Sock Completion!

Yay! I finally finished a pair of socks today that I have honestly been working on for over 3 years... :^\ I started them and got a good ways done on the 'leg' of the sock and realized my gauge was WAY off, so I had to order the right size needles in the right length [because I like doing two-at-a-time-socks] and once they finally got ordered and arrived I didn't start right away and once I did I did not work on them stedily at all...

 

But, they are done now! I finished the toe with the Kitchener Stitch which is a really neat way of grafting two sets of live stitches together and make it look like there is hardly even a seam. I followed the instructions for it in this handy video. But I only watched it for the first sock, doing it step by step with the video. By then I 'thought' I had it figured out so I did the second sock without watching the video... the result? I have a weird seam on that one. So, I was able to take it out and redo it.

 

I gave them to my Mom... She loves them! They fit her perfectly, too! I'm so pleased. :^)

 

 

Have a great week! Make time to create something!

Kerry

 

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"And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it."

Psalm 90:17

Oh the Possibilities

 

Freshly carded Alpaca fiber

 

 

Spinning up nicely [I wonder what I will make with it?!]

 

Oh yeah, I voted today! First time ever - Don't forget to stop by your polling place!!

 

Happy Tuesday,

Kerry

 

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

John 16:33

Give that way

WINNERS CHOSIN

A fellow blogger is hosting a give-away and I've submitted an item from each of my shops to the prizes! Go to Valerie's blog to see all the great things you could win!

http://savoriesoflife.blogspot.com/2012/02/win-lots-of-prizes.html

 ^^ Thank you Dianna, hope this bag finds you enjoying life in Idaho! ^^

Dear Knitting, How I've Missed You!

I've been so busy this summer with school and a new job [not to mention Etsy, family, friends; but you know how that is] that I haven't had much time for making much of anything. Just whipping out a little bag here and there, and making a pair of feed bag shorts [inside joke; will clue you in later if your interested!]. But I have not had time to sit and enjoy the process of 'knit one purl one' and watch with wonder as 'something' emerges.

I recently bought a pattern for button down fingerless mitts from knitter, designer and fellow Etsyian, Lynette McPherson, of Fern Wood Wool Works. The pattern has been fun; not quite a beginners pattern, but no doubt easily understood and well explained. She also designs knit socks, leg warmers and even baby mitts and leg warmers!

All I have left to do for this right hand mitt is pick out some buttons to sew on, weave in the loose ends and ...

... finish the ribbing on the thumb.

Then, on the the left mitt! I can't wait to get started and have these this fall and winter to keep my hands cozy at the drafty feed store I work at. I'll post photos of the completed pair when I have had time to finish them. Thanks Lynette, for the beautiful design!

Have a terrific Tuesday.

Kerry

Hidden Treasures - SimplyNaturalDesigns Featured!

An Etsy seller, PickSomeFlowers, features three items every week from other Etsy sellers who have fewer then 50 sales. This week she chose me! Please check out the post and take a gander at the beautiful pieces I was included with, and leave a note to say how much you like them! [and don't forget to look at the beautiful items Dara makes and sells in her shop!]

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

-Kerry

PS - Spoiler-Alert! Be on the look out for a new kind of post here on my blog.... :suspense fills the air:

DIY Repurposing - Unique Notes

I just read a fun, do-it-yourself, blog post that was featured on the Etsy home page. There is a link you can follow below to get all the info on how to create your very own, one-of-a-kind, handy-dandy note book. [sorry for the Blues Clues reference... I couldn't help it]. The post includes all the information you will need like supplies, and step-by-step instructions to create a unique note pad.
 I'd love to hear what you think of this idea, and if you decide to make your own; you should share pictures the experience in pictures. I have a basket full of wooden spools from thread that I've been saving for something... Now I may have found out what that something is! I'll post pictures if/when I try this. I am always looking for a scrap of something to write on, so this would be perfect for me!

Here is the awesome blog post from the Etsy blogs. How-Tuesday: Make a Hanging Notepad

Have a great Tuesday!

-Kerry

Are you ready to save?$?

I am now offering a sale coupon!! Are you excited? Would you like to save 35% on all Winter Merchindise? You can now! To recieve this great discount, simply use the coupon code SPRING11SALE during check out when you purchase any selected winter item. This sale will end come May, so stock up for next winter! :^)

And have a great day!

-Kerry

PS - Don't forget: SPRING11SALE

Weather or Not

I suppose winter just can't make up his mind of when he wants to leave...

The first day of spring was nearly a week ago now, and here in Missouri we had a 80* day on Wednesday, and then by Thrusday afternoon it was 35*. Since then it has rained and iced and snowed in my little blooming daffodils.

So much for spring!

I'm still hopeful though, and I'm working on more 'springy' designs that will be posted for sale on my little Etsy shop soon. So check back soon!

While you wait; check out this Etsy shop BossysFeltworks. They have the most adorable needle felted itmes!! So cute. One of these days I just may have to get one of the sweet lamb pin cushions. :^)

You know you want one. :^)

If you'd like to read more about the group of friends who live on an island off of Washington state and make up this home-grown company, you can check out the artical in which they were featured on the front page of Etsy!

How fun is that??

Here is wishing you a blessed day, and if any of you may have some warmer weather, would you mind sending it this way? I really hope my tulips and hostas aren't nipped too bad after this freak snow storm!

Blessings - Kerry

Oceanic Treasures

Arrrg! I've made a new treasury on Etsy. Go take a voyage over there, ye land lubbers, and get yer sea legs!

A Pirate Life For Me - Treasury

Let me know what ye think of me treasure, matey! Leave yer mark below...

And remember...  X always marks the spot

Your One-Of-A-Kind Items

When you order a unique item from my shop on Etsy, each item in your order comes in unique packaging.

I use scraps of material left over from other creative projects and create a simple, and reusable bag. It is made to fit each item only after you have purchased it from my shop.

So, not only do you receive a one of a kind item; but you also receive a handy little bag that you can reuse with all kinds of things.

Simple, natural, original.

How will you use your unique items? How will you use the unique bags they come in?

You can share your ideas here, or on the Simply Natural Designs Facebook page. You can post pictures and helpful tips for other friends on facebook.

Thank you for reading and supporting my business.
Have a blessed day,
Kerry

Treasury - Of Gray and Yellow

I've finally delved into the beautiful world of Treasurys on Etsy. What a wonderful way to share the amazing finds on this unique little website. I love to browse through the new Treasurys made by my fellow Etsyins and see what beauty can be found there.

Today, I actually made my own Treasury, inspired by the simple beauty of a cold gray winter day, penetrated by the clear brilliants of the cold sunshine.

These days are gray and yellow - My first Treasury

Please let me know what you think.

Snow

Out our front window, I can see the remains of the last 3 inch dusting of snow. This winter we have had more snow then we've had in years. But, being snowed in isn't all bad. I've been able to get some new items made. But I was also sick for a week, and now I'm recovering from a dental appointment. So, it is slow going this past two or three weeks for getting any real progress on new designs to share with you all on the shop.

I did get two new items on our store front, so please check them out and let me know what you think. I'd also be interested in hearing what kinds of things you would like to see more of at Simply Natural Designs. Do you have any ideas for useful creations, but don't know how to turn them into actual working items? Send me your ideas, thoughts, suggestions, and lets create something together.

Have a blessed day. I will, as I sip another cup of hot yarrow/chamomile tea and watch the snow melt a little.

-K