Sunday, September 30, 2012

getting organized - DIY dry erase board.

Because I have a large family, and work from home as an independent crochet designer, I am always looking for ways to get more organized. I saw some dry erase boards on pinterest made from picture frames and I thought what a great idea! I immediately went looking to see what I had lying around the house that could be repurposed. It just so happens that I had this old window in our basement that was all perfect and distressed looking. I should have taken pictures of the process but there really wasn't much to it...




I just lighted sanded up the wood, both to clean it and to expose the edges a bit more. To give it a more antique look I used SamaN Water Based Stain. For a nicer finish I then rubbed on a little Minwax Wipe-On Poly.



I chose a light coloured, neutral material for the background so that the writing would really show up. I am forever changing my mind so I simply attached the material to the back of the window using Frog Tape. That way I can easily change up the look or colour whenever I get the urge.




I originally purchased the little bird that you see pictured at the bottom from a great little etsy shop called Single Stone Studios...and I think that he was nice touch.

Lastly, I added a couple of eyelets to the top corners so that I could string some twine across the top. I then added some miniature clothes pins so I now have a place to hang cards, invitations, notes and what have you.




The big thank-you note that I wrote across the front of the window was for my hubby for hanging it up for me. My youngest daughter laughed at the way I spelled "hon". She thinks that it should be spelled "hun", but I think that it should be "hon", short for "honey". I don't really think that it is a big deal though. It is not like I said, "Thanks Sweatie!"




kim.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

sneak peek.

 
I've had this in the works for several months, so I'm happy that it is almost ready for publication!
 
 
 
 
kim.
 

Friday, September 21, 2012

yarn bombing in saskatchewan.


Yarn bombing is everywhere.  But perhaps so subtle that you may not even really notice.  Check out what I came across in my wee little town in rural Saskatchewan! How many times had I passed this spot and not noticed its beauty and the talent that was poured into this art form?  I was drawn in by the artists color choices and the fact that it was so uniform and neat.  I was so impressed by the sight of it that I had to stop and take a few pics to share with you.


Proof that there is always someone in your community (no matter how big or small) that will share in your passion of beautiful fibers and all things knit and crochet!!








tara.


Tuesday, September 18, 2012

and the winners are....

Yay!!  Today is the day we announce our winners to the crochet pattern giveaway that ran through the weekend.  This has been our biggest pattern giveaway yet so we are super excited for the winners!! Thanks to all who participated and for leaving us such great comments and spreading the word.  You guys are the best!!

Without further ado, here are the winners!! 

1st prize - GreenCats who left the comment "Love love love your patterns, and already have numerous. But I can always use more! :D"  Yes, a girl can never have enough crochet patterns, that is for sure!!  GreenCats has won a $50.00 gift certificate to use towards any crochet patterns in our Etsy shop.

2nd prizeDiane F. commented  "Love your patterns!" and she walks away with a $20 dollar gift certificate to use towards any crochet patterns on our Etsy shop 

3rd prizeSarah G. also commented "Love your patterns!". She wins our third prize of a $10 gift certificate from our Etsy shop.

All drawings were random using www.random.org. Winners will be contacted personally by email with details on how to redeem their prize.

Thanks again everyone for participating.  Can't wait to see you all again for our next drawing!!

Have a great week and see you next time!


tara and kim.

Monday, September 10, 2012

we are now on facebook.


Just to let you know that we now have an active facebook page. We will be using facebook to notify you of our latest pattern releases, sales and events.
 

http://www.facebook.com/knotsewcutedesignshop
 
 
 
 kim and tara.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

new crochet pattern - button-up cowl by kim miller.


 
 
Skill Level: Easy/Intermediate

Look great and stay warm and toasty through the cool season with this stylish Button-Up Cowl!

This well written crochet pattern calls for 1 ½ skeins of Berroco Vintage which is a worsted weight (4), and includes illustrations and a chart. The finished cowl measures approximately 58.5 cm (23”) in width and cm 28 cm (11”) in length.

 
 
 
 
 
kim.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

5000 fan celebration and huge giveaway at bonita patterns.


The very talented crochet designer, Lianka Azulay of Bonita Patterns, is hosting a huge giveaway on facebook.

Lianka Azulay

Lianka has rocked the world of crochet with her amazing collection of crochet patterns featuring the crocodile stitch.

Crocodile Stitch Booties by Lianka Azulay
 
Be sure to visit http://www.facebook.com/BonitaPatterns to see the wide assortment of amazing prizes and how you can enter your chance
to win!
 
 
 
kim and tara.

Monday, September 3, 2012

photo gallery - felted nesting bowls and mushroom catch-alls.

I always want to start out every blog post with "I'm super excited", but that is because whenever I am sharing something I am super excited!!! I especially love the customer photos that are sent our way because I find them so inspiring and I love to see someone else's twist or interpretation.

With all of that said, I'm super excited to share with you some extremely sweet pictures of the Felted Nesting Bowls and the Felted Mushroom Catch-alls sent to us from Melanie of Bixi and Goxi.


Felted Nesting Bowls
 
Felted Nesting Bowls
 
Felted Mushroom Catch-all
 
Felted Mushroom Catch-all
 
Be sure to visit Melanie of Bixi and Goxi and to see how this creative mom of three little ones stays busy. Melanie's blog is in German but thanks to Google Translate we can inspire one another no matter what language we speak :)
 
 
 
kim.