hodge podge farm

jumping ship

2009-08-24T10:25:00.004-05:00

blogger has been good to me, but in order to consolidate my (up 'til now non-existent) website and blog, i am moving over to the venerable wordpress. please re-direct your RSS feeds and readers to http://hodgepodgefarm.net

it is still a work in progress, but i am really happy with it so far! i owe it all to my good friend christine, of LANYBER, her really cool graphic design blog. we are working together to make the site a one-stop shop for all things hodge podge: the clothes, the book, the classes, the farm... so check it out! i will not be posting here any longer and you don't want to miss out ;n)

hot and sticky

2009-08-21T12:10:00.002-05:00

it is unbelievably hot and humid here in the catskills, and i am daydreaming about what i wish i were wearing today. skimpy, loose-fitting whites and creamy, cotton or linen skivvies seem just right for running around barefoot through the sprinklers and drinking homemade lemonade. all of my real summer clothes are locked up in storage; all i'm left with are a few pairs of cutoffs and some t-shirts. not the romantic vision pictured above...

september classes

2009-08-18T21:29:00.002-05:00

lena has posted her september classes, including a sewing workshop taught by me, in which we'll make the dress above. that's lena's dress that she made last time i taught this project. isn't it lovely?

brooklyn general has also posted their fall schedule, and i'll be teaching patternmaking there once a month. here are the specifics:

PATTERNMAKING WORKSHOP
Design and make your own clothes! In this 2-hour class you will learn the basic principles of making your own sewing patterns, and make a pattern for either an A-line skirt or a T-Shirt that fits your own unique body. With this foundation you'll be able to sew the projects you envision! Basic sewing experience is helpful to get the most from this class.
Session A: Sunday September 20 @ 10am-12pm (Skirt)
Session B: Sunday October 25 @ 10am-12pm (T-Shirt)
Session C: Sunday November 15 @ 10am-12pm (Skirt)
Session D: Sunday December 13 @ 10am-12pm (T-shirt)
$50/workshop

and you can see the complete schedule here. call the shop at 718-237-7753 or stop in to register.

fair weather

2009-08-11T22:34:00.003-05:00

this weekend, august 15 & 16, i will be selling my goods at the Garrison Art Center's Fine Arts and Crafts Fair. i have never been to Garrison before, but i hear it's a lovely setting, right on the hudson river and just steps from the metro north train station. so if you live in the area, come out and say hello! and you city peeps, how about a day-trip up to the country? there are two music stages, tamales and keegan ales, and 95 juried artisans, both traditional and new-fangled. i'll have my own solo booth for the first time ever, and i'm bringing both summer and fall pieces since it's that time of year.

the visionary folks at the GAC reached out to a bunch of us etsians to freshen up the vendor list, so i think it's going to be a really fun mix! mr. smith will be there selling prints of his photos, and my buddy jill will have her scrumptious handspun yarn. looking at the list just now i discovered that my friend julie a.k.a. your secret admiral will be there! also the talented screen-printer alison tauber. some other sellers i'm excited to meet are: cerulean blue ceramics, astulabee, reine, and knit knit.

sayonara

2009-08-10T19:51:00.006-05:00

i just finished a new batch of smock dresses which are on their way to japan as we speak. they are going to my friend-and-fellow-recent-nyc-to-upstate-transplant hanna's store in tokyo, which is called HaNNa. i love that the website calls it a 'gentle arts store' which is 'closed irregularly'. i had fun making each one extra-special with crochet, embroidery, or doily stencilling. more like these are in the works for fall!

mr. smith

2009-07-29T09:36:00.003-05:00

i don't know if i've mentioned it before, but my sweetie is a photographer. it completely fascinates me how a good photographer can take a photo of the simplest thing, and it just looks so much better than when i do it. richard sent me this collection of images from a visit to the farm a few weekends ago, and i think they capture the essence beautifully!

**sorry if the photos weren't loading for you before, i think i fixed them!**

light and sweet

2009-07-21T18:31:00.003-05:00

today's edition of etsy finds featured my favorite linen tunic! i have subscribed to these daily collections of curated items for a while now, and secretly hope every day to see something of mine among the treasures. hooray! today's theme was linen and organic cotton and keeping cool in the summer. check out the entire collection of light and sweet; i'm in great company!

tute, tute!

2009-07-20T10:03:00.004-05:00

even though craft stylish had to lay off all of us weekly bloggers back in may (thanks to the screwy economy), i am still writing one or two project tutorials a month for them. i'm kind of into my newest one, for a braided leather headband, and want to make a whole bunch of these if i can just get my hands on some nice leather scraps somewhere! you can always find all of my articles here, and even subscribe to my RSS feed if you like.

i also swapped interviews with my crafty friend kayte of love forever. you can read my queries for kayte and hers for me.

what are you doing this weekend?

2009-07-17T10:59:00.006-05:00

there are still a few spaces left in the sewing workshop at lena's and the t-shirt patternmaking class at home ec. (i think the skirt patternmaking class at brooklyn general is sold out, but you can check or get on the waiting list for next time.) so if you have any free time and would like to learn something new this weekend, come and join us! (well, please register first...)

picked my own

2009-07-11T10:20:00.003-05:00

we are surrounded by 'pick your own' farms so yesterday gertie and i and our friend jenn went blueberry and black raspberry picking. hallelujah! you may recall that i'm a big fan of the blueberry picking. really, i can't recommend it highly enough if you get the chance. we discovered a volunteer patch of black raspberries here on the farm but it's hard to get enough at once to do anything but pop them right in your mouth. we have red raspberries too in the garden, as well as peas, collards, broccoli, and plenty of lettuce. the radishes are done and the carrots are still growing.

in other news, gert and i both have a nasty case of poison ivy! disgusting stuff; i had no idea it was this bad. i kind of want to show you a photo but i think you don't really want to see it. trust me.

terrariums

2009-07-09T10:47:00.003-05:00

i just learned from a secret source how to make my own 'faux' etsy treasuries so here is my first! i have been somewhat obsessed with terrariums on and off since i was a little girl, when i used to have a hermit crab in one. my most distinct memory of that is being told that you can feed a hermit crab ANYTHING (not at all true i'm sure) so i remember putting an Oreo in there. you can imagine what happened... the crab was not interested in the Oreo (!) and it got moldy.

anyway, despite my obsession i've never actually made a terrarium (except for the quickie i whipped up here), but when i find my real home i plan to have lots and lots. compiling these was a fun way to pretend i was actually making my own... aren't they lovely?

two more classes

2009-07-08T21:47:00.003-05:00

while i'm in the city next weekend (july 18-19) i'll be teaching two patternmaking classes, both on sunday the 19th. they are separate, independent classes at two different locations, but together they comprise the first half of the 4-week patternmaking class format that i used to teach. in the morning class we'll make a pattern for an A-line skirt, and in the afternoon we'll be making t-shirt patterns. come join me for one or both! we can even walk over the Gowanus canal together in between...

Introduction to Patternmaking Workshop, $50
sunday july 19, 10am-12pm at Brooklyn General (call 718-237-7753 to register)

In this 2-hour class you will learn the basic principles of making your own sewing patterns, and make a pattern for an A-line skirt that fits your own unique body. With this foundation you'll be able to sew the projects you envision!

Supplies:
Paper (at least 3 sheets of 18 x 24" newsprint or drawing paper, or a roll of paper at least 14" wide)
Pencil, eraser, sharpener
See-through 18" ruler
Tape Measure
Scissors (for cutting paper)

Patternmaking 101 Workshop, $50
sunday, july 19, 2-4:30pm at Home Ec (register online here)

If you've always wanted to learn how to make your own patterns, here's your opportunity!
In this 2.5 hour introductory workshop, you will learn to draft the pattern for a T-shirt
that fits YOUR body! This pattern can become the basis for all sorts of styles to augment
your wardrobe. Basic sewing experience is helpful to benefit from this class.

