a new tutorial

woolly nest & eggs

Yes, I have started to add tutorials to my blogspot, finally.

Just in case you hadn't noticed the links (on the left side of this page, listed under my 'welcome' sign). These are extra pages within my blog that supply further information for my readers: an about me page, a my patterns page (listing a link to all my patterns on Etsy), a my tutorials page, and a my book page (my new book, Whimsical Woollies).

I love online sights with tutorials, and want to have more of the same here for you. My book has certainly helped with this by having dozens of ideas and photos all in one convenient place!

I recently added a nest & eggs tutorial on nest making. The Woolly Nest & Eggs pattern is by far my favorite pattern. I love the textures of the felted wool with novelty yarns, how the ribbons pop out here and there, and the subtle colors, as well as the whole idea of thinking like a bird and building a nest in the first place.

This particular nest, along with my nest ornaments in a box are by far my best sellers for hand-knit items on my Etsy sight. In addition, I get requests for the specific yarns and materials, and their sequence that I use in my own nests, as shown above. So I have created a official tutorial to share with you. Hope you enjoy it, and find it useful.


Happy knitting!

here, little birdie!

woolly birds

Isn't this little bird just perfect as an ornament? Recognize the pattern? Yes, the Woolly Birds pattern, but knit using fingering weight yarn and size 5 double point needles. The photo doesn't capture the size very well. But the chickadee is about half the size of the worsted weight version. A perfect size for a holiday ornament for any bird lover!

sport weight and worsted

The photo of the cardinals shows them knit and felted in sport weight and also worsted weight so you can see the size differences using the same pattern but different yarn weights and needle sizes. The fingering weight yarn creates an even smaller size bird believe it or not. I keep the final detailing simple because of its small size, mainly no eyes and a needle felted beak. To finish, tie a ribbon or fishing line as a loop and you have a quick and easy ornament idea.

NOTE: Need a reference of what size needle to use for each yarn weight when felting? I have created a chart on my website for easy and quick referral:

yarn weights & needle sizes

Happy knitting!

Free Shipping Today!

To celebrate 500 'likes' on my Facebook page, I am offering FREE shipping on all orders of patterns and kits today only, 9/21/2012. Place an order before midnight (Central Time) on my Etsy Shoppe. When ready for check out, it will prompt you 'to apply coupon', enter: MAYHEW500.

Let me know if you have troubles. I will make sure you receive the free shipping.

Thanks again for your interest and support of my woolly patterns!

Happy knitting & felting!

Yummy! Home-made Butterfingers.

woolly candy corn

The Butterfingers is about my most favorite candy bar, EVER! So when I came across this recipe on Pinterest I had to get the recipe. FYI, I haven't made it yet. I am having a hard time finding traditional candy corn. I may have to go to a specialty candy store.

So for all you Butterfingers lovers out there, here it is! Let me know where you found the candy corn, would you?

Home-made Butterfingers

1 pound candy corn pieces

16 ounce jar peanut butter

16 ounce package chocolate candy coating

Melt candy corn in a microwave on high for one minute. Stir and continue cooking in 15-second intervals until melted, stirring after each interval. Stir in the peanut butter. Spread the mixture in an 8x8-inch pan lined with parchment paper. Cool completely. Cut into 1-inch squares. Melt the chocolate candy and dip the 1-inch pieces in the chocolate to coat. Lay on a sheet of waxed paper to set.

Makes about 32 pieces.

Who would of ever thought those leftover candy corn to go to such a good use?