knitknitknits

New Embroideries

2012-01-26T23:21:00.000-05:00

I've added a few accessories to my embroidered animals this month, and boy am I excited about them! And they're featured in Poppytalk's current marketplace, {Love Transforms} A Valentines and Wedding Market. Please check it out here along with other beautifully curated shops.

Brooklyn Lyceum Holiday Market + Needle Felt Class

2011-12-14T13:32:00.002-05:00

I'll be vending at Brooklyn Lyceum's Holiday Market this weekend Dec. 17 & 18 from 11am-7pm.

227 4th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11215

I'll have these new pieces and more. Come on out for my last show of the year!

Looking to make last minute holiday gifts? I'll be teaching a needle felt jewelry class at Purl Soho on Dec. 19th. More info here.

New Pieces for the Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck

2011-10-13T01:32:00.002-04:00

New pieces from my Power Animal series! Each animal is hand embroidered with cotton thread on 100% wool felt. These will be available at the Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY this weekend, Oct. 15 & 16th. Stop by Hello Mello Handspun's booth C 18 if you're planning on attending!

New Fall/Winter Pieces at Dekalb Market's Night Bazaar

2011-10-07T17:35:00.003-04:00

An Ode to Thin Mint

2011-08-18T10:37:00.004-04:00

Corey & I made these thin mint inspired mini cupcakes last weekend - and so glad we did! I followed Martha Stewart's base cupcake recipe for a Devil's Food cupcake, and used a tablespoon of peppermint extract in place of the tablespoon of vanilla extract. I also used a little less sugar than the recipe calls for, as I usually do when following recipes. The cake will be nice and light - not too sweet, but the topping will make up for the sweetness taken out. I halved the recipe for my mini's, and still came out with 5 dozen cupcakes! For the topping: melt a mint chocolate bar in a metal bowl that's sitting in a pot of water over med/low heat on the stove. Once the chocolate is melted, add a dollip on each cupcake and sprinkle crushed mint cookies on top while it's still warm. Garnish with a piece of mint leaf on top, and let the chocolate cool to create that thin mint crunch when biting into the cupcake!

New Pieces

2011-08-03T17:38:00.002-04:00

Been listening to Harry Potter audiobooks and working on some new pieces these days.

Renegade Brooklyn

2011-06-10T08:54:00.002-04:00

I'll be in booth #224 this weekend at Renegade Brooklyn with Laura Fisk of Fisk & Fern - please stop on by and check out some new work!

Embroidery & Printing

2011-05-27T18:37:00.004-04:00

A new piece for my friend Lisa - a jumping bunny embroidery on a tea towel. I really enjoyed making this piece - new work always feels refreshing.

The leaves are mono-printed using a cutout from contact paper & sponging in the ink. The yellow flower is made from stamping a wine bottle cork, and embroidery fills in the rest!

NYC Water Taxi in a Bottle Tea Towel

2011-05-26T12:08:00.006-04:00

New in the shop - a play on the classic ship in a bottle, I give you the NYC Water Taxi in a Bottle. This witty tea towel will also be available at the Better Than Jam Pop-Up shop on Governors Island this summer!

Needle Felt Workshop and Classes at Brooklyn General Store

2011-05-03T13:03:00.014-04:00

Come on out to beautiful Red Hook! I'll be teaching a one day needle felting workshop at Brooklyn General Store on Sunday May 8th from 5-7 pm. It's a great project to do with your mom on Mother's Day! And I'll also be teaching a 3 week needle felting class that meets once a week on May 15th, 22nd, and 29th from 5-7 pm.

One Day Workshop:

Learn the basics of needle felting. Needle felting is a process that uses barbed needles to shape and “sculpt” wool into anything you’d like.We’ll start out with some basic shapes to get a feel for the material and process, and then add colors and patterns to our pieces.

3 Week Class
Week 1: Basic shapes. We’ll start out with some basic shapes such as hearts and beads to get a feel for the material and process. Then we’ll move onto adding colors and patterns to our pieces.Week 2: Felt duck. We’ll work on one project this week - making and attaching multiple pieces together to form a sweet needle felted duck. We’ll also learn how to smooth out the seams of attachments so they’re not visible.

Week 3: Felt sheep. This week, we’ll be making a needle felted sheep. We’ll work on making smaller and more detailed appendages such as legs and ears.

Etsy Quilting Craft Night

2011-03-30T15:32:00.003-04:00

On Monday I went to Etsy Craft Night to quilt on their new Berninas :)

Corey and I made a potholder, and he picked out the embroidered heart border. Too cute, right? It was his frist time sewing, and I think he did a pretty good job!

New Mustache Pendant Colors

2011-03-23T17:44:00.010-04:00

Birthday Breakfast Drawings

2011-03-16T14:05:00.006-04:00

The Japan Society Earthquake Relief Fund

2011-03-14T23:12:00.004-04:00

Like many, my heart goes out to those in Japan, and I'll be donating 10% of my sales this month to the Japan Society's Earthquake Relief Fund. Shop Knit Knit.

Buyers Market of American Craft 2011

2011-02-24T08:39:00.018-05:00

This year I shared a booth at the Buyers Market of American Craft with Jenny Topolski of j.topolski. This was our first time with this amount of space! Fun times.

Amy Sedaris was there doing a book signing of her new book, Simple Times, Crafting for Poor People! I was super excited, as were my friends, Fisk & Fern and Girls Can Tell, below. We asked her to sign our products & here we are being craft nerds:

10. Embroidered Pendants

2011-02-10T23:27:00.004-05:00

New pieces for BMAC.

Etsy Success Symporium

2011-02-09T13:43:00.005-05:00

What a great day full of fantastic and inspiring speakers!

Here's Lorrie Veasey of LennyMud telling us to get off our "buts", and stop saying "but, but but!"

The new Etsy photo booth was mucho fun!

And on top of a great day, we got some awesome swag! Love seeing things from people I know - the tote design by my buddy Virginia Kraljevic, NYC heart frame by LennyMud, and polar bear lasercut keychain by Peppersprouts!

