Success! 200 Facebook "likers" and a competition to celebrate!

It must have been serendipity, but I made the call out on the Bird's Nest Facebook page to see if we could get to 200 'likers', and not only did we get there, but we exceeded it and as it stands we have 216 - I am blown away !!

So to celebrate, I'm giving away not just one custom knit but two - and not something that has been on my 'available' list before.

Up for grabs is one custom Paige Babydoll knit - a beautiful dress pattern by Rachel Evans, with an eyelet sash, A-line skirt and gorgeous cabled detail on the side. Here is a link to one I've done previously - First Beach Paige Babydoll (when the pattern was in it's testing stages), I absolutely adore it and have another on my needles as we speak.

I'll also do a custom Pinwheel Beanie to match, and to make things even sweeter - I will add a mystery sweet treat to your package (and will try to bear any dietary issues in mind if I can).

Entries for this competition will be only via Facebook at this stage, so if you haven't joined up yet - now is the time! I will be putting up an album especially for the competition of the yarns I have available for these lovely knits, and to be eligible you must 'tag yourself' in the photo of the yarn you love the most (and would like to have knit up for you).

Entries will be open until Saturday 18th December, and I will draw the winner on Sunday morning (19th December). One entry per person only please, and good luck !!

Go Gently,

~ Jax ~  XOXO

Photo catch up!

Tis the Silly Season indeed, and I can't believe I have let nearly a month pass since I last blogged. In my defense my needles have been flying, with a couple of custom projects as well as various gift items - plus I am well within sight of the finish line with tiKKi's Mystery KAL!

I won't blabber on too much since this entry *is* titled as a photo catch up after all.


Apt for the festive season, I had a request for some 'elf sized' longies and a matching hat:

And I am slowly making progress on a Cassia for my youngest girl (another great pattern by Georgie Hallam at http://tikkifabricaddict.blogspot.com) , with an adaptation of a cabled panel in the front instead of pockets. Just the sleeve edging to go!

I am also making a shawl for my mum for Christmas, and now that a couple of my current WIPs are drawing to a close I can get cracking on this - it is the Adamas shawl pattern by Miriam L. Felton, and I'm knitting it in fingering weight 'Amatista' from 100Purewool. 

I will post up photos of the completed tiKKi Mystery KAL garment once it is complete - I think it will look much cuter if I can put it on a live model ;)

That's it from me for now, but I will close with a promise not to leave it so long again between blog entries - and a reminder that I still have the 'Stripes Ahoy!' Rainbow Dress for sale.

Go Gently,

~ Jax ~ XOXO

Stripes Ahoy! Finally, an item for SALE!

So in amongst the beginning of the chaos that is so typical of the 'silly season', I have actually managed to knit up an 'in stock' item.

What we have here is "Stripes Ahoy!" a gorgeous little Rainbow Dress (pattern by Georgie Hallam) in 100% wool, 3 month size (approx 16" chest).

I managed to scoop up a few balls in a yarn sale a while ago that fell just perfectly into the rainbow pattern, and in order to get the recommended dress length I supplemented it with some others already in my stash (the pinks and purples).

If you are a local to Auckland, NZ, I am happy to accept cash payment on pick up / drop off. I also accept transfers by internet banking, and am also able to use PayPal.

Please contact me by email if you are interested in purchasing Stripes Ahoy! jacquie.bird@windowslive.com Or leave a comment either here on the blog or on my Facebook page.


And just a quick blurb to cover other knitting 'news', I am still plodding along with the Knit-A-Long mentioned in my previous entry - I also have a couple of requests for smaller projects to cover this month, but might turn out another 'in stock' item or two in between all of that and a couple of Christmas presents that I have in mind.

Go Gently,

~ Jax ~ XOXO

A very belated catch up!

My apologies for the delay folks, here is what's been happening.

Firstly, I finished the hats that Tina Snow won for her twins in my first Facebook giveaway when I reached 100 'likers'.

I also had a test knit to complete, but I do apologise - I haven't got photos of it as I wasn't too happy with how it turned out, these things happen sometimes.

Next was a custom Rainbow Dress (pattern by Georgie Hallam at tiKKi), for the gorgeous wee girl of a kindy mum friend:

I am also looking forward to starting my very first KAL or 'Knit-a-long' with some other very avid knitters and fans of Georgie's, you can read more about it here: http://tikkifabricaddict.blogspot.com/2010/10/day-20-sign-up.html (although registrations are now closed).

