonderKnit, and while exploring their website I found a link to their neighbor... Wholly Craft. The shop was filled with so many things that made me smile. The first joyful item we stumbled upon was Shanon Gerard's Plushtash. When JD held it up under his nose I screamed.. "Why didn't I think of that!" The woman behind the counter said "we hear that often." JD is obsessed with the idea of a sweet moustache. I can't believe I never thought of crocheting him one.

Next.... I found a perfect little tree purse by In Hope. I know I have way too many bags/purses with me on the road. But I couldn't pass this up. Trees always made me happy... and it was the perfect size! I love big bags, but I always fill them with too much junk. (the girls in the dressing room started calling me CVS) This new clutch will help me simplify.

I slowly made my way through the bits of whimsy to a small craft supply section in the back. I bought, a set of vintage circular needles (mostly because I loved the packaging), a big vintage belt buckle making kit, two used books on crewel designs, and a blue plastic hoop . I've recently

been drooling over the trees at Wool and Hoop. Unfortunately they didn't have any tree kits left. We'll see if I can actually find the time play with the techniques in these books.

While I was going through the crafty goodness... JD came up with tears in his eyes. He had found something that sent him over the edge of enjoyment. This squirrel print by Berkley Illustration had him on the floor laughing. He especially loved the tie. I had been worried he would be bored at this shop, so seeing him so happy made me even more happy. We bought the 5X7 print for his niece Olyvia. She loves his rendition of the Aladdin song "A Whole New World" called "A Whole New Squirrel" so we figured this was the perfect gift.

I had to stop myself from buying any more. Sometimes I wonder wether selling my own hand made crafts makes me as happy as buying goodies others have made. I guess I think supporting other artists is great cause it keeps the whole hand made movement in motion.

We did end up at the yarn shop next door. The woman behind the counter (who I think was the owner) was chatting with one of the customers about her new book... "Pints and Purls - Portable Projects for the Social Knitter" It's not out in stores yet... but the customer had pre-ordered her copy on Amazon. I loved hearing them talk about the process of publishing the book. I was able to flip through it, and it looks like something I'd love. I've done my best to convert the non-knitting members of my cast, but I still get crap from those who don't

understand my addiction. I find bringing a skein to the hotel bar to be very normal. I even brought my Innovations Knitting machine to the hotel bar in Toronto. (ok - that might have been a bit much, but I was excited to try it out) I feel like this book might actually validate my addiction. I ended up with a few skeins from Wonderknit. I bought 1 skein of Loop-d-loop Fern in white (I've already started a lovely drop stitch scarf), and two skeins of Frog Tree Chunky Alpaca.

To top off my lovely day... I started and finished a new shrug when I got home from work. We have a cast party tonight and I really wanted to wear a new dress... but I didn't have a sweater that matched. Problem solved! I used some left over Brown Sheep Burly Spun in Dark

Charcoal and some sparkly grey and white label-less yarn I bought downstairs at Romni Wools. I've never knit a shrug, and I completely improvised the design... but it totally worked! I finished it in under 2 hours, and I'm super happy with the way it turned out! (please excuse the awkward cell phone pic with the lovely hotel carpet background)

PHEW - Thats it! Yesterday was a long wonderful day!

At last... the begining

This is one of my first Dance Recitals.....

This is my first show at The Music Room. I played Peter Pan : )

     About a year ago my fiance and I started formulating a plan..... I call it our 10 year plan, but we really have no time limit set.  Our plan is to open our own Dance/Music/Theatre studio for children(and adults) with a yarn store/coffee shop/performance space attached. Now... I know this is a gigantic plan.  BUT, I really think we can make it happen!

      When I was a kid, I went to a musical theatre studio called The Music Room School of Performing Arts.  My Mom always called it "The Church of the Music Room", because it was such a great source of positivity and happiness as we were growing up. There were no religious affiliations, it just kept us happy and kept us out of trouble.  The studio had two large dance rooms, a few smaller piano rooms, and a lobby with a few chairs.  Many of the parents would sit in the lobby while we were in class, but there wasn't much there to keep them busy.  Other parents would hang in their cars, in the parking lot.  How great would it have been if the parents could have been sitting in a LYS, taking their own class next door! Crocheting, Knitting or Felting while your children hone their craft! 

      What's better than spreading more love of art, and craftiness?  Food and drink while you work on what you love (or while you do homework).  We want to have a cafe with sandwiches, salads, juice, smoothies, tea and fresh roasted coffee.  When I was a student at The Music Room, the studio shared a parking lot with a Carl's Junior.  Somehow, we ended up spending most of our homework time between classes at this fast food joint. They had a salad bar, and the employees were all very nice.  But, I can't help but thinking how nice it'd be to have had a little cafe next door that was run by the fantastic couple who owned The Music Room (Sharon and Lee Westenhoffer).  

      And... how about a more "grown-up" cafe/wine/cheese bar at night.  In our wildest dreams of this complex, we see a small performance space.  How great to have a venue for our friends (and students) to share their music. I'd love to teach our students how to put together their own songs,  sets, or even full evenings of music.  