Supplies:
Paper (a pad or roll of newsprint or drawing paper, at least 14" wide)
Pencil and eraser
Ruler (ideally an 18" clear sewing ruler)
Clear tape

free love

2009-07-07T10:17:00.003-05:00

the sweet peeps at free people (my alma mater) asked me a few questions over here. it seems like another lifetime that i was a designer there, but they were good times!

new sewing class at lena's

2009-07-05T18:33:00.002-05:00

i have been loving teaching at lena's studio in fort greene. her space is lovely and very functional (those cutting tables are a dream!) and the best part is the beautiful vegetarian lunch she prepares for us to eat mid-way through the class. amy's dress turned out great; she went for the simpler elastic neckline. lena took some better photos.

we have a new class lined up for saturday july 18, using this pattern, which is for knits. here are all the details...

sachets

2009-06-30T19:52:00.001-05:00

little by little i'm getting it together...

i have always wanted to enclose a little bonus present into the packages i send out for etsy orders. i like the idea of sachets because opening a package and smelling the scent of lavender before you even see what's in there just seems like such a nice treat! so last week i finally started making some and one lucky customer in the UK was the first to get one with her purchase. i had fun playing with the embroidery function on my machine, which i rarely use. from now on some kind of small 'thank you' gift will be tucked into every envelope i send... i have plans for moth-repelling herbs for my woolens, and another kind of surprise for the dog slings.

if they could just stay little...

2009-06-26T15:41:00.004-05:00

my little chicken friends have grown so fast! it's been quite amazing to watch them transform. the red ones have lost most of their yellow fuzz (a few little tufts remain) and the little black one is now white and black (that's her in the solo pic above). i've been joking that the speckled one (top left photo) is actually a chicken HAWK because she just doesn't look like a chicken! i have to look up what breed she is. the guinea hens want nothing to do with me and will be released soon to run free and roost in the trees like their older cousins, but the chickens are becoming really friendly with me and seem to enjoy the 'chicken massages' i've been giving them in the mornings. i want them to be as cuddly as these ladies were!

under construction

2009-06-23T10:44:00.003-05:00

hello! just a quick note to say that we are going to do some renovating around here, so things may seem a little odd and frequently changing for a few days. please excuse the dust, as they say, it'll all be worth it you'll see...

oh, and i did finally finish the new banner; as soon as i can get the construction crew in, it'll be hanging up in the rafters there, yippee!

who doesn't heart handmade?

2009-06-22T10:40:00.022-05:00

i am so woefully slow in posting, but the very fantabulous marichelle of the super-cool crafty blog heart handmade wrote a piece about lil' ol' me about two weeks ago! she said very nice things and asked fun questions and you can see it here. HH is an excellent overview of happenings in the handmade world, and i love to see who and what she discovers every week. some of my favorite series are 'shop and tell' where people show and tell about a handmade item they bought recently, 'the other half' in which she interviews the significant others of handmakers, and of course the 'featured artist'.

belltower market

2009-06-18T22:45:00.003-05:00

hey catskills and hudson valley peeps! come check out hodge podge handmade clothes at the new arts & crafts market in rosendale, new york: BELL TOWER MARKET. i'll be there both days hocking my wares, and i'd love to see you! they are still seeking vendors too (this is happening every weekend through the summer) so if you're a maker in the area, get in touch with the organizers at rosendaleartssquad.org. otherwise please help spread the word to anyone you know who lives or weekends in the vicinity! rosendale is one of my favorite little towns around here, and features a fantastic bakery, yummy restaurants, and cute shops.

classes this week!

2009-06-10T12:07:00.004-05:00

i just want to remind you that i am teaching a whole buncha classes while i'm here in brooklyn this week, and there are still some spaces available: crochet is thursday, sew a top or dress saturday, embroider saturday evening, or sew a t-shirt sunday. act now and learn something new!

oh renegade you had it made

2009-06-09T17:12:00.010-05:00

woot woot! renegade 2009 was the. best. ever. i shared a tent with my pal jen of raeburn ink and we were a frenzy of activity the entire time.

for five years we have all waited for the weather to cooperate, and this year it finally did! when it is 90 degrees and 500% humidity (as the past four fairs have been, with occasional downpours), NO ONE feels like trying on clothes. but this weekend was in the seventies, with a cool breeze blowing, and it was like a miracle. i sold every short-sleeved smock dress i made, plus most of the long-sleeved ones. thanks mama nature! i knew you were my friend.

and most importantly, THANK YOU to everyone who came out and said hello, and if you bought something from me, you have my undying and infinite gratitude! when you buy from independent makers, it really does mean the world to us.

here i am hand-delivering my favorite linen crochet-yoked smock to the lovely joi of stereoette, who adopted it. i'm so glad it went to a good home! i look a little insane but renegade kind of does that to me...

there's joi with her new dress, and another sweet customer who came back on sunday wearing the one she bought saturday. i love happy customers!

here are two more: emma with the shirt that's been 'waiting' for her, and teeter of 31 corn lane with wiggles in her new sling!

across the way were my buddies siri of treehouse and kayte of love forever's booth. i caught siri and gertie smooching between the tents...

see you there!

2009-06-04T22:21:00.002-05:00

last minute

2009-06-04T09:23:00.003-05:00

oh yes, you know i will be sewing up to the very last second before i leave for Renegade! i know you haven't forgotten but in case you need reminding, it's this weekend, saturday AND sunday june 6-7 in mccarren park. of course, the new development this year is that i have to pack up my car and drive two hours to brooklyn the day before the fair, which really cuts into my frantic 4am-the-night-before sewing plans. is that good or bad? not sure...

above is a sneak peek of the sundresses, short-sleeved yoke tunics, and new reversible hats i've been working on. please come out and see me and gert, not to mention treehouse, raeburn ink, love forever, 31 corn lane, a.s.i.s., perch, and almost 300 more! the weather report looks promising and as always, anyone who brings me a lemonade or treat gets 15% off any hodge podge purchase.

ok, back to the sewing machine...

mark your calendars, peeps!

2009-05-28T20:00:00.006-05:00

i'll be back in town june 6-7 for the FIFTH ANNUAL RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR in McCarren Park in scenic williamsburg, brooklyn. please come and say hello! it's really the craftiest event of the year, and my personal favorite. you won't be disappointed, i promise. i mean, if nothing else, the Treats Truck is there, c'mon!

then i'm staying through the following weekend and teaching FIVE FANTASTIC CLASSES, all in brooklyn. spaces are limited, so sign up now!

skirt patternmaking workshop @ home ec
wednesday june 10 6:30-8:30pm $50
learn how to draft your own pattern for an A-line skirt with darts!

crochet away @ treehouse
thursday june 11 6:30-8:30pm $50 (includes all materials!)
it's a crash course in the basics of crochet, not just for winter anymore...

top/dress sewing workshop @ lena corwin's studio
saturday june 13 11am-4pm $125 (includes lunch!)
we'll use Built by You #3835 (pictured above) in this intermediate sewing intensive.

embroidery workshop @ treehouse
saturday june 13 6-8pm $50
make a sampler of 12 key stitches, and you'll be stitching on everything you own!

t-shirt sewing @ home ec
sunday june 14 11am-2pm $50
make your own t's! i'll show you how to sew with knits; it's not as hard as you think.

for details, full descriptions, supplies needed and to register, click on the links to each individual venue. hope to see y'all in class!

and don't forget: to keep your finger on the pulse of indie, DIY and crafty events all over the country, be sure to peek at the SAPLINGS blog every now and again...

new banner

2009-05-26T18:50:00.004-05:00

see xine? it really is almost finished! i am such a slowpoke... it's actually even farther along than this; might be done tonight in fact.

still loving the new studio, and gertie approves too...

at last!

