tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22086577791000251012012-02-14T13:44:06.956-05:00BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.comBlogger5231100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-63387477961015449322012-02-14T13:11:00.001-05:002012-02-14T13:11:44.304-05:00

Looking for a sweet treat for the holiday.  Here is my Raspberry scone recipe, make a batch for your sweet heart, or for yourself.  These are best straight out of the oven with butter or jam.  Because I substitute the dairy for vegan butter and soy milk mine are vegan, but you can use regular milk and butter. Ingredients 2 Cups Flour 1 Tbls Baking Powder 1 Teas Salt 1/4 Cup Sugar 1/3 Cup

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-87860123104814300052012-02-13T12:45:00.001-05:002012-02-13T12:46:15.052-05:00

This weekend we went up to the Poconos for our ski weekend.  I don't ski, but I enjoy sitting in a warm house knitting and reading and baking cake while others ski. Simon brought the guitar and we sang lots of Bruce Sprinsteen.   We played lots of games, Phase 10 and Settlers of Catan were among the Favorites.  It was also our friend Jason's birthday so we decorated the house

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-83178527608969305482012-02-10T13:55:00.000-05:002012-02-10T13:55:08.301-05:00

Front Room of Chapterhouse This is by far my favorite coffee house in Philadelphia.  One of the reasons we moved to Bella Vista was because we would be closer to Chapterhouse.  Ok, maybe that wasn't really the reason, but it was a great perk to moving to this neighborhood. This gem of a coffee shop is located off of South Street on 9th.  It is practically on the corner of 9th and Bainbridge.

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-4349816212133700862012-02-09T11:00:00.000-05:002012-02-09T11:00:00.433-05:00

This stitch gives an interesting look and twist to basic stockinette.  The look of textured stripes is achieved by two rows of ribbing between twice as many rows of stockinette.  Two pluses for this pattern is that it lies flat with minimal blocking unlike regular stockinette and is simple to exicute only requiring knits and purls.  This stitch however creates a right side and a wrong side to

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-65151699577492637002012-02-08T13:07:00.001-05:002012-02-08T13:07:49.616-05:00

I've made head way on my Janina trousers and so far they are pretty simple to put together.  I say this knowing that the dreaded zipper is coming up in the next session of sewing.  Here is my progress in a series of photos. Laying out all the pieces to be cut out.  There is just under a yard of fabric left after all the pattern pieces were cut out.  All my pieces ready to go. 

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-61384310883525950032012-02-07T12:07:00.000-05:002012-02-07T12:07:04.225-05:00

I know I'm suppose to be working on my Janina Trousers, but I saw this post on Merrick's Art, and having gone thrifting and found a men's polo in teal for $1, I felt I just had to make this first.  The shirt fit me really well so I didn't need to take it in.  All I really did was cut the arm band of the sleeve and then hem the sleeve. And then I cut the collar off and changed the

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-14510283998340505172012-02-06T12:24:00.001-05:002012-02-06T12:24:43.599-05:00

I seem to have a ton of knitting projects hanging around the apartment.  Some I just started, some I'm think have gone into hibernation. This is the swatch for a test knitting project I'm doing for NoTwoSnowflakes.  I wish I could show you the garment, but I am sworn to secrecy.  I will make sure to take some pics so when I can share the project with you, I'll have something to show.  The

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-13379829098895424272012-02-03T11:00:00.000-05:002012-02-03T11:00:10.086-05:00

In our house we are not big celebrators of Valentines day.  I do love cards and what a better holiday to give someone a card just to let them know your were thinking of them than Valentines Day.  What better way to show someone you really were thinking of them than with some wonderful vintage valentines.   1920's Whitney Made Valentine Postcard puffadonna Vintage Disney Mickey and

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-60846036294630761522012-02-02T11:00:00.000-05:002012-02-02T11:00:05.480-05:00

This stitch pattern is extremely stretchy lengthwise and has the added benefit of having no right or wrong side.  Great for scarves or baby blankets stockinette stripes is simple stitch that can give any project a little texture and interest. Stockinette Stripe (Knit Flat and in the Round) Any Number of Stitches R1&2: Knit all sts R3&4: Purl all sts

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-65247870463557064422012-02-01T11:00:00.000-05:002012-02-01T11:00:09.098-05:00

I found the fabric for my Janina trousers.  I found this great wool suiting at the Pennsylvania Fabric Outlet.  It was originally $15 a yarn, but they were selling it for half that price so I got two yards.  I am really in love with this fabric it has a great drape and is going to make stellar pants. It's hard to tell in my photo's, but the fabric is a subtle plaid.  It's woven with

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-34172984258332289532012-01-31T11:00:00.000-05:002012-01-31T11:00:08.217-05:00

Simon and I live in a tiny apartment with no storage.  We have been slowly, but surly fixing this with shelves and the use of vertical space.  These puppies are the newest addition to the homestead.  A bit bare right now, but soon all of my plants will be on the lower shelf and the drop ceiling and weight are the limit on the top shelf. We purchased some simple boxes from Ikea for me to

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-60967706476310083402012-01-30T11:00:00.000-05:002012-01-30T11:00:07.521-05:00

Here's what I did over the weekend.  Friday night, date night, we had dinner at Sabrina's and they had the best chalk board art ever! Taught on Saturday, look at what my amazing students made.  I love that they all used the same hat pattern and then customized it to fit there own style.   Later that night we went ice skating with our friends Mike and Jo on the River Rink in Center

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-53697783689878315082012-01-27T11:00:00.000-05:002012-01-27T11:00:08.842-05:00

