Wool People

So knitting is pretty close to one of the last things on my mind right now with the extreme heat we are having in DC... but how beautiful are these sweaters, mittens, cowls, hats from Wool People??? These photos from the Wool People lookbook are part of a semi-annual design series curated by Brooklyn Tweed. Patterns are available to download on Brooklyn Tweed and Ravelry. I think its high time I move on from "knit 1, purl 2." And being too scared to knit without my mom, since she helps me fix my mistakes.

Images: Wool People

Chunky Knits

I come from a family of knitters and have modeled/worn/knitted many a chunky knit. Nothing as extravagant as this work of art (which I would gladly throw out my snuggie for)(just kidding, I don't really own a snuggie, but if I did...), but much more than the average 23 year old. Last summer I came across the beautiful work of Christien Meinderstma:

She makes these amazing urchin poufs that, for lack of better words, I die for. Unfortunately, they are very much outside of my budget. So I can't help wondering... how does one get into the business of creating such beautiful, chunky knits? Surely, knitting needles aren't sold that large. And then I saw this DIY youtube video:

PVC tubes, here I come!

Images 1-2: Johan Ku, via Abundance; Images 3-5: Christien Meinderstma, via Anthology

Pretty piñatas

These piñatas are much too pretty to beat with a stick.

Images: Lieschen Mueller, via Tabitha Emma

scarf wrapping

Remember this post on those awesome fabric wraps over at Chew the Cud? Here's a how-to wrap gifts furoshiki style I found at Brooklyn Bride!

Images: Angela Gaspar, via Brooklyn Bride

Hunter Gatherer

I love these handmade bows over at Etsy shop Hunter Gatherer, especially their creative names (clockwise from the top left): I am your pink sherbert; I am the start of a green spring; I am wild flowers in the summer; I am the bunch of flowers from a summer crush. They really are "quite lovely."

Image: Hunter Gatherer, via Eat Drink Chic

Two DIY projects for your weekend

How to make your own headboard (with dustless chalk!). Via Desire to Inspire.

How to make your own printed carpet, found here. Via Casa Sugar.

Like Banksy, but cozier

It's called yarn bombing - and it looks pretty awesome if you ask me. I will definitely try to find some of these next time I'm in Philadelphia. Thank you, ishknits!

Via Free People

Scrapbooking

I think this is so romantic - Danni over at Oh, hello friend made this for her husband Nicholas when he was having a particularly bad day. It's really sweet and makes me want to do something similar with my collection of letters and notes Hunter and I have given to each other. Also, how cute is that secret capsule note?

Via Say Yes to Hoboken

Enormous Paper Flowers

I've been loving Brittany and Paul's Real Wedding featured on 100 Layer Cake for some time now. What I missed is this incredible tutorial Brittany wrote on how to make the ginormous flowers used in her whimsical, Alice in Wonderland-ish wedding. You should go here for instructions.

Chewing the Cud

I wish I remembered these pretty fabric gift wraps at Chewing the Cud during the holiday season. I always feel sad throwing away pretty paper, and these are easier to reuse - so it's really like two gifts in one.

Paper Wreath

Pretty paper wreathes by Sadiie, made from the pages of old German books. Such a cool idea! And there is a lot more where that came from (as far as paper art goes) on her blog, found here.

A Crafty Lady

So, I've been trying to be more crafty. I attended a craft night with some friends from church and a lunchtime craft meeting once a month at work. At both events there were AWESOME needlepoint projects, ensuing "craft envy." Today I saw this on Design*Sponge and it made me happy:

You think I can pull it off, this whole crafty thing?

Via Design*Sponge

A Wreath

I love this wreath! I might try to do this above the bed or something. The idea is from Country Living.

Via Automatism and decor8.