what all do i doodle-y do??

104, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

i have had a number of inquiries by people who have seen my work in local boutiques and wonder why certain things can be found in the "real world" and others exist only in the ether on etsy...

so here is a link to the home of it all... oishiihandmade.blogspot.com

almost all of the pieces i make can be found on this site. contact information for placing wholesale orders can be found here as well (hint, hint)

i've also started making adult hats in super small batches. they sold out at sf indie-mart earlier this month (yeah!) so i am cooking up some more. stay tuned for photos!

the gang

the gang, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

they're here (finally)! my newest batch of handmade dolls...

from left to right: delila, bettina, henry, oscar, and samson

they can be found at castle in the air (berkeley, ca) and seedlings (sonoma, ca)

you can custom order your co-pilot on etsy!

yipee!

fp 10-30-08

fp 10-30-08, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

yipee! paolo made it to the front page of etsy!! i knew he had it in him... "if you believe you can achieve, dear boy!"

pour femme

siren2, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

some new pics of my knits are up on flickr... also a custom skinny scarf for a customer on etsy.

take a peek!

sy is 3!

sy is 3!, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

omg... my little man is sooo big! his birthday was 2 weeks ago and none of us can believe he is already 3. we're jonesing for another little one (i need a new hat model, no?)

here is a pic my lovely hubby took during a spontaneous photo shoot this afternoon while Sy sported his jammies AND his brand new backpack with his name embroidered on the pocket (a b-day gift from his grands - Skipper and Honeebee!)

thankfully he's practicing pouring in the sink here - so much better than the bedroom floor which is his preferred "pouring practice" location

cashmere!

cashmere!, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

it's turned mighty cold in the evenings so i decided to pull out the cashmere yarn and have a bit of fun.

six new hats to post!

will be up on etsy tomorrow - stay tuned...

p.s. the show last thursday was tons of fun. sorry no pics (dim lighting). reconnected with old friends and met some new ones. will post more later!

autumn-winter 08

autumn-winter 08 warm colors, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

whew! halfway through production for the appel and frank show this thursday

here's a sampling of what's to come. warm colors (above) and cool colors (below)

check my shopshop! later this week for the newest goodies - hot off the needles

oishii on the front page (of etsy, of course)

etsy fp 10*13*08, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=14608

gorgeous front page treasury from theseawithin!

the "twins" hats have made a resurgence and i'm inspired to make more hats for multiples...

of course, i missed SEEING the front page because i was napping. while playing hooky from school. (bad bad naughty girl, i know).

so incredibly hard to come home to responsibility after a weekend frolicking with your hubby. drats!

road trips and websites...

just back from a lovely wedding on the beach in santa barbara this weekend.

did NOT get any work done and had way too much fun.

to atone (a naughty weekend on the beach in santa barbara ain't cheap) i've been toying with weebly creating a new free website for oishii.

have a gander and let me know what you think... oishii.weebly.com

(ahem... and did you notice the new banner for the blog?)

pssst! i am creating a crew of new dolls and ummm... they are amazing!!

well, this one is a teaser... no pics! at least not yet.

i am creating seven new dolls for castle in the air (the most lovely of shops on 4th street in berkeley).

i absolutely adore them. these cousins of lefty, paolo and claudette are an international crew - hailing from every corner of the planet.

each has a story and a tiny treasure hidden inside. they are oh-so-super-yummy-oishii i can hardly stand it!

please stay tuned for more details...

upcoming shows!

paolo, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

i have three fantastic shows coming up in october, november and december. all should be so-much-oishii-super-fun... hoping to see you there!

oct. 23rd in sf - appel and frank's eco-chic shopping event
nov. 9th in marin - appel and frank's babes and babies event
dec. 6th in berkeley - nest trunk show at studio grow (stay tuned for more details!)

click the links for more information!

new items in shop!

