Sewing a Fleece Jacket for a Puppy

September 19, 2019 // No Comments

When a friend was fostering a puppy, she turned to me for ideas on how to convert baby clothes to a puppy coat to help keep the little one warmer in Ireland’s brisk Autumn weather (who are we kidding, it’s... Continue reading →

Sewing a Project Bag from a Canvas Bread Basket

September 12, 2019 // No Comments

When I’m knitting at home, I don’t have a yarn bowl but wanted something that would hold my supplies and knitting without breaking when it’s inevitably knocked on the floor by my kids. That’s when I decided to adapt a... Continue reading →

Interview with Mad Scientist Yarns, Hand-dyer

September 10, 2019 // No Comments

I first learned of Mad Scientist Yarns when I saw their 2018 Advent Calendar. It was fun and vibrant, while being its own style. Michelle & Scott agreed to let me interview them for my blog, so like the other interviews... Continue reading →

Don’t Fear Hemming a Dress

September 5, 2019 // No Comments

I’m afraid of plenty of things from zombie clowns from outer space to mean girl bullies, but one thing I do not fear is making a mistake or doing something wrong. Mistakes, for the most part, can be fixed and... Continue reading →

Interview with Alice of WildWoolE17, Hand-dyer

September 3, 2019 // No Comments

When I saw the cheerful colors dyed by Alice of WildWoolE17, I was reminded of candy! The vibrant hues are rich and happy. So when I had the chance to interview her, I was delighted. As with my other interviews,... Continue reading →

Patterns to Use with Advent Calendar Yarn Sets

August 29, 2019 // No Comments

I’ve written about the existence of calendar yarn in 2017 Advent sets and 2018 Advent sets, Advent KALs, using the Bear in Sheep’s Clothing Advent set, and even creating your own mini skein fade from leftover bits – but today... Continue reading →

Interview with Martin’s Lab, Hand-dyer

August 27, 2019 // No Comments

When I saw Martin’s Lab‘s bright vibrant colorways at Edinburgh Yarn Festival, it was love at first sight. I mean, we’ve all been there with a skin of yarn, right? I chose the one that made my heart sing and... Continue reading →

My Lunchbox Approach: Containers, Contents, and Labels

August 22, 2019 // No Comments

We’re well and truly starting the school year and I thought I’d share my lunchbox approach, from containers to contents to labels. Who knows, maybe something in here will help you. If not, at least I have this documented so I don’t forget.... Continue reading →

Interview with Wool Kitchen, Hand-dyer

August 20, 2019 // No Comments

When I first tried Helen of The Wool Kitchen‘s yarn, I knew it was perfect to be included in my upcoming Ultraviolet Knits book. What I didn’t realise is how much I’d love all her other colorways too. I was... Continue reading →

Personalizing a Thrift Shop Conference Swag Bag

August 15, 2019 // No Comments

I have been looking for a basic backpack to use for when I need to carry a bit extra for myself and the kids, but don’t want my purse to feel like I borrowed it from Hermione Granger. I usually... Continue reading →

Interview with Fibre Art Studio, Hand-dyer

August 13, 2019 // No Comments

I was delighted to get to interview Yoriko Oki of Fibre Art Studio. She is based in Vancouver, British Columbia. The region is already known for its stunning scenery, but if you’ve seen Yoriko’s Instagram feed you know she is creating... Continue reading →

Altering a Too-Small Dress to be a Just-Right Skirt

August 8, 2019 // No Comments

A few years ago, I found a dress at a local charity shop (thrift store) and I fell in love with the fabric. When I shop, I look for fabrics first, including fibre content, then fit and size. I can... Continue reading →

Interview with Green Elephant, Hand-dyer

August 6, 2019 // No Comments

You know those colorways that make you want to spin around with your arms in the air? Yeah, that’s how I feel about how Fiona of Green Elephant Yarn uses pinks and greens. It’s downright delicious. Check out her Instagram... Continue reading →

Sewing a Wristlet for Knitting On-the-go

August 1, 2019 // No Comments

I love the idea of knitting on the go with a purpose-built bag that is gentle on my wrist, so I started researching designs and features I prefer. I happened upon this helpful tutorial on Nadel & Gabel (I think... Continue reading →

Interview with Bear In Sheep’s Clothing, Hand-dyer

July 30, 2019 // No Comments

As part of my series of interviews with hand-dyers, I’m sharing the words of Bernie of Bear In Sheep’s Clothing today. After an online friendship and sharing many real-life friends, I finally met Bernie at Edinburgh Yarn Festival 2017. We talked... Continue reading →

Reinventing an Eyelet Top

July 25, 2019 // No Comments

I love the current eyelet trend and add ruffles?! I found a darling white eyelet top at Penney’s that is 100% cotton and it was when we had those few hot days after Easter, but before I had gotten out... Continue reading →

Interview with Eve Chambers Textiles, Hand-dyer

July 23, 2019 // 1 Comment

When Eve Chambers and I started coordinating a year ago on yarn for my upcoming book, I didn’t realise the extent of her talents or the friendship we’d develop in the process. I’m delighted to be sharing my interview with Eve on... Continue reading →

Personalized Laundry Bags from Pillowcases

July 18, 2019 // No Comments

For traveling with my kids this summer, I wanted to make sure they didn’t forget all the household responsibilities they are used to at home. For this reason, I created a personalised laundry bag for each boy to have on... Continue reading →

Interview with My Mama Knits, Hand-dyer

July 16, 2019 // No Comments

Over two years ago, I reached out to Sunshine Stewart of My Mama Knits because I was embarking on my Ultraviolet Knits book and her UV-reactive yarns were one of the few available at the time. We have corresponded ever... Continue reading →

Summer Post Format & Book News

July 15, 2019 // No Comments

School is out of session here in Ireland, so it finally feels like summer. In the midst of some traveling and crafty adventures this summer, I will be back to posting twice a week. It’s hard to believe EvinOK is... Continue reading →