Tag Archives: Knitting

“Your yarn is all loopy”

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The weather has finally turned cold again in Florida, and I’m milking it for all it’s worth.  I know that pretty much everyone is ready for Spring, but right now I am loving winter.  Boots and tights and scarves and sweaters are so much fun, and I know that it’s only a short few month until the hot temps of summer will be here.

This outfit definitely kept me warm, but I must say that I wasn’t completely sold on the color scheme.  I would rather have worn a solid white blouse underneath, or even a pale blue one, but I didn’t have any that would work with this outfit.  I still think it looks good, but the tones are a bit warm overall for my liking.

One thing I am sold on is this method of tying a scarf.  Referred to by many as the Orchid Grey wrap, it essentially involves wrapping a scarf around  your neck once or twice, and then tucking the ends in.  It worked fabulously with this hand-spun, hand-knit merino scarf.  It was fantastically cozy.  If I ever do decide to open an Etsy shop, it would probably be to sell scarves like this.  That won’t be anytime soon though, as I have more than enough on my plate right now.

What’s your favorite winter accessory?  Do you love getting bundled up for winter, or are you more of a spring/summer type?‘

Blouse: Ann Taylor LOFT (thrifted)
Cardigan: J Crew (via Ebay)
Skirt: Ann Taylor LOFT (via Ebay)
Tights: Hue
Boots: Dansko Risa (via Ebay)
Scarf: Handspun and knit by me
Cuff Bracelet: via Classy Consignments

Quote: Woolbur, by Leslie Helakoski

“Bright like green”

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I knit this sweater last year, but recently I’ve been struggling with how to style it because it always looks a bit slouchy and casual.  But this was the weekend, so a little bit casual was okay.  For this outfit, I layered a long-sleeve green tee underneath, and folded up the cuffs over the sleeves of the sweater.  Because the colors are so similar, it looks more like one piece.  I decided to wear a green necklace to keep with the theme, and then threw in a bright yellow purse for a little extra color.

This outfit was really soft and comfortable, and it was perfect for getting things done around the house, as well as spending time with the family.  The only problem I had was that the elbows of the sweater kept getting stretched out, but I think a fresh wash and blocking should fix that.  For non-knitters out there, blocking is when you shape a damp knitted garment and pin it into place to make it stay that way.  Usually I only block garments the first time I wash them, but sometimes it helps to do it again.

I’ve got an interesting trick for how I made these cuffed sleeves work.  Initially, I didn’t like how the inside seams were showing when the tee was cuffed.  But then I realized that the cuffs were the only part showing, so I turned the layering tee inside out, so that the right side of the garment would show when the sleeves were cuffed.  It might sound a bit odd, but it worked in this case.

I am so in love with this vintage purse I got on Etsy recently.  I’ve never had a frame purse before, and I love how easy it is to snap it open to pull something out, and then snap it closed again.  And I love that it’s roomy enough inside to hold all of my everyday items.

I also used this outfit to premiere my latest Etsy purchase, these gorgeous earrings!  I’ve been loving the look of long, silver feather earrings, but I wanted something that was a bit more modern and less organic.  I wanted them to be long, but not too long, and to have a good bit of movement.  These fit the bill perfectly, and I love them!

I love that almost every accessory in this outfit is from Etsy.  What has been your favorite Etsy purchase?

Sweater: Handknit by me
Long sleeve tee: Gap (thrifted)
Jeans: Express
Boots: Dansko Nena (eBay)
Purse: Advintagous
Necklace: Pixisette
Bangles: Jill Popowich
Earrings: Wear-thou

Quote: One, by Kathryn Otoshi

“Down, down, to the frozen ground”

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This outfit repeats a lot of the elements of yesterday’s outfit.  When it gets as cold as it was last week, and your winter wardrobe is limited, sometimes repeats just happen.  But I like how adding an aqua blouse into the color mix changes the whole look.

Weather this cold requires strategic layering, and in this outfit I experimented a little by layering my cashmere cardigan over a slim fitting hoodie.  I wasn’t sure if it would work, but I think the result came out quite well.  It kept me warm, and it was a nice mix of casual and dressy.

On my list of things I want to buy before next winter is definitely a pair of colorful leather gloves, lined in silk or cashmere.  These black faux leather gloves do the job of keeping my digits warm, but they’re so boring.


See that shimmery stuff by my feet?  That’s ice!  This weather has been so bizarre.  I’ve felt like I’m living in a wintery twilight zone.

Coat: Colebrook (garage sale)
Blouse: Anthropologie
Grey Hoodie: Express (via Classy Consignment)
Jeans: Express
Boots: Dansko Nena (Ebay)
Scarf: Spun and knit by me
Hat: Knit by me
Purse: Morelle Oyster
Earrings: Efy Tal
Gloves: ?