I am bringing back Fiber Friday to Blue Betty Blog.  It was one of my favorites and I hope it becomes one of your's.  Today's Fiber is all from independent dyers and spinners found on Etsy, and to celebrate Valentines day here are some hanks, balls and skeins of yarn I wouldn't mind getting as a valentine. 1. A Funny Valentine Art Yarn AFiberLovesJones 2. Steel Roses Hand Dyed Silk

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-79951257860913599592012-01-26T11:00:00.000-05:002012-01-26T11:00:05.592-05:00

This project has been hibernating, and today it's coming out of hibernation so I can finish it up. This little pile of yarn and needles and one finished item of the pair will be a lovely pair of lacy leg warmers.  The pattern will be available on the blog as soon as I have finished knitting the second warmer.  My second sock syndrome got the best of me with these puppies.  I should have knit

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-14137137147026894652012-01-25T11:00:00.000-05:002012-01-29T13:53:01.133-05:00

Burda Style Janina I'm taking the plunge, Trousers.  That's it, it's decided the next project is going to be a pair of trousers.  The ones pictured above actually.  This is going to be a huge learning experience for me and fingers crossed a great wardrobe staple once complete. The pattern in the photo is Burda Style's Janina.  The pattern has been sitting in my account for ages (almost a

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-19886079070187691772012-01-24T12:14:00.003-05:002012-01-24T12:14:59.040-05:00

It is a beautiful day here in the city.  The sun is out and the temperature is climbing.  It feels more like a breezy spring day than the middle of January.  It is way too nice to be sitting inside, so I leave you with this cute picture of a sleepy baby koala named Noah.  He's so sleepy!

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-85654545959003934402012-01-23T13:32:00.000-05:002012-01-23T13:32:28.194-05:00

It's rainy and gloom outside today and it totally zaps all of my ambition.  I did however get up and go to the Y, so that's a start. Since today is starting to slip away from me I think it's going to be spent catching up on my knitting.  I just finished the best mittens ever.  The are knit out off super fine alpaca and lined with mohair and silk.  They are super warm and will keep my hands

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-91223432438429299392012-01-20T11:00:00.000-05:002012-01-20T11:00:00.404-05:00

It's time for January's link love and I've got ton's of great things I've found around the web. You Can Have Underwear That Fits! 1.) Burda Style has a great blog post about sewing vintage undies. How to Make a Mounted Jackalope  2.) Learn how to turn a thrifted fur coat into a mounted jackalope over on Offbeat Home. Floral Applique 3.) Over on Coletterie you can read up on how to

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-7820401764809544982012-01-19T12:44:00.000-05:002012-01-19T12:44:41.948-05:00

Sea Foam stitch is a great pattern if you have some beautiful yarn you want to show off.  A hand spun or art yarn with inclusions would be showcased  in the elongated stitches that make up the pattern.  Simple to knit with an interesting visual impact this stitch is a great one to have in your arsenal. Sea Foam (Knit Flat)   Multi of 8 plus 4 R1: K all R2: K all R3: *K4, YO twice, K, (YO 3

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-54927816311490998002012-01-18T11:00:00.000-05:002012-01-18T11:00:10.881-05:00

Now that I've finished my dress project I want to start looking ahead to spring and summer.  I have also been inspired by the latest posts on Dixie DIY.  They were about cataloging your wardrobe and looking for gaps and reasons why things don't get worn.  You can read part I and part II.   I'm not sure if I want to go all fancy with spread sheets and categories about color and patter, but it

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-52000948518603395312012-01-17T12:20:00.001-05:002012-01-17T12:20:46.468-05:00

I'm back, well I was back yesterday from Jim Thorpe, but we still had our friends staying with us.  It was a great long weekend with a lot of events.  Our first event was a student of mine's Birthday.  He was my student at the camp I worked at and lest summer he was old enough to come back and work on staff.  I got to see some friends that I hadn't seen in awhile and catch up with another

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-68911384948341996562012-01-13T11:00:00.000-05:002012-01-13T11:00:02.851-05:00

This is my favorite shop in Philly to buy fabric and buttons.  They have a huge selection of fashion fabrics, cottons, linen, wool, practically everything.  One of the best things too is it's an outlet which sells close out so the prices are half in not more off the original.  It's one down fall is that if you see something you like you should snap it up while you are there, because who knows

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-60373118180762771102012-01-12T12:31:00.000-05:002012-01-12T12:31:13.767-05:00

I am in the home stretch of this dress project.  The midriff section is attached, gathers and all. I tried a new way to sew my gathers and really liked it.  To accomplish this you sew two lines of basting stitches between your marks.  Then using your sewing machine set at the widest stitch setting, sew two parallel seams.  Then when it's time to gather the section you just pulled on the

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-82744080584257496912012-01-11T12:19:00.000-05:002012-01-11T12:19:14.020-05:00

I am making head way on my dress and have completed what I consider one of the hardest parts of the construction of this dress the bodice.  Now there are a lot more complicated bodices out there in the world, but this one is fully lined and I decided to sew in a facing so that the edges looked clean and were the same color fabric as the dress.  There is a great tutorial on Burda Style that shows

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-68232957903091520862012-01-10T11:59:00.000-05:002012-01-10T11:59:08.720-05:00

This is a great way to add a little interest to a bind off edge and is great for really any project from the bind off edge of a lace project to the cuff of a sleeve.  Another thing that is useful is that this type of bind off creates a tube with you can use as the casing for elastic or a draw string. When you come to your bind off you are first going to cast on 3 stitches using the

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-40528495463208795242012-01-09T12:38:00.002-05:002012-01-09T12:38:52.649-05:00