2009-05-21T20:35:00.000-05:00

it's been well over a year since i began working on my book, and i am finally allowed to spill the beans on what it's about: PATTERNMAKING. yes! it's called Design-It-Yourself Clothes; Patternmaking Simplified. that's the cover up there, and i am so pleased with everything about the entire experience of writing my first book! most of all though, i am thrilled that it will help people be able to sew exactly what they want to make, and it will fit! pre-made patterns just can't fit every body precisely, just like factory-made clothing can't. the book is arranged by clothing categories: skirts, t-shirts, blouses, dresses and pants, and there are detailed step-by-step instructions on how to make patterns for each. first you make a basic, and then there are spin-offs made using the original pattern. once you've got the basic concepts down, i show you how to stylize them so that you really are designing your own clothes. it will be out in september, but you can pre-order it on amazon now! (sorry for the even-more-than-normal exclamation points, but i just can't contain myself!)

new studio

2009-05-19T22:09:00.000-05:00

i am enjoying working in my new (albeit temporary) studio here on the farm. it's what i've always dreamed of: a separate building (i.e. not in the house) and the computer is NOT there to distract me. it's really cute and the perfect size, and i can see ponies and guinea hens and baby squirrels and birds and bees and cats all going about their daily activities as i'm sewing. it even has its own deck, where gertie likes to sunbathe. remind me to take some exterior shots! i'm working on embroidering a long-overdue header for this here blog. it's nearly done so you'll see it soon. i'm also gearing up for Renegade which is fast approaching on June 6-7 in McCarren Park (Brooklyn). check out the vendor list!

cupcake festival

2009-05-13T20:24:00.005-05:00

last weekend, in between house-hunting, i went with my friend/realtor jenn to the 1st Annual Gardiner Cupcake Festival. it was a quintessentially perfect country small town celebration; i totally felt like i was in stars hollow! unfortunately i'm too big for a donkey ride, but i had fun eating plenty of cupcakes and checking out the sights...

forty new babies

2009-05-13T19:41:00.003-05:00

yesterday i had 31 passengers in my car. one was wearing a blue polka-dot sweater, and the other thirty were safely and snugly tucked in a cardboard box:

they are three-day-old baby guinea hens and just about the tiniest and sweetest things ever. i got them settled into their new home, and they seem to like it so far... they sleep in a mass of entangled necks and legs, keeping warm under the heat lamp. it was very cold last night (36 degrees!) and i was rather worried, but they were all doing fine this morning.

for now they are in a separate box from the ten baby chicks that came to the farm last week, a motley crew of assorted size and color:

i can't wait to watch them all grow up!

spring shop update

2009-05-06T09:48:00.000-05:00

little by little i am posting new spring pieces to the shop! it feels really good to finally have some new work for sale, as the shop has been filled with wintry crochet hats and old spring (still on sale!) clothes that i am just so tired of looking at. and yet they say we should not forget the denizens down under, but i just don't want to keep the cold weather gear in the shop year round! what's an etsy seller to do? i wish we could put items in special sections and not have them on the main shop page too, but it's not the case.

anyway, i am really into the smock tunic style (top row), which is the same one you may remember from this incident. but i am making a bunch in lighter-weight fabrics and with shorter sleeves for spring/summer. i wear mine all over town and people keep telling me they love it, so i'm taking that as a good sign!

may embroidery

2009-05-02T15:04:00.005-05:00

due to overflowing the april embroidery class at treehouse (we had a great time! that's us above), we have added another one this coming week:

embroidery workshop
wednesday, may 6, 6:30-8:30pm $50
learn 12 basic embroidery stitches and make your own sampler to use as reference in decorating everything from jeans to pillowcases! all materials included.

register here.

naturally

2009-05-01T20:50:00.007-05:00

shockingly, i have been remiss in showing you my projects for craft stylish over the past month. april's theme was crafty by nature, and there were so many fab ideas for reducing, re-using, and re-styling you'll just have to take a look! my own contributions included two more t-shirt re-do's (one involving no sewing at all!), a hanging crochet planter for a terrarium, a hand-stitched eyeglass case, and a recycled twine doormat.

also, wendy, the winner of the contest used one of my tutorials for her entry! i met wendy last year at the alabama chanin workshop. her prize was a Yudu screen printer and she is one lucky girl... way to go wendy!

no place like here

2009-04-28T21:28:00.005-05:00

etsy has a new video series called 'there's no place like here' and i am loving them! we get to see inside the homes/studios/shops of some etsy makers; what could be more fun? i especially loved the house of hannah (made with love by hannah) who makes me want to collect knick-knacks... and since i am in search of a new home myself, i find these videos very inspiring.

brooklyn blooming

2009-04-24T09:06:00.003-05:00

everywhere i went in the city while i was there seemed to be bursting with blooms; it was a perfect week to visit. the magnolias and weeping cherries in particular were in their prime, and it was nice to see brooklyn this way after being away for nearly 4 months.

meanwhile, back at the ranch

2009-04-23T21:42:00.001-05:00

i had a glorious week in the city-- i love my new status of 'visitor'-- the classes were all super fun and everything was blooming (photos tomorrow). now i'm back on the farm; my farmer friends are back and i am now a farmhand which sounds great to me! i'll be moving into the Airstream this weekend and will show you pics once i'm settled in!

i missed all these guys and am so happy to be back upstate. i may even get to RIDE which i haven't done in about 25 years! i had a pony and then a horse when i was young but just haven't had the opportunity since.

this week's classes rundown

2009-04-13T08:00:00.003-05:00

ok, so just in case you're at all confused about the whirlwind of classes i'm teaching in brooklyn this week, here's a synopsis. i believe there is at least one space available in all but the thursday embroidery class, but note that there is now a wednesday embroidery class too!

thursday april 16th:
embroidery workshop at TREEHOUSE (williamsburg) 6:30-8:30pm, $50 includes all supplies
UPDATE: this class is SOLD OUT, so a second session has been added for wednesday april 15! same time, same place.

friday april 17th:
intro to patternmaking: A-line skirt workshop at BROOKLYN GENERAL (carroll gardens) 6:30-8:30pm, $50

sunday april 19th:
intermediate sewing: tunic/dress workshop at the studio of LENA CORWIN (fort greene) 11am-4pm, $125

intro to patternmaking: T-shirt workshop at HOME EC (p.slope/gowanus) 5:30-8pm, $50

for more details and supplies required, see full class descriptions below and/or the sites for each venue. all of these great independent spaces have other cool classes too, so check out their schedules and get on their lists! please help spread the word and support indie artisans. gertie and i hope to see you in class...

chocolate eggs all around

2009-04-12T16:40:00.002-05:00

happy bunny day, peeps!

i'm not really a celebrator of easter, but reading kim's post today brought back the memories of just how much my sister and i loved this holiday as kids. hunting for those baskets was always a thrill... i think my favorite hiding place ever was in the dryer!

if i could wish for one thing in my hypothetical easter basket it would be one of these. or these. well, really two of them because they don't like to be alone. maybe next year (fingers crossed)...

one more class

2009-04-06T20:06:00.003-05:00

the final class to announce on my one-week whirlwind teaching tour of brooklyn is another patternmaking workshop. this one is also an introductory class, but in this one we'll make a pattern for the classic and universally flattering A-line skirt:

one-day weekend sewing workshop at brooklyn general
friday april 17, 6:30-8:30pm $50

call 718-237-7753 to register!

sneak peek

2009-04-05T15:49:00.001-05:00

i've been busily stitching and hooking for spring... we tried to have a photo shoot today but it was just a bit too cold and windy. i can't wait to get it in the shop!

patternmaking 101 @ home ec

2009-04-03T14:06:00.004-05:00

it's going to be a busy week while i'm in the city; i've now got FIVE CLASSES scheduled at all of my old haunts! for those of you who've been wanting to take my patternmaking class but could never commit to the four week series, now there's a one-day workshop where you'll learn the basics and make your very own t-shirt pattern.

patternmaking 101 workshop @ home ec $50
303 3rd avenue (caroll and 1st streets) brooklyn, ny 718-852-2889
sunday, april 19 5:30-8pm

all the deets and registration can be found here.

poet tunic

2009-04-03T13:45:00.000-05:00

you may not know that there is an actual printed on paper and available on newsstands version of CraftStylish too, but there is! i have a project in the current issue that i really love: this sweet poet's tunic made from a big ol' ugly T. i wish i could get the sample back because it's a lovely shade of green and i'd really like to wear it, but alas, i'll just have to make my own. the whole issue is about restyling what you already have. look for it at your local newsstand or bookstore because this one's not available online! you can, however, order the magazine here.

more socks

2009-03-31T17:31:00.000-05:00

i know these are very plain-jane (knitwise, anyway) and they're not even toe-up, but i started them on the 12-hour train ride i took to go home to cleveland for the holidays, and i finally finished them a couple weeks ago. i love how space-dyed yarns make weird patterns as you go; i have even seen them make spontaneous argyles! i think knitters call it 'pooling' and generally don't like it, but i feel the opposite...

tunic class

2009-03-30T17:28:00.007-05:00

april sewing tunic/dress workshop at Lena's studio (fort greene, brooklyn)

intermediate level

if you can sew, but need a fresh new challenging project to step your skills up a notch, then this class is perfect for you. we will be using the Simplicity 3964 Built By Wendy pattern. students must arrive at class with pieces already cut out and marked, as this can take up to 2 hours and it will be otherwise impossible to finish the project in the allotted time. yummy lunch included!

