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??