Christmas Eve

Hope everyone is have a wonderful Holiday!

I will be posting a Vintage Finds later in the week as I am in Upstate NY visiting my family.

Merry Christmas!

Vintage Finds: Holiday Sweaters

I remember a time when to show ones holiday spirit all you needed to do was don a beautifully garish sweater.


SALE Hand Knit CHRISTMAS SWEATER Vintage Ski Cardigan Deer Hearts Birds Red Green Cream Medium Large M L

By yosemitevintage


1980s Metallic Sparkle Slouchy Black and Red Sweater

By TheRareBird


The Actually Cute Ugly CHRISTMAS SWEATER S/M/L

By violetfolklore


Vintage 60s Christmas Ski Sweater Snowdrop Design Needs Work

By judygovintage



Vintage 1980s CHRISTMAS WOOL LACOSTE winter cardigan with deers and birds, size Medium

By BetaPorHomme

Update

I have been busy this week. I can't complain, but it is unusual for me to be this busy. I'm working extra hours at the shop, because we are trying to get inventory done, and I'm baby sitting two half days and on top of this trying to get all my Holiday shopping done and gifts wrapped. I wised up when it cam to knitting my gifts as I only knit for about 5 people one of who never wants me to make him anything. My families gifts are knitted and waiting to be wrapped. I am currently knitting something for one of my best friends, and she tends to read this so I can't divulge any more than that.

One more week in the city and then Simon and I are off to Upstate NY. In a month Simon flies back to Oz and in seven weeks I fly to Oz. There's a part of me that wants to start packing right now, but I think I'll wait till the new year.

Must run off as I have yarn in the dye pot!

Chech it out!

My hand dyed yarn is featured on LilithEvy's blog for the color of the week.

Check it out!

Vintage Finds: Holiday Sparkle

I'm not usually one who loves sparkles, but come holiday time my opinion of a little glitz changes. I love the way something lovely and shiny to really get into the holiday spirit.

Fascinating MATAHARI Vintage Jewelry Amber Green Gold Rhinestone Brooch Pin

By YJPaw



VINTAGE NECKLACE - LOCKET - FABULOUS VICTORIAN PIECE

By VintageAndVictorian


Vintage BOTANICAL CREST Gold Necklace

By LadyMoonVintage


Vintage Christmas Tree Pin Brooch Rhinestones

By emmasgems


HOLIDAY SALE - Putting on the Glitz Vintage Jewelry Trio

By jillienedesigns


Dramatic red Trifari necklace - vintage 1950s - 1960s- perfect for holidays

By azulclaro


VINTAGE REINDEER BROOCH

By BoHoMarket

Oz

Red Kangaroo 1
By jellibat

Well it's final, I am going to Australia. I bought my ticket on Monday and had a tiny panic while I was moving the $1500 from my savings to my checking, but I got over it really fast when I thought of how warm it was going to be when I arrive in Sydney. I also got really excited when I thought about how awesome the surfing was going to be compared to here.

I am not looking forward to flying for almost 24 hours...Ok only 20 are spent in the air, there are four of those hours are spent in layovers one in Atlanta and a quick stop in LA. I leave in two months and I feel like I should start packing right now. One of the hardest decisions that I am trying to make is what will I knit while I'm there. I was planing on socks or lace because the weight of the yarn is minimal and the needles are small and easily packed. While I am trying to address this dilema I am also trying to start and finish a few garments before I leave. I feel like I'm missing my winter knitting, because I'm jumping right into summer garments made in cotton, bamboo, silk and linen. I can't justify knitting bulky sweaters right now as I am only here for two more months...granted cold months...but I think I would rather spend the money on some yummy linen right now so I can wear what I make in Sydney.

(The photo I used is by jellibat, who is a crafter from Melbourn check out her shop. I was torn between the roo or the box jelly.)

Vinatge Finds: Deck The Halls

I wrote up this post on Thursday, but my internet had other ideas when I tried to post it.

With Thanksgiving past and our calender moving closer to Christmas I find that it is the right time to decorate for the upcoming holiday.

Poland glass ornaments mercury glass Christmas vintage

By Plantdreamin

vintage green gold silver glass indents christmas tree topper

By sosovintage

Tickled Pink... Vintage Pink Christmas Ornaments

By inwiththeold


Very vintage awesome blue star decoration

By sweetcookie

Vintage wooden holiday ornaments - Jester

By luckylittledot


TINS 17 - VINTAGE MATCHED TRIO OF 1960s CHRISTMAS CAKE TINS

By MimisMenagerie


Splendid Snowflake..Vintage Silver Paper

By pinkgrapefruitstyle

Still Testing

The sun is out and I am still dye testing.

That is all for now.

Dye Testing Day!

I am super stoked about today. It's kinda overcast, grey and chill out side, but inside my little apartment I will be starting my dye testing today. I thought it was best to test my dye mixing skills and color theory instead of just throwing a hodge podge of dye into the pot and hope for the best results. I will admit that is what Ive been doing and it's hit or miss, so I want to make sure I have a good handle on my dye and maybe come up with some recipes today.