see the pattern here:

one 5 hour workshop

11am 4pm

sunday april 19th

$125 + supplies

there will also be a 1 hour finishing class on monday april 20th at 6pm, if needed.

to register or see details on lena's printing class look here.

embroidery workshop

2009-03-26T19:03:00.002-05:00

well, my farm-sitting gig will be over in a few weeks (though it looks like i'll still be hanging around here for a while longer), which means that i can come back and spend a week in the big city in april. fun! i am scheduling a few different classes while i'm in town, so here's your chance if there was something you never got to take before i left. i can also do private lessons in any of my subjects (sewing, patternmaking, crochet, embroidery...) so give a shout if you'd like to set something up.

embroidery at Treehouse

i'll be back in the trees thursday april 16 from 6:30-8:30, showing you 12 basic stitches so you can embellish and customize everything you own! you'll leave with a sampler of your stitches and a brainful of ideas. all supplies included (including tasty treats). register here. siri's got a bunch of other cool new classes on the roster so take a peek.

visit feelin' stitchy and the flickr embroidery pool for an endless supply of inspiration!

gertie v. guinea

2009-03-24T19:16:00.004-05:00

gertie's favorite sport is to chase the guinea hens here on the farm, but the funny part is that as soon as she turns around, they follow her! it's a cat and mouse game, but it's a little unclear who's who. and it seems entirely possible to me that a dozen mice could outsmart a cat if they worked as a team...

button it!

2009-03-20T15:08:00.005-05:00

march has been button month over on CraftStylish, and i've been busy making all kinds of projects with my button stash! it's been fun because i don't usually use button closures in my clothes, but i have a ton o' vintage buttons that i hoard, saving them for their special moment. and quite possibly, this may have been it! my projects have been a crocheted button charm necklace, monogramming with buttons, and how to sew a buttonhole by hand. interestingly, my hand-sewn buttonhole tutorial caused quite a stir in the comments, with some old-schoolers claiming that my buttonhole just doesn't cut the mustard, and many more coming to my defense. i chose to stay on the sidelines, but it's been an amusing show! i only wish we could see some of the experts' buttonholes, but none seem able to produce an example...

tagged

2009-03-18T13:23:00.004-05:00

(random goat pictures)

i got tagged by lena a few days ago, and it's been a while since i answered odd questions about myself, so i thought, why not?

What is your current obsession?
farm hunting; if you know of any adorable houses on 2+ acres with a cute barn and/or studio for $200K or less in or near ulster county, new york, please let me know!!!

Which item from your closet are you wearing most lately?
the sweatshirt i made last winter. i need to make about 5 more of them!

What's for dinner?
no idea

What was the last thing you bought?
a barackobandanna from handoverfist for my friend george

What are you listening to right now?
the Housemartins, but i did not put it on

Say something to the person who tagged you:
hi lena! hope to see you soon!

Favorite vacation spot?
i'd go back to japan or mexico in a heartbeat

What are you reading right now?
A New Look at Crochet, from like 1973 i think

What is your current guilty pleasure?
handfuls of ginger snaps

What will be the first spring thing you do?
i've been wanting to have a picnic in the woods once the mud subsides

Where are you planning to travel next?
no travel plans at the moment; i just want to find a home!

If you could grow any plant(s) in the world in your house or yard, what would it be?
tea, indigo, henna, avocado, lemon

What was the last thing you made?
a custom-ordered crochet hat in cotton/linen yarns
. . . . . . .

And these are the rules: Respond & rework-answer the questions on your own blog; replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention; add one more question of your own. Tag eight other un-tagged people.

i tag:
kim
siri
jen

outside

2009-03-09T18:14:00.004-05:00

one of the things i am loving most about this winter on the farm (and have every intention of continuing for the rest of my life!) is spending time outside. living in new york city, i was often outside while in transit, but rarely did i just spend time outside in the winter.

we have gone for many walks in the woods...

plowed this driveway with the ATV...

tobogganed down this hill...

only this little one has perhaps not been completely in love with the new winter-in-the-country way of life. but she'll make up for it soon!

pin-tuck restyle

2009-03-08T12:40:00.003-05:00

i just can't get enough of the re-styling of t-shirts, and this newest one i did for CS might just be my fave ever! the fit is very flattering and i love the length. check out the tutorial and make one of your own!

wraps on sale!

2009-03-06T19:08:00.003-05:00

i've just marked down the last of my very popular wrap cardigans in the shop. there are a couple of wool, and a couple cotton (both long-sleeved and short) ones that are perfect for spring and cool summer evenings... remember those? you'll have to wade through the whole sale section to see them all. it's supposed to be in the high 50's here in the Catskills this weekend, so spring really is coming. and tomorrow night we gain back that long-lost extra hour of sunlight!

sock love

2009-03-06T14:57:00.003-05:00

i've got a thing for socks. knee socks, in particular. i have a lot of them; kind of a collection, if you will. i have socks i love so much that i've never even worn them. and socks are one of the few things i knit (usually i prefer to crochet). i have only knit about 3 pairs of socks, and i have never worn any of them, because the thought of wearing out the toes or heels just horrifies me. since knee socks are the ultimate style for me, and working the traditional way (top-down) is tricky because you don't know how long you can go and not run out of yarn before reaching the toe (not a disastrous thing, in my opinion, because a random-colored toe seems like a fun feature in a sock) i am a toe-up girl all the way. and now i've discovered a toe-up crochet sock pattern which is pretty darn cool. so, above you have my not-quite-finished toe-up crochet socks.

chosen

2009-02-25T21:11:00.004-05:00

man, the etsy love has been flowing! last week the brilliant sabrina of super-cool indie art/craft zine knit knit was a guest curator on The Storque, and she chose one of my hats in her selection of favorite items. thanks! she has great taste, and she also picked on of callieco's rad pouches.

in related news, today i made my 75th sale! yippee!

the cat on the mat

2009-02-25T18:34:00.004-05:00

since i did two projects for gertie for pets month over at CS, i thought i should make something for trissy, my new step-cat. i decided she could use a nice little mat to lie on, while protecting the furniture from fur and claws. piecing the squares was fun and i like how it turned out, and more importantly, so does triss!

double front page!

2009-02-14T18:46:00.002-05:00

wow! apparently i was on the front page of etsy two days in a row! yesterday one of my coral cloches was on, and today the treasury with the dog sweater (that i mentioned on wednesday) was on. i would never have known about either one if it weren't for a kind commenter, so if you ever see anyone you know on the front page, do let them know! and for all you sellers, if you ever hear a rumor that you WERE on it, did you know that there's a flickr group that documents every front page? i have no idea how they do this, but i sure am glad they do.

my pet projects

2009-02-13T11:53:00.004-05:00

it's pets month over at craftstylish! so far i've done tutorials for recycled dog sweater and crochet pet bed projects, and i've got one for kitties in the works for next week. and even though last month was the 'green crafting' theme, both of these happen to be *upcycled* so they don't cost anything to make. i just love using up materials that i already have on hand!

love from a stranger

2009-02-11T12:48:00.003-05:00

one of my dog sweaters has been included in a treasury! the title is Love to a Stranger: with people we don't know yet! it will expire on valentine's day so take a peek before it vanishes. i like the really cozy, homey feel of the grouping. it was curated by branda, who makes lovely knitted items in argentina. thanks branda!

six warm ears

2009-02-09T12:34:00.005-05:00

this past fall, i got an etsy conversation from the super cool kelty of satchel studio. she was interested in one of my earwarmers, and wanted to custom order one each for herself, her twin sister, and her mom for christmas. how fun! kelty knew exactly the colors she wanted and was a pleasure to work with. i made them up and sent them off, with a request for pics if she felt like it. i usually request that people send me a photo of the item in action if they should happen to take one, but rarely do i get any (with the exception of dog sweaters! everyone loves to photograph and show off their dog!) so imagine my thrilled surprise when, on christmas day, i got an e-mail containing the above photos. [yes, i know it's now february and i'm just getting around to posting this.] don't they look great? what a gorgeous family! the photos were taken by her boyfriend, who i imagine must be a photographer because these are fantastic. thanks again kelty!

i am always happy to take custom orders for items that relate to other pieces i've made, in other colors, sizes, or style variations. so don't hesitate to ask if you are interested in something that's not quite right for you...

crochet genius: helle jorgenson

2009-02-04T19:18:00.007-05:00

i am long overdue in posting another crochet genius. way back in december i posed my five questions to the incredible helle jorgenson, whose crochet coral and barnacles could easily pass for real. she is an artist who has shown work all over the world and she is extremely inspiring. most of her pieces are made from recycled plastic bags or 'pre-loved' tapestry wool she finds at thrift stores. helle's gorgeous jewelry and art pieces can be purchased in her shop, gooseflesh, and you might also want to take a look at her embroidery and drawings. and if you want to crochet with plastic bags, she'll show you how!

