Year In Etsy 2011

I can't believe it's already time for the Second Annual Year In Etsy.  As you can see, this year I did my part to support Etsy artists.  I was delighted with each and every purchase.  I've said it before and I'll say it again: I believe in small businesses.  Please help these and other similar endeavors continue to offer unique, handmade, high-quality items.

Happy 2012!

Row 1:
Zebra makeup bags from Lucy Blaire hand*made
Bronze earrings from Kim Pipes Designs
Bundle hoop earrings from Kathi Roussel Jewelry
Overalls with daisies and sunflowers from Overall Baby

Row 2:
Blizzard pearl necklace from Simple Elements Design
Twirl skirt and top from Laken and Lila
Cuff bracelet from Lapis Beach
Lemon wreath from Two Inspire You

Row 3:
Kitty crayons from Kitty Baby Love
Purple and yellow necklace from Informal Elegance
Pearl hoop earrings from Linda Trent Jewelry
Geometry bracelet from Simple Elements Design

Row 4:
Quartz and pearl earrings from Simple Elements Design
Felt alphabet letters from MiChiMa L.A.N.D.
Purple earrings from Informal Elegance
Personalized big sis T shirt from Smitten and Company

Row 5:
Honey quartz earringsfrom Linda Trent Jewelry
Black jumper with ruffles from Simplicity Couture
Silver raindrop earrings from Linda Trent Jewelry
Ruffled leggings from Simplicity Couture

Row 6:
Personalized dinner plates from Simply Stella Studio
Pinafore dress from Noah and Lilah
Map necklace from Sherry Truit Studios
Personalized ladybug towel from Rub A Dub Buddies

Row 7:
Personalized frog towel from Rub A Dub Buddies
Personalized piggy bank from Faith-N-Bugs Boutique
Personalized bowls from Simply Stella Studio
Leather necklace from Vintage Rhino

In December I . . .

When I started this blog, my hope was that it would have two primary functions. First, it would be a way for me to share my sweater designs and ideas (as well as special offers and other happenings) with all of you. Second, it would be a way for you to get to know me personally—to learn more about the person behind the sweaters.

But as I’ve gotten busier with sweater orders (and life has gotten in the way), I think I’ve lost some of the second piece. The focus has become much more about the sweaters and less about me. That’s obviously GREAT from a business perspective, but I don’t want to lose sight of why I created the blog.

So, I’ve decided to introduce a new feature called “This Month, I . . . .” This new feature will highlight a handful of the things I was up to—big and small—that month. I hope to publish it toward the end of every month. Tomorrow is already slated for the annual Year In Etsy, so I’m going to kick things off today.

And so, without further ado:

In December, I . . .

--Went to see the Miniature Railroad and Village at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh. Even though the exhibit is now available year round, checking out this amazing miniature replica of Western Pennsylvania (circa the last turn of the century) is still one of my favorite holiday traditions.

--Ran in the Run with Santa 5K in Rockville. There was one heck of a hill toward the end!

--Went to the What’s Cooking Uncle Sam exhibit at the National Archives and learned all about “vitamin donuts.” The exhibit was a super interesting look at the government’s effect on what Amercians eat. Right after, we had a delicious lunch at America Eats Tavern, a coordinating pop-up restaurant that specializes in “American” food. Mmm . . . hush puppies and mac & cheese and pecan pie.

--Played elf as I delivered more than 500 cookies to my family and friends, another of my annual holiday traditions. This year, the favorites seem to have been the gingerbread men, the key lime shortbreads, the carrot cake whoopie pies, and the rocky road bars.

--Tried the Pioneer Woman’s recipe for crash hot potatoes and fell in love. (I’m not a huge rosemary fan, so I used thyme instead.)

Tangerine Tango for 2012

I'm so excited about Pantone's 2012 Color of the Year.  It's Tangerine Tango.  Pantone describes it as "a bit exotic, but in a very friendly, non-threatening way."

One needs to take only a quick look at the Yellow House Knits collection to know that I love orange.  It shows up in at least half a dozen different sweaters.  It's such a great color for little kids--so vibrant and happy, great for boys and girls alike.   So I was delighted to see that orange is finally getting some recognition.

In honor of Tangerine Tango as Color of the Year, I'm offering 10 percent off of any custom sweater that includes tangerine as one of the colors.  The offer is good for all of 2012.  To take advantage of this deal, email yellowhouseknits[at]gmail.com and mention this offer.  I'm excited to create some gorgeous sweaters in tangerine!

Warm Wishes from Yellow House Knits

Beach Drive Beauties

I got an early Christmas present this morning!  The talented Stephanie Piscitelli of Bellini Portraits, from my old stomping grounds of Boston, sent me these stunning pictures of the Beach Drive sweater.  Merry Christmas to me!  Just spectacular!  Thanks Stephanie!

Sisters!

I just had to post this picture of Miss L and Miss H in their coordinating sweaters.  (Miss H is only about a month old--so tiny!)  Such holiday cheer!  Wonder what Santa will be bringing them--I can tell they've both been very good!

Color Inspiration: Animal Wrappers

Here's proof that color inspiration can come from anywhere.  This is wrapping paper that I spotted at PaperSource.  I love how the little bit of taupe keeps it from looking too much like Romper Room.  If I were turning these colors into a sweater, I might even throw some white into the mix.  So playful and vibrant! 

The Knit Menagerie

Further to a previous post about how kids don't really want clothes for Christmas--but recognizing how cool and beautiful knitting is, I thought I'd feature a few Etsy sellers whose items feature the best of both worlds.  These talented folks create beautiful, hand-knit toys for kids.  This post focuses on knit creatures.  Look for a subsequent post to feature other types of toys.

While these fellows are clearly heirlooms in their own right, they are probably even more precious once they've been loved (and loved and loved) by their little caretakers.

Clockwise from top left, with links to the item on Etsy:

Turquoise Elephant by Precious Knits
White Rabbit by Yarn Miracle
Maroon Teddy Bear by My Loose Threads
Yellow Chicks by Beaded Wire

It's a Happy Day

(Anyone else sing a song at camp when you were little called "It's a Happy Day"?)

Maybe it's the infectious smiles on the little models, maybe it's what was obviously a beautiful day, maybe it's that huge yellow flower, or maybe it's the cheerful colors of the sweater, but these pictures of the Klingle Road sweater from photographer Stacey Clack just make me happy!  

Thanks Stacey for the gorgeous sweaters!  If you live in Western Michigan or thereabouts, you owe it to yourself to check out her beautiful work.