I am also thinking about renaming and opening a new etsy shop, this is all just an idea as I really love my name, but I'm not sure if it really convays what I do. Maybe that's ok, and I just need to find my niche (which I feel I'm getting closer to figuring that out). One thing I do know is that I love knitting, which in turns means I have a giant appreciation for yarn and color and I want to be a part of that.

Now that I am done being reflective and some what sappy I must brew my coffee and heat up the dye pot.

Home Sweet Home

Simon and i are back in Philly. We returned after a long drive last night and unlike him I am still off for a few more days. This means I am doing what I love the most, eating brunch with one of my best friends and knitting as well as test dying. That was also something very exciting, when we returned my yarn I had ordered was waiting for me on our door mat.

Visiting home was nice, my Aunt Colleen came over for thanksgiving from long island with her husband Eric. It was good to see them. My mom, Aunt and step grandmother took me wedding dress shopping while I was home. I wasn't expecting to find anything but just to have fun trying on tons of pretty dresses all way over my price limit. But it happened I found the dress, It's beautiful and not overly expensive. (It was even on sale which we didn't know till we went up to order it.)

I know Simon snoops so I can't post a pic nor can I really describe it. It is nothing like what I thought I would wear, but it is beautiful.

Well that is all for today, I must go and turn on the dye pot to start some experimenting.

Black Friday

It's the day after Thanksgiving and the large day for retail shops. Me I'm going to go wine tasting with my aunt and uncle then out to a Christmas party of sorts with the family friends.

But I must say that I have a slight respect for all the crazy shoppers who get up before sunrise to wait at doors of retailers all over the country for them to open at ridiculous hours like 12am, or 3 am. At 3am i like to be sleeping and at 12 am I like to watch the history channel and knit. (A bit lame, but while visiting my parents I tend to watch a lot of the history channel mostly because Simon and I do not get that channel.

I will admit that I am having a sale in my etsy shop. All accessories and hand bags are 20% off, as well has having a shop sale I am also offering free shipping on all items shipping in the US. Also if you are a facebook fan or follow me on twitter I will be posting a promo code that can get you a free gift with purchase.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all! I'm up in New York celebrating the holiday with my family, and while it's quiet at the house I thought it best to write a quick post before the revelry and feasting begin.

Just a little bit of holiday promoting, but I have started my Black Friday Cyber Monday Sale a day early so if you have a lull in the festivities take a trip over to my etsy shop and see what's up.

This is the unoffical start to my weekend sale, this sale starts today and goes through to Monday night. All wearables and totes are 20% off and their prices have been adjusted in my shop for the sale. Also all orders placed between now and monday will be shipped in the US for free.

I'm sure I will have a post either later tonight or tomorrow morning, but untill then I hope every one has a great day!

Yarn Porn

This is another one of my hand dyed yarns. It's a great lemony yellow.

It will be up in my shop either later tonight or tomorrow morning.

I ordered more base yarn on Thursday so once I get home from Penn Yan on Sunday I will have lots of yarn to dye.

Also I'm going to just give a hint and a heads up starting on Friday the 27th and running through till Monday the 30th all items in my shop will be shipped for free. Check back a few days before Black Friday for more special deals and sales at bluebettyShop.etsy.com.

Vintage Finds: More Thanksgiving

With thanksgiving being in just a week I have put together the last of the celebratory Thanksgiving Vintage Finds. Enjoy.

Vintage Recipe Box

By RubyBeets


VINTAGE TURKEY THANSGIVING PLATTER

By PatinaVintage


VINTAGE HONEYCOMB ACCORDIAN TURKEY THANKSGIVING DECORATION

By FASHIONRERUN


Thanksgiving

By tippleandsnack


Fantastic old speckled enamel ware roaster with lid

By sydg


Vintage Postcard

By ForgottenPapers


Vintage Cookie Cutters Metal Tin

By nancarts

Hand Spun

Here's my second of my yarn listling is my etsy shop.

This is 100% Aussie Wool spun by me on my drop spindle. It is buttery soft and I dyed the roving to spin with. This hank is a two ply hand spun art yarn but if you would like more info or to see more pics check the listing in my shop BlueBettyShop

I really enjoy spinning almost as much as knitting.

Oh and I dyed another hank of yarn yesterday it came out this lovely lemony yellow. I can't wait till it dries!

Sock it to Me!

Here is the first of my hand dyed sock yarn! I just started to dip back into hand dyeing and I forgot how much fun I have doing it.

This yarn is 100% superwash merino and it has a ton of yardage on the hank. Check out my etsy to see all the details.

I plan on dyeing another hank today

Give a Hoot Beanie

I just learned how to make an owl cable and wanted to try it out. I had some of this great green heather cascade 220 left over from a baby sweater that was just enough for a beanie. If you want to try your hand at an owl cable beanie the pattern is written out below and it is pretty simple and fast.