1. how and when did you learn to crochet?

My paternal grandmother (Agnes Jorgensen) taught me when I was a little girl. During the last five years I have expanded my crochet knowledge by reading mostly vintage crochet books and patterns. Books from the 60's and 70's especially are fun............ it was a time when crochet design was wild and free. My favourite book is Crochet Workshop, by James Walters (which I bought for $2 in my local Op-shop). It's full of "groovy" photos and garments. This book teaches the complex fundamentals of crochet.

2. what is your favorite stitch?

The bullion stitch....... it's beautiful and lends itself to making ocean-related creatures, e.g. barnacles and sea-squirts, or Cunjevoi, as the Australian Aborigines call them. It's also makes a graceful crochet finger dance.

3. what do you love about crochet?

Its sculptural potential. Its mathematical quality. The freedom of movement provided by using one hook; it enables one to push the limits whilst experimenting. The rhythm of the hand movements (crochet finger dance) and the meditative quality of the repetition. Sometimes I find myself breathing in rhythm with the crochet movements. It also connects me to generations of crocheting women around the world.

4. do you have any special/favorite materials or tools that you crochet with?

At the moment, I'm using yarn made from discarded plastic bags to make sea creatures. The process of experimenting with unusual yarns made from recycled materials is one of my favorite things to do.

5. any interesting plans, projects, or new directions in your crochet future?

I plan to continue to push the boundaries of crochet by experimenting with materials, abstraction, scale and colour. Collecting is a big part of my practise......... I'd like to include found objects in my work and crochet whole collections. The possibilities are endless.

thanks helle!

winter sale

2009-01-29T11:12:00.005-05:00

i've been marking down oodles of winter goods in the hodge podge shop to make room for spring, so get 'em while they're here! keep an eye on the SALE section as i'll be adding more stuff and slashing prices all week long. if you've been coveting something, or recently realized your current hat just doesn't keep your ears warm, hop on over and browse!

ruffly re-style

2009-01-27T22:52:00.005-05:00

would you believe you can go from this to this with just a few simple snips and stitches? this is a very easy project that won't cost a penny, and scores high on the eco-points! win win! it seems to be very popular over on CraftStylish; i think this one's got more comments than any of my previous tutes...

the farm adventure begins

2009-01-21T13:00:00.005-05:00

so, it occurs to me that i haven't really explained where the hell i am, or what on earth i'm doing exactly. let me fill you in! for the next three months, i am care-taking an incredible farm owned by some dear friends of mine. a few years ago, these dear friends realized that running a farm in winter in the Catskills is HARD WORK and, though there are aspects that are completely amazing, they might rather enjoy packing up a few ponies and wintering in Florida. they asked me two years ago if i would be interested in farm-sitting for the winter, but at that time, it wasn't an option for me. this past summer though, when the idea was again presented, i slowly began to realize that this could be the ideal situation to catapult me into my new life upstate.

well, here i am! i've given up all of my jobs and my apartment in the city, and the adventure begins. i am caring for 5 horses, 12 guinea hens, and 2 cats here on the farm. snow management is now a major part of life, not to mention fence repair and water-pipe-freezing prevention. i rise by 7:30 to feed, water, clean stalls and check that everything is in working order...

... then it's back into the house to get the fire going and make breakfast. above you see my first fried eggs cooked on the woodstove! gertie spends most of her time curled up right in front of it, as it's our primary heat source as well as my preferred cooking appliance. i love that i can keep the tea kettle going all day, without using any extra energy.

stripey friday

2009-01-16T18:42:00.004-05:00

rounding out color week we have stripes-n-plaid friday. i found more stripes than plaid, but the search was fun. even though i've been less than punctual, i have really enjoyed this week of paying attention to the details around me, and hope to continue to be more aware.

pink fri...um, i mean THURSday

2009-01-16T15:45:00.003-05:00

yeah, late again.
i am a recovering pink-aholic, but there was not much rosiness to be found around here on this january day...
i prefer these pinks.

rug bee

2009-01-16T15:28:00.003-05:00

this week's tutorial is on making rag rugs out of old tees; see it over here. this whole month the projects on CraftStylish are all about making from recycled materials, and there's some way cool stuff!!! i've always been a big fan of braided rag rugs, but the braiding and then hand-stitching always seemed tedious (and painful!). but then i discovered that you can crochet rugs out of scraps and they look almost the same, and i've been hooked (sorry, can't help it) ever since. i would love to have a rug bee this weekend where everyone brings over some scraps, and we all work them into our rugs. anyone wanna come?

yellow wednesday

2009-01-14T20:15:00.004-05:00

now, why was yellow so easy, bright and fun to find on this grey january day? not like that gloomy purple! this is an interesting project, since i am not in my own home (which no longer exists!) so it's not even a reflection of my taste at all. here are some more really nice examples of all of these colors...

purple tuesday

2009-01-14T20:04:00.002-05:00

purple tuesday wasn't easy (the fact that it's actually wednesday, *cough-cough*, notwithstanding). i think in the spring there is a lot of purple out in the world, but in january, not so much. it was a struggle, and i'm certainly not in love with any of these photographs. i'm not even certain some of them are purple. but i tried.

oops: blue monday

2009-01-14T19:10:00.005-05:00

ok, so last week i was reading one of my regular blogs, curious bird, and leya said that she was going to do a color week starting on monday. the idea is that each day of the week is assigned a color, and you go out and take photos of whatever you can find that fits. what a fun idea! i've never participated in anything like this, and i thought it would be a perfect way to get me started taking photos and noticing details on this amazing farm that i now (temporarily) reside upon. now, fast-forward to yesterday, when i suddenly realized with a start that i had signed up to do this and, yes, it was already tuesday! and it was already dark. so, tail between my legs, this morning i dutifully went about making up for my three-days-lateness so here you have it: my rendition of Blue Monday...

it's official...

2009-01-11T20:37:00.000-05:00

...i am now a resident of upstate New York. it is yet to be determined where i will actually settle and grow roots, but on january 3rd i rode a one-way bus up to my temporary home in Kerhonkson. looking out the window upon the snow-covered landscape, a combination of peace and exhilaration washed over me.

bye bye brooklyn

2009-01-07T12:08:00.002-05:00

what a day!

my new year's eve was spent moving out of my brooklyn apartment, where i've lived for the last 6 years. it was not an easy move, physically, and i am forever indebted to all of my dear, generous, lovely friends who volunteered to give up part of their holiday to help, most of them coming both to help me pack AND on the actual moving day. i have a LOT of stuff. mostly fabric, yarn, and other supplies for making, which i stockpile and hoard. this is great when i need to do an impromptu project, but not so much when it comes time to move. i will spare you the miserable details, especially the part where, after a 4-hour drive (that should have taken 2) ending with a long curvy road over an icy mountain, we had to unload the truck (which took a team of 8 about 4 hours to load), just 2 of us, in the dark, in a blizzard, into my new upstate storage unit, where everything i own was covered with a half inch of fresh powder as we worked.

we were supposed to return to brooklyn that night, to return the truck and have a day of R and R before i came back up here for good. but instead we spent the last few hours of 2008 UPSTATE in a seedy motel.