09. Curing My Wok

2011-02-09T13:00:00.001-05:00

Got the "Stir-Frying to the Sky's Edge" cookbook last week & decided that I needed a wok, so I got an iron one and broke it in with peanut oil, ginger, and scallions. Wok on!

See and download the full gallery on posterous

08. Mustachio Strikes Again

2011-02-09T11:06:00.001-05:00

Did a drawing of Corey w/ mustache & stubble. Can't decide if he looks Asian or Hispanic....he is actually neither of those!

07. New Necklace

2011-02-07T11:59:00.000-05:00

Learned how to do french knots, and loooove them! Made another new piece for the Buyers Market.

06. New Year's Photo

2011-02-06T23:32:00.001-05:00

Went out in Chinatown NYC today and made photographs of the New Year's celebration!

05. Mini Knitted Postcard

2011-02-05T11:58:00.000-05:00

I made a real knitted postcard for Thing A Day a few years ago, and made a mini one for Count Corè! I wonder who he's going to send it to...

See and download the full gallery on posterous

04. New Necklace

2011-02-04T11:54:00.001-05:00

Working on some new pieces for the Buyers Market of American Craft next week!

03. Noodle Stir-Fry

2011-02-03T11:24:00.003-05:00

Used what I had to make this delicious stir-fry:

udon noodles, shrimp, minced ginger, onions,
celery, cilantro, & toasted sesame seeds

Thing A Day. 02

2011-02-02T18:57:00.000-05:00

Spinach & Lentil Salad w/ garlic bread.

Thing A Day. 01

2011-02-01T18:54:00.000-05:00

I made stickers!

Brooklyn Beardfest & Stache Bash

2011-01-26T09:28:00.010-05:00

I'll be at the Brooklyn Beardfest & Stache Bash this Monday, January 31st, with some new mustached pieces! There will be plenty of facial hair themes with beardy bands, mustached DJs, vendors, contests, food and more. It's a free event at the Bell House, so come on out, you mustache & beard lovers! Doors open at 7:30.

Le Pear

2011-01-25T13:00:00.001-05:00

My friend's husband gave a bunch of his freinds these tiny blank canvases and asked us to paint, draw, create, as we see fit. I've held onto my little canvas for quite some time, trying to figure out what to do, and finally I was inspired by my the meaning of my last name (Le = Pear in Vietnamese) for this piece.

Missing the Boyfriend Blues

2011-01-24T14:13:00.004-05:00

Corey was gone all last week, so I made myself a new boyfriend to keep me company. It's his alter ego, Count Corè, from his band Soy Dracula. Not bad, eh? Oui, oui!

Needle Confiscation Blues

2011-01-21T10:46:00.005-05:00

So, I took an ever so lovely trip to Cancun last week, and came back with this:

Notice the horrendous lack of needles on my ripple scarf? They were confiscated at security on my way back into the states! I pleaded pitifully, but no luck. *le sigh* It's been a little while since I've flown, and I completely forgot about metal tips even being an issue. I'll never understand why they allow ballpoint pens and not knitting needles on the plane.

So I made a knitted circular needle as an ode to the lost one.

Holiday Handmade Cavalcade

2010-12-07T13:23:00.003-05:00

What a great day! More snaps from the day here.

Nautical Pendants

2010-12-02T18:23:00.000-05:00

NEW at Union Square Market!
Anchor, Red Hook, Sailboat

Union Square and Handmade

2010-12-01T18:03:00.000-05:00

Union Square: new addition - Virginia's "Handmade" sign. We thought it also acts as pigeon protection for the booth. Whaddya think?

Crafting on the go

2010-11-29T18:37:00.000-05:00

Cutting felt pendants on Amtrak on my Thanksgiving trip back home to PA.
Go! Go! Go!

Caps for Sale

2010-11-28T18:37:00.006-05:00

Come to our booth at Union Square at A9 for a wonderful selection of handmade hats by friends, Phil & Sara of Rocks & Salt.
Thanks Virginia, for being my partner in crime in hat stacking!

Union Square Prep

2010-11-28T18:17:00.004-05:00

A few photos from my workspace of Union Square prep...

New "Stitched Series" and "School Collection" felt & thread pendants

Necklace bust re-make with yarn and a recycled sweater. A great way to personalize your display!

Tagging & boxing - always the last step that takes forever!

KnitKnit in the NY Daily News

2010-11-21T18:50:00.000-05:00

On an article about handmade fairs this winter. I'll be at The {NewNew}'s Holiday Handmade Cavalcade on Dec 5th!

Union Square Holiday Market!

2010-11-20T23:11:00.002-05:00

I've been madly preparing for this moment to come - opening day at Union Square Holiday Market! Opening day was yesterday, and it was great! Come out and see my new work and more from my wonderful boothmates from the {NewNew}! We're A09 on the map - right by the Gandhi statue entrance.

NEW!
New York Themed Ornaments

FREE Demo

2010-10-22T13:29:00.002-04:00

I'll be doing a FREE needle felt applique demo at Blurb's new pop-up shop this Sat. Oct. 23rd. RSVP here and come applique a book cover with me!

NEW.

2010-09-29T13:31:00.001-04:00

What's better than a knitted power cord? A giant one.
New in the shop.

BMAC 2010

2010-09-13T11:31:00.004-04:00

Shared a booth at the Buyer's Market of American Craft last month with members of the {NewNew} NY Etsy Street Team. What a fantastic time & show! More images here.

Mint Tea & The Making of Kombucha

2010-08-13T12:46:00.006-04:00

It was a tea making morning! I made some fresh mint tea and started my very first batch of kombucha. First, I used a tip from my friend Phil and made sure that everything that I was working with was impeccably clean. I got a giant jar from my mom, who likes to collect glass jars, and wiped it down with hydrogen peroxide to kill any bacteria, which I think is a key step since I'm trying to grow good bacteria here. No unwanted free loaders!

Then I made a black tea (Earl Grey in this case). Traditionally kombucha is made with black tea, but you can use green or white tea also. I added a cup of cane sugar (also wiped the mixing spoon down w/ hydrogen peroxide to be safe) and let the tea cool to room temperature. Then I gently added my scoby (the mushroom-looking cluster above), given to me by my friends Phil & Sara of Rocks & Salt from their own kombucha mama.