That's right me vs. the bridesmaid dress.  My friend Jo is a bridesmaid in the wedding this upcoming Sunday (you know the one I just decided to sew a dress for) and she needed her dress hemmed.  She was very luck that this was the only alteration she needed for her dress.  It fits her great everywhere except in the length.  Like me Jo isn't short but we are by no means tall.  I was confident I

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-40494973399490100482012-01-06T12:00:00.000-05:002012-01-06T12:00:03.007-05:00

I have been at my sewing machine this whole week and it looks like I will be doing the same next week.  This weekend I also start teaching Fashion Design: Introduction to Fashion and Refashioning at the AAI in Philly.  With all of this sewing going on what a better way to celebrate it with the return of Vintage Finds Friday with vintage sewing paraphernalia! 13 Vintage Wooden Spools of Thread

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-68597002734425693632012-01-05T12:00:00.000-05:002012-01-05T12:00:08.465-05:00

This is a simple stitch pattern made up of knits and purls that gives you a woven look to your knit.  Basket weave is a reversible stitch that lies flat with out having to block it.  It's great for scarves and blankets or anything else you would see both sides of. Basket Stitch (Worked Flat) Multiple of 4 R1: K4, P4 R2: P4, K4 R3: K4, P4 R4: P4, K4 R5: K4, P4 R6: K4, P4 R7: P4, K4 R8: K4, P4

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-6023752995716223872012-01-04T13:31:00.000-05:002012-01-04T13:31:58.882-05:00

After much deliberation and back and forth I decided to make the facing.  It's a bit more work, but I think the result will look a lot better than my original idea.  Thanks goodness for Coletterie's post on How to Draft a Facing. It's actually quite simple just a bit time consuming. A lot of tracing and measuring. The back facing was pretty straight forward.  Nothing too crazy here.  But

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-8363635899943314962012-01-03T12:12:00.000-05:002012-01-03T12:12:50.153-05:00

Here it is the dress I am making for the Wedding I am attending in about two weeks.  I've made this dress before, but this time I am going to be making view A.  When I made it the first time I made version C, but with out sleeves. I went Fabric shopping before the holidays and fell in love with this amazing navy low sheen satin.  I went back before the new year and bought enough to make

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-45559144149711413932012-01-02T13:10:00.000-05:002012-01-02T13:10:12.090-05:00

Happy New Year to all my Blue Betty Blog readers!  This week is the start of the new year on the blog as well as in my shop.  I can't wait to get started and for all of you to see what is in store for 2012. The end of the year culminated in an amazing game of broom ball.  This is the second year we've gone and even though I fell pretty hard on the ice and bruised my knee, I can at least walk

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-30566996515258962342011-12-30T13:32:00.000-05:002011-12-30T13:32:20.209-05:00

I am excited to see what 2012 holds in store for Blue Betty and me as well.  In the past I always talk about my personal resolutions and this year I'm not really making any.  Let me rephrase this I am making goals for me and for Blue Betty and starting up something new in the process. For Blue Betty I have a bunch of goals for the blog as well as designs that I want to publish in the year to

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-76554043304051389702011-12-29T10:00:00.000-05:002011-12-29T10:00:02.338-05:00

This year I had tons of fun planing and executing some fun tutorials and DIY posts here on Blue Betty.  Here are some of my favorite. Tutorials Quick Yarn Embellished  Picture Frames Guest Post With Alli From OPB: Yarn Covered Bangles Making a Mobius Cowl Obi Belt Tutorial  Free Knitting Patterns Easy as Pie Tam Knitting Pattern Easy Peasy Beanie Pattern Put a Bow on It, A Knit Headband

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-56271590055693840392011-12-28T10:09:00.002-05:002011-12-28T10:09:58.589-05:00

This fall I attempted to sew my first tailored jacket.  It was a challenge that I was apprehensive about at first, but I am glad I took it on.  This project really added to my skills as a seamstress and the finished project was exactly what I wanted. Here's the Links to Sewing the Steffi Jacket Muslin and Fabric Choices Finishing the Muslin Fear Based Procrastination Making Headway Sleeves

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-6289428397086986642011-12-27T17:37:00.000-05:002011-12-27T17:37:35.896-05:00

This year I participated in my first Me Made event through So Zoe...What Do You Know?  Here are some of the photos that I wasn't able to post because of camera and internet issues. One of my favorite refashion, my Cowboy tank and my paint jeans.  I had just finished a high ropes course at Camp Edge. The same night we went bowling.  I wore my lavender pencil skirt that I made the day before

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-75905841451232605942011-12-26T11:38:00.000-05:002011-12-26T11:38:35.708-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!  I'm taking the next few days to look back at moments in 2011 either from this blog, my Etsy, or life in general. One of the most exciting things that happened in 2011 was the publication of two of my patterns in Creative Knitting Magazine. My I-cord cowl was published this summer in the September 2011 issue.  This Modular Hexagon bag was knit

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-81717900752406479262011-12-24T13:32:00.000-05:002011-12-24T13:32:46.679-05:00

My family has a lot of traditions and one is listening to Kenny Rogers Christmas in America as soon as Thanksgiving is over.  I remember listening to it almost non-stop in my mom's mini van for weeks on end.  In honor of our family (or my mom's) love of Christmas music here is the Jensen Family Christmas playlist. 1.) The First Noel, by Eve 6 (Amanda & Zach) 2.) Jingle Bell Rock, Bobby Helms (

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-52149647386928167422011-12-23T11:00:00.000-05:002011-12-23T11:00:08.701-05:00