I DID IT!!!

sewing kit

2009-01-04T11:35:00.001-05:00

doesn't everyone need a sewing kit? i keep one in my bag so i have it wherever i go. it's so easy to make your own, customised to suit your own needs and color palette. i can show you how!

handmade holidaze

2009-01-03T21:44:00.001-05:00

gertie and i had a lovely holiday in cleveland, and for the second year in a row i stuck to the handmade pledge. last year i bought a lot of handmade gifts on etsy, especially for my nieces who love their American Girl dolls and Build-A-Bears. i got them each handmade sleeping bags for their dolls, and hand-knit doll sweaters too. this year i made my mom and sis the All-Day Tote from Lotta Jandsotter's book, and the nieces got totes with their initials appliqued on. i'll confess i did buy some chocolate from the Polish candy store in Greenpoint, but that's ok, right?

crazy snow

2008-12-29T21:15:00.001-05:00

did anyone else see the 10 minutes of crazy snow we had in nyc two weeks ago, it must have been the 17th i think (just uploaded my photos today...)? i have never seen anything like it: the flakes were like feathers, or leaves... they were HUGE, like 1-2" across, but paper thin. i know the photos don't show it very well, but the best clue is on the roof in the lower right corner of the photo on the right: those white things ARE THEM! i think it must be a good omen...

anyway, i am back from cleveland. had a lovely, cozy, snowy, cookie-fueled holiday with the family, and now i am in the throes of packing because i MOVE TOMORROW! i can't really believe it myself; the past month has been a blur with craft sales, traveling and packing, but it's really happening. can't wait until the 1st, when i can crash and stay in bed all day ;n)

totally tubular

2008-12-22T17:10:00.003-05:00

my latest project for CraftStylish is the simple, snuggly cowl. they're so easy that you can whip up a bunch as last-minute gifts, or just make yourself a variety, in an hour or so. cowls are great for using up your knit scraps! i'm looking for ways to stay warm on my winter farm adventure, so i plan to make one in every color.

muse: pippi longstocking

2008-12-22T00:55:00.005-05:00

i was reminded this week (by this spritely fashionista) that i've been meaning to do a post about one of my all-time fave style icons: pippi longstocking. i love her so much that i actually have a tattoo of her! (sorry i can't show it to you now.) i mean really, who amongst us HASN'T ever dressed as pippi for halloween? though she was first created in 1944, her spunk, irreverant sense of style, herculean strength, disdain for adults, and complete lack of self-consciousness, (not to mention her very cool pets) all make her one of the best role models i know of to this very day. and i'm pretty sure she made her own clothes...

last chance to ship before the holidays!

2008-12-17T15:03:00.004-05:00

tonight at midnight is the deadline for orders to ship before xmas, as i leave tomorrow afternoon on a 12-hour train ride to cleveland! there are lots of cozy gift-able items in the shop, and a whole bunch on SALE, and what the heck, i'll throw in FREE SHIPPING too! just write it in the comments and hold payment until i send you a revised invoice.

get fleeced

2008-12-16T14:02:00.005-05:00

last week was 'Guy Week' on CraftStylish, and we were supposed to do projects that would be good gifts for guys. this was due to the most common gifting crisis amongst crafters polled to be: what to make for men. at the very last minute i came up with this simple hoodie, which i'm kinda proud of because i've always felt i could never make clothes that a guy would actually WEAR. i had to show it to the recipient, in order to have him model it for the photo (on my dress form it doesn't look very manly!) and he pretty much hasn't taken it off since.

craft-effen-tastic!

2008-12-15T16:33:00.003-05:00

ok, so remember how the highlight of last year's Craftacular was when a certain someone bought one of my dresses (the one i secretly hoped no one would buy so i could keep it myself, to be exact)? well, all year long i have regretted not having the nerve to ask for a photo as evidence. fast forward to this year: i made four new dresses in this same style, and decided to keep (and wear) the one in the same fabric as that one. now, it occurred to me, what if she sees me in it, would that be weird? what if it didn't fit her? what if she wants to RETURN it this year? then i thought, of course i'm being silly; she probably doesn't even remember that dress and won't even notice if i'm wearing it! so i went ahead with my plan and first thing in the morning, as we're setting up, one of my table-mates (was it siri? or nan? the moment is a blur...) points out to me that SHE IS WEARING THE DRESS TOO!!! i couldn't believe it! she had a cute apron/pinafore thingie on over it but sure enough, it was my dress, and we were twinsies! i ran over to show her, and wittily quipped, "we should have called each other!" and she told me she loves it and wears it all the time. unbelievable! i was pretty much beaming all day thanks to this. and this time, i got proof!

weekend update

2008-12-12T12:40:00.004-05:00

on sunday i will be carting my wares over to the biggest, baddest mama of all the nyc holiday sales: the 2008 BUST HOLIDAY CRAFTACULAR! you don't want to miss this one! come early to beat the crowds and score a goody bag (first 500 in the door). last year the line was around the block, so i'm not kidding! i will be next to treehouse and raeburn ink so come out and support ;n)

there are a whole slew of other indie sales this weekend; pop over to the SAPLINGS blog for listings.

also, here's some shop news: FREE SHIPPING on everything in the hodge podge farm shop (within the US only) today and tomorrow, december 12-13. shop now or forever hold your peace, as i'm dragging it all with me to the sale on sunday so your favorite item may not return! i have also reduced prices on a bunch of stuff so check out that SALE section asap.

ok, that's all for now. back to the sewing machine!

crochet today

2008-12-10T22:21:00.003-05:00

i keep forgetting to mention that there is a sweet little profile of me in the december/january issue of crochet today (click on it to see it bigger...)! it's one of the few magazines with good crochet projects, so pick up a copy at your local newsstand.

also, brett bara, the super cool editor, hosted one of etsy's new shop live episodes in the virtual labs. it was really fun, and one of my dog sweaters was featured in her picks!

and finally, i wanted to remind you all that i keep updating my all-crochet favorites, so take a look and support some talented hookers!

make a recycled sweater hat

2008-12-10T14:54:00.002-05:00

as part of the Dare to Make It series on CraftStylish (daring you to make ALL of your holiday gifts!) i did this hat project out of recycled sweaters. it's super easy and works for man, woman or child. i want to make a few out of some cashmere sweaters i have... hopefully i'll have them at the Craftacular on sunday. you are coming, aren't you? see all the cool vendors here to whet your whistle!

december last-chance classes!

2008-12-04T14:00:00.006-05:00

i've got just a handful of classes left to teach before i skip town, so if you've always wanted to take one, these will be your last few chances for a good while...

tonight, i'll be teaching a FREE embroidery lesson with the masterful flor of feeling stitchy (who did the adorable holiday pieces above) from 7-9 at the Madewell store in SOHO, 486 Broadway (at Broome).

Holiday Applique Workshop at Brooklyn General
Wednesdays 12/10 & 17, (two 2-hour classes) $90
Whether cute and whimsical on children's clothing, classic and elegant on home furnishings, or fantastically avant-garde on a bag for you, appliqué can transform all kinds of projects. You'll learn three different hand-stitched techniques and apply them to your own, perhaps holiday, project. Materials: for first class session, all supplies will be provided. For second session, you will need a base fabric (or finished item), appliqué fabric (felt or other), embroidery floss, and needles for your own project.

EMBROIDERY @ Treehouse
Sunday, December 7th, 5-7pm, $50
The lovely Cal Patch is back in the trees with her fabulous embroidery skills and that loveable sidekick Gertie too. In this one session extravaganza, you'll learn 12 classic embroidery stitches and be off and running to custom-decorate everything you own! After making a basic stitch sampler, Cal will help you visualize planning your own personal project. All supplies included ...including tasty treats!...Stitch away!

CROCHET BOOTCAMP @ Treehouse
Thursday, December 11th, 6-9pm, $60
Just in time for the holly-day madness, treehouse's own Cal Patch is hosting another beginner's crochet workshop (aka BOOTCAMP!), and there's a couple of spots still open! in just one session, you'll learn all the basics needed to make a scarf or a hat for you or someone you love. wouldn't it be swell to give a handmade treasure or two this year? there's still time! but don't delay.. get your hooks ready and sign up today! (supplies can be purchased at treehouse, or you can bring your own...)