Next I covered the jar with a paper towel and rubber band and set it in my pantry away from the light to grow for a week.

Wow, it got funky & smells sour - just what it's supposed to do! I also took Phil's advice and drank just a tablespoon of my kombucha and see how I felt for a day to make sure the batch was good and not hurting my insides. I'm happy to say that it sat well - success! I wiped down a couple of glass jars with more hydrogen peroxide and ladled my kombucha in and set it in the fridge. Now I have kombucha to enjoy all week!

Check Out My New Postcard

2010-08-05T01:39:00.003-04:00

Just finished the design & ordered today!

Cupcake Craft Night

2010-07-16T10:52:00.003-04:00

4th Annual Cupcake Craft Night at Etsy Labs!
Monday, July 19th from 4-8pm
Where: 55 Washington Street, Suite 512 in Brooklyn, New York

I'll be demonstrating how to make the needle felted cupcake pins above, and Danielle of daniellexo, will be showing us how to embroider notecards! And there will be cupcakes, of course, brought to you by Cupcakes Take The Cake. Come on out!

Beach Week Embroidery

2010-07-13T11:14:00.002-04:00

4th of July weekend I went to the beach with some of the best people & it was the best time ever! Pancakes, bacon & home fries right when we got off the train. Embroidery on the beach turned into a fun documentation of the day - there was a small shark close to shore, and a seagull walked by carrying a fish head. Hot fun in the summertime! Then a trip to the food store, & a couple hours later, black bean burgers w/ bacon, pasta salad, beef burgers, sweet hot potato that cooked in the fire, s'mores, cookies, brownies, and finally jiffy pop over the fire! A perfect day.

Photobooth Outfit of the Day

2010-07-12T17:03:00.003-04:00

In hot weather flowy dresses are the key to comfort.
Old vintage skirt turned into flowy dress. White cotton fabric strap attached & new Etsy anchor "button" button fastened for cuteness!

The BIG order.

2010-07-02T17:32:00.004-04:00

Summertime

2010-06-03T19:26:00.004-04:00

New pieces for summer! Will be at the Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn this weekend with these babies, and more. Booth #8 with Clay Wood & Cotton. See you there!

BKYLN Yard Swap

2010-06-02T21:48:00.004-04:00

I went to BKLYN Yard's swap last Saturday w/ my new housemate (who is a really good stylist & kept bringing me cute things including the green Seychelles!) and came home with a new summer wardrobe. I think the dress finds were pretty awesome. Don't you just love the Mexican mama house dress with the embroidered cats? And they yellow daisy dress?! Omg. For a $5 cover to get in, not too bad...

The details.

2010-05-30T12:31:00.004-04:00

1. The last of my "Orange You Glad Lisa Was Born Today" birthday cookies on my favorite Take Me Homeware dove dish by May Luk.
2. Stitching a teacup full of "pods" for an order.

Breakfast

2010-05-26T01:23:00.002-04:00

Sometimes breakfast is too beautiful to not photograph before taking a bite.
Strawberry heart toast w/ "love" tea (rose & jasmine)

New for Brooklyn Lyceum this weekend

2010-04-30T17:25:00.008-04:00

It's all about the magnolias....

....and knitted cloud tea towels and napkins!

At Brooklyn Lyceum's Spring Food and Craft Market this weekend first! May 1st & 2nd. Hope to see you there!

Totes for CWAC

2010-04-26T19:57:00.005-04:00

Exclusive, hand painted totes made for Clay Wood & Cotton! Visit them to purchase!

It was a nice change from knitting & felting, though I didn't stray too far with the knitted themes.... I think the little knitted leaves plant is my fave.

Spring Handmade Cavalcade

2010-04-23T13:47:00.005-04:00

NEW!
Magnolia headbands made from recycled sweater felt with a couple of knitted leaves attached.
They're making their debut tomorrow at the {NewNew}'s Spring Handmade Cavalcade. The first 100 people in the door get goodie bags filled with fun stuff. Hope to see you there!

Knitted Postcard Craft Night

2010-04-12T12:28:00.003-04:00

Come Craft with me at Etsy Labs tonight!

Apt.

2010-04-01T01:08:00.006-04:00

Everything has been chaos the last few days - I'm moving, and then moving again. Such are my circumstances, but as one of my friends always says, "it is what it is." I can't control things, I just have to react and keep moving forward. And remember to breathe.

Packed & boxed everything I own - which is a lot of stuff! My room is nearly empty now. Above is a shot I took last month while sporting a Better Than Jam dress, which I love! Today I erased my existence here - took down my shelf of yarn & wall of wool, wiped off the drawings & words on my windows except one new quote:

"Humanity has advanced not because it has been sober, responsible, and cautious, but because it has been playful, rebellious, and immature." -Tom Robbins

I'm sort of sad to go - my room felt like magic. Now it feels empty. Who knows where I'll end up in a month, but I have a feeling it'll feel like magic wherever I am. While I'm reminiscing about my room, here is a video interview that I did in my room for WalletPop.com - Aol's finance site a few months ago....hey, I haven't advanced because I've been responsible about keeping my blog updated...

Birthday Flowers

2010-03-11T13:17:00.016-05:00

Spring has finally sprung. I saw a slew of tiny flowery gems sprouting up while I was walking by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden last week. SPRING IS HERE!! They inspired me to wrap this lovely flowery fabric that I brought back from Vietnam, around my neck as a spring scarf. And Etsy Craft Night was all flowers too! I "mind traced" these flowers onto my teacup with Amy of The Peach Tree, and Tyshawn of Red Bridge Studio - such a fun night led by Louche Lab!

It's my birthday next week, and I'm giving away one of my flower brooches in celebration! All you have to do is leave a comment below telling me what your favorite flower is. I'm in love with honeysuckle - smells delicious! A winner will be chosen at random at the end of the day on March 16th - my day! And in celebration, I will be offering 25% off any one item over $20 until the end of the month, so stop on by my etsy shop! Interested in more KnitKnit news, deals, and giveaways? Sign up for my mailing list.

