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