101 more reasons

2008-12-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

just in case you're not yet convinced, here are 101+ MORE reasons to buy handmade this holiday season (and forever!) brought to you by the bursting-with-good-handmade-things poppytalk.
mine is #105, and i think they're still adding...

make their day

2008-12-03T12:47:00.005-05:00

remember the other day when i mentioned that, when buying handmade, you could be someone's first customer? well, i've got two suggestions if you'd like to make that happen!

my delightful friend (and sometimes model) erika somogyi is an extremely talented artist, and she has just opened an etsy shop called Erika Since 1977 (which by the way i think is a brilliant shop name!). so far she's posted some hand-sculpted jewelry and salt-n-pepper shakers; i can't wait to see what else is in store!

another artist whose blog, little yellow birds, i recently discovered is joetta maue. she was recently lamenting on her blog about the lack of inspiring job opportunities out there for recent MFA graduates, and i (among many others, i'm certain) suggested she start an etsy shop. and lo and behold, just last week she did! visit Bird and Bear and you'll be glad. i find her work beautiful, touching, and funny. joetta was included in today's etsy Finds, so act quickly...

both of these makers, as of writing this, have O sales listed in their shops. i remember how that feels! but YOU could be the one that makes them into official Etsy Sellers!

crochet genius: laura normandin

2008-12-02T07:44:00.000-05:00

the next honoree in my crochet genius series is laura normandin of WREN handmade. laura does the most exquisitely delicate crochet work that feels very vintage in a way, yet modern at the same time. she is a craft editor at Martha, as well as an artist. i'm a big fan of her dolls and stuffed animals too! you can find her at two craft fairs this month in nyc and boston, or shop online. here are laura's responses to my five questions about crochet:

1. how and when did you learn to crochet? I taught myself from a book probably about 10 years ago. I just started with single crochet.

2. what is your favorite stitch? It's not really a stitch but I love granny squares. I like the way you can totally change the look based on the scale and type of yarn or thread used. I love that the image in most people's minds are their grandmother's afghans from the 70's using acrylic chunky yarn and how surprising it is to see an updated version.

3. what do you love about crochet? I love how portable it is. It doesn't unravel like knitting which makes it easy to throw in your bag or take it on the subway. I also love how repetitious and relaxing it is.

4. do you have any special/favorite materials or tools that you crochet with? I like to crochet with vintage tatting thread. It can be bought on Ebay by the lot. The old colors are nicely pastel and muted but with bright reds. I've also been experimenting with dyeing my own tatting thread. One of my favorite colors is deep indigo blue which I could never find, so I dyed some.

5. any interesting plans, projects, or new directions in your crochet future? Lately I've tried crocheting necklaces, that look like tiny garlands. This is a new direction for me. They are a little time consuming though so I'm not sure how cost effective they are if I'm selling them. I'm going to take a few to my Holiday craft fairs so we'll see!

thanks again laura! and readers, please do let me know if you would like to nominate anyone to be a crochet genius...

why buy handmade?

2008-12-01T13:31:00.004-05:00

i try to keep my rants few and far between, but sometimes i think i hold back a little too much. i mean, what's a blog for if not to express ourselves? but since it is Cyber Monday and all, and i am a seller of goods online, i am just brimming with thoughts that i need to share. i think about this stuff all the time, and most of my friends do too, as many of them are makers, artists, or designers as well. but i wonder about people who don't 'make a living making things'. are they as conscientious consumers as we makers are?

about three years ago, i pledged to myself to stop buying clothing made by corporations, basically all of whom use overseas sweatshop labor. i am a self-employed clothing designer, and live on a very tight budget. so the clothes i tended to wear were what i could afford; most frequently H & M. i would meet people and eventually it would come up that i make clothes, so the immediate question would be "oh, did you make what you're wearing?" and inevitably the answer was "no, it's H & M!" this began to deeply disturb me. it wasn't that i wasn't making clothes, but i felt it was more important to bring the pieces i made to one of my local indie boutiques, not keep them to wear myself. so i have been slowly trying to convert my wardrobe to self-made, other independent maker-made, or vintage. originally there were certain categories i considered exemptions, like jeans, coats, and underwear. but slowly i am coming around to the idea that i can make EVERYTHING i need! i would say i'm about 30% there, but i try to at least wear something handmade every day.

anyway, the point i really wanted to make today is this: if you can't make the things you want and need, at least carefully consider your choices when you hand over your hard-earned dollars. greedy corporations sell cheap products at the expense of others. we are all feeling the effects of the current state of the economy, but most of us will still shop more this month, to buy gifts for our loved ones, than at any other time of the year. try to shop locally and support small businesses over national chains. attend your local farmer's markets and craft fairs and buy directly from independent producers. consider buying one higher-quality handmade gift for each person, rather than lots of disposable items. be someone's first customer. when you buy from the hands that made the piece, there is a soul and a story behind it. we just saw how important it is to VOTE and that the result can change the world. most people don't think of shopping as voting, but it is. every dollar you spend is a vote of support, so choose your candidates wisely!

ok, i'll wrap this up since i'm not used to writing so much. check out the handmade pledge. etsy's gift guides are amazing; you'll be surprised what you can find there! and today is the last day of my free shipping/25% off promotion in the shop. thanks for reading and let me know what YOU think!

elastic shirring tutorial

2008-11-30T20:32:00.002-05:00

hope you had a happy thanksgiving! just wanted to let you know that my latest CS post is about shirring with elastic, a handy and very cool technique. i can think of so many ways to use this, and i love how 'pro' it looks.

i think i'm going to have to whip up a few more shirts like this one for the BUST Craftacular, which you should come visit me at on sunday, december 14! come early to beat the crowds!

black friday-cyber monday DEALS!

2008-11-28T13:45:00.003-05:00

i know that times are tight, and we are all keeping a close eye on our wallets. but if you will be shopping this weekend, please consider buying handmade and supporting independent artists and makers, rather than greedy corporations...

on that note, i am running a special sale this weekend in the shop, in conjunction with etsy's black friday/cyber monday deals promotion. here are the details of my specific deal, but you can find all kinds of sales and free shipping here. also check out all of the amazing gift guides, organized by price, who you're buying for, the occasion, or what you believe in. especially take a peek at the winter accessories one, for lots more good crochet and knit stuff!

HODGE PODGE WEEKEND SPECIAL!!!

buy one item, second item (lower price) will be 25% off!
plus FREE SHIPPING on all U.S. orders over $50.
(half price shipping on foreign orders over $50.)
from 12:00am on friday nov 28 thru 11:59pm on monday dec 1st.

NOTE: i will be away weds 11/26-sun 11/30. if you make a purchase during this time, hold payment and i will send you a Paypal invoice with revised shipping on sunday evening. all orders placed over the holiday weekend will ship monday morning, december 1. thanks!

beans to spill

2008-11-25T12:36:00.005-05:00

sunday was my 40th birthday. how can it be i've been on this earth for 40 years? wild. some of my favorite ladies took me to High Tea at a little tea shop in the East Village. the scones with rose petal jam and lavender Earl Grey were lovely. thanks xine for the photos!

while on the subject of Momentous Occasions, there are two big announcements i've been meaning to make for quite a while now. they are both so Big, and so Good, that i just wasn't sure how to go about it! i'm not good with fanfare. but now's as good a time as any, so here goes:

Announcement #1: i have written a book. yes, really. it still won't be out for nearly a year (september 2009) and i am not allowed to say yet what it's about, but let me tell you, it's looking gorgeous! my publisher is the highly esteemed Potter Craft, and it all seems more like a dream than for reals.

Announcement #2: i am moving upstate. yes, really. remember this? you didn't think i was serious, did you? or that i could pull it off? well, it's kind of funny but i will actually be moving all of my stuff in a truck on DECEMBER 31, 2008 so just by the skin of my teeth am i making the deadline! it's truly miraculous how things work out. hodge podge farm, the FARM, is becoming a reality! i will elaborate on the details of this in the upcoming weeks, but there, i've said it. wow.

two dreams in one year!

embellish with crochet

2008-11-21T00:33:00.005-05:00

this week on CraftStylish, i give a step-by-step on how to add crochet inserts to clothing you make or already own. this is one of my favorite techniques for tops and dresses, as you may have noticed! it's a great way to customize basics, or to make one-of-a-kind gifts.

all-crochet etsy mini!