And for your flowery visual pleasure, here are a few of my favorites on Etsy:

Mittens 14 by dadaya

Tiger Lily Moccasins by darlingtonia
Paper Flower Kit, Peonies by paperplatypus

work work work....

2010-03-04T16:46:00.003-05:00

This is what I'm doing when I'm not baking - making little soft things.

My windows says, "be brave & don't limit yourself", and "Everyone has something rare and powerful to offer our society." -Aimee Mullins

I like to collect quotes & make up sayings. On my other window is one of my favorites:

"If you take any activity, any art any discipline, any skill, take it and push it as far as it will go, push it beyond where it has ever been before, push it to the wildest edge of edges, then you will force it into the realm of magic." - Tom Robbins, from Even Cowgirls Get the Blues

Snow Day

2010-02-26T23:04:00.001-05:00

Snow day....wrapped myself up in two cream colored scarves in light of the lightly falling snow this morning. Made a photograph from my kitchen window & will count it as my thing-a-day along with yet another baked good - peanut butter, oatmeal & pistachio cookie. So much baking, and so little knitting - isn't this blog called KnitKnit knits? Where is the knitting, you ask? Well, it's all up my sleeves - big, bulging, in-concealable, yarn, fattening up my arms. A new collection to come!

Thing A Day: 24

2010-02-25T00:25:00.005-05:00

I found this very tiny locket in a shop back home in December, and just started wearing it recently. Today I decided that it needed a picture inside, so here's my new boyfriend. Isn't he sooooo handsome? *Swoons*

A Show, A Drawing, and another Recipe

2010-02-23T15:02:00.012-05:00

NYIGF

I've been working on New York International Gift Fair orders this month, and just packaged and sent out a couple this morning. Like my new tags? These just went out to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, VA! It reminded me to post re-cap photos from the show since it's been 2 weeks already! I shared the booth with Alex of Alexandra Ferguson who makes sassy recycled water bottle felt pillows. We were so happy with how our booth turned out. Very cozy, no?

Any show can have their lulls, so I had some time to make a mustache. I like to have fun at shows and mess with people - all in good humor of course. My mustache made a friend. This guy's mustache was AMAZING.

THING A DAY POST: 2 THINGS

1. I went to Radiance Tea House & Books yesterday afternoon to explore a new tea place with my good friend, Lisa. Their High Mountain Tea was superb. I tried my hand at another portrait of Lisa. It doesn't quite look like her, but I'll get it eventually. She asked for a mustache like the one I hand stitched above, and wanted to be holding a bunny (also something that I made, though it was last year. See here.)

2. Meatball Soup. I'm still on the butternut squash kick, though I wanted a more savory soup than the last one. These meatballs are the absolute BEST meatballs I've ever had in my life, and I'm not just saying that because I made them. Well. Maybe a little.
Basic how to:

1 lb. free range, grass fed ground beef
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
A handful of chopped cilantro
1 tsp. salt

Mush it all together, roll into balls, drop into a boiling pot of water & turn down the heat to simmer for about 10-15 min. Low temperature = tender meatballs. That's what I think anyways. I added 2 bullion cubes, 1/2 tsp curry powder, a bunch of chopped & steamed butternut squash & sweet potato, and then chopped arugula last. It tasted ok - bullion cubes makes everything taste the same after a while, so I consulted my foodie friend, and she suggested to add wine to the mix - perfecto! I had about a cup of white wine leftover from a party & it just brought it all together. Another mouth watering soup from KnitKnit's kitchen.

Happy Lunar New Year!

2010-02-21T10:59:00.008-05:00

This weekend I picked up my camera, grabbed my 50mm lens & lensbaby, and moved amongst the beating drums, dragons, and life of Chinatown. I missed the festivities in NYC last year, so this was my first experience here. Chinatown is very much alive on a daily basis, so multiply that by 100 for new year's - the energy levels were busting at the seams!

Here are a few of my favorite shots. More on my flickr.

Two more for TAD

2010-02-18T18:54:00.003-05:00

Today I made bread from a no knead recipe that my friend, Kristy, of Beacon Bookmarks gave me. I think it turned out pretty well!

I've been listening to Edith Piaf Radio on Pandora all last week, and felt inspired by the lovely Billie Holiday. Made a flower from a reclaimed felted sweater.

Thing A Day Catch-Up

2010-02-18T02:03:00.005-05:00

So I missed the boat on the Thing A Day sign-up this year, but want to create along on my own blog. I'm putting them up in batches - it's so hard to keep up everyday! I posted my food making, now here's my drawings....

I made cookies & zucchini bread that day.

Really really really weird dream.

Left handed drawing (I'm a righty).

Based on a character my friend, Lisa & I made together.

Lisa knitting.

Had one of my favorite things - a crunch at Souen. That's the empty bowl with spoons.
Below are two spoons fighting over the teacup.

Everything has something to say, doesn't it?

Someone's been in the kitchen....

2010-02-15T19:24:00.004-05:00

I'm on a squash kick. Today I decided to make a squash soup. I call it Squash Soup! Ingredients include, water, 1 salted bullion cube, 1 can unsweetened coconut milk, 1 heaping teaspoon of curry powder (2 if you like a runny nose!), butternut squash, rutabaga, zucchini, and kabocha squash. Yum!

While I had the cutting board out & was in chopping mode, I thought, why not shred up some zucchini for one of my favorite breads - chocolate chip zucchini! I have to say that I've perfected this bread after making it so many times :)

Last year I started making drawings of happy cookie monsters on the paper bags of cookies that I gave to friends. This one was for Danielle!

Olive Oil Cookies. Last week's treat, these came out absolutely addicting: chocolate chip, oatmeal, & sunflower nut butter. Salty & sweet - my tastebuds were in heaven.

Saturday's bread: Butternut Squash Bread.
I told you I was on a squash kick! This is experimental, & I think it turned out pretty good. I took basic sweet bread recipe, substituted in steamed butternut squash cubes & added lots of walnuts.

Needle Felt Class @ BTJ Handmade Co-op

2010-02-14T19:23:00.000-05:00

Interested in learning how to needle felt? Sculpt with wool and make soft creatures, pendants, and beads! Come join me on

February 27th 2-3:30 pm
at
Better Than Jam Handmade Co-op
1095 Flushing Ave.
Brooklyn, NY

$40 + $10 materials fee
Please contact Karin at karin@betterthanjamnyc.com to register.

