Time to Head Home

-note: not all links on this blog are to the actual gifts people are getting, but things similar-

Finally I have all of my gifts wrapped, and I must say it took me all afternoon on Sunday! That made me realize how much time I have put into this Christmas. All but four of the gifts were handmade by me - two from Etsy and two from REI. This Christmas I knitted socks, gloves, hats, and washcloths - also, I made earrings, pillows, and snacks packs. It makes me so excited to think that those I love are getting gifts made with my own hands and with them specifically in mind.

I am so excited to get home and spend time with my cousins, mom, dad, and my hubby too (even though I get to see him everyday). There will be games played, tears shed in laughter, lots of cooking which results in fabulous food, and wonderful catching up.

Safe travels and happy holidays to all! Blessings be to you and yours.

HOBBLEDEHOY

This shop is MUST visit for any knitter, crocheter, spinner, dyer - does that cover it? Hobbledehoy is a fabulous shop of hand-spun yarns, spinning fibers, and hand dyed yarns. I have found much inspiration in this shop and I hope to one day venture into the world of spinning, and this shop will be my second stop (first stop is getting a drop spindle). Please take a moment to check out Liz's great shop and you'll find just the yarn you need and the inspiration for that upcoming project.

Featured - yay!

This week myself and my earrings have been featured in a couple places so, of course, I wanted to share them with you.

Dharma Designs featured me this past Tuesday on her blog with a little interview.

Also, today my Fiesta Earrings (the wooden bead pair) were featured on Wickedly Chic in their Daily Ditties section. You have to scroll down a little, but they are there.

Thanks for the support from all of you!

My Pocket

I would like to share with you a little bit about the pocket that is in my shop. This Manos del Uruguay pocket holds a special place in my knitting experiences.

First of all the yarn itself is rather precious to me. It supports a cause that I hold in high regard. Manos del Uruguay is a non for profit organization composed of more than 400 artisans throughout Uruguay, their goal is to bring economic and social opportunities to rural women. It excites me to support their organization by purchasing their yarn.

Secondly, this is some of the first high quality yarn I ever purchased. A yarn shop opened in Goshen, Indiana - where I was living at the time - and I saw this yarn and, of course, fell in love! I bought it and attempted to knit a scarf. This was very early in my knitting experience and I soon found out there wasn't enough yarn for a scarf - so there sat the knitted piece for months.

Later as I learned more about knitting I frogged the piece and added some more Manos yarn and knit a pair of socks, a hat, and then a bit remained. I loved this yarn so much I couldn't let even a bit of it go un-used. And so I knit this little pocket and adorned it with an old antique button from my husband's grandmother.

As I look at that pocket I think of how far the yarn has traveled, how many years that button has served its purpose, and of the joy connected with that yarn and I think, "Yes, it truly is one of a kind."

The Excitement of Sales

It is beginning to feel a lot like the holidays around Pointless Nostalgic, my Etsy shop that is. Not because I am making holiday themed items, that's not really my thing, but because of all the Christmas shoppers! It is so exciting when someone finds the gift they are looking for and it was made by your own two hands.

As I listen to radio I hear more and more about "buyers beware"- related to the recent issues with toys coming in from China. This makes me excited for the day when buying handmade isn't just trendy or emphasized by a small percentage of the population, but rather when it is in demand. I supposed the faith I have in people tells me that one day buying handmade will be embraced strongly and that will be an exciting time.

Sewing Accessory

How wonderfully cute and functional! I have been in the market for a great pincushion since I took up some sewing a few months ago - hopefully I be able to actually purchase one once the holidays have passed. This one is at the top of my list. It comes from a great little shop called the cherry stem. I highly recommend taking a few moments to check it out. Enjoy shopping!

Current Projectes and Listings

Just a little briefing on my current projects

Currently I am knitting away. The photo on the left of a recycled silk hat is similar to the one I am finishing up today and will list soon. The one in the photo I sold last month. I love these recycled silk hats - so colorful, warm, and gorgeous!

The photo on the right shows the item most recently listed in my shop- 100% cotton washcloths. They are snuggly and beautiful AND have so many uses. (I listed all of my ideas in my item description on Etsy - if you have any more ideas let me know)

Also, this weekend a friend and I went out thrift hunting with much success! I found some great 70's style fabric - white with red, yellow, green, and navy polka dots. Be watching my shop because soon a cute little bag will be appearing made from this material. We also hunted down a few sweaters with some beautiful yarn. We have begun the unraveling and washing process soon there will be some great creations - more to come soon!!!