      In addition to taking many classes at The Music Room, I started teaching there when I was 16.  I continued to teach there all the way through college.  I so clearly remember the day I finally confessed that I just couldn't manage to continue teaching while pursuing my own career as a performer.  Boy... was that convo filled with a lot of tears.  I loved teaching and, while I feel so lucky to be a WORKING ACTRESS, I know I want to teach again someday.  My fiance also has several years of teaching experience.  He worked with an AMAZING nonprofit called First Stage Children's Theatre,  and the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra.  I could go on and on about those studios, but I'll save that for a later post. 

     I am so grateful for the millions of hours I spent at The Music Room. It provided a fantastic foundation for a fearless imagination and a place to work on my craft in a supportive, loving environment.  I'm even more excited about the idea of providing future generations with a similar playground.

  

Boston

We were scheduled to take a bus from Dayton, Ohio to Hunstville, Alabama. The day before our trip, I convinced three of the girls on tour to go in on a rental car so that we could drive ourselves to Alabama.  I must've had some sort of psychic premonition because the bus BROKE DOWN! Boy, were we lucky!   The poor group was stuck at a gas station for three hours.  We, on the other hand, slept in and had a fantastic southern meal at The Loveless Cafe just outside of Nashville and arrived in Alabama around the same time as the rest of the company.  Crazy!

    I was unable to keep the car for the rest of the week. So, a yarn shop was out of the question. I did manage to take a cab to an Anthropologie at a nearby mall, but that's a whole 'nother addiction. 

    A week later we flew from Hunstville to Boston.  I can't tell you how great it was to hear loud buses on dirty streets.  And... there was a great shop only a few blocks from our hotel!  Windsor Button had a large varied selection of yarn, a HUGE book selection, and an even BIGGER selection of notions and needles.  I bought several skeins ( ahhhh) but my most favorite is definitely the Brown Sheep Burly Spun.  I made a cowl (at the top of the page) the next day and I still have over half of the skein left!  I was generally happy with the selection at this shop, but it didn't have the warmth of other yarn shops I've visited.  It felt more like a large chain store that happened to have high end yarn in addition to more generic brands.  The woman was very helpful, but also very cold. I guess I'm just used to the warm and fuzzy feeling that comes along with a local shop.  

    

    In addition to the yarn I purchased I also bought a book I had been looking for called "The Sweater Workshop."  I'm still a new knitter and while I can read all sorts of crocheting patterns, so I think this will the perfect trick for getting me into sweater making.  If I find the time and the patience.   

  

    It's been a few weeks since we were in Boston, and I recently came across a blog and podcast called It's a Purl, Man. It is filled with great info on knitting/wooly goodness in the Boston area and wooly goodness in general.   From what I've read on his blog I am most sad that I missed the Boston Handmade Downtown.  According to their map, I must've passed it on my way to Windsor Button! Boo! I love supporting other artists.   Oh well... at least I know it's there for the next time I'm in Boston.

   The next stop on our tour is San Antonio! I'm sure I will be very happy with the warm weather and the RIVER WALK, but I've yet to find a yarn shop near my hotel.

    Happy Crafting

The life of a Gypsy - Appleton, Toronto, Baltimore

So... as I mentioned... I'm on tour with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.  It's a great group of people a fun show to be a part of.. and a really cool flying car.  What more could a gal ask for?  I'll tell you - really great yarn stores all over North America!  I'm slightly limited cause I don't have a car... but I do have two rather long legs, so I'm making it a mission to see as many yarn stores as I can.  So far... I've been to three that I absolutely loved!  

    First - Iris Fine Yarns in Appleton Wisconsin.  www.irisfineyarns.com  Seriously LOVELY!  I failed to really pay attention to the map I had and ended up walking about 45 min in the wrong direction in a snow storm.  I ended up calling the hotel shuttle to get me cause I was frozen... IT WAS SO WORTH IT.  The owner was so helpful and she had the greatest method of organizing yarns.  First of all... it was packed with yarn, patterns, needles, hooks, felting items, loads of beautiful samples, and even a sale section.  A lot of times when I visit yarns stores with a selection like this the skeins literally fall off the shelves. However her husband came up with a great method.  The walls were covered with wide open shelves.  In each of the shelves was a wooden plank (basically a drawer with no sides) with 2 rows of long pegs.  The skeins of yarn were stuck through the large pegs so that you could pull out the "drawer" without loosing any yarn.  What a great way to keep the store organized!    I bought a pair of giant (size 17) Lantern Moon needles - that I love - and a few skeins of yarn. Some of which she swatched for me while I looked so that I could see if I'd really like it.  The broach I made for my Grandma (that is pictured in my last post) is one little project I made with that yarn.  I should also mention that there is a HUGE selection of books and patterns in the back that I unfortunately didn't have time to dig into.  I highly recommend this shop. 