When I hear someone mention Christmas I don’t think about snow, presents, or even sweet little baby Jesus in the manger. I think of family traditions. I see a family piling into a cramped car and heading out to purchase a Christmas tree. The whole family spending hours walking around a maze of Douglas Firs, Leyland Cypresses, and Blue Spruces searching for the perfect tree, and only

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-16699350176529565462011-12-22T11:00:00.000-05:002011-12-22T11:00:12.330-05:00

These frames are easy and quick to make.  They are perfect for a last minuet gift and take only a few materials and only a few minuets to complete. Materials Frames (mine are some wooden frames from Ikea that I painted earlier) Yarn (I had some recycled sari silk sitting around that I wanted to use up) Scissors Hot Glue Gun While your hot glue gun is heating up cut your yarn in the

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-46474535148294044312011-12-21T11:00:00.000-05:002011-12-21T11:00:12.949-05:00

Hi there! Jess from Upcountry Vintage here. I love to share creative ways to upcycle items on my blog. On my last trip to see my family in California in September, I came across a lot of vintage brooches and broken jewelry that had been passed down to me. They were missing stones, backings, or other important parts to function as jewelry. I think a great way to use vintage jewelry is

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-19848416993143366442011-12-20T11:00:00.000-05:002011-12-20T13:40:33.496-05:00

I have a lot of friends who knit, and every holiday season we have a Pollyanna and go out to dinner.  We usually wait till the new year, but I am getting a head start on my gift with this great project bag.  Here are the instructions so you can make one for the knitter or crocheter in your circle.  Materials and Equipment 1/3 yard 45 inch fabric 1 yard cord or ribbon for drawstring

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-55663416401951785382011-12-19T11:00:00.000-05:002011-12-19T11:00:04.459-05:00

Hello, Blue Betty readers!  Today I'd like to share a quick and easy tutorial that makes a great gift.  Plus, it's the perfect way to use up extra scraps of yarn.  I hope you like it! What you'll need: a bangle blank (pick one up at the craft store, or use an old bangle that needs a facelift), yarn, hot glue gun. Step 1: secure the yarn to the inside of the bangle with a spot of

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-55415861903014562092011-12-18T12:53:00.004-05:002011-12-18T12:53:53.823-05:00

One of my favorite baked goods this time of year is Dutch Spice Cookies.  We only seem to make them at Christmas time and I haven't made them in years.  They are similar to a ginger snap, but have cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves that give them their spiciness and their deep brown color.  (They are really good dipped in your morning coffee.)  Here is my recipe for this fragrant and tasty treat. 

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-64764260943948323302011-12-17T11:36:00.000-05:002011-12-17T11:36:31.300-05:00

You can see our Lobster hanging out in the background  Our Apartment is small, I mean really small, so we never have a Christmas tree.  Simon is always a bit sad that we don't have a Christmas tree so this year I surprised him with a small rosemary cone from Whole Foods.  It fits on our entertainment center nicely and gives the living room a festive feel and it smells wonderful.  I made a

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-48546028488992120642011-12-16T11:00:00.000-05:002011-12-16T11:00:02.100-05:00

For the last few weeks I have been scouring my favorite blogs for great holiday tutorials that would make great last minuet gifts or a lovely handmade stocking stuffer.  I am really excited about all of these links and absolutely love all of these ideas.  1. Make a special holiday cocktail with Delightfully Tacky's Peppermint Vodka Tutorial.  Delightfully Tacky, Peppermint Vodka 2. Over

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-79553727638182871022011-12-15T11:00:00.000-05:002011-12-15T11:02:36.510-05:00

 This knitting pattern is for a simple and quick tam or beret.  What I love about this pattern is that it works up quickly and you can make it in almost any fiber just make sure that the fiber you choose has enough memory or spring for the brim of the hat.  I like a wool silk blend, or a blended Angora for extra warmth and luxury.  Materials: 120 Yard of a Worsted Weight Yarn Us 8 16 inch

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-24738883944468956532011-12-14T14:03:00.001-05:002011-12-14T14:03:13.721-05:00

  Everyone loves a handmade gift, and who wouldn't like an excuse to buy a half a yard of that wool cashmere blend in cream from your favorite fabric store.  Here is a quick, and simple gift to make to bring a bit of warmth and luxury to someone special (and yourself because 1/2 a yard makes two).  I found these wool blends at my favorite fabric store.  The Picture doesn't do it

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-33353920825781126142011-12-13T11:00:00.000-05:002011-12-14T14:04:32.125-05:00

I have to admit I have a pretty big sweet tooth sometimes and the holidays just seem to make it ten fold.  My great aunt use to make fudge and when she stopped my mom started, now my mom is on a health kick and I see it as part of my holiday duty to keep the tradition alive.  I've been making Christmas Fudge for about three years now and use the recipe my mom used which is to say I use the

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-15801351859755655432011-12-12T12:12:00.000-05:002011-12-12T12:12:20.251-05:00

This weekend I spent Saturday in New York City for a good friends Bachlorette party.  We really like hanging together as a large group so all of ladies took the bride out to dinner and then we met up with the guys at a kareoke bar and had a great time singing kareoke in a private room.  Foe some reason there were tons of people dress as Santa that night.  So Many Santas Blurry, but

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-79820044526144327972011-12-09T11:00:00.000-05:002011-12-09T11:03:16.553-05:00

Garden Keeper Fritata Simon and I live in a great neighborhood called Bella Vista and it has some amazing restaurants.  One of our Favorites is called Morning Glory.  Morning Glory is a Finer Dinner and it is a tiny gem of a restaurant. It is located on the south side corner of Fitzwater and 10th Street, and although its size is small the food is anything but your regular dinner fare. View