At the moment I have one other custom knit order on the go, another Rainbow Dress but in cotton, for a gorgeous wee button called Adelaide (6mo size):

And because I'm a little on the OCD side sometimes I try to have just one WIP at a time, but I don't always succeed - which leads me to the scarf that I'm knitting up as a gift for one of my daughter's kindy teachers that's leaving at the end of this week:

I'm knitting it in 'Lake' 8ply Luxury wool from Bendigo Woollen Mills, and quite like how the colour is knitting up - the pattern I have adapted from the Baby Chalice Blanket pattern (I just cast on less stitches to make the narrower scarf).

So, that is all the recent knitting action! I'm trying to think up some way to get my Facebook page 'liker' numbers up, once we get to 200 I will do another giveaway.

I've also ordered and have received some fabulous wools and cottons, let me know if photos of gorgeous wool is something you all would like to see, or if it's just a 'me' thing in drooling over fibre ;)

Go Gently,

~ Jax ~ XOXO

Two things I have learned...

1. Knitting (especially for sale) isn't about money, it's about a love of the craft.

2. Lovingly hand knitted items are *never* sold for what they are worth, they are most often sold for far less than that.

And while I'm in a thoughtful mood, I'll leave you with this quote that tickled me absolutely pink (and that I'm sure many of you can relate to).

"Knitting is a boon for those of us who are easily bored.  I take my knitting everywhere to take the edge off of moments that would otherwise drive me stark raving mad."  ~ Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, At Knit's End:  Meditations for Women Who Knit Too Much

Go Gently,

~ Jax ~ XOXO

Roll on October !!

I can't believe we are entering into the final quarter of this year already, 2010, and in a few short weeks will be starting anew in 2011 !!

October is shaping up to be a pretty busy month in our household, and a busy month of knitting too. I have just completed the first summer knit for my youngest girl, which leads me to some exciting news - I am now licensed to knit the gorgeous Rainbow Dress pattern by Georgina Hallam at tikki fabric addict.

So that is a total of three patterns that I am able to do custom knits for, and whilst the two custom spots I had offered for September are now closed, I will be opening more in the next fortnight or so and am hoping to run a competition / giveaway soon if I can get our Facebook page up to 200 'likers'.

I have two orders to complete in the next little while, one from a neighbour and of course the hats won by Tina for her gorgeous twins from my last giveaway, after that though I will see if I can get some stock items knit up.

Last but not least, I have discovered a bunch of beautiful license-free patterns by the incredibly Talented Shannon Passmore of Crafty Desires (over the ditch in Aussie), so if any of her patterns such as the Ultimate Longies, Breezy, or Versa vest appeal to you - please contact me to discuss your requirements for a custom knit.

Go Gently,

~ Jax ~ XOXO

Taking custom orders - two spots available !!

I've been mulling this one over a fair bit the last couple of days, I've had a couple of baby knit projects to complete as gifts for friends that are due in the next few weeks, and have made more progress than expected.

In either a moment of genius or perhaps insanity, I have decided to open up two custom order spots for this month (September). This is on the basis of selecting from the wool I already have in stash, as depending on the size of the garment it may take a little longer if I have to order the wool in especially (though I am open to this if needed).

So if you're interested in ordering a Milo vest or Pinwheel beanie you can comment here on the blog, leave a message with me on Facebook, or email me at: jacquie.bird@windowslive.com

I'm also planning on writing up a basic tutorial on 'blocking' knitted garments, for both my own reference and those of you out there who may be curious as to how it works / what it is needed for - so watch this space.

I look forward to hearing from you, and getting the needles going!

Go Gently,

~ Jax ~ XOXO

And the winner is...

So I managed to do the draw for the free custom knitted Top Down Pinwheel Beanie pretty much on time, and using the free random number generator at Random.org and a numbered list of entrants into the draw, the winner selected was Tina Snow !!

Congrats Tina, I'll be in touch soon to have a chat about details of size, colour etc - I can't wait to get knitting for you !!

In the meantime please keep sharing the Facebook and blog love, I may even have another giveaway / competition idea in the works for when I reach 200 'likers' / fans ;)

Go Gently,

~ Jax ~ XOXO

My first giveaway !!

Earlier today I reached 101 'likers' on Facebook, and as I am so ecstatic about it I figured I'd best post here too and let y'all know about my celebratory giveaway - a custom knit Top Down Pinwheel Beanie !! You can head on over to my Facebook page and comment there, or leave a comment on this blog entry to be in the running.

I will draw a winner at around 8pm this Saturday night through Random.org, and then contact the person to discuss sizing and color choice.

Go Gently,

~ Jax ~ XOXO

One giant leap!