19c, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

well, hello! i've been away from the blog for a while but am happy to let you know that i have some new items in the shop.

new fun colors and textures (yipee!) in hats and blankets.

please, have a peek!

the siren

the siren...4 (front), originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

inspired by vintage fishnet stockings and the handmade nets of old fishing boats, the siren is a mercurial wrap knit entirely of luxurious mongolian cashmere.

using varying weights of yarn - some super-light and cobweb-y, others lush and chunky - this versatile wrap is exactly what a siren would covet as soon as she washed up on shore.

the siren can be worn any number of ways - four incarnations are pictured in my flickr (www.flickr.com/photos/oishiiknits)

each piece is one-of-a-kind and created as the ideal yarns become available. custom orders are possible but i cannot guarantee color availability.

cosi

cosi...4, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

this "cosi", (italian for "like this" or "like that") is a classic shape with a modern kick.

crafted entirely of lusciously soft italian and uruguayan kettle-dyed merino wools, this piece is a fantastic wardrobe staple.

and the stretchiness of this knit gives you tons of styling options - it's a great light layer over warm weather togs on a cool evening and is a bright, modern layer to spice up obligatory winter coats.

*each "cosi" is one of a kind, created while i knit. designs can be repeated for custom orders or wholesale customers

striped watermelon/honeydew beanie

striped watermelon/honeydew beanie, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

my beanie on a delicious newborn!

another luscious shot from "little posers"... www.littleposers.com.au/

appel and frank

appel and frank display, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

yay! the trunk show was a total success! i had so much fun - i love the ladies who go to appel and frank. stay tuned for photos of lovely babes in their oishii hats...

cashmere baby!

cashmere baby - close-up!, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

How delicious! Onthe7thday (a.k.a Lana) on Etsy bought a couple Oishii beanie to use in her work as a photographer.

She was sweet enough to send me a couple shots of one of this beanie in action!

Please check out her website: www.littleposers.com.au/

She is a very, very talented artist!

SF Trunk Show - Sunday, July 20th

SF Trunk Show - Sunday, July 20th, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

Come check me out at the Appel and Frank "Babes and Babies" event in San Francisco this Sunday.

This show is absolutely amazing! I did the event in Marin in May and had a blast. Check my sets for photos from that event.

Find details and register at www.appelandfrank.com/

Enter my discount code "DESIGNERBB" when registering and you can get into the event for free!

Hope to see you there

inside my knitting bag..

inside my knitting bag.., originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

although the national holiday is september 8th, my mom-in-law (in town for the week) bought me this delicious confection.

these are handmade by a designer - offhand designs - in oakland, ca. they are constructed of super luscious vintage upholstery fabrics with italian hardware and findings (yes the gold clasp is stamped "made in italy" - yum!)

i have been coveting one of these bags for two years! yipee yipee for me!! thanks so much, cathy!

inside my bag... gorgeous pink silk blend lining, yarn (of course), samples of new hats (with pom-poms, yipee!), a blanket i am working on, and the new issue of moda with photos of the haute couture shows in paris... deee-licious!

lefty

lefty, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

he's finally in the shop! check him out...

introducing... lefty!

introducing... lefty!, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

what a flirt! with his one green arm and roguish smile, lefty is a wonderful addition to the family... and he is ridiculously eco-friendly to boot!

lefty is knit from our lovely pima cotton/modal blend yarn and stuffed with 100% luxurious bamboo fiber. without a doubt this super yummy, bamboo-filled boy is a treat for baby and for the planet.

o! baby baby - oishii window display

o! baby baby - oishii window display, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

So, I finally brought my wares over to O! baby baby on Solano in Berkeley. This boutique is absolutely darling and all of my oishii bits fit in like a hand in glove.

Everything they carry is absolute eye candy and they specialize in organic, sustainable and handmade gear for the world's newest citizens. Needless to say, I am absolutely thrilled that they put my little goodies in the window.

The display is exquisite - stop by if you get a chance!

O! baby baby, 1885 Solano Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94707
http://obabybaby.com/

it's an honor

it's an honor, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

I feel super honored to be included in this treasury as I absolutely adore every single piece!

Great aesthetic and composition, beautiful pop colors.

