Thank you Mr. Sendak, you made a tremendous mark on this family and we are grateful.

xo

Alabama Chanin,

The Knitgirllls, lordy, I love these ladies, they crack me up and I am not saying that because Leslie recently started making Pomme de Pin, I had no part in that and I nearly fainted when she said my name.

speaking of vlogs, Jessica Rose recently branched out from knitting podcast to beauty vloging as has the always adorable Cirilia Rose and I feel like this could get rather expensive.

Bill Cunningham, the very best rabbit hole indeed.

P.S. She looks AMAZING in red doesn’t she?

(From the United Nations, Women Watch site)

1909: The first National Woman’s Day was observed in the United States on 28 February. The Socialist Party of America designated this day in honour of the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York, where women protested against working conditions.

…

1917: Against the backdrop of the war, women in Russia again chose to protest and strike for ‘Bread and Peace’ on the last Sunday in February (which fell on 8 March on the Gregorian calendar). Four days later, the Czar abdicated and the provisional Government granted women the right to vote.

…

1975: During International Women’s Year, the United Nations began celebrating International Women’s Day on 8 March. Two years later, in December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions. In adopting its resolution, the General Assembly recognized the role of women in peace efforts and development and urged an end to discrimination and an increase of support for women’s full and equal participation.

Regardless, it is my favorite holiday because… it is also my birthday. I like to think of it as a day everyone celebrates but the presents all go to me (and everyone else whose birthday is today… and I know there are a lot of us). This year the present is for you! A free pattern using Lorna’s Laces new yarn Sportmate. Sportmate is a Sport/DK version of Lorna’s Laces Solemate, 70% superwash merino 30% Outlast. Outlast is “a viscose fiber that interacts with your body’s microclimate to moderate temperature from being too hot or too cold”. Its got a slinky silky feeling that is cool to the touch, perfect for a little cowl to keep you warm but not too warm as spring approaches. Download the PDF here.

Isn't Amanda lovely?

I learned to sew when I was four old from a Grandmother exasperated with my attempts to fashion doll clothes with scraps from the rag drawer and scotch tape. My first “garment” was a pillow case “dress”, cut to add neck and arm openings then embellished with tucks and gathers to make it fitted. I sewed all through high school, college and my 20′s though recently knitting has taken over. I recently found my self with a week between commitments and in anticipation of the publication of the Alabama Chanin‘s new book, Alabama Studio Sewing + Design, I thought I might see just how much I could accomplish from books 1 & 2.

4 Panel Alabama Swing Skirt, Book 1:

Rose Stencil Reverse Applique, organic cotton jersey in brown and black. I don’t consider this one really finished, when I look at it I feel like it needs ‘something’ and so I’m thinking I will add some embroidery around the hem, sort of like this.

6 Panel Alabama Swing Skirt, Book 2:

Bright red organic cotton jersey with herringbone stitch on the exposed seams

I still haven’t finished trimming the loose threads… Because Book three arrived today, and I am over the moon in love.

Enter coupon code “xoxo” at checkout for 20% off all Savory Knitting Patterns on Ravelry today!