On My Wish List: Yarns & Patterns

It's the time of year when we start compiling shopping lists and wish lists. I have to say, I can't seem to get enough yarn. I keep stockpiling new yarns in new textures and colors and my project queue has increased in size dramatically in the past year. Well, that doesn't mean I can't keep dreaming of more yarn and projects! Here's a couple yarns from my Halcyon (a wonderful yarn store in my home state of Maine) wish list and the pattern I would use them for. You can see my full Halcyon wish list here.

This is Cascade Eco Duo. It comes in glorious two tone colors and is made up of Baby Alpaca and Merino wool. I've been super curious to see how this will knit up! 

I'd like to try the Cascade with the lovely Big Herringbone Cowl from Purl Soho. I'm not sure if I'd use the contrast two-tone yarn shown above or a more tone on tone coloration. Either way, I'm sure I will love it! This pattern is also free! 

This yarn is Plymouth DeAire Merino. It's a super bulky weight which will make it a quick knit or crochet plus it's super soft. I love the cream color but it is also available in several vibrant colors. 

I've recently just discovered the Crochet Brioche Sweater from Karen Clements and am in love! This would be perfect in the Plymouth DeAire! I've yet to do a bulky weight crochet project, this might have to be the one. I should add a size Q crochet hook to my wish list, too! 

What crafty supplies, patterns, kits, or otherwise are on your wish list this season? 

Images from Ravelry and Halcyon Yarns.

Mid-Week Inspiration: The Flower Girl

Textures | Knit | Crochet | Macrame | White on White | Lace | Lingerie

via Numero #132

Shop News: Tweed Sale!

The Tweed Sale has started! 

20% off all tweed hand crocheted fingerless gloves in my Etsy shop; The Sparkling Cocktail! Items are already marked down- no need for a coupon code.

This sale ends March 16! 

My Projects: Yellow Fat Bottom Bag with Cherries

 I started this yellow crochet Fat Bottom Bag late last Summer. I put it down for awhile to work on Fall and Winter items and have finally picked it up again. Now it's finally finished!

 I crocheted cherries to decorate the front. If you remember what I was going to use for the lining, you will see why I couldn't help myself.

Close up of the bamboo handles. Purchased in the Garment District. 

Here's the lining! Remnant fabric from this project. Can't wait for Summer to wear these together. 

For more information on this pattern check out my ravelry or Craftsy page. 

My Projects: Works In Progress

I started several projects while I was on vacation. Here's an update on what I've been working on!

Another friend is having a baby so I started a little green u-cord hat. I love these and they are so easy to make. You may remember ones I have made before. I'm calling this one Pea Pod. 

More crocheted fingerless gloves with bows are in the works for my Etsy shop; The Sparkling Cocktail! 

I love red so I am really excited for these soft Merino wool solid ones in the works. 

And you already know my obsession for tweed! This combination I am really excited about as I am using three different tweed shades of gray to create an ombre effect! Yay! 

Don't worry, I haven't given up on my Yellow Fat Bottom Bag that I started this past Summer. I have just gotten so excited for Autumn. I will finish it soon and share! 

What are you currently working on? Did you finish all of your Summer projects? Do knit for the season you are in or for the one ahead?

My Projects: Heather Tweed Gloves

Fall is on it's way and soon there will be a chill in the air.  I've been crocheting up several new pairs of tweed fingerless gloves with bows to get ready for it.   Here's a look at some new items I've finished and have listed in my Etsy store; The Sparkling Cocktail.  Click the photo to go to the individual listing. 

All are made from wool tweed in heather colors. I'm still really into tweed this season. What are your go to fall yarns or fabrics for fall? 

Mid-Week Inspiration: Vintage Sweaters

Believe it or not, with this humidity, fall is fast on it's way! There are so many vintage knitting and crochet patterns out there that I would love to stitch up. Here are a few that are perfect for transitional weather.

How perfect is this for cold mornings and warm afternoons? Love the yellow, too. 

Available from freevintagecrochet.com

So glamorous and I'm dying over that sleeve.
Unfortunately, this pattern has sold. Do you know of one similar? 

I absolutely love this! Love the cuffs, the two tone, keyhole, and her smirk! 

Available from Nostalgiarules on Etsy. 

Now to only get my knitting up to speed! 

For more inspiration, any day of the week, follow me on Pinterest! 

My Projects: Yellow Fat Bottom Bag

I've been working on this crocheted fat bottom bag. You may remember my Tweed Fat Bottom Bag from a year ago.   I've decided to give this pattern another go. This time in a yellow pima cotton yarn. 

I'm loving this sunny yellow! The yarn is Knit Picks Comfy Worsted in Creme Brulee. 

I'm also going to line this version with remnants from my Fruity Peasant Blouse. It will add such a nice happy interior surprise! I still haven't decided on the handle but I am leaning towards a light bamboo wooden round handle. What do you think? Any suggestions? 

What knitting or crochet projects are you working on this Summer? 

My Projects: Finished Knit and Crochet Accessories

I finished a bunch of knitting and crochet projects recently all at once. Unlike with sewing, when it comes to knitting and crochet, I like to work on multiple projects at once. Here are some of my finished projects!