Quote: White Snow, Bright Snowby Alvin Tresselt

“The bracken shone like frosted silver”

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We came so close.  So close to having snow in Tampa last week.  The temps dipped all the way into the 20s, the coldest I can ever remember being in Florida.  But then we didn’t get any snow.  Northern Florida got a light dusting, and so did Orlando.  But all Tampa got was rain and ice pellets.  Sigh.  (Did you know that there’s a Wikipedia page for Florida snow events?  I found this quite amusing.)

Those of you in the North who take outfit photos outside everyday in winter seriously deserve a medal.  I took these pictures as fast as I could, then hurried back inside to my warm, heated house.  I definitely loved the cold weather, but in a way I’m kind of glad that it’s starting to warm up again.  There’s only so many days in the 30s that a Florida girl can take.

I love how this cold snap has given me the opportunity to break out so many of my handknits.  I’m so proud of this scarf, because I spun the yarn on my drop spindle.  It’s super cozy and warm, and it’s long enough to wrap around my neck several times.  The way I tied it here is  something I’ve been trying ever since I saw this video.  I think it’s my new favorite way to tie scarves.

I’m also getting to wear my tweedy beret, which is special to me because I completed it on the first day of my trip to NYC, and wore it everyday while I was there.

Coat: Colebrook (garage sale)
Cardigan: DKNY (via Revolve)
Flannel shirt: Faded Glory (garage sale)
Long sleeve tee: Issac Mizrahi for Target
Jeans: Express
Boots: Dansko Risa (Ebay)
Scarf: spun and knit by me
Beret: Knit by me
Purse: Morelle city bag

Quote: The Velveteen Rabbit, by Margery Williams

“Everyone had to stay indoors”

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In winter, it’s so easy for the daylight to get away from you.   I didn’t have time to take photos on my lunch break this day, and I went to IKEA after work, so by the time I got home, it was dark.  But, at least it gives me an excuse to show off my teddy picker trophy wall.

I’m really loving cold weather layering.  It’s like getting to wear three outfits in one every day.

I think that the teal of the tunic I layered works with the navy stripes in the dress.  Multiple shades of one color can sometimes be tricky, but this combination came out alright.

Coat: Colebrook (thrifted)
Dress: Ella Moss (via Mosh Posh)
Tunic (under dress): Target (thrifted)
Cardigan: Sweet Mary Jane, handknit by me
Purse: Morelle Oyster
Tights: Hue
Boots: Dansko Risa (Ebay)
Scarf: Bought in Chinatown, NYC
Earrings: Modern Bird

Quote: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, by Judi Barrett

“There was a perfect outfit for every minute of the day”

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When ridiculously cold weather hits Florida, I go for lots and lots of layers.  Flexibility is key.  My house stays chilly at 64 degrees, outside it’s in the 40′s, and in my office the heater is keeping it in the 70s.  Having to be in so many temperatures throughout the day, I need an outfit that can transition so that I can stay comfortable.  This first photo is my outdoor version -a coat can do a surprising amount to keep you warm.  At times I wore a grey beret too, but I didn’t get a picture of it.

At home, I ditched the coat, but left on my cozy cashmere-blend hand-knit sweater.  A little bit of wool really can work wonders.

In my office, all I needed was the dress and scarf to be comfortable.  The tights and boots continue to keep my legs toasty, and I’ve also got a cami layered underneath the dress for extra warmth. ” But wait, when did you get this dress?” you may ask.  Way back during weeks 16 and 17 of my shopping ban, I mentioned that I scored a beautiful Boden dress for a mere $25 on Ebay.  This same style normally retails at $110.  I didn’t like the drop waist effect, so I got it professionally altered (which also raised the hem), and now it’s definitely one of my favorite dresses.  I might still need to get a little work done on the bodice, as it fits a bit loose.  But with a camisole layered underneath, I didn’t really notice the looseness.

It’s hard to capture the color exactly, but it’s somewhere between watermelon pink and red.  I like it a lot, and I’m finding that it’s very versatile.

Coat: Target
Cardigan: Minimalist (handknit by me)
Dress: Boden (Ebay)
Tights: Hue
Boots: Dansko Risa (Ebay)
Scarf: Target
Purse: Morelle Oyster
Earrings: Efy Tal

Quote: Sylvia Jean, Drama Queen by Lisa Campbell Ernst

"At least try to act cool"

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This beautiful Boden sweater vest was one of the last items I purchased during my recent shopping ban.  And I adore it.  More and more I am falling in love with Boden and their beautiful, colorful clothes.  But they’re so expensive that they’re often out of my price range.  However, I’ve found that buying them second-hand on Ebay can work, if you’re willing to be flexible.  Once I’m in a better place financially, I plan on buying a lot from this company.

This vest had perfect timing too, because only a few days after I got it in the mail, Florida began experiencing a cold spat (meaning temps in the 40s, which is really cold for us).  Nothing like a cozy wool vest to keep you warm when the temps drop.

I wore this for a trip to visit family on the weekend.  I wanted to be warm and casual, but not frumpy.  Flats are a must for chasing after toddlers.