This beautiful creation was pulled together by theseawithin (on Etsy) who makes lovely little bags in AMAZING prints (honestly - they are really, really special)

Please check out her shop when you get a chance!

kaya's graduation dress

kaya's graduation dress, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

So when I'm not parenting, knitting, working, studying or vainly attempting to launch my knitwear line... I'm sewing, of course! (or sleeping...)

Kaya graduates from 6th grade this Tuesday and asked me to make her dress. I was excited and nervous because this was my first time using a store bought pattern.

All of the kid's patterns were hideous so I decided to work with an adult pattern. Soooo many alterations needed to make it fit her! And of course I have almost no patternmaking or alterations experience so this was all off the cuff. I did know enough to make a "muslin" (or sample dress) to make the alterations easier.

************

So, I'm almost there and am very, very happy with the result. Just need to add the finishing touches (lining hem and insert the zipper) and voila! it's done.

Details: 100% cotton eyelet over 50/50 silk/cotton lining. Olive velvet ribbon trim

Will take and post better pictures in the morning - check my flickr!

my india

FEV2006-Delhi (25), originally uploaded by escalepade.

Gorgeous find on Flickr... can't wait to go back to India with my camera!

modern knit cotton baby blanket

modern knit cotton baby blanket, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

New in the shop!

Available in mini (23" x 27") or maxi (23" x 32")

Knit with super soft 100% pima cotton yarn - the texture of this blanket is absolutely gorgeous!

modern knit cotton blanket - mini

modern knit cotton blanket - mini, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

Finally! I have been working with various yarns and drafting revision after revision on patterns for months in an attempt to create the perfect baby blanket. I had some serious doubts it was even possible to create my ideal knit blanket (four months is a long time for a continuous string of failed prototypes!)

Thankfully I had my "Eureka!" moment on Thursday when I knit this "mini" blanket - the perfect size when a big ole' crib blanket just won't do.

The yarn is ridiculously soft and the hand is absolutely perfect - it has great weight but isn't heavy. It feels rich and luxurious, is all natural (100% natural fibers) and is absolutely delicious.

This "mini" is available in my shop on Etsy - it's the perfect size for a car seat blankie, a cuddly mat for tummy time or a nursing cover up!

learning japanese

learning japanese, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

Learning Japanese, I think I'm learning Japanese, I really think so....

As I am head over heels in love with so much of Japanese culture, I thought it only fit to study the language as well (those who know me well will in no way be surprised... I have studied eight languages - Spanish, Hindi, Sanskrit, Arabic, French, Dutch, and a teensy bit of German and Portugese)

Picked up these CDs at the library tonight. Will listen to them while knitting!

Oishii of course is "delicious" in Japanese. My favorite word right now is "otokonoko" which means "little boy". I love the way the word moves through my mouth as I say it.

where'd all the students go??

the lab - sewing machines, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

Schooool's out for summah!!!

The semester is over and I am now free to commit myself to the other 15 projects I've embarked on over the last 5 months... yeah! Argh.

I just finished a year of garment construction and will begin the real work in September with 12 units of textiles, draping, patternmaking, and sketching.

Was feeling wistful on the final day of classes and brought my camera in to take a few shots. Here is a groovy shot of our sewing lab. More photos on my Flickr!

in my spare time...

wedding garter, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

Robyn of Handcranked Designs asked me to create a keepsake wedding garter to feature one of her gorgeous silver pendants.

I created the white garter to be worn on the day and the teal garter to be tossed.

After the ceremony the pendant can be removed from the garter and worn on the included silver chain.

Available on Etsy

angst

We are in the midst of a heat wave and I've developed an itch I can't scratch. Creative angst. I love this feeling because I know where it leads. New, yummy, odd creations are on the way. I've got a wild glint in my eye that definitely makes my husband nervous.

I don't want to be responsible and prepare for orders in the fall. I don't want to study my favorite paintings and decide on a workable palette for a collection. I want to take all of my yummy cashmere and make a big multi-colored blankie. I want to knit a life-size Claudette. I want to make things that are wasteful and silly. I want to make a peacock out of silk tie fabric remnants.

