Experimenting with the Knifty Knitter

Almost a year ago I purchased a knifty knitter and totally fell in love. I had one when I was a child and could never figure out how to get it to work. ( neither could my parents) This round , while the direction still made no sense to me, I was able to figure out how to get it to work. I really enjoyed the process, and made some fun pieces, however I also ended up in physical therapy at CPRS, because of using it to much. My forearms basically felt like they were asleep all of the time. So I took a break from the knifty knitter, and just picked it up again today. Here's what I created. What do you think?<table style="width:auto;">



From winter line 2012



From winter line 2012
From winter line 2012
From winter line 2012
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How to fix your Mistakes

One of my favorite parts about creating is the process. I enjoy experimenting and learning new things. It is also extremely important to me to use my materials wisely, and not waste anything, however there are times when things just don't work out well. I have learned to except that not everything is going to turn out as planned, but I try to never totally give up on a piece. I have a bin in my studio where I keep pieces that I'm not happy with, but still have potentional, and try to come up with ways to use them.

I've been wanting to experiment with needle felting and finally gave it go, after getting some supplies for Christmas. I decided to take an old piece that I crocheted and then boiled, cut it apart, and needle fet it onto the surface of a scarf. I really enjoyed this process and think that with more practice I could create some really interesting pieces. So here's my first try at needle felting, and an old piece rescued. What do you do with your projects that don't turn out well?

From winter line 2012
From winter line 2012
From winter line 2012
From winter line 2012
From winter line 2012
From winter line 2012


Below is another example of a piece that I just rescued. I made wove with scarf awhile ago, and for some reason was never totally in love in with it. So I was trying to think about how I could change it. I decided to give it a twist and sew the ends together to create an infinity scarf with a twist. I'm really happy with how it came it. It looks good, is easy to wear, and adds some extra warmth. Have you gotten the hint yet that I'm always cold? Anyway, my project for tomorrow is to make two more of these, different colors, but same style, so if you like this one, stay tuned, as this style will go on sale shortly.
From winter line 2012
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Nervous System Jewelry

I first head about Nervous System Jewelry on Design Milk . The jewelry is really cool, and totally affordable. Here are a few of my favorite pieces.




Here's the story behind these lovely creations: Nervous System is a design studio that works at the intersection of science, art, and technology. We create using a novel process that employs computer simulation to generate designs and digital fabrication to realize products. Drawing inspiration from natural phenomena, we write computer programs mimicking processes and patterns found in nature and use those programs to create unique and affordable art, jewelry, and housewares.







The studio consists of Jesse Louis-Rosenberg and Jessica Rosenkrantz who met as undergraduates at MIT where he studied math + computer science and she studied architecture + biology. They live together in a house by a stream in a forest in Western Massachusetts. Pin It

Treat yourself to Fabricatedends this Winter

From winter line 2012
I"m working hard at getting my etsy shop up to date, and getting lots of new designs created over Christmas Break. So if you're looking for a place to spend some of the money that you got over the holidays this is the perfect place. Pick up a one of a kind scarf by Fabricatedends, and make the choice to both look good and stay warm this winter.
From winter line 2012
From winter line 2012
From winter line 2012


Ond of my favorite things about creating is coming up with new designs. I really enjoy experimenting and seeing how something turns out. Which design is your favorite?
From winter line 2012
From winter line 2012
From winter line 2012
From winter line 2012
From winter line 2012
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Inspiring: Sandra Badlund

I saw the work of Sandra Badlund on Design Milk . I am totally inspired by these amazing creations.






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Extra Long, Extra Soft Scarf by Fabricatedends

Since it's getting pretty cold outside, at least where I live. I decided that it was time to start making some super big scarves. This scarf is still light weight enough that it easily drapes over your shoulders as you wrap it around your neck, but is extra long and wide, give you lots of options on how to wear it. This scarf is also extremely soft, you 'll never want to take it off.BUY HERE
From video photos
From video photos
From video photos
From video photos
From video photos
From video photos
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Stylish and warm scarf for winter by Fabricatedends

Scarf by Fabricatedends. Scarf is woven with super soft and warm cotton yarn and crocheted along one edge to add some flirty detail. The scarf also has tiny magnets sewn into the piece, so that you can use the magnets to keep the scarf perfectly in place.


I also had fun this weekend making some lovely leg warmers to wear under my boots. I like the extra warmth and pop of color that they add. Can you tell that I hate being cold.


You can pick this lovely scarf up in my etsy shop

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Holiday RAWk Video

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Kristina Marie: Paper Garland Decor


My husband and I are going home for the holidays, and I"ve been super busy lately so I didn't get around to decorating the house this year, but if I did, I would love to use the awesome garland by Kristina Marie. It would also look great wrapped around a gift. How did you decorate this year?



Here's how Kristina Marie decided to create the above lovely garland.


Although I always dreamt of being an artist as a child, my love for creating truly became manifest about 8 years ago upon taking my first college art class. Every new course and medium brought about new ideas and dreams as to what kind of artist I would become—I loved everything. Fortunately I had professors that placed worth in experimentation, encouraging us to develop concepts without feeling boxed into any particular medium. After a season of living in an Italian convent studying art, language and culture, I spent the culmination of my college career screen printing up a storm and creating a large silk mobile that took over 300 hours of hand-sewing! I learned that great work demands great work ethic, discipline and a heap of curiosity. I look back at these years with a big smile and a grateful heart.








I spent the next two years working any job I could obtain, mulling over life decisions and feeling creatively frustrated at my lack of direction in an unstable economy. Instead of creating art, I began creating tasty baked goods, lovingly tackling complicated recipes and teaching myself how to can and preserve. I love eating seasonally and attempting to understand how we ate before grocery stores and the boom of corporate food culture. It makes me feel more human and reliant on God’s provisions, a concept that has deeply impacted what and how I create.






So, why garland? In the Fall of 2009 I unleashed my entrepreneurial curiosity and set out to design, develop, manufacture and market a product independently. I chose to expand upon the decor concept of garland and bunting by creating a variety of garlands using recycled, sustainable and specialty materials—a fresh new approach to modern decorating. What began as an experiment led to a fascination with product design, material culture studies, branding and more importantly a love for creating work that initiates a smile and an appreciation for beauty in it’s simplest form. I’d like my clients to experience functional, decorative solutions that evoke old-world notions of simple pleasures and handmade values. I hope that this continues to be evident in everything that I create.






kristinatoday.blogspot.com Pin It

Maxi Scarf By Fabricatedends

From winter line 2012


Check out the newest addition to Fabricatedends Winter Line. This Scarf is super wide and long, allowing you endless styling options and lots of warmth. The piece also has magnets sewn in, so that you can keep it in place. Buy this one todayetsy shop
From winter line 2012
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Fun Bags

Source: etsy.com via Amber on Pinterest
Source: etsy.com via Amber on Pinterest
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