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Showing posts with label Handmade. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Handmade. Show all posts

An Eeyore Stuffed Animal Handmade from Mohair and Cashmere

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My daughter absolutely loves Winnie the Pooh and while we endeavor to be as sustainable as possible in our home, I didn’t want to purchase a stuffed animal made from synthetic materials unless it was vintage. Since I was unable to find what I was looking for and I refuse to buy plastic where possible, I endeavored to create my own stuffed Eeyore.

I used Claire Garland's knit pattern and I paired Purl Soho’s Paintbrush Mohair yarn and Cashmere Merino Bloom yarn so that Eeyore is fuzzy and soft. The yarns were thicker than my pattern called for but I wanted my version to be larger than the finished product as noted in the pattern. I didn’t want many knit holes to show through so I sized down in needle size. 

Eeyore was stuffed with natural wool from Mountain Meadow Wool and a little button was added to the top of his tail.  He did have a pink wool bow but it was too tempting for little hands to pull off. 






Making Purl Soho’s Warm Wishes Hot Water Bottle Cover

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I recently made two hot water bottle covers and used Purl Soho’s Warm Wishes pattern. The two yarns I used were Vinter Wool in Green Patina and Knitting Yarn DK in Pine Needle. Both we’re really enjoyable to work with and the pattern was quick and makes a nice gift. The first cozy was accidentally knit too tight around the neck so I adjusted when making the second and made sure to keep my knits nice and loose.

Shop Purl Soho Here.




In Process: Lord of the Rings Double Knit Blanket

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Those that know me know that I love Lord of the Rings. My brother does too, so I have endeavored to make him a blanket.

I wasn’t sure which knitting technique I wanted to use. I had just learned stranded knitting which seemed easy enough however I was concerned with the thickness of the fabric and the backside. Normally I don’t make swatches, but this time I did. While swatching I had to hide so many of the strands lest they get pulled, that the front of the knit appeared to be twisting. My little swatch was also very thin. Much too thin for a nice movie watching blanket. That’s when I decided to explore double knitting.

For my first double knit blanket, I am extremely pleased with how it is turning out. The yarn I chose is Till by Purl Soho and it has been lovely to work with. I have much more to go and I am hoping to complete it by Christmas.





Pregnancy Project Throw Quilt

This handcrafted heirloom throw quilt was made for my daughter. The second quilt in my portfolio and I am thoroughly in love with how it turned out. The uneven stitches, off-center blocks, and the graphic backing created from the extra fabric. The entire quilting process has been a complete joy.

I have another “sunshine red and yellow” quilt that I am working on and it will be for sale (at this rate) towards the end of the year.

For now, baby quilts can be purchased in the shop - tonal cream with a pop of color in the hand-stitching.

Bespoke quilts handmade upon request. 





In Progress: 1940’s Silk Blouse

I am channeling my inner Dagny Taggert with this 1940’s silk blouse. The fabric is a beautiful deadstock cream dupioni with a lovely textured-hand but regrettably my sewing machine did not like to work with it. I opted to hand-stitch most of the piece to prevent as much puckering as possible. I used a beautiful matching silk thread with silk needles, of course. While the pattern calls for a front breast pocket, I decided that it wasn’t a feature I wanted to include. My shoulders must be askew because the blouse sits perfectly on me while showing a little pucker on my mannequin. What can I say, no one’s perfect!

The last step is to create the button holes and add the buttons. The pattern originally called for bound button holes but in my stubbornness I decided against it. Regardless of which button hole style I choose, I am admittedly nervous so the blouse sits unfinished on my mannequin. 

She was fifteen when it occurred to her for the first time that women did not run railroads and that people might object. To hell with that, she thought - and never worried about it again.
— Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged




Quilts in 2025

I had so much fun making my last three quilts that I’ll be offering a few one of a kind pieces in this new year. Natural fibers are extremely important to me so they will be made entirely from earth-and-skin-friendly materials. I will not be using any plastic materials such as polyester. The exterior, interior, and thread throughout will be cotton, bamboo, wool, and the like. I personally do not purchase something I cannot wash, so my goal is to make easy hand-washable quilts. The first available offering is a made to order Baby Quilt made from cream tonal fabric and custom colored thread for a small pop of color. Makes a wonderful heirloom for yourself, a friend, or family member.




The Little Black Sustainable Crossbody Bag




 

My classic crossbody bag is made in Los Angeles with natural vegetable tanned leather, metal hardware, with a GOTS certified organic cotton interior. While manufacturing will always produce waste, we don’t have to destroy the earth in the process. Being a good steward of the planet is the core of our ethos and plays a major role in all aspects of my business. In addition to sustainable materials, the minimal aesthetic is a nod to longevity. What’s more sustainable than buying something to keep forever? With the subtle design details, versatile look, and sleek black leather, the little black crossbody will never go out of style.



Bruna Zaun x Kristiina Taylor Duffel Tote Bag





I had the immense privilege of working with the lovely Bruna Zaun to create a unique weekend duffel. Our collaboration was a perfect amalgam that carried us from concept to reality – and we are in love with the outcome. The duffel was made for weekend getaways in mind. A few nights away in Joshua Tree? Or Catalina on your mind? A big yes to both! Shop this limited edition release and enjoy complimentary worldwide shipping.