Buttercup yellow crocheted fingerless gloves with bow. I've made a bunch of these with contrast bow and tipping. This is the first pair I've made in a solid. What do you think? What other colors would you like? These are available in my Etsy shop, The Sparkling Cocktail for $35. 

Above and below are new two-tone colors! I love this color combination, it's soft, girly, and has a vintage feel to it. These are also available in my Etsy shop, The Sparkling Cocktail for $38. Pink with Ivory and Ivory with Pink. 

All of the gloves above are made with the softest Pima cotton yarn, which makes them wearable year round. Depending where you live, of course! For more yarn information and a link to the free pattern- should you want to make your own- visit me at Ravelry or Craftsy.

This is the Seed Stitch Cambridge Scarf I have been working on and it's finally done! This project I am really excited about and it's not for sale, but rather for myself! This is from the Knit Lab class I am taking at Craftsy. It's a fabulous way to practice various knitting stitches, the seed stitch, a 2x2, and a 4x4 basket weave, all in one project. At the end you have a beautiful scarf. This knitting class has already improved my knitting skills and I haven't even finished it yet. The best part is it doesn't expire, so I have a video reference when ever I need it! 

You may have read my review on the Craftsy Knit Lab class here and my progress on this project here. 

A close-up. I hope you can get a sense of the different stitches! 

Now I have to decide what to knit and crochet next. I have so many projects on my list, I don't know where to start! I am also looking forward to Craftsy's Mystery Knit-Along for July! Have you ordered yours? I can't wait to find out what we will be making!! I will keep you posted and would love your company. More info here if you want to join, but do hurry as you will need to allow shipping time for your yarn! 

What are you knitting up these days? Do you work on yarn projects in the Summer? 

My Projects: Update and Upcoming

You know how it is, the weather warms up and the sewing and knitting projects cool down. I am still working on a few projects but I definitely feel like I have slowed down. Here's an update, since it's been so long, as well as a few projects on my list!

Do you remember the Seed Stitch Cambridge scarf I started knitting a while back? I'm still working on it, but hope to have it done real soon! It's beautiful in this blonde tweed! 

I made these wall hangings from an old vintage crochet cutter and used embroidery hoops as frames. They are a gift but I love them on my exposed brick wall. 

I really want to get back into sewing. These are the three patterns I want to use this summer for my own wardrobe. Several peasant blouses are needed, the halter dress I want to make out of gingham, and the wrap dress, well don't judge, but I still haven't started my Lana Turner dress. So please! Encourage me to get back into a regular sewing habit! 

I have also purchased the Mystery Knit-Along for July from Craftsy! I am so excited. As I mentioned my scarf is nearly done and I wasn't sure what to start next so this is perfect timing. The pattern is also from Stefanie Japel, who teaches the Knit Lab course I took!  It is currently on sale for $14.99 and that includes the yarn, pattern, and workshop materials! Who doesn't love a good mystery? I would love it if you would join me. Follow the My Projects series here to see my updates and find out what it is or let's knit this together! Click here to purchase it before it gets too late! 

What are your project plans for the summer? Have you slowed down, or are you still going strong? I would love to hear what you have been working on! 

My Vintage Vanity: Stash My Destash

I've been reorganizing my limited storage space lately. I have some great vintage crochet trims and fabrics that I am now starting to list in my Etsy shop; The Sparkling Cocktail. Hopefully you all can make beautiful things out of it and I can clear some space! The new section of the shop is called Stash My Destash, so please do!

Here are some wonderful 1940's crochet items currently up for grabs:

Vintage crochet trim with pink edges! 

Lovely trim! 6 strips around 30" each! 

1940's fine thread medallions.  Set of 4. 

Off white granny squares! Set of 13!

What would you or have you made out of vintage trim? 

Mid-Week Inspiration: Peasant Blouses

I really want to sew up some peasant blouses for the Summer. Nice sheer whites and swiss dots are what I have in mind.

 Or pretty florals and eyelet! 

 Or I could even crochet one!

What projects are topping your list for the Summer? 

For more inspiration, any day of the week, follow me on Pinterest. 

Mid-Week Inspiration: Pink and Black

Pink and black together is a classic color combination. For me it never gets old. I especially love the blush pale pinks, or ballet pink as I like to refer to it as, paired with black.  What do you think? Do you like this color combination? 

Here are some lovely vintage items in pink and black I found on Pinterest: 

Art Deco compact or cigarette case. 

The resolution on this photo is not so great, but it's too pretty not to share. I am so in love with this dress! 

Love this one too! 1950's. 

And a vintage cup and saucer set. Love!

All of this inspiration has shown up in my crochet projects. Here's one of my fingerless gloves in ballet pink with black tipping and bow. I also made a pair in the reverse. Currently available in my Etsy shop; The Sparkling Cocktail. 

For more inspiration any day of the week join me on Pinterest! 

My Projects: Crochet Fingerless Gloves in New Colors!

I've recently finished and listed in my Etsy shop some more crocheted fingerless gloves with tipping and bows. These are a lovely spruce green heather Donegal tweed with black contrast. This tweed is wonderful and much richer in person! 

A pretty soft ballet pink is paired with black in this pima cotton pair. So soft and ready for the transition into spring! 

What color combinations would you enjoy? 

Be sure to check out my Etsy shop; The Sparkling Cocktail for more of my handmade items and more of these gloves in other colors!