I'm sure I'll have to tame the beast before too long. We do have a mortgage to pay after all. But for now I am riding the itch. And I don't need no stinking scratch.

gorgeous

IMGP6450, originally uploaded by Mr.Q_Lin.

**UPDATE... So, more perusing of Mr.Q_Lin's photostream revealed a bit more info. A) if you are at all into fashion or visual art you should check out his photos and B) I am pretty sure he is based somewhere in Japan - I'm guessing a big city as there are some pretty serious visual arts happenings chronicled in his photos. My, oh my, I heart flickr!!!

This photo is a flickr find... no information whatsoever but I assume it's a fashion show somewhere in Asia.

I love everything about this photo - the parasol, the dress with a modern print and just enough volume. Electric blue dominates the composition. Just gorgeous!

in progress -- lace jacket

in progress -- lace jacket, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

Hand pieced chantilly lace bolero with organza sleeves - project for school.

The pattern was not particularly attractive so i made some adjustments. I just hope the end result is not hideously ugly...

Altered the pattern so I could have more fun with the construction - shortened the sleeve (was wrist length) and added lace at the shoulder.

Will post more pics as I progress

modern knit cotton beanie with monogram

modern knit cotton beanie with monogram, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

The "b" is for baby, of course!

I was asked about monogramming hats earlier this week so I thought I'd give it a try.

What do you think?

treasury by handcranked

treasury by handcranked, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

Created by Robyn Hoke, an amazing jewelry designer (etsy user id: handcranked) and writer.

This treasury features SF Bay Area artisans... and one cute little plush from Berkeley named Yuki!

www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=9416

sample baby bootie

sample baby bootie, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

I have been asked so many times if I make booties that I thought I should give them one more try.

I toyed with the idea of a modern baby bootie about two months ago and was stymied. The booties were either fairly cute but would not stay on OR were very hideous and stuck like glue.

I am actually pretty happy with this sample. It is knit with pima cotton blend yarn and has a black elastic cord as a tie for a snug fit.

If all goes well these will be available in two sizes -- 0-6 months and 6-12 months -- by June.

Hoping to make them in cashmere and mohair for the Fall. Stay tuned!

appel and frank "babes and babies" photos now up on flickr!

Claudette, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

Just posted the photos from my first trunk show, Appel and Frank's "Babes and Babies" event this past Sunday.

Click here to check them out!

appel and frank "babes and babies" trunk show

appel and frank "babes and babies" trunk show, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

Here's a pic of me at the trunk show today.

I had an absolutely amazing time!

Met many adorable moms and babies... will upload photos after a good night's sleep!

set up for appel and frank

set up for appel and frank, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

I'm not entirely happy with this. Planning to add cellophane to the "bathtub" for Claudette...

Not quite sure what exactly is wrong. Maybe I need to replace the embroidered risers with simple ceramic vases??

I'm also thinking of laying a sheepskin under the set up to give it more warmth and fuzziness.

The table at the show will be bigger so everything looks mushed now but will have more breathing room on Sunday...

Feedback, please??

unfinished jacket

unfinished jacket, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

Just finished this jacket today and I love it except for the fact that the sleeves are too short for me to wear it. Fortunately, now I'll get to make the charmeuse sleeve extensions/armwarmers inspired by the lining hanging out of the sleeve in this picture.

No rest for the wicked!

More pics on flickr... Will post the finished jacket when I get it back from my teacher

My first feature in a treasury!

first treasury!, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

Well, this is a certainly a weekend of big firsts...

Signed up for my first trunk show yesterday, and now I've been included in a lovely treasury on Etsy!

Please check it out and leave a comment. This treasury features some amazing West Coast designers!

www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=41309

My first trunk show!

Invite to my first trunk show!!, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

I'll be showing at my first trunk show next Sunday, May 4th

Where? Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley

When? 10am to 2pm

Who's hosting? Appel and Frank (www.appelandfrank.com)

Let me know you heard about the show on my blog and receive 10% off of any one item!

Etsy meet up at the Ferry Building!