Better Than Jam Handmade Co-Op

2010-01-16T22:43:00.003-05:00

Boutique Fashion Hits Bushwick
Better Than Jam Handmade Co-Op brings local indie design to a deserving neighborhood. February 1, 2010

Bushwick, Brooklyn - Better Than Jam Handmade Co-Op opens its doors on February 1, 2010. Located at 1095 Flushing Ave, the Co-Op is soon to be neighbors with 20 other diverse businesses that will inhabit the "Markets at the Loom," providing a varied destination for local shoppers to shop and browse.

“We hope to provide a unique shopping experience to the residents of Bushwick and the handmade community at large,” said designer Karin Persan, who owns the Better Than Jam Co-Op.

The Co-Op will bring to the forefront a variety of clothing, jewelry, and accessories, created by some of NYC's most talented designers. All items at the Co-Op will be 100% handmade. Better Than Jam will also host shopping and launch events, parties and workshops open to it’s designers and the local public, to grow the already hugely artistic and creative community.

" Our goal is to showcase local designers whose work is handmade and high quality, at a fair price," Persan continued.

WHERE: 1095 Flushing Ave , Brooklyn NY 11237

WHEN: Opening: February 1 Grand opening reception: Friday February 5th 7-10pm

CONTACT: Karin Persan karin@betterthanjannyc.com (631) 377-2500

Come mingle with the designers and receive complimentary drinks , 10% selected designers, and free tote bag with purchase, compliments of The {NewNew} Etsy street team.

Owner Karin Persan of Better Than Jam (www.betterthanjamnyc.com)

Sample of designers (full list at website above)

Handbags- SML Bags (www.smlbags.com)

Jewelry- The Hand of Fatima (www.fatimacouture.com)

Fashion- Joann Berman (www.joannberman.com)

BK Flea

2010-01-08T18:38:00.002-05:00

I'll be vending at the BK Flea with the {NewNew} team Jan 9th & 16th at its beautiful new location at One Hanson Place. Come stop by!

Shows N' Things

2009-12-16T00:58:00.007-05:00

I'll be at the Can Factory this weekend with Better Than Jam & other amazingly talented artists from Friday - Sunday. Come on out - I'll have new pieces!

Or if you're in Manhattan, check out the Bowery Bazaar! It's a new market on Bowery St. filled with awesome vendors & goods. I'm sharing a booth with my girl, Karin of Better Than Jam (yup, we double team it for shows!), Luise of Warpe Design (hand punched lamp shades), and Alex of Alexandra Ferguson (recycled felt applique pillows).

NEW PIECE!

The Afro Cameo.

Need I say more?
After making needle felt classic cameos, I wanted to push the the limitations of cameos, and this is what I came up with. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. It has set the wheels in motion for more unlikely silhouettes....

KnitKnit Sightings

2009-12-03T09:04:00.005-05:00

Happy Holidays! It's that time of year again for wonderful handmade goods to shine. My little hands have been busily working away on new items, and here's a list of where you can find them and me this month:

DECEMBER SHOWS

The entire month of December I will be at:

The Bowery Bazaar
351 Bowery between 3rd & 4th, NYC
Thursday & Friday 5pm-10pm
Saturday 12-9pm Sun 12-6pm
www.thebowerybazaar.com

...and I'll be vending at two major shows this weekend...

and booth # 161 @ BUST!!

ETSY NEEDLE FELT ORNAMENT CRAFT NIGHT

I'll be leading Craft Night at Etsy Labs on Monday, Dec. 7th from 4:00-8:00 PM

@ 55 Washington Street, Suite 512, Brooklyn, NY

Come join the fun! Can't make it? Take a seat in the Virtual Labs and watch a demo.

The {NewNew} 2 Days at Brooklyn Indie Market

2009-11-12T21:47:00.003-05:00

The {NewNew} 2 Days at Brooklyn Indie Market

Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn-Savvy shoppers can save money while they get a head start on the holidays at Brooklyn Indie Market this year. On November 14 and 15 from 11am-7pm, BIM will showcase a curated selection from the {NewNew}, a group of independent designers, makers and artists from the New York Metro area. Selected vendors will offer 10% off on their wares. Visit www.TheNewNewNY.com to download your 10% off coupon. Take the F/G train to the Carroll Street Station.

“We decided to get a jump on the holiday rush, enjoy ourselves with a little party vibe and sale at BIM,” said May Luk of Take Me Home Ware, one of the featured makers. "We always have such a great time, and we've gotten great feedback from people who've attended our other events. The sale is our way of saying thank you to our loyal customers.”

Shoppers will be able to choose from a wonderful assortment of locally handmade clothing, home décor, jewelry, accessories, paper goods, bath and body products, toys, and baked goods.

  Brooklyn Indie Market www.brooklynindiemarket.com is an emerging designer market located on Smith and Union Street in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Saturday 11-7 and Sunday 11-6.

Needle Felt Class @ Clay Wood & Cotton

2009-11-06T10:49:00.003-05:00

Spots still available for my needle felt class @

Learn the art of needle felting!

Get started making your own unique Christmas ornaments, jewelry and more.

Saturday, November 7th, 10:30AM-12:30PM
at Clay Wood & Cotton, 149 Main St., Beacon

Make soft creatures, pendants, ornaments, or anything you like by "sculpting" with wool and a special felting needle. We're hosting Nguyen Le of KnitKnit, whose work has received national coverage, as the instructor for this class.

Cost: $40 for the class, $10 for materials

Note: This class is recommended for adults only, as the needles are very sharp.

A 50% deposit is required to hold your place (cancellations must be made at least 48 hours prior to the class in order to receive store credit):

Drop by the shop and pay in person. We're at 149 Main Street, and are open Thursdays, Fridays, and Mondays 12-7, and Saturdays and Sundays 11-8.
Give us a call with your credit card number, at 845-481-0149, during the same hours.

We look forward to seeing you!