Materials
120 yrds worsted weight yarn
US 8 16" circular needle
1 set on US 8 dpns
2 small buttons
Stitch marker

Hat:
Cast on 80 Stitches, place marker and join work being careful not to twist the cast on row.
Work in 2x2 rib till brim measures 2"
Purl all stitches for two rounds
R3: Purl 25 sts, Knit 8 sts, Purl to stitch marker
R4: Purl All sts
R5: Purl 25 sts, C4B, C4F, Purl to stitch marker
R6-12: Purl 25 sts, Knit 8 sts, Purl to stitch marker
R13: Purl 25 sts, C4B, C4F, Purl to stitch marker
R14-18: Purl 25, Knit 8, Purl to stitch marker
R19: Purl 25, C4B, C4F, Purl to stitch marker

Now you should see a little owl perched on your hat.
Work in reverse St st till hat measures 6 1/2"

Hat decreases
R1: *Purl 8 sts, P2tog* repeat *to*
R2: Purl all sts
R3: *Purl 7, P2tog* repeat *to*
R4: Purl all sts
R5: *Purl 6, P2tog* repeat *to*
R6: Purl all sts
R7: *Purl 5 sts, P2tog* repeat *to*
Place stitches on dpns and continue with decreases
R8: Purl all sts
R9:*Purl 4 sts, P2tog* repeat *to*
R10: *Purl 3 sts, P2tog* repeat *to*
R11: *Purl 2 sts, P2tog* repeat *to*
R12: *Purl 1 sts, P2tog* repeat *to*
R13: *P2tog*


You should now only have 4 sts remaining, using a darning needles thread yarn end through the last 4 sts and pull closed. Weave in all end.

Sew two small buttons on owl cable for eyes. As pictured below.

Vintage Finds: Thanksgiving

In my family we cook all day. I'm in charge of making the gravy while my dad carves the bird and my brother helps my mom get all the side dishes onto the table. More than once in my 8 years of helping with dinner have I spilt or splattered something on myself and had to change before we all sat down to eat. I understand the importance of a good apron and find them kitchy and practical.

Vintage Apron Yellow white Gingham

By shopvintage



Mod Terry Floral Apron. Lime Green. 60s. New Vintage.

By AttysVintage


hand stitched cotton apron

By loveofnapoleon



Wild Apron

By OrangeElephant


VINTAGE HAND MADE APRON

By grandmascottage



Vintage Crocheted Apron in SALMON PINK and GREEN

By CarawayCache



Vintage Retro Reversable Apron

By laceandluxuries

Rainy Work Day

Today I am work all day...unusual for me, but because I will be gone from the apartment today vintage finds will be a day late again.

It is also raining which I do not appreciate.
Blah!

Release Day: Kina Tam Pattern

Here it is my third pattern the Kina Tam Pattern. You can check it out in my etsy shop. I really love the slouchy look of this hat.

This pattern is for the intermediate knitter as ot has basic lace stitches and basic shaping at the crown of the tam. While it does have a lace stitch pattern this tam knits up quickly because of the large gauge. The slouchy look of this tam is achieved by knitting a dk weight yarn with a large needle as well as aggressive blocking once the tam is finished.

I had a blast designing this tam and knitting it up!

Photo Shoot!

Simon took some photos for me yesterday. Here is the Indigo Banded Cardigan from this falls knit scene. I love how it turned out although I think I've had it when it comes to seaming.

I had the cream colored yarn in my stash, but it was the wrong weight so i adjusted the guage and used a size 8 needle instead of nine and made a size bigger than if i had been working the suggested guage.

This sweater is so warm and cozy and it had a lot of room in it so I'll be able to layer under it for the winter.

A Day Late, Vintage Finds

November, I like the fall and I love Thanksgiving, mostly for the cool crisp air, the food, and visiting my family in Upstate NY. I like that this is a holiday that I won't have to split time with Simon's family, them being Australian and all. Simon has taken to Thanksgiving like a duck to water, so to speak. But of course Simon would love any holiday where eating a giant feast all day was the main celebration. Vintage finds this month will be inspired by Thanksgiving starting with table settings. If your going to have the family over that's the time to bring out the good china so to speak. My mom only uses my grandmothers china at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Midcentury Atomic Eames Era Dinnerware Service For Five plus

By StrangeVagaries

THREE 4-PIECE PLACE SETTINGS JOHNSON BROS ATHENA IRONSTONE WHITE WITH BLUE FLOWERS VINTAGE

By YesterdaysMemories09

Franciscan Sundance Dinner for Four

By ForceNine

Mid Century Modern 5 Piece Place Setting Raymond Loewy Melmac Lucent Dinnerware

By junkculture

Set of 8 BOLD and BEAUTIFULVintage Cloth Napkins

By redcombvintage

Golden Antlers - Vintage Drinking Glasses

By AllieRuth

vintage set of 19 starburst stemware GLASSES

By cutfromthesamecloth

6 Vintage Cobal Blue Wine Glasses

By terrihvaught