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-85590095610224825432011-12-08T12:56:00.000-05:002011-12-08T12:57:42.604-05:00

What a lovely Christmas tree.   Now that the rain has stopped and the weather has become seasonably cold again it is time to get into the spirit of the holiday season.  I have big plans for next weeks blog posts, and will be having a holiday event on Blue Betty called 12 Days Before Christmas.  There will be recipes, tutorials, traditions, and even some special guest bloggers.  The 12

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-57576968146625562032011-12-07T12:29:00.000-05:002011-12-07T12:29:04.007-05:00

I have a wedding coming up in January and I want to sew something fabulous for this event, but I can't decided on what I want to wear/sew.  Here are my top runners for dress options.  Any feed back would be welcome.  I have been drooling over this dress for months. Bustier Dress Burda Style But I also like these patterns on burda style. Bustier Cocktail Dress with Long Sleeves Or

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-37827376833205640982011-12-06T13:02:00.000-05:002011-12-06T13:02:24.177-05:00

I'm back from Boston and I feel like I ate my way through Quincy.  Jules knows some great places to eat in her neighborhood and I think that is all we really did all weekend is eat.  (But I'm always up for food and I judge a place on what I can eat and if there is yarn to buy.)  The first night in town we went to possibly the best sushi place I have ever been too I can't even begin to describe

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-2383010592213132452011-12-05T12:00:00.000-05:002011-12-05T12:00:04.601-05:00

I can not say enough how important it is to swatch before you start.  With the excitement of a new project who wouldn't want to jump right in, but hold your horses, take a deep breath and swatch with your yarn and needles first.  Last time we looked at stitch count, and today we are going to look at row count.  Now some may say row count is not as important as stitch count, (sometimes I do feel

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-34628527978192846132011-12-02T12:00:00.000-05:002011-12-02T12:00:01.685-05:00

I'm off to Boston so I'll leave you this silly Picture of Me. I am off to Boston for a fun filled weekend to visit one of my super awesome friends who lives there.  Expect lost of Photos when I get back to Philly.  As you read this I will be about 1/3 of the way there.  I have no idea what to expect, but I'm sure it's going to be awesome!

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-86515970242534169462011-12-01T12:32:00.000-05:002011-12-01T12:32:22.111-05:00

This stitch is another variation on the rib stitch.  It has eyelets in the knit spaces and you can knit this stitch with a right and a wrong side or knit it so there is no wrong side.  The SSK and K2tog give this stitch an interesting texture and movement to the ribs.  Eyelet Rib Stitch (knit flat, with wrong and right sides) Multiple of 4 R1: K1 (YO, SSK, P2) to last 3 sts, YO, SSk, K1 R2:

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-49874337369121077512011-11-30T12:21:00.000-05:002011-11-30T12:21:45.783-05:00

Now that my Steffi Jacket is finished I find myself wondering what's next.  Well I figured that one out, a few sewing projects that only take a couple of hours to complete.  I started this week with a trip to the fabric store and I got some great stuff.  One of the first things I sewed was a simple gathered skirt out of this forest green silk cotton I had left over from another project.  I

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-68666179245340772012011-11-29T12:13:00.000-05:002011-11-29T12:13:20.285-05:00

First off thank you to everyone who participated in my Thanksgiving Giveaways.  Here are the results...drum roll please! The Winner of the January Issue of Creative Knitting is...Libraryminion! Congrats, please email me with you contact info and the address that you would like to have the magazine sent to. The winner of the Southerly Pattern Set is....Cheryl A-S.  Please contact me with the

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-87562981825755594942011-11-28T11:55:00.000-05:002011-11-28T11:56:38.428-05:00

Sun set on Thanksgiving Day  I hope everyone had a great weekend.  Mine was spent in the Finger Lakes with my parents eating a lot of turkey and drinking amazing wine from Rooster Hill.  Rooster Hill is one of my favorite wineries in the Finger Lakes.  I am a bit bias though because my mom does work there.  They do have wonderful wine though especially the Lemberg '08 Reserve, and the 2010

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-10122162841484116342011-11-25T00:00:00.000-05:002011-11-25T00:00:00.141-05:00

This weekend is a crazy retail frenzy.  For everyone who is knitting gifts, or buying handmade I wanted to have a special giveaway and offer. First the offer, Starting today through Monday the 28th I will be offering free domestic shipping on all items that are shipped through the USPS in my Etsy Shop.  To take advantage of this great offer all you have to do is enter the coupon code SHIP4FREE

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-80846079557876345042011-11-24T08:00:00.000-05:002011-11-24T08:00:06.105-05:00

I would like to thank all the readers of Blue Betty.  I am very grateful for your readership.  Because you guys are awesome I am having a special offer for Blue Betty readers, 10% off all items in my Etsy Shop.  Just enter the coupon code BBFAN11 at check out to receive 10% off your purchase.  This offer will be good through Monday the 28th. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-35424192273181380132011-11-23T12:59:00.000-05:002011-11-23T12:59:55.602-05:00

As promised, pictures of my progress with the Steffi.  Basting the lining and jacket together in preparation of sewing the facing on. Completed basting ready and waiting for the facing. Facing sewn on and sleeves hemmed.  This is when I started to realize I was almost finished.  And I still needed to go buy buttons. I under stitched the facing's seam allowance.  It gave the edge of

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-41626005964791748812011-11-22T12:36:00.000-05:002011-11-22T12:36:17.913-05:00

I canceled my planed post today as I wasn't feeling it.  It's a gray, wet, chilly day here in Philadelphia and I am determined to finish my steffi jacket.  This afternoon I will be sewing the facing down, buying buttons, and practicing button holes on the muslin.  I also will start packing for Thanksgiving and since I finished my plucky sweater and alpaca vest I need to figure out a new project.