FROM VIETNAM WITH LOVE

2009-11-06T09:25:00.005-05:00

I recently came back from a month long trip to Vietnam visiting my dad's side of the family. It was more amazing that I could have imagined. Aside from meeting everyone, I loved riding around on motorcycles & making photographs. The food was amazing of course, and another highlight were my aunts who were crafty mamas! I picked up some knitting tips and shared some of mine.

September Spice Cookies

2009-09-22T20:02:00.003-04:00

I had a hankerin' for some cookies, and came up with this recipe with what I had in my pantry. My baking buddy came over later in the day and ate 5 cookies - they have to be good to get a foodie's approval ;) I give you "September Spice" cookies....

Ingredients:
2 cups white spelt flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 tbl. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. curry powder
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup ghee (or 1 stick butter), softened
1 cup coconut oil
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups oats
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup walnuts

Mix the dry ingredients together, add the ghee (or butter) and coconut oil, crack in the eggs and fold in the oats, chocolate chips, and walnuts. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 min. Makes 3 dozen!!! Enjoy :)

Fall Handmade Cavalcade

2009-09-06T00:39:00.005-04:00

I'll be vending at the latest {NewNew} event in Beacon, NY this Saturday, Sept. 12th - come on by! We're teaming up with the Hudson Valley Etsy Street team - lots of handmade goodness :) Here's another of my new needle felted pendants that I'll have at the show - hope to see you there!

August.

2009-08-31T12:07:00.005-04:00

Like the intense heat the first half of the month, I was on a whirlwind tour of craft fairs/shows the first 3 weekends of August. I'm glad for the beautiful weather and the calmness of the last two weeks. Here's some exciting news in KnitKnit-land this month:

Knitted Power Cords will be available in the American Folk Art Museum Shop in NYC!

Leaves & Berry Necklaces, Nest Egg Brooches, & Felt Leaf Necklaces will be available at the Red Tree shop in Baltimore, MD

New work - needle felted cameos available in my Etsy shop.

Patterns Available on Ravelry

2009-07-19T20:27:00.003-04:00

I just added patterns to my Ravelry store. The folks over at Ravelry did such a great job with the store addition - I just love it. Now, you can purchase patterns & download them right away instead of waiting for me to email them to you through Etsy. The Knitted Postcard is available as a free download in my Ravelry shop as well, so hop on over! Horray for instant gratification!

Hair Pieces

2009-07-02T00:20:00.001-04:00

New hair pieces in the shop!

Threadbanger Vids

2009-06-21T23:06:00.006-04:00

Knitta Please installation coverage! Spot anyone familiar? In this video are also my friends Annalise & Kimm who talk about their experiences.

Up next, how to knit a bikini top this summer by yours truly.....

As a side note, this knitted bikini top is not meant to be worn in the water because cotton expands when wet. It's more of a sunbathing top, or something to wear to summer concerts - that's why I chose a yarn that would breathe. These instructions are to make a custom top that will fit your measurements. And yes, I totally said "nipple" instead of "to the center of the breast", as I probably should have said. Oh well, at least I gave everyone a giggle, right? There's a reason why I only watch my videos once - I hope you enjoy it!

Craft Fair Recap....

2009-06-10T23:54:00.011-04:00

Art Star in Philly was wonderful! I went to school there & lived there about 4 years ago & it was really nice to be back - saw a lot of people that I haven't seen in years! Brings me back to my photography days. The weather was lovely & the Art Star crew were so accommodating and sweet - we couldn't have asked for more!

More pics from the show here.

Mentioned on Indie Fixx:

RENEGADE BROOKLYN:

The weather was also beautiful & sunny - "Rainagade" no more! Saw a lot of familiar faces again & had a fantastic time with my boothmates, Karin & Wai Sze :) Renegade was my first fair ever last year, and this one marks the one year anniversary of me taking on KnitKnit full time. It's been an incredible year, all of which I am very amazed and thankful for. Cheers!

More pics from the show here.

Mentioned on PoppyTalk:

Renegade Brooklyn!

2009-06-02T17:37:00.003-04:00

It's happening this weekend! I'll be sharing booth #65 with Karin of Better Than Jam & Wai Sze of Wai Sze Designs.

Art Star Craft Bazaar!

2009-05-28T14:57:00.003-04:00

Making a road trip to Philly this weekend for the Art Star Craft Bazaar! I'll be there both days, May 30th & 31st from 11-6 at the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing on Columbus Blvd. btwn Walnut & Chestnust Sts. with Karin of BetterThanJam at booth #88. Fellow {NewNew} members who will also be there include, Kimmchi, Cakehouse, & MayLuk - hope to see you there!

Knitta Please: "69 Meters" Installation

2009-05-16T23:32:00.009-04:00

On May 13th, I participated in the installation of Magda Sayeg's (founder of Knitta Please) project "69 Meters" - covering 69 parking meters on Montague Street in Brooklyn, NY, commissioned by the Montague Street BID. Fellow {NewNew} members also participated in the event! A lot of passerby's by stopped to ask what were were doing, and we got a lot of great feedback. People were genuinely interested & loved the color that we brought to the street. It was a really fun community project, and I'm really glad that I got to be a part of it!

Photo by Tyshawn

Here I am covering my meter, which has a bike attached to it!

Mission accomplished. Like my signature power cord design?

Tyshawn of RedBridgeStudio installing her piece.

Kimm of Kimmchi's piece - she learned to knit just for the project!

More pictures of the event here.

The Spring Handmade Cavalcade

2009-05-11T16:45:00.004-04:00

Thanks to everyone who came out! I had a great time with everyone. Here are a few pics from our event at the Bell House - more images are on my flickr.

Adornments NYC by Martin Lopez

This is Love Forever by Kayte Terry

And some felted bead earrings by me.

Spring Handmade Cavalcade Coupons!

2009-05-08T09:44:00.003-04:00

It's almost here - less than 24 hrs away! Click above to download coupons to some fantastic deals from some amazing vendors, and join us at the Spring Handmade Cavalcade at the Bell House in Brooklyn, NY this weekend. Hope to see you there!

