Inspiration & Ideas

  I am so excited to announce that we are in the middle of our very first Knit Along at Yarn Texas! We started this journey on September 17th with our Two-at-a-Time-Toe-up Socks. Most of us used Judy's Magic Cast-on to get started and found it to be a great way to begin. Find one tutorial here. On September 24th we continued with the foot portion of our socks with or without a pattern - that was up to the knitter. We also had our first prize drawing (a skein of Malabrigo Chunky in Velvet Grapes and 2 envelopes of Soak!!)...

I know that in South Texas it is still pretty warm but I am ready to at least think about cooler weather. How about you? So, to do that I am starting to think about fall sewing. I have been pondering a capsule wardrobe for quite a while now but just couldn’t figure out how I wanted to take that first step. I decided that one little step would help me get started. I would pick 3 pieces that were very versatile and wearable and make those first. Then I could figure out where I wanted to go from there. And...

Photo from Elle France Wabi what? Yep, wabi-sabi. What seems like a nonsense term is really a lovely concept. Wabi-sabi is a japanese idea that means loving acceptance of the imperfect.  Its a lovely way to encounter yourself and the world. To accept that we are not perfect and let the unattainable go can be very freeing and allow us to accomplish things we might have let go if we were trying to make them perfect. The next step is to see others in the same way. Can you love the imperfections in your friends, family, and the guy behind...

Also known as “mug rugs”, these simple little fabric coasters are a great project. They can be done quickly, with little sewing experience, and are so easy to match your personality or that of your gift recipient. This is a wonderful time to enjoy the mindfulness of each stitch and each choice that you make. I will be making many more for friends and family this year! As I said, not much sewing skill is needed. This can be done be machine, but I prefer to hand stitch whenever I can. It slows me down and allows me to enjoy...

I know in some parts of the country people are still wearing sweaters. Not down in South Texas! We are already looking at tanks and shorts! To help you (and me) out, I did a little research to seek out my first summer pattern. Whether you choose to sew or knit, here are a few simple patterns that are ready to go. The Willow Tank from Grainline Studio is sweet and simple and the best part… it can be a dress too! PDF or Paper Patterns available. The Gemma Tank from Made by Rae is also simple and sweet with...