Nothing says cozy like chunky cable knits. Whether you're cuddling up with an actual woolen blanket or just riffing on the pattern with a cool coaster or porcelain vase, adding cable knits to your casa is a great way to winterize your decor. Shopping our picks is way easier than knitting so start clicking.
In the midst of Winter we're gravitating toward cozy knits aplenty, and that includes our go-to gadgets. Despite the iPod or smartphone's industrial aluminum coating, the devices also deserve a seasonal home which can be crafted in the earbuds cozy knitting kit ($25) from Uncommon Goods.
Perfect for knitters trained in the basics, the kit provides circular bamboo knitting needles, 160 yards of wool, pattern, and all the necessary tools to craft a 3-inch by 5-inch pouch and headphone sweater. Yep, even earbuds get the knitted treatment, with stitches that claim to reduce the dreaded cord tangle.
Have you knitted gear for your electronics? Kits like this make the geeky DIY easy!
In attempts to maximize my DIY potential (and minimize spending on pricey dog sweaters and stitched toys), I'd love to take up this crafty hobby. Sadly, I was once called too much of a perfectionist to complete the task in a timely fashion, but with my increased age comes decreased fussiness about each stitch being exact, so I think I'm ready!
First up on the reading list is Pet Projects: The Animal Knits Bible ($18) — packed with ideas that would make even Martha Stewart green with envy. Who knows, maybe I can make money off my results! Nah, I'm getting ahead of myself here.
Remember when I told you about the Puff Daddy? This DIY version of DWR's spendy Flocks Pouf ($800) is now within price range of all patient knitters, thanks to directions from Heidi and Anna at Norwegian craft and decorating site Pickles.
Heidi and Anna offer free patterns for knitting, crocheting, and sewing, as well as a bunch of other craft projects on their site, with Norwegian (as well as English) directions. And now, to add to the family of pretty poufs, the Puff Daddy is joined by its partner, the Puff Mama. You can get all of the directions for making this new knit pouf here, as well as buy yarn through Pickles's site.
I think I have died and gone to heaven in the ocean. Poufs + sea urchins + yarn = three trends I love blended into one. I don't read a stitch of German, but I might have to sign up for Berlitz just to figure out how to get my hands on one of these Taschide Sea Urchin Poufs. Update: My German-speaking husband reveals that the description reads, "The pillows come in three sizes and several colors (presently: bright pink, grey, grey/brown). They are stuffed with wheat/spelt mixture, and the coverlet is hand-embroidered from wool. The coverlet may be washed. The pillows and coverlets are produced (i.e sewn, assembled and stuffed) in Germany."
The cozy creatures are utterly charming and would make sublime spare seating in my home, or even a footrest for my privileged feet. Beyond that, the palette is parfait, kind of like French macaroons — another love. Sigh.
A friend of mine has been raving about the assortment of homemade baby hats at a tiny flower and card boutique called Willow and Bloom in Seattle, WA. I was bummed to find the selection isn't available for sale online — although you can order special one-of-a-kind gift baskets for new mommies — but, I was inspired by the designs on the company's website. One hat is shaped like a little Viking helmet and another is a simple cupcake design with hand-sewn "sprinkle" beads. Both have me wishing I knew how to handle a round knitting needle. Do you ever make or knit clothes or accessories for your children?
Remember when I told you about the woman who knitted sweaters for trees? Seems like someone in my neighborhood was inspired by her work. I found this well-bundled tree outside of a cafe in Berkeley. I love this type of guerrilla art; it's so much more, well, cozy than tagging, don't you think?
Luflic, pronounced "loo-flick," is the Old English word for "lovely." Although it's inventive and certainly memorable, I can't say I'd love to sit on the Luflic in the Round chair (inquire for price), which is named after the technique of knitting socks or sleeves. The tubular steel frame that makes its shape is formed in one continuous line that closes in a loop, and thirty feet of crocheted sleeve are required to upholster the entire thing. What do you think? Is it too peculiar for your living room or do you think the knit is neat?
