Getting Ready

This week has been very exciting. On sunday I had the opportunity to meet with a local fashion designer. She gave me some wonderful advice and absolutely inspired me to keep pushing forward with new creations from Arsenal of Buttons. I am grateful to have spend time with her.

I also received an email from the shop I have been selling my little flower brooches. They would like to buy my goods wholesale, rather than consignment, which is great! I will be creating new flower brooches out of luxury yarns, perfect for wearing on a sweater, putting on a purse, giving as a simple yet thoughtful gift.

I am looking forward to trying new stitches to create some more elaborate flowers, and using bold vintage buttons.

I am hoping to also have my CozyCowls available for purchase at the shop. I have some large cowls ready to sell that are great for cold weather. They are made with super chunky yarn and each have a hand-stamped tag.

This weekend I was recovering from a long, fast-paced work week, and decided to try something new. I took a thick wool-blend yarn in charcoal and created a ruffle-cowl. The border is in a gorgeous wool-tencel blend, that has a sheen that makes it look metallic. I am so thrilled with the outcome. I used a large vintage silver button with a crystal in the center, and on the opposite side of the button I placed my hand-stamped tag- as per the advice of the local designer I met with last Sunday.

I look forward to creating this in multiple colors for the holidays this year. Each Ruffle Cowl with have a different button, since many of my buttons are one-of-a-kind.

Pictured to the right is my new hand-stamped label. I love the little bird stamp that has taken the place of the 'O' in Arsenal of Buttons.

Please check back soon for more new creations, and my big Etsy shop announcement!

Autumn Motivation

It is the busy season at work, full of travel and meetings. When I go on the road I always bring some fiber projects to work on. I bring a little handspun yarn, store bought yarn, my crochet hooks and some finished projects that need to be photographed. I enjoy getting to my destination early so I can find a little coffee shop to sit down in to crochet and have a treat.

It's a great way to meet the locals. Every time I start working, someone comes up and wants to know what I'm working on. Sometimes I even have other crochet or knitters come and join me. Last Wednesday I was in La Crosse, Wisconsin. I went to Jule's Cafe and within 20 minutes I was talking to four friendly people. One girl I met was working on a beautiful wool and silk knit cowl in a deep wine color. It is so much fun to meet other crafters on the road.

Sometimes the only time I have to crochet is while I'm on the road. I have been so busy at work, and by the time I get home I am depleted. I find it a challenge to muster up enough energy to peel the plastic off a meal and microwave it. But, lately I have pushed myself to make the time while in town to sit down and relax, and finish my projects. I had been asked numerous times when I was going to make wrist warmers, but I did not know how to so I wasn't able to do it. Last week I decided to try making a pair without a pattern while I was traveling. I ended up making two pairs, and I just love them. They are functional and cozy.

The first pair I made was using my multicolor handspun yarn, and the second pair was made with merino and tencel yarn in charcoal grey. I am looking forward to cranking about about 10 pairs for the holidays. They would make perfect stocking stuffers or a small gift for a coworker or friend. And who doesn't love a handmade gift?