Spring Handmade Cavalcade

2009-05-05T17:41:00.009-04:00

Celebrate a {NewNew} Season with the Spring Handmade Cavalcade

NEW YORK, NY - Spring is in the air, and with it come the social affairs that take advantage of this beautiful time of year. With this in mind the {NewNew} heads to the Bell House in Brooklyn on May 9th and 10th to host the Spring Handmade Cavalcade. This two-day shopping affair will feature gifts for grads and moms, fantastic housewares and pretty paper goods for hosts and hostesses, and apparel and accessories for any occasion.

Since its inception last September, the Handmade Cavalcade events have built a loyal following, and helped launch the {NewNew} as a collective that introduces a steady stream of emerging independent designers and artists to the local community. Recognized as a leader in local happenings, the event has already garnered major sponsorships from Yelp and Etsy, two major forces on the local and handmade scene. In keeping with tradition, the Spring Handmade Cavalcade will bring 30 vendors to the Bell House, a magnificent two-room music and events venue in the Gowanus section of Brooklyn.

"We're thrilled to be able to hold this event in such a gorgeous setting," said Kristen Couse, who is coordinating the event. "Like our Holiday Handmade Cavalcade at the Knitting Factory last December, we hope to establish lasting beneficial relationships by bringing the local communities out to support local businesses. Shopping from independent artists keeps money in our communities and makes an investment in our neighborhood.”

This local focus extends to the event's collaboration with charity partner St. John's Bread & Life, which addresses the issues of hunger and poverty in Brooklyn and Queens.. A limited edition artists' book will be available for sale to benefit the charity. In addition, shoppers who make a donation will receive a surprise handmade gift.

Free, limited-edition tote bags are available to the first 200 visitors who RSVP on the event's website, and can be picked up by visiting on either day of the event up until 1pm, Sunday May 10. And everyone who makes a purchase at the event will be able to participate in a raffle for one of ten artist-embellished totes chock-full of handmade goods.

To add to the fun, DJ Joshy B will be spinning Brooklyn spring-time soul, hip hop, funk, and indie rock while you do some unique, handmade weekend shopping.
What: The Spring Handmade Cavalcade
When: Saturday May 9 and Sunday May 10, 2009. 10am–4pm both days
Where: The Bell House, 149 7th St. between 2nd and 3rd Aves, Brooklyn

About the {NewNew}

The {NewNew} is an eclectic group of independent artists devoted to fostering a creative and supportive environment among its members. The group encourages a spirit of camaraderie through craftsmanship and collaboration, and strives to help its members achieve success on both a personal and professional level. Created in the summer of 2007, The {NewNew} brings together Etsy artists from NY, NJ and CT to share resources, search new marketplaces, and seek out business opportunities in the tri-state area.

Chocolate Chip Pear Bread

2009-04-25T12:09:00.005-04:00

I have a baking buddy. I think everyone should have one. Each of us adds something to the mix - and the result is usually really good - it's different every time!

My baking buddy, Lisa, & I came up with this recipe. We've been baking breads together since last summer, and take bits and pieces from different recipes and put it together.

I wanted to make a pear bread & Lisa added the key ingredient that I think makes this bread so good - ground cloves! It gives it a very light, almost minty flavor. Hope you like it as much as I do - it's my absolute favorite!

Combine:
1/3 cup brown sugar
3 TB unsalted butter or Ghee (softened)
1 cup unsweetened applesauce

Mix dry ingredients, add to above mixture & crack 2 large eggs into it:
2 cups flour
2 TB unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 1/4 tsp. baking soda

Fold in:
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
3/4 cup dark chocolate chips
1 large Asian pear or 2 smaller pears peeled & cut into chunks

Bake at 350 degrees in a loaf pan (9x5x3) for 1 hour. Let it cool & enjoy!

Dumbo Pop-Up Market

2009-04-24T23:24:00.006-04:00

I'll be vending at the Dumbo Market this Sunday, April 26th from 11am-6pm with {NewNew} members, Jantar and AdornmentsNYC. Hope to see you there!

Power Cords at Knack Studios!

2009-04-13T23:01:00.003-04:00

My knitted power cords are now available at Knack Studios in Greensville, SC! You can also check out their blog for more pics & other fantastic things. (I am in mad crazy love with their furniture!) Below is a picture I stole from their blog - there's my little lovelies on the table!

Brooklyn Indie Market Opening Weekend!

2009-04-04T11:27:00.005-04:00

Brooklyn Indie Market Turns Three
With a Birthday Sale

Brooklyn, April 4th and 5th, 2009- Brooklyn Indie Market, the collective of fresh faces in fashion and product design, toddles back to its Carroll Gardens home to celebrate its third year with a Birthday Sale. Join the fun under the red and white striped tent at Smith and Union Streets in Carroll Gardens, Saturday 11-7 and Sunday 11-6.

Participating indie designers will help celebrate three years of neighborhood support with a 10% off sale on select items.

Fee:FREE!
Directions:F or G to Carrol Street

I'll be there on Sunday April 5th. Below is a sampling of new work that I'll have there!

The video is up!

2009-03-28T01:36:00.004-04:00

Here's a clip of my Martha Stewart Show appearance.
Thanks to everyone for your support!!!

KnitKnit on The Martha Stewart Show!

2009-03-20T02:15:00.012-04:00

Wow. I never expected this to happen, but it did. My knitted postcard & I are appearing on the Martha Stewart Show on Monday, March 23rd at 11am eastern for the knitting and crocheting show! You can check for your local show schedule on Martha's website with the zip code finder on the lefthand side. I have a short blip - 1 minute out of my allotted 15 min. of fame! How did this happen? Well, Martha's people contacted my people, which is really just me, and asked if I was interested in being on the show. Who would say no to the grand poobah of craft?! I was soooo excited, and met some really wonderful people at the Martha Stewart Show.

The knitted postcard began as a project a year ago that I did for a creative group blog called Thing A Day that goes on for the month of February. The idea is to make something everyday of the month and post it on the blog. You can see and comment on what other people are making too. It's a wonderful inspirational kick to get the creative juices flowing. I decided to turn my knitted postcard into a creative chain mail and tag friends to continue the theme! The cable pattern is available for free here. The finished postcard is also available for purchase in my Etsy shop.