And here you can see the detail on my Fetching mitts.  I knitted these a long time ago and they continue to be excellent at keeping my hands warm on chilly days.  I actually don’t own a pair of leather gloves, mostly because I rarely need them.  Still, I’d like to change that, when I can find a pretty pair that’s affordable.

Oh, I’ve realized now that canvas does not keep your feet warm.  I ended up changing into leather boots later that day to keep my toes from freezing.

Coat: Target
Long Sleeve: Gap (garage sale)
Vest: Boden (Ebay)
Jeans: Express
Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylors
Scarf: Kohls
Bag: Timbuk2
Mitts: Fetching (handknit by me)
Ring: from my mom

Quote: The Homework Machine, by Dan Gutman

“But my feet are tapping”

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I’m trying to catch up the last few outfits of 2009, so instead of a category-style post today (shopping ban, wardrobe inventory, etc), you get an outfit post!  Next week, I’ll be reflecting on my shopping ban, as well as discussing possibilities for the new year.

I really, really love cold weather layering.  I feel like so many stylistic possibilities open up for me when I can wear tights, boots, sweaters and scarves.  This winter has really given me opportunities to play with color too, and I love the results.  This outfit features my ever versatile Express floral patterned dress.  I had no idea when I bought it way back in June that I would find so many different ways to wear it.  I linked to the six different summer variations of this dress on this post.  So far, I’ve had one other fall/winter variation before today.  I think I see many more to come.

I’m also trying out some red lip gloss with this outfit.  Since I rarely wear lipstick, a full-on red lip feels a bit over-powering to me.  I like how this gloss adds a subtle dose of red without being too strong.

I usually like to have at least two different accent colors in my outfits, so here I used a pretty blue necklace peeking out from under my scarf.  I really love the way aqua and red look together.

And here you can see how I layered tights again.  I decided to go a bit more subtle with this combination, so I chose a solid red tight with red lace tights on top.

Long Sleeve: Issac Mizrahi for Target
Dress (as skirt): Express
Cardigan: Minimalist (handknit by me)
Solid Red Tights: Target
Red Lace Tights: Express
Boots: Dansko Risa (Ebay)
Scarf: Kohls
Necklace: Chocolate Cake Jewels
Purse: Morelle Oyster

Quote: Jazzmatazz!, By Stephanie Calmenson

“We’d like some electric blankets”

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Yes, I wore this cardigan two days in a row.  I realize some may scoff at the idea, but everything else in the outfit was different, and I only own so many woolen sweaters.  It was chilly, and I needed me some merino.  In my mind, most style rules should be ignored anyway.

Yesterday, you saw this cardigan with a shawl pin.  After those photos were taken, I modified this sweater by adding some button closures.  They still keep the look I was going for, while allowing for a greater variety of accessory options, since I don’t have to wear a great big statement pin to hold it together*.

Did I mention it was cold this day?  I threw on my coat as soon as these photos were done.  I’m wearing three different wool items: a cashmere scarf (thanks Village Shoes!), a merino cardigan, and a wool wrap skirt.  And a dress layered underneath to provide extra warmth and a little extra modesty in case the wrap skirt flys open.  And two pairs of tights.  I know, Floridians are wimpy when it comes to cold weather (cold being in the 40s here).  But honestly, there’s so few “cold” days here, that I have to take every chance I can get to wear my winter items.

Oh, and I got my mom’s ring re-sized.  I like it so much better now that it fits on my ring finger instead of my pinky.

Dress (as shirt): Express
Skirt: The Limited (via Revolve)
Cardigan: Sweet Mary Jane (handknit by me)
Blue Tights: Hue
Brown Tights: Kohls
Boots: Dansko Risa (Ebay)
Scarf: Village Shoes
Purse: Morelle City Bag
Ring: from my mom
Earrings: Efy Tal

Quote: Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type, by Doreen Cronin

*Of course, I can still wear a big statement pin with this cardigan even when it has buttons.  And I probably will.

"Lined up to buy his creations"

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Way back in August of 2007, when this blog was still Kittys Creations, I posted about this beautiful little cardigan.  Both the cardi and my blog have experienced many transformations since then.  Yet would you believe that this was the first time I wore this cardigan outside of the house?  Even after my renovations, I was just never happy with the way this cardigan fit.  Until I tried using a shawl pin to close it like this that is.  Now, I think I will be wearing this frequently on chilly days.  The merino yarn is soft and nice and warm.

This was my first “difficult” knit and it ended up being a really long time in the making.  It feels so good to finally find a way to wear it.  After I took these photos, I modified it a little more with buttons, so that the shawl pin is optional.  You’ll see the mods tomorrow, because I ended up wearing this cardi two days in a row!

Dress: Lush (from Velvet Rope)
Cardigan: Sweet Mary Jane (handknit by me)
Tights: Target
Socks: Bella (Village Shoes)
Boots: Fluevog Heather (Ebay)
Purse: Easy Spirit
Shawl Pin: Nicolas and Felice
Bangles: Jill Popowich

Quote: When Pigasso Met Mootisse, by Nina Laden

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