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-33149937216229112152011-11-21T10:03:00.000-05:002011-11-21T10:03:01.750-05:00

Creative Knitting Magazine The latest issue of Creative Knitting Magazine is out and I am lucky enough to have one of my designs in this issue.  I am also lucky enough to have an extra copy of the January issue to give away this week as a Thanksgiving Week Giveaway.  To enter leave a comment here on this post letting me know what you holiday craft and gift knitting plans are.  I will pick a

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-70170321579819955462011-11-18T12:22:00.000-05:002011-11-18T12:22:28.162-05:00

Here it is Wintertide! My newest pattern out just in time for the holiday season.  This simple gauntlet pattern is made spicier by a fun lace stitch pattern and a simple thumb gusset.  These cozy fingerless mitts are a great knitted gift.  The suggested yarn is a bulky wool and silk blend and the needle size is a US 10 making these a quick knit.  This is a great knitted accesory for the

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-38878847190230198792011-11-17T11:57:00.000-05:002011-11-17T11:57:38.245-05:00

Mistake rib is what happens when you try to do a 2x2 rib with and odd number of stitches.  The look of this stitch is similar to a 1x1 rib, but the knit columns are raised up.  This is because on either side of the knit column there is a vertical row if garter stitch.  Two positive attributes of this stitch is that it lays flat and is the same on both side.  Mistake rib is an interesting

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-13139591212412734142011-11-16T11:54:00.000-05:002011-11-16T11:54:09.063-05:00

I finished sewing the lining.  Here is my progress.  And here is the finished lining with sleeves and all! First, I am a pro at setting in those sleeves.  After doing something 4 times one should improve.  The silk was so floaty and slippery it made me crazy trying to sew it.  I finally gave in and went pin crazy, it was the only way this fabric would behave.  There is a week before Simon

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-32073424177696773262011-11-15T12:37:00.000-05:002011-11-15T12:37:46.568-05:00

Like I said yesterday I am a big advocate for swatching.  It is really important whether you are designing your own knit item or using a designer's pattern.  Everyone's gauge is different and swatching allows you to see if you need to make any adjustments to the needle size or stitch count. Swatching also lets you get to know the stitch pattern you are going to use and lets you experience your

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-86323765147646134562011-11-14T11:44:00.001-05:002011-11-14T11:59:25.704-05:00

Here are the fruits of my knitting labor this past week.  Swatches!  I am a big advocator for swatching when it comes to knitting, whether it is your pattern or other designers pattern.  I won't get on my soap box about swatching till tomorrow, but I thought I would share the lovely little squares I've been knitting. 

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-89375644838883793552011-11-11T12:11:00.000-05:002011-11-11T12:11:56.030-05:00

Photo by Adam's Nanny  When you walk into Nangellini you are welcomed by the warmth of color.  The shop is bursting with it, if you were ever able to be inside of a rainbow I imagine that this is how it would look.  From the art on the walls to the color of Nancy's hair vibrancy rules in this shop. Nangellini is my LYS.  I'm a bit biased when it comes to this store as I use to work here and

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-63015737560385725242011-11-10T12:25:00.000-05:002011-11-10T12:25:34.505-05:00

 I made this belt for my purple shift dress.  It was super easy and added that extra something to that dress that I thought I would share how I made this belt.  It's not a true obi belt, but that was my inspiration to this project.  Materials: *About a 1/2 a yard of a woven fabric (My green belt was duponi silk and the one I made for the tutorial is a heavy quilting cotton.) * Thread *

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-82003527196657152722011-11-09T11:54:00.000-05:002011-11-09T11:54:31.297-05:00

It's a river of silk!  I am making head way.  The past few days has felt like a struggle to sew, but I pushed threw it and now I am on to the lining.  The lining pieces are cut out and are waiting for me to only change the color of the thread in my machine.  The jacket its self is hanging neatly on a hanger look very dapper and waiting for it's lining.  I might hem the sleeves before I start

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-19152811875690268072011-11-08T11:00:00.000-05:002011-11-08T11:00:08.881-05:00

I just got a bunch of new yarn, to design a bunch of new patterns. It's very exciting.  Here is a little taste of what I got. This is a lovely gray blue heather.  It's just a plain worsted wool, but with the weather getting colder here in Philly I figured another wool sweater would be just fine. Another heather only this time a nice soft brown and it's a sport weight merino wool.  I've been

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-37049701497520079632011-11-07T12:15:00.000-05:002011-11-07T12:15:42.291-05:00

What we did this weekend:  We played a lot of music. Flew a cat kite and took the pup to the beach. It was very windy and not at all warm by the water.  But it was a beautiful sunny day. I broke a bunch of photography rules.  The sun in the pic, my finger covering part of the lens and my hair was blown into the shot, but for all its mistakes I really like this shot of AC. Still flying

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-32001883925205839282011-11-04T13:29:00.001-04:002011-11-04T13:29:36.309-04:00

I recently discovered this stitch.  It combines two of my favorite stitch patterns, two by two ribbing and seed stitch.  It's still elastic, (not as elastic as two by two ribbing), and it has an interesting texture to it.  Unlike two by two ribbing and seed stitch this stitch has a right and a wrong side.  Seed Stitch Rib (flat) Multiple of 4 +2 Row 1: (RS) *K3, P1* K2 Row 2: (WS) *P3, K1*

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-69277601162161885822011-11-03T11:28:00.000-04:002011-11-03T11:28:18.370-04:00

