marie's samples just keep coming!

I've added a lot more samples to my  Etsy shoppe: nest and eggs, a black kitty kat, Matilda the Witch and lots more. Next week I will be adding pumpkins and leaves. You can tell everyone you knit them! I won't tell.

I will even have a few one-of-a-kind snowmen with their accessories. I have so many hats and scarves of various colors that I may put together a few grab-bags for sale too. It sure feels good to pass along these items to those that will appreciate them. That blesses me! 

Be sure to check back often. If there is something you don't see, don't hesitate to ask about an item. I just may have another one around here. 

Thanks again for your interest in my work over the years. I am excited to be freed up to create again here real soon!

Happy knitting!

samples for sale!

 

woolly lamb

I've created a second Etsy Shoppe called, My Woolly Somethings. I'm selling off my older samples to make room for the new ones! Honestly, I have so many samples and I need to pare down. So I have been starting to list my samples by seasons. Right now, I have a good selection of Spring items: bunnies, chicks, and soon to come nest with eggs.

If you are needing a little something extra for that Easter basket, come check me out. These samples are still in wonderful shape and need a new home. They need to be out on display not stuck in a box in my basement!

The prices are very reasonable, half off what I would usually sell custom orders for on my other Etsy store. I'm letting go of a few samples because certain yarns are discontinued, Thus they can't be duplicated, truly one-of-a-kind. My sample bins are overflowing and I need the room. Its time for me to share!

I'm running an additional sale (25% off) on certain items. Be sure to check back often. I have six bins to go through! The next bin is Autumn items: pumpkins (knit and felted), leaves, acorns, and gnomes. 

Thank you always for your interest in my patterns and now my samples!

Happy knitting!

a flock of sheep

woolly sheep

I just added four hand-knit sheep to my newest Etsy shoppe, My Woolly Somethings. It is a collection of fun and very textured woolly friends. All reasonably priced to sell, just in time for Spring!

The top left sheep was knit using Frog Tree brushed Suri (no longer available), so when brushed it is so soft and fuzzy to the touch. The top right photo, is the loopy stitch sheep. A nubby little guy that  would actually make a wonderful bath scrubber, but please don't do that! The third sheep, bottom left sheep, is so fuzzy and grey, another brushed Suri knit; a great addition to anyone's flock of knitted sheep (if you buy two or more, you get free shipping). And finally, the bottom right sheep has sewn to her front-side a collection of antique pearly buttons in various styles and sizes, a great gift for quilters and sewers. All the sheep are knit and ready to ship!

I am publishing an updated version of my Woolly Sheep pattern this week. It will include a new version to the legs, that is easier to knit.

The instructions for how-to-knit the Loopy Stitch sheep (top right photo) are found in my book, Whimsical Woollies.

Please remember, that if you ever have any questions on how I made something, don't hesitate to ask. I am always here to help.

Happy knitting!

a cheesy felting tool

cheese grater

I just have to tote the wonders of my handy-dandy cheese grater! I recommend this trick all the time to my felting classes, but I highly recommend it now!

Yesterday I was felting in my Wonder Washer an all-cream sheep for a customer, and I wasn't liking how it was felting. I had felted it, stuffed it with fiberfill and as it dried the stitch definition returned. I knew this yarn was capable of felting better (by past experience). Normally I would pull out the stuffing and throw the piece back into the wash for another cycle or two, but I was concerned about the sheep's leg holes felting shut making it difficult to insert the leg wires afterwards.

back and forth against the grates

In a panic, I pulled out my ordinary cheese grater, hoping for a miracle. I wet the sheep with soap and water and rubbed the stuffed body vigorously back and forth against the smallest grates (bumpy-side up), and it felted beautifully! No stitch definition what so ever! I was relieved and so pleased.

Using the cheese grater gave me precise control over particular areas as well as broader ones as well. Great for those items that just need a little extra felting help. I encourage you to try it, if you haven't already. You'll love the results!

Happy knitting!