Here I am cheesing on the set! I'm wearing a ribbed top knitted just in time for the show ;) (photo taken by my buddy Julie aka YourSecretAdmiral, who came with me) Thanks Julie!

There were several other incredibly talented knitters & crocheters on the show as well as fantastically unique projects. I met the lovely Althea Merback of BugKnits.. She knits miniature art pieces with thin as pin needles that she makes herself! She knitted Coraline's star sweater in the film "Coraline" (bottom left corner of the frame)! Below, another of Althea's pieces - the most amazing knitted Grecian urn. The details are absolutely astonishing! It takes many many months to finsih a piece.

And I also met the sweet Jou Ling of Amigurumi Kingdom who was another amazing crafter showing off her goods! She crochets the cutest creatures including Jack the Sparrow inspired by Pirates of the Carribean, cupcake bears and little bon bon bunny rabbits!

Here's a shot of the Martha Stewart Show set - more photos on my flickr!

303GRAND Artists & Fleas DIY Market

2009-03-08T22:03:00.014-04:00

Come join me and other amazing artists and designers for a 3 day event filled with workshops and local handmade goods at 303GRAND - a revolving storefront.

I'll be there on Friday March 13th from 4-9pm and on Saturday, March 14th from 1-9 pm. Fellow {NewNew} members will also be there!

I will also be teaching a needle felting workshop on Friday the 13th at 303GRAND!

We will be making soft, felted creatures and shapes using a felting needle and wool. No previous experience required, but it is not recommended for children because of the sharp needles!

303GRAND
303 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Friday, March 13th 2009
from 5 - 6pm
Price: $35 (includes felting needles, wool fleece in various colors, foam cushions) Please pre-register at Selena@303grandnyc.com. Hurry there are only 10 spots available!

Dumbo Winter Pop-Up Market

2009-03-05T21:53:00.002-05:00

I'll be vending at the Dumbo Market this Sunday, March 7th from 11am-6pm. Hope to see you there!

The Hippo Mitt Pattern is UP!

2009-03-04T17:15:00.006-05:00

I'm a fan of animals on my hands. These are doubly fun because they keep you entertained and your hands warm at the same time! The Hippopotamus Mitten pattern is for sale in my Etsy shop.

Fierce and Nerdy Feature

2009-02-26T12:16:00.005-05:00

Yay! My knitted power cord was featured on Fierce and Nerdy's Chic Geek column yesterday. Also featured was my fellow {NewNew} team member, Ikoyto's Evaporation T-Shirt. Above is the power cord in a new color - yellow!

Secondary School For Research's Valentine's Day Fair

2009-02-04T23:56:00.002-05:00

I'll be doing my first craft fair of this year on Saturday, February 7th at:

Secondary School For Research
237 7th Ave.
Between 4th & 5th Sts. in Park Slope
Brooklyn, NY
from 10am-5pm

There will be handmade crafts and baked goods. A few members of The {NewNew} York Etsy Street Team will be selling as well. I'll have some new items including the felted pendants you see above. Please come out if you're in the area!

Thing-a-day - "Free"

2009-02-01T20:08:00.002-05:00

I'm participating in the Thing-A-Day blog again this year! It's a great blog project where people sign up and pledge to make something everyday for the month of February and post it.

I have so many things that I want to do, and making more drawings has been on the list for quite some time, so I made a drawing to kick off my thing-a-day posts. I’m currently reading “Even Cowgirls Get The Blues” by Tom Robbins. Here is a sentence that I underlined:

“To live fully, one must be free, but to be free one must give up security.”

Something to think about.

Cable Knit Purse

2009-01-23T22:50:00.008-05:00

I knitted this purse a couple of years ago from someone else's rough instructions. I modified it a bit to make it bigger. It's a pretty simple pattern but the link is since gone, and I've gotten a few requests to repost it, so here it is. It's basically a rectangle that you'll fold and stitch up, and it knits up really quickly - 4-5 hrs!

Lion Brand Thick & Quick: 1 skein
Size 13US needles
Purse handles
Fabric for lining
Cable needle

CO 38 sts.
Row 1: k2, p2, k4, p6, k4, p2, k4, p6, k4, p2, k2
Rows 2 & 3: Knit the knits and purl the purls
Row 4: p2, k2, p4, slip 3 knitwise onto cable needle - hang it to the back, k3, knit what's on the cable needle, p4, k2, p4, slip 3 knitwise onto cable needle - hang it to the front, k3, knit what's on the cable needle, p4, k2, p2
Rows 5-11: Knit the knits and purl the purls
Row 12: Repeat row 4
Rows 13-19: Knit the knits and purl the purls
Row 20: Repeat row 4
Rows 21-27:Knit the knits and purl the purls
Row 28: Repeat row 4
Rows 29-35:Knit the knits and purl the purls
Row 36:Repeat row 4
Rows 37-43:Knit the knits and purl the purls
Row 44:Repeat row 4
Rows 45-51:Knit the knits and purl the purls
Row 52:Repeat row 4
Rows 53-55:Knit the knits and purl the purls
BO

Make the lining. Fold your knitted piece in half and mattress stitch the sides, stopping 2-3 inches before the end. This will allow you to open your bag easier. Add lining. With a length of yarn, attach to the top opening and stitch the purse handle in place. Repeat for other side.

The Leavs & Berries pin is my own design. Variations of pin colors can be purchased in my Etsy shop, or you can purchase the leaf pattern in my shop and make it yourself. Happy knitting!

New Year!

2009-01-03T23:31:00.005-05:00

2008 ended wonderfully, and I am looking forward to a new full year devoted to craftiness. I hope to have lots of things up, and overflowing out of my sleeve! A friend of mine suggested that we make as many new year's resolutions as possible. I like that - why aim for just one goal? Here are a few of mine:

1. Sew big pockets onto all my skirts so that I can knit out of my pockets at all times.
2. Write up 1-2 knitting patterns each month.
3. Organize, organize, organize!
4. Go swing dancing.
5. Have tea parties.

And because I like to have at least one picture in my postings, here's a photo of a perfect little teaspoon by Bailey Doesn't Bark that I got from Fact & Fancy: