CasaSugar

Crave Worthy: Sea Urchin Poufs

CasaSugar — Fri, 15 May 2009 10:00:00 -0700

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.

Midday Muse: Rogue Knitters Strike Again

CasaSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:00:18 -0700

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?

Weird Furniture: Luflic in the Round Chair

CasaSugar — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:32:57 -0700

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?

Halloween Knitted Wonder

CasaSugar — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 14:36:52 -0700

Yes, this is a hat, but if you threw a Halloween party in your home while wearing it, wouldn't it technically fit into the category of "home accessory"? First I was tempted by Farmer Fox, and now this. I think the universe is trying to tell me to expand my knitting horizons beyond Harry Potter scarves.

Learn how to make it here.
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Adorable Little Animals

CasaSugar — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 12:30:57 -0700

I think I'm going to have to step up my knitting skill set beyond the basic knit one purl two, because Farmer Fox is making me crazy covetous. Parents with a knack for knitting would be well-served to grab one of these patterns, which I found first at Craft:, and are available from Ariadne Knits and the fabulous brain of Montreal designer Jennie Eveleigh Lamond for $4.50 as a PDF download. So. Cute.

The Muswell Cat pattern, also from Jennie Eveleigh Lamond, is also available for PDF download for the same price.

Any knitters out there want to make one?

Have You Started Holiday Crafting Yet?

CasaSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:00:31 -0800

Once November hits, I start my list for holiday crafting projects I want to work on. From scarves to teacup candles to salves, all of the crafting takes time - and planning - so I like to stretch it out over many weeks, instead of rushing and freaking out in mid-December.

Source: Flickr User LollyKnit

Throws as Cozy as Your Favorite Sweater

CasaSugar — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 07:30:09 -0700

Ever since I wrote about the Sun Moon Lake Recycled Cashmere Quilts ($250 to $350, below right) - made from luxuriously soft surplus fabrics - I've been intrigued by the idea of a throw blanket made from material I'd normally expect to see on a sweater.

Now that it's officially fall, I'm finding all sorts of cozy sweater throws to suit a myriad of fashion styles, whether you're partial to cashmere, mohair, or chunky knits, such as this Koko Cable Knit Throw ($113, above left). Here are some of my favorite fall sweater blankets.

Cool Idea: Knit Your Own Pouf

CasaSugar — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:00:15 -0700

I am in absolute love with this project, from Heidi and Anna at Pickles, over in Norway.
These lovely ladies 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.

This latest project brings the Flocks Pouf ($800) into the price range (and onto the living room floors) of all patient knitters. Pickles notes, "I found an amazing stool a while back, but it was super expensive and I wanted to see if I could make one myself. Loads of yarn, stuffing and needles later I completed Puff Daddy (Puff means stool in Norwegian) and Puff Daddy´s Baby."

Want to see more pictures of the Puff Daddy, and its smaller pouf relative, Puff Daddy's Baby? Check them out when you read more.

If you want to get the pattern for either of these stools, check on Pickles here and here to learn how.

View 4 Photos ›

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Cool Idea: Pickles' Whirl-It Lampshade

CasaSugar — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:00:29 -0700

Those crafty ladies over at Norwegian crafting site Pickles are at it again. Remember their pattern for knitting the Puff Daddy? Well, if you were too intimidated by knitting and purling, here's a simpler project that boasts a big decorating payoff.

Using simple, inexpensive materials including a balloon, Vaseline, cotton yarn, wallpaper glue, and a marker, Pickles created a gorgeous lighting centerpiece. To see more photos and find out where to get the DIY instructions, read more.

Pickles writes,

We planned to make the lamp using the yarn Garnstudio Ice, but it ran out really quickly, and we had to improvise by using a thinner yarn to complete it. Perhaps it happened for a reason - we really like the contrasts between the yarn quality and colors.

Want to make your own? Get the directions here.

View 5 Photos ›

Open House: What Makes Your Entry Work?

CasaSugar — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:00:35 -0700

The entry is such a massive multitasker. It has to provide room for storage, mail, putting on shoes, hanging jackets, and placing keys. It also often functions as a gallery space. Often, this happens within a very small square footage, many times in 10 square feet or less! I'm still looking for the perfect skinny console that offers adequate storage for shoes, hats, sunglasses, and letters and bills. For now I make due with various storage vessels, including a repurposed knitting caddy stand. I'm also terribly fond of the decoupaged bowl that a friend made for me, which is the perfect size for all of our various keys.

How do you organize your entry? Is there any piece of furniture that makes everything work? What kind of art do you include in your entry?

Tell me about what makes your entry work - and what you're still figuring out - when you read more.

Do you have some must haves that are essential for keeping your entry tidy and design-forward? Are they the same as my must haves shown below?

10 Degree Coat Rack - $49.95	Amy Ruppel Welcome Friend - $450.00
Channing Mirror - $299.00	"Saville" Valet Tray - $110.00
Blu Dot - Drift 2 Door/3 Drawer Console - $1,599.00	Emma Gardner - still runners by emma gardner - $525.00
Galvanized Boot Tray - $39.00	Ljusas Salbo Table Lamp - $39.99

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