Working on a lot of projects right now.  Top priority, the cactus.  Next swatches for a test knit project, my jacket, and then sweater knitting.  I also need to take pictures, lots and lots of pictures.  Along with all of that I need to schedule and work on the blogs future posts.  Hope I can be productive today.  I am going to leave you with this cheery photo of a rainbow I took this September

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-90831347967628872372011-11-02T12:24:00.000-04:002011-11-02T12:24:01.800-04:00

So, I got over myself and started sewing the jacket together.  I'm almost done with the actual jacket part and am hoping to start on the lining by the end of the week.  Above you can see one of the sleeves.  I figured out why the one sleeve on my muslin was all cockeyed.  I didn't line up the sleeve seams in the right way therefore the sleeve wasn't set into the jacket correctly.  Well that

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-30617130836136453952011-11-01T12:02:00.002-04:002011-11-01T12:02:31.711-04:00

I have been knitting away on the Leibowitz cactus.  I plan on giving it to Mike on Friday night as a belated, but awesome birthday present.  It's almost done, all that's left is to finish off the knitting and then stuff it and place it more permanently into its pot.  My favorite is it's small appendage that hangs off the side.  It's kind of like the cactus is waving. 

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-61560568021390798972011-10-31T12:21:00.000-04:002011-10-31T12:21:12.782-04:00

First off, what happened to fall?  Where did it go and why are we jumping right into winter.  Philly had its first snow fall on Saturday.  It was a miserable day perfect for baking bread and making apple sauce, and sitting on the couch under a blanket with the hubs.  But today looks like it is going to be one of those days, you know where nothing goes wrong, but nothing goes right.  Kind of a

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-63281556563996018952011-10-28T11:53:00.002-04:002011-10-28T11:53:36.501-04:00

It's not a sewing funk or even a knitting funk it's just a funk.  Yesterday I could blame the weather, but today it's sunny, cold, but sunny out and I can not justify sitting around and watching Netflix till it's time to go to work.  Our apartment looks like a bomb went off there is just stuff everywhere and I think this is what I am going to attack today till work. Operation: Clean out all the

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-27542463535339020232011-10-27T14:36:00.000-04:002011-10-27T14:36:30.278-04:00

I decided to just get over it and sew the back of the jacket together.  The image is a bit blurry, but you can see the seams pretty well.  I love the princess seams on this jacket, and although they are a bit of a pain to pin and sew I think I like them more than darts.  This reminds me I need to purchase or make a tailors ham.  I found this awesome tutorial for an easy draped cape today on Oh

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-40296965591965177562011-10-26T12:05:00.001-04:002011-10-26T12:05:44.081-04:00

That's right I'm procrastinating, and it's because I'm scared, or at least nervous.  Sewing the muslin was easy, if I screwed it up it was no big deal the fabric only cost me $4, but if I screw up on the "real" jacket I'm out ten times that.  I guess it's this worry that is causing me to doubt my skills and my confidence.  I mean I made the Muslin with few difficulties and it came out pretty good

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-39027088755353905452011-10-25T11:00:00.000-04:002011-10-25T11:00:05.466-04:00

These are the newest fingerless gloves samples for my newest pattern.  I love how fast this pattern knits up.  The yarn is Mirasol's Sulka, a bulk wool and silk blend, it's so warm and fluffy like a cloud.  These are great gifts because the yarn is so yummy and they knit up super fast.  As much as I would like to keep these guys I have plans of brightening someone's day by sending them a warm

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-79861394479692596142011-10-24T12:34:00.000-04:002011-10-24T12:34:35.382-04:00

Materials 120 yard of a worsted weight yarn 16" US 8 circular needles 4 US 8 DPNS Stitch Marker Tapestry needle Skills K2tog Double Pointed needles Circular needles 2x2 rib Gauge About 10 sts x 13 rows = 2" x 2" SizeOne size, buy you can alter the size of the hat with the wight of the yarn and the size of the needle you use.  This basic hats fits both me and my Husband.   Hat Cast on 80

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-70381014841302233722011-10-21T12:21:00.000-04:002011-10-24T11:53:59.934-04:00

Why don't we start out the love with a little fall inspiration over at Delightfully Tacky, Fall Inspiration: Pumpkins. Next how about one of my favorite things combined with learning a new skill, Wild Olive has Coffee Embroidery Patterns.  Over on the Etsy blog they had a fun project and how to on Building a Bat House, a great twist on the old bird house project. Offbeat Home had two great

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-5871801750493123542011-10-20T11:51:00.000-04:002011-10-20T11:51:31.035-04:00

Today is my 27th Birthday.  I am now in my late 20's and I am glad to be in my late 20's they are so much better than my early 20's.  With that said I am going to go eat pancakes that the hubs is making, drink coffee, and have a day where I do what I love best.  Which means I'll probably end up knitting a bit and sewing, and maybe watch Pride and Prejudice. (BTW Interweave Knits is coming out

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-37441417175130769422011-10-19T11:24:00.002-04:002011-10-19T11:25:36.037-04:00

I am finished with the Muslin for the Steffi and will soon embark on cutting out the lining and well the rest of the jacket.  It went together pretty easily and I was surprised at how well the muslin came out.  I only ran in to two small problems, but I'll get to those in a minuet.  Here is a photo log of my progress.  I sewed a lot of the pieces together the sleeves for example were two

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-45750824708080235392011-10-18T12:00:00.000-04:002011-10-18T12:00:11.761-04:00

I love knitting things in the round.  Mostly because this mean no seaming which is a great reason to knit in the round.  Although I didn't always start out loving circular knitting.  This was because I am a self taught knitter I had no wise experienced knitter who could let me in on tricks and helpful hints.  Here are some of my tips for knitting in the round. 1. Always make sure your circular