So I don't know how suspenseful I managed to be with my last update, but I couldn't hold out any longer.

My BIG NEWS is that I now have a Facebook presence! You can find me HERE.

When I get to 100 fans or 'likers' I will celebrate with a giveaway, most likely to be a custom knitted item ;)

My second lot of news is that I am shortly going to be an officially licensed knitter of Milo vests - pattern by Georgie Hallam. It comes in sizes from newborn to 5yo, plain or with a number of decorative cable options, and I have a large variety of wools in my stash to knit them with.

You can contact me here on the blog, on Facebook, or via email to discuss your requirements (colour and pricing etc): jacquie.bird@windowslive.com

I am so excited to be taking this next step but as you may understand have other facets of life to juggle along with it, including my two beautiful girls, so forgive me as I get the ball rolling if things are a little erratic ;)

Go Gently,

~ Jax ~ XOXO

BIG NEWS !!

Watch this space ;) I have some VERY exciting news coming soon !!

Go Gently,

~ Jax ~ XOXO

The Best Needle Case EVER

So I have to make a BIG shout out to Jo from Crazy Crafter NZ - she has developed the most amazing (knitting) needle case pattern *ever*, and also makes them up to sell to those of us too lazy to make our own!

I actually got mine a couple of weeks ago, but it took me until last night to get all my stuff organised into it. Just so you can see how cool it is, I took a few snapshots as a pictorial guide to how it works.

On the outside (button closure)

Open (full view)

'Top' pocket, L-R: my crochet hooks, scissors, and long tips.

'Middle' pocket, L-R: my bamboo DPNs, short tips, permanent marker & a couple of fixed circulars.

'Bottom' pocket: lots of bits & pieces - measuring tape, darning needle, cables, short fixed circulars, cable caps, pen, stitch holder.

'Sneaky' side pocket ;) - Needle gauge, stitch markers, another measuring tape, & some needle caps.

I think it is just the most amazing thing ever, and am really impressed I got *all* of my stuff in there with plenty of room for more (and there will be more!). It will fit quite nicely in my knitting bag too I think, which is always important!

You can find Jo at her blog (as mentioned above) or on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/CrazyCrafterNZ

Go Gently,

~ Jax ~ XOXO

Test Knit - Finished!

What a pleasure this was to knit - and it fits Tiny Girl just perfectly! I can't wait to do another one, it is also going to come with a full skirt option which is just as pretty.

The photo shows the cabled skirt option, and I haven't blocked it yet or found a suitable ribbon to go through the sash eyelets, but I couldn't resist posting a photo for y'all to see.

The pattern will be released on Ravelry once testing is complete - I will try and update here when that happens.

Go Gently,

~ Jax ~ XOXO

Introducing - Red Riding Hood Yarns!

I'd like to introduce a very clever crafty friend of mine from both Facebook and The Nappy Network (http://thenappynetwork.org.nz/forum/index.php) who has just started her own knitting related venture - Hannah from Red Riding Hood Yarns, who is specialising in custom dyed sock yarn at the moment with 8ply / DK soon to come.

There is so much yarny goodness that I have only been able to resist buying on account of not being able to make up my mind !!

Please go on over to her blog and support a fellow NZ knitter / yarn addict, and enjoy drooling over some of the very gorgeous colorways - I know I have been ;)

Go Gently,

~ Jax ~ xoxo

Gettin' mah test knit on!

Before I really got into knitting, and I mean *really* got into it, I had no idea what went into designing items and getting the patterns written up.

Lately though I've been having a go at a bit of test knitting, ie: putting my hand up to try out a potential pattern to work out any bugs or mistakes prior to it's official release.

My current test WIP is for Rachel at Crafty Wee Wifey - for the Paige Babydoll.

However as it is still a WIP (Work in Progress) I can't post photos yet - but as soon as it becomes a FO (Finished Object) I'll take a few snaps.

I am *loving* how it is looking so far, and might even apply for my third cottage license - it can be done in cotton as well as wool which is a bit nicer for summer.

Now that I'm thinking on cottage licenses, I'll just make a quick mention that I am licensed to knit Pinwheel Beanies, and have applied for a license to knit Milo vests (application pending - fingers crossed !!) - and even though strictly speaking it's not cheap to acquire licenses, the world is my oyster.

If you're interested in a custom knit, please contact me via comment here on the blog or email me: jacquie.bird@windowslive.com - and then we can discuss your requirements and pricing.

Go Gently,

~ Jax ~ xoxo

My first custom knit order!