2008-11-19T22:28:00.006-05:00

i keep forgetting to mention that for the rest of this month and all of december, in keeping with my pro-crochet campaign, my *etsy mini* that features my 'faves' (as opposed to the one that shows items from my shop, at top right) is gonna be ALL CROCHET ALL THE TIME. i don't know if anyone even notices it down there in the sidebar, but it's always there, showcasing a constantly evolving group of my favorite things for sale on etsy at any given moment. i will try to keep it freshly updated and remove things as they sell, too!

also, this week the lovely etsian julie (queen of the Labs) wrote an article about warm winter crochet and knit accessories in the Storque, and featured lil' old moi in the big photo! yay!

crochet genius: margaret oomen

2008-11-19T16:07:00.012-05:00

my first honoree of the *crochet genius* title is margaret oomen of resurrection fern. i discovered her blog a few months ago through one of the others i read, and was instantly hooked (pun not intended)! i mean, anyone who crochets sweaters and halloween costumes for snails is automatically on my list of favorite people! margaret takes crochet in unusual, organically innovative directions, and her nature photographs are other-worldly. you must check out her mushroom, ice, and slime mold photos which i didn't have room to include here! she also writes up many a detailed tutorial for her incredible projects. i asked margaret five questions to which she graciously responded:

1. how and when did you learn to crochet? I am completely self taught. I taught myself how to crochet when I wanted to make some crocheted hats for my children when they were young. I think I went to the library , took out a basic crochet book and mastered the basic stitches. The hat was beautiful blue hand dyed wool and I made it to fit her head exactly in circles of single crochet. I embellished it with felt and embroidery. That was when I first noticed it is much easier to embellish crocheted items than knitted ones. I still have this hat and should take a good photo of it one day.
2. what is your favorite stitch? I only use the basic stitches so I would have to say double crochet. It is easy and versatile and I love how when I cover natural objects they peak out from underneath the stitches between the small openings.

3. what do you love about crochet? I love the freedom it gives the artist or craftsperson. I never follow a pattern . I always make it up as I go along and sometimes remember to write down what I did so that I can share it with others. I love how you can stop and start where ever you want. Impossible to do with knitting. I love the sculptural aspect of it as you can tell from my work. The one thing I don't really like about it is that I have to look at what I am working on . With knitting unless I am doing a complex lace pattern. The other little pet peeve is that because I am working with fine fiber and a tiny hook I need to wear reading glasses when I work.

4. do you have any special/favorite materials or tools that you crochet with? It is probably pretty obvious that I love working with natural fibers and things like stones and wood. Almost all my crochet hooks come from the thrift stores as well as most of my fiber. Some of it is very old , quite apparent when you see the price of the spool if it is still attached. The colors are softer and sometimes a little yellowed with age. I love that. My new love is any fiber from Habu textiles.

5. any interesting plans, projects, or new directions in your crochet future? I really want to try to make some more sculptural pieces like the roots one I did recently. I am always looking for new natural things to cover and I am very fortunate to have a store that sells rocks and minerals about 10 minutes from my home. I also want to do some natural art and photography with lace , snow and ice. A beautiful wintery combination I think.

thanks again for sharing, margaret! you really are a creative genius, whether you agree or not ;n)

new in the hodge podge shop

2008-11-13T12:50:00.004-05:00

i've been crocheting like crazy for the past couple of months, to be ready for the holiday gift/craft fair season. since i teach nearly every weeknight, i have a good bit of time on the subway which is where i get most of these done. i have some new styles this season, as i was getting a little tired of the helmet earflap hat. so i hereby introduce the coral reef cloche, hairdo hats, and bobble hats. all of these are currently in my shop, and more are listed nearly every day...

and did you notice i have a new photographer?

also, i have been thinking a lot about crochet since i wrote that post the other day, and i've decided i'm going to start a campaign to promote the beauty of crochet! there are several inspiring bloggers/designers i plan to contact to ask a few questions, and to get permission to post photos of their work in an effort to make everyone want to crochet... if you would like to nominate anyone for my Crochet Geniuses series, please leave me a comment!

i heart mexico

2008-11-13T00:55:00.004-05:00

i returned from mexico last week, and let's just say it was love at first sight. i was overwhelmed by the beauty and simplicity of life, and the kindness of the people everywhere we went. i am so excited to write about the stories and adventures and share my photos. however, since i took nearly 600 of them, it's going to be a process that i will have to tackle bit by bit, so bear with me! in the meantime, gertie is very relieved that i didn't bring her back the new baby brother she's never wanted... but it sure was tempting! jasmine (pictured above) nearly caved as well, but then she already has three chihuahuas at home!

more mending

2008-11-10T17:36:00.000-05:00

i inspired a mender! lovely valerie of dear birthday repaired her knit hat after reading my tutorial. amazing! which reminded me of this post from back in january when i fixed another hat...
what are you mending?

underdog of the craft world

2008-11-09T22:52:00.006-05:00

i don't know what it is about crochet. i mean, it's one of my two favorite pastimes (along with sewing) and i find it incredibly beautiful, fun, creative and satisfying. it is also one of my favorite subjects to teach, and the first craft i taught back at my shop in 1999. but for some strange reason, very few people ever sign up for my crochet classes! (i would take it personally, but since most of my other classes sell out, i don't think it's me). knitting classes always seem to fill, but crochet is the outcast stepsister. figures i'd be drawn to it ;n) i do have some theories about this, but it's truly still a mystery to me. any thoughts?

i have a crochet class starting tomorrow (monday 11/10) at Brooklyn General, that would have been cancelled if not for the heroic p.r. efforts of the fabulous Lulu, who's already taking two other classes from me, patternmaking and sewing 102. she single-handedly brought the number of students from one to four, and for that i am very grateful. thanks Lulu! if you'd like to join us and learn to crochet, the shop is closed tomorrow so you won't be able to sign up by phone, but feel free to meet us there by 6:30 and we'll register you.

there's also another session of sewing 103, pants beginning on tuesday. see all the details here.

muse: joni mitchell

2008-11-09T21:55:00.003-05:00

a few months ago i watched an excellent documentary about joni mitchell. i knew i liked her music, but i had no idea what a great fashion icon she was! she had the folksy, earthy hippie look down. since then i've seen her referenced as such on a few other blogs, and last week Etsy Finds did a piece called Get Joni Mitchell's Look... so obviously i'm not the only one who thinks so.

this dress is so gorgeous; it reminds me of those vintage crochet yokes i'm so obsessed with. you can see it better in this video and experience the magic of joni *live*...

mending with crochet

2008-11-06T18:43:00.003-05:00

did you catch my recent CraftStylish post about mending a sweater hole with crochet? i love creative repairs that leave the original in a better state than before the hole or stain! i had totally stopped wearing my favorite (did i mention it's cashmere?) hoodie because of the giant (and growing) elbow hole, but now i love it even more.

this sweater is a showcase of such techniques because the first time i wore it, a White-Out pen EXPLODED all over me. most would have considered the sweater ruined and thrown it away (trust me, that stuff does NOT come out!) but i saw it as an invitation for further embellishment, and embroidered french knots all over the white splash...
so next time you damage something, before you toss it, see if you can mend it in an interesting way!

last call for dress class this saturday!

2008-11-05T22:47:00.003-05:00

REMINDER: i'm teaching a new sewing class at Home Ec and it begins this saturday, november 8! it's not too late to learn how to make this cute dress. i made mine in corduroy and i can't wait to wear it! give them a call at 718-852-2889. what's a better way to spend your saturday afternoons?

Intermediate Sewing: Make a Dress

4-week series: Saturdays Nov 8, 15, 22 and Dec 6, 2:30-4:30pm $150 + supplies

Let's step up those skills! This versatile dress can be made for all sorts of occasions: I made mine in corduroy for that autumnal back-to-school feeling (it works as a jumper too), but in black sateen it could be a cocktail dress. In a great bold print it's your go-to summer sundress, and in eyelet you could wear it to a wedding! We'll use McCalls pattern # M5564 (please order in advance from Home Ec) and learn how to sew curved seams, insert a zipper, make a lining, and lots more.

Students must have some machine-sewing experience.

Supplies: McCalls #M5564 (Be sure to get the right size!) Fabric requirements depend on which size you're making, and can be found on back of pattern, but you'll need between 2 and 3 1/2 yards of woven fabric, depending on the width. Also, a 14" nylon zipper and thread to match.

creature comforts

2008-10-27T10:38:00.001-05:00

i wanted to show off two of my newest canine clients: that's sophie in her new hodge podge sweater at left, and chloe in her new (customized) pouch! i love to see pics of my pieces modelled by their ultimate owners, and these two made me smile this week. see more of the hodge podge dog line in my shop. this boost in doggy business may have been due to the fact that i was blogged and featured in a treasury... thanks fellow etsians!