Tools of the Knitting Trade

At its most basic, knitting is about two sticks and some string.

Two sticks. Knitting needles. There are so many varieties to choose from. Sure, there are the utilitarian models out there, but when you're spending so much time on a project, you want your tools to be beautiful, like these from Mama's Magic Studio...

And some string. Yarn. Yarn is so easy to find if you know where to look. But why knit with ordinary yarn. There are so many artists who spin and hand-dye their own, like Excavations...

Once you've got the basics, it's time to acquire other accessories. If you've got stunning needles and scrumptious yarn, the rest of your tools should shine as well.

Some patterns are complicated. Some patterns are knit in the round. To help a knitter keep her (or his) place, stitch markers are a must. Here are some fine examples from AG Mode and Ohmayzee...

Another cool accessory to have is a yarn bowl, like this one from Anuart. What is a yarn bowl? You put your yarn in the bowl and thread the end through the hole. This keeps your yarn from going all over the place while you are knitting.

Once you have all your supplies, you need something to knit. It isn't hard to find some great patterns, such as this one from Phydeaux Designs...

Of course, the needles must fit the yarn which is the right weight for the pattern. There are so many great projects out there. This is just a taste of what you can find.

All pictures link back to the items on etsy.

This post was contributed by Liz from Zizi Rho Designs.  

California Sunshine

We finally got some much needed sunshine! Here are a few shops to brighten your day and bring a smile to your face.

Paper leaves for your walls in golden yellow from Paperleaves

Paperleaves is a shop from Camarillo California. These nicely packaged leaves are hand cut and each one has a foam sticker backing. Kristen of Paperleaves suggests a customizable wall treatment to evoke a tree house or forest. What a great idea, that way you'll have sunshine all year around !

Pale Sunshine handspun yarn from Excavations

Excavations is a shop from Hemet California. This beautiful yarn is called Pale Sunshine and has been hand dyed and spun. If you prefer your sun not quite so bright this would be perfect for you !

Mr. Sunshine needle felted bear by Beadztoo

Little Mr. Sunshine here comes from Northern California, San Rafael to be exact. Made by hand, obviously with love, from Beadztoo. He's been completely hand needle-felted from golden yellow and orange wool roving into a handsome adorable bear. This little guy is sure to bring a smile to anyones face!

Giant Sungold Sunflower Bouquet by Dolcechic

Candace Rose of  Dolce Chic is from Northern California. Her beautiful photograph titled Giant Sungold Sunflower Bouquet is a wonderful choice for a print to brighten up your day and any room.

You are my sunshine by Chocolateandsteel

Last but not least is a little fine silver pendant that says it all ! Made by Chocolateandsteel from Los Angles.  It even comes with a little sparkle.

Take a moment to visit these sunny shops, you can click on all pictures & links : )

This post was contributed by Tania Cavenecia Torres a jewelry designer from the San Francisco Bay Area