   SECOND... Romni Wool in Toronto, Canada.  www.Romniwools.com I MEAN COME ON!!!! This is, hands down, the largest selection of yarn I have EVER seen.  Seriously.  It was about a half hour walk to get to this spot... it was FREEZING and I went twice. I would have been three times but they were closed on Sunday.    This shot that I've added is just of one part of the top floor.  There is also a large sale section downstairs.  Now, when I say large, I mean large.  The first time I explored the sale section I ended up missing half of it because I didn't realize what a maze it was.   I have a huge list of yarns that I purchased here.  I'm at a coffee shop in Baltimore now so I'll have to update the list later,  but off the top of my head I picked up... 

     Debbie Bliss Como  - in black and white (which I made into a neck/earwarmer for my dad)

     Trendsetter Bolero - in Ocean Water (which I made into two headband/neckwarmers - one of which I wear almost everyday... the other should be arriving at my friend Ashley's house in the next few days)

      Trendsetter Bolero - in another pink/orange colorway that was on sale... must be discontinued.  (it's now more neckwarmers that I plan on selling)

      Trendsetter Venus - in Blue Lagoon - which I was so in love with... but kind of dissapointed as I started using it.  I knit a very loose scarf, and as I went through the skein I kept coming up on KNOTS.  Why do they do that?? It was rather pricey and so many beautiful textures, but I might as well have bought several different skeins for the scarf. At least that way I could have woven in the ends.  Now I have all of these little bumps each time the color changes. Grrr... but I made it for myself, so it doesn't really matter.

     OK - so that's a small start to the list of great things I found at Romni Wools.  I should also mention that I stopped at Americo Originals on my way to Romni.  It was a nice sized shop with lots of beautiful very natural looking yarn.  www.americo.ca  They were all very helpful, but I didn't end up picking up anything at this shop.

    THIRD - The most recent shop I hit up is in Baltimore, Maryland.  It's called A Good Yarn.  www.agoodyarn.com.  In researching this shop I found several warnings... VERY SMALL SHOP! MOSTLY A TEACHING SPOT!  But, of course, I managed to do some damage.  Lorraine, who owns the shop was so helpful.  I do need to mention that this is not a shop geared to crocheters, BUT I brought my friend Trey with me to pick out yarn for a crocheted afghan, and Lorraine was more than happy to help us even though she admitted she does not crochet, nor does she want to learn : ). hahaha.  I am doing my best to convince the yarn crafters of the world to do both... but I'm still often hit with resistance on both sides.  I think there were maybe 5 or 6 brands of yarn in the shop... mostly wool.  One of my favorite finds was a section of brandless natural undyed handspun yarn from a farm in Bemidji, MN.  It was very reasonably priced and I got several skeins so I could embark on a felting experiment.  I felted my first bag but it didn't turn out exactly as I had hoped.  I think the hooks I used were too large - AND - I didn't think about the fact that different stitches would felt differently.  Duh.  (I did attach a needle felted try I had made in December, so that made me happy)  This shop has "help session" all day on Friday, so I might stop by this week with a list of questions.  I'm still fairly new to Knitting... and while I have help from the most fancy knitter I know, Liz (who is amazing and plays the Baronness), it'd be cool to get lots of little questions answered.      

    YEOWSA!  THIS IS THE LONGEST POST EVER.  Now, at least, I'm caught up.  I'll try and update more frequently to avoid psychotically long posts.   My next stop is Dayton, Ohio.  From what I can tell a shop called "The Yarn and Needle" is really close to my hotel.  I'm a little worried that they aren't listed on www.knitmap.com (which is my usual go-to for finding yarn around the world) but maybe I'll have to add them once I check it out.  

    

     I'd love suggestions for Yarn in Dayton, Ohio.   

 

       HAPPY CRAFTING

              

    

Quick

The holidays had me busy like a bee. I'm on the road with the National Tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which has allowed me to check out some BEAUTIFUL yarn stores. I'll post details on that soon... but for now, here's a few of my newest projects.  Happy New Year!     

The first pic is a Monkey Skoodie! It's a work in progress and for a kid so it's a little small on me... but I love it. 

The Second is a broach I made for my Grandma.  I needle felted the back of it so I could attach a pin.  The beads are glass from our trip to Venice this summer.

Getting Started

I've been crocheting for several years now, and knitting for less than a year.  I can follow patterns, but what I really love is creating things from scratch.  My pattern for Skoodies (hooded scarves) have been selling very well.  I've also sold my own take on shrugs, basic hats with embellishments, and wire jewelry.  I've been successful in selling items through my facebook group, Molly Made, but I really want to step it up a notch.

    I plan on using this blog as a way of pushing myself to come up with new items, and as a way to meet others who love yarn as much as I do.  I am really into combining knitting and crocheting.  All too often I find people who only knit or only crochet, and I feel we should appreciate and take advantage of both art forms.  They each have equally useful and beautiful traits, so why not combine them!  

    I'll start this blog with some skoodie pics.  Eventually I want to post the pattern for sale on Etsy, but I've never actually written the pattern out.  I'll be sure to announce when the pattern is up for sale. 

   Thanks for checking this blog out, and..... Happy Crafting!