Etsy SF Group picture 4.26.08, originally uploaded by localcolorist.

I met a bunch of my fellow Bay Area etsy-folk early this morning at the Ferry Building in San Francisco.

Super fun!

From left to right (with their Etsy ids)

Beth, Bethela, Etsy Admin
Erika, moi!
Christie, bemidesigns (printing and letterpress)
Robyn, handcranked (modern jewelry)
Annie, curbsidetreasure (mixed media collage jewelry)
Nadine, theseawithin (handmade bags)
Eleanor, 2inspire (printed cards and calligraphy)
Nancy, localcolorist (origami cranes)

toca el cajon...

toca el cajon..., originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

Sylas turned our nightstand into a cajon (an Afro-Peruvian precussion instrument) tonight.

Dragged it out of our room and into the dining room for a performance!

His teacher at daycare, Lalo, is an amazing musician from Peru and is teaching him cajon... pretty darn cute.

He was singing a rousing version of "La Mariposa". Here he's telling me to stop taking photos and dance!

Modern baby bib - black/cream/lilac

modern baby bib - black/cream/lilac, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

Another modern bib... I really love these!

Available in my shop!

Modern knit cotton beanie for baby

striped cotton baby beanie, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

Fresh off the needles... new in the shop!

Modern baby sun hat

modern baby sun hat, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

New in the shop!...

Knit with deliciously soft yarn and tons of love, this sun hat is just perfect for spring!

Inspired by the color studies of Mark Rothko and Josef Albers, this vibrant sun hat is an amazing addition to baby's spring/summer wardrobe.

Clean lines, saturated colors, and a generous brim to protect baby's eyes and sensitive skin make this hat a must-have for a hip kid-o on the go!

Claudette

New in the shop!

Claudette is a lovely companion. She adores visits to the MOMA, cruising flea markets, and reading anything by the Bronte sisters.

Like her cousin, Amelie, she has a succulent permanent pout.

Claudette is not a fan of of "traditional" baths, so if she has a nasty run in with a soy latte or a vegan muffin, do spot clean.

This gal measures 23.5" (60cm) tall from the top of her head to the tips of her toes.

100% Handmade in the U.S.A.

A big step towards couture...

notched collar jacket - in all its half finished glory, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

This is a jacket I am making for my construction class. It has been a LOT of work - 27 pattern pieces and a little over 100 cut pieces!!

I did not like this project at first. Way too many layers and prep work for someone else's design!

But the more I sew and press the fabric I am falling in love - with butterflies in my tummy and everything. I am creating a garment with the care and precision I have wanted to execute for years.

My dream is to be able to construct any structure out of 2-D fabric. It's amazing to think that every single piece of this jacket was once on a bolt of fabric and has been shaped and molded by my hands, an iron, a straight stitch machine, and a whole lot of time!

Wool is wonderful to work with. With heat, moisture and pressure you can shrink, stretch, and mold the fabric into exactly what you need it to be. Such a beautiful medium!

And the techniques I am learning - building foundations within the garment to help shape and hold the outer shell - will help me create the confections that now only exist in my imagination!

Couldn't be happier with my progress. Check out more pics on my flickr

New in the shop - Modern Baby Bib!

modern cotton bib, originally uploaded by oishiiknits.

I love this bib! It's bright and modern, super soft, and able to withstand the rigors of babyhood.

This bib was designed to save others from the dilemma I faced when my son was younger - ruin a cute outfit with a blah bib or sign up for drool duty and changing t-shirts like a mad woman!

Who knew the bib played such a pivotal roll in a baby's wardrobe?

Thankfully, super clean lines and vibrant colors make this bib a great addition to any outfit (not a necessary evil)!

The Little Red Door

zoo charmenagerie, originally uploaded by thelittlereddoor.

A gorgeous pic from Flickr by thelittlereddoor. She has a beautiful eye for color and composition!

Her shop on Etsy is bright, silly and full of whimsical kitsch. Please do stop by!

Shop at thelittlereddoor.etsy.com

See more of her work at http://www.flickr.com/photos/thelittlereddoor/