I called the items the Lime Soda Milo & Lime Soda Cap - with patterns respectively by Georgie Hallam (http://tikkifabricaddict.blogspot.com/p/milo.html) and Kathering Oxlade-Knack (http://www.ravelry.com/designers/stitchymama).

They were knit for one of DD1's kindy teachers to give as a gift to a family member, and I'm quite pleased at the speed with which I managed to finish them - three and a half evenings all up.

Go Gently,

~ Jax ~ xoxo

Just because she's cute ;)

So as not to leave it too long between blog entries, and just because I think she's pretty cute, here is a photo of DD2 in the Oriental Lily I finally finished for her a couple days ago. It was a pretty intense knit, not difficult as such, but I hadn't done the pattern before - so I was really pleased when it turned out a perfect fit and I'm loving the colour too.

The pattern is by Georgie Hallam at Tikki Fabric Addict and is called the Oriental Lily - it comes in a fantastic range of sizes and is not really all that complicated. I used a little more than 100g of worsted weight yarn plus matching trim, in Songbird colourway from the clever clogs at the Family Roots yarn store.

Go Gently,

~ Jax ~ xoxo

A Colorful Way to Dye

As part of a swap on a forum I belong to, I recently received a wonderful package of goodies which included a 100g ball of 8ply wool from The Wool Company, and three little pots of cake dye.

I have been absolutely *itching* to try dyeing my own wool, not that I am any good at it, but because it's fun! So I decided that since I was having a PJ-day anyway, I'd get stuck in and take photos as I went.

It didn't quite turn out as I expected, but, that is not to say I won't find something to knit it into - and I also learned a couple of very valuable lessons. Firstly, wear gloves! Secondly, make sure all the containers / vessels that you are putting the wool into for soaking in the dye are free of holes, lest you have a big ole leak all over the kitchen bench.

Initially I thought that I could maybe possibly try gradient dyeing. Then I thought, maybe that's a bit ambitious, perhaps self striping is the way to go. Finally I settled on simply having a go and seeing what I came up with - and here is my 'learning story' ;)

The wool split into five 'mini' hanks and soaking in a vinegar / water solution.

Some of my supplies.

The containers lined up ready for the wool to go in, and I used disposable cups to pre-mix the dye in.

I poured a cupful of dye over each lot of wool, and then added extra water until each mini-hank was mostly submerged.

As I mentioned earlier, don't forget to wear gloves!

Bagged up and ready to go in the microwave for heat-setting.

Cooling off and then drying.

Eeeeek! But, nothing a pot scrubber, some baking soda and a bit of elbow grease couldn't fix...

Drying outside on the clothes horse.

Getting ready to wind! I had to snip the ties on each mini hank without accidentally cutting the wool itself, and then try not to get it tangled - got there in the end with DH's help.

*drum roll*

The End Result (so far, of course not knitted up yet)

The light may be better tomorrow, so I'll take a couple more photos and see if that helps the colour any - but as I said I *will* find something to knit with this - suggestions are more than welcome!

I think at least for a little while, I will be leaving it to the professionals, although I definitely learned a lot from today's little project.

Go Gently,

~ Jax ~  xoxo

And so the journey begins!

I've been struggling with this post for a little bit, I've had blogs in the past that have never really taken off and so it had made me a bit shy in getting started.

However, I've had some admirers of my knitting comment that I could sell some of my work, and I thought it might just make things a little easier if I had a vehicle with which to do it.

I am by no means a speed knitter, and also want this to be a space to showcase my other personal projects as I complete them - this weekend for example I'm hoping to try my luck with hand dyeing some wool.

At the moment I actually have a wee dress on the needles for my younger daughter, and want to get that finished off before I decide where I will go next.

I've obtained a cottage license to knit and sell the StitchyMama Top Down Pinwheel Beanie - a quick and easy knit that looks beautiful in solid colour or variegated wool, and so might whip up a couple of these soon.

A quick tidbit on my knitting history - I started as a complete novice after my first daughter was born 4 years ago, and things have since morphed into a full-blown yarn and knitting obsession. I love kid stuff as of course it knits up in no time and has a very high satisfaction level, although I am also hoping to take the next step up and tackle a more grown up item for myself soon too, perhaps in the form of a simple shawl.

And just so I don't leave this post full of boring old text, here are a couple of photos of items I've recently knit up for my two beautiful girls:

A cabled Milo vest for my big girl in a soft pink merino wool.

A pinwheel beanie for my youngest in a beautiful gradient dyed wool.

Go gently,

~ Jax ~ 

xoxo