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-77241011985825667522011-10-17T12:03:00.001-04:002011-10-17T12:04:12.661-04:00

When my friends moved into their new house we hatched a plan on what they would put in the giant picture window in the living room.  The plan involved me knitting a cactus, not just a knit version of a smallish house cactus, this cactus needed to be well interesting, weird, I mean it was going to sit in the picture window facing the street, it had to be a bold statement piece. After about 6

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-10928482365786610582011-10-14T11:57:00.000-04:002011-10-14T11:57:29.084-04:00

I just released my newest pattern in my Esty shop.  The Harvest Mitts are a simple pattern with an fun twist on 2x2 ribbing.  I really enjoyed designing and knitting these. I love the simplicity of this design I might have to knit a pair in blue, or maybe purple.  I like the length of the mitt and think it would look great with a 3/4 length sleeve jacket. Mirasol's Tupa is one of my all

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-60260513934511835222011-10-13T11:00:00.000-04:002011-10-13T11:00:08.027-04:00

I like moss stitch, it's a great textured stitch that is easy to remember and reversible.  This stitch has a similar look to seed stitch, but the purls and knits line up in a slightly different way.  Another thing that is a plus about moss stitch is that it lays flat, coupled with it haveing no "wrong" side it is a great stitch for scarves.  Moss Stitch (flat) Multiple of 2 plus 1 R1: *k1, p1*

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-22868067821443041932011-10-12T12:00:00.000-04:002011-10-12T12:00:28.724-04:00

Burda Style I am in love with this jacket and have been for about a year.  I even bought the pattern and the fabric to make the muslin, but after Simon and I got married I was sewn out after making three dresses two ties and a bunch of other crafty bits the idea of sewing a tailored jacket with buttons and a lining seemed a bit daunting.  But with the weather cooling down and my desire to make

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-8392315028853985912011-10-11T12:02:00.000-04:002011-10-11T12:41:13.111-04:00

Here's a quick look at my newest pattern the Harvest Mitts.  What I loved about designing them was the stitch pattern it's simple, has elasticity, and looks interesting.  This pattern will be out in my Etsy shop and on Ravelry on Friday October 14th. (I've been in a yellow mood lately.)

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-6796432872973359882011-10-10T11:51:00.001-04:002011-10-10T11:52:18.646-04:00

Shot of Seneca Lake out of Watkins Glen. Home Sweet Home, or more like home town.  This weekend Simon and I were in the Finger Lakes.  Well we drove there spent the night and then on Friday drove up to Rochester for my best friends wedding and then we spent Saturday with my grandparents for mine and my grandfather's Birthdays.  The wedding was fun we drank, eat and danced the night away.  I

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-23753921886374574982011-10-06T11:00:00.000-04:002011-10-06T11:00:08.657-04:00

Photo by Jim Hickcox Simon and I are off to my home town for the weekend.  My best friend Beaner (his real name is Andrew) is getting married.  I love the Finger Lakes this time of year.  The trees will be changing, there will be a nip in the air, it will be apple season and the cider doughnuts will be freshly baked. Photo by Jim Hickcox Simon hasn't really been up to my family's place

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-54942287232525612112011-10-05T11:37:00.000-04:002011-10-05T11:38:13.988-04:00

Ugh, the finishing on this dress makes me want to wear a potato sack to this wedding...ok I wouldn't actually, but I was about two stitches short of just wearing my LBD.  Here's the break down of what happened.  If you read Monday's post I was finishing up the neckline which when I was finished sewing it looked like I had sewn it with out my contacts in.  So my one day of finishing turned into

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-20883203374222710852011-10-04T12:42:00.000-04:002011-10-04T12:42:30.370-04:00

I am trying out Bloggers new templet designer.  I'm still up in the air about it, the real reason I switched is because I wanted to change up my layout, but Blogger wouldn't let me do that with my old design so I had to "upgrade".  Expect a few tweeks here and there till I figure out what looks the best. In other news I'm an October sponsor for One Pearl Button who also recently got a new look

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-26391806714790843582011-10-03T12:11:00.001-04:002011-10-03T12:12:27.173-04:00

Ok, it's not that bad, but I just spent 30min pinning and sewing the bias tape into the neckline of my dress and for some reason it looks like I did it with my eyes closed.  I guess my original plan of hand sewing it in was a better idea. The weather has cooled of quite a bit and it's wonderful to be wearing a warm cozy sweater, and drinking a nice cup of hot coffee.  I best get my seam ripper

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-27714226748160549632011-09-30T08:00:00.000-04:002011-09-30T08:00:10.831-04:00

Here it is! My newest pattern the Textured Triangle Scarf.  This pattern is a fun twist on a classic triangle shawl.  Knit from side to side it is an easy and interesting garment.  You can knit this shawl with any gauge yarn and needle although the pattern was designed with worsted weight yearn and size US 8 needles.  Check it out in my Etsy Shop.    I aggressively blocked this shawl and

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208657779100025101.post-84343615985041017602011-09-29T11:00:00.000-04:002011-09-29T11:00:00.089-04:00

Seed Stitch Swatch 4.5"x4" Seed stitch is one of my favorite textured stitches.  It is simple and only a two row repeat making it easy to remember and design with.  The number of stitches required for this stitch is a multiple of two, sometime it will be a multiple of two plus one.  Seed Stitch (worked flat) Multiple of 2 Row 1: *K1, P1* repeat * to * Row 2: *P1, K1* Seed Stitch (worked in

BlueBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15365934329724403943noreply@blogger.com0