Crepe Paper Crowns

I love the book Alterknits (Thank you Karen Phillips for introducing me to this book!)

It contains really fun project ideas and inspiration for creating beautiful, fun, out of the ordinary gifts.  One of my favorite projects in the book (of which there are many!) is the Crepe Paper Crown.  One of the photos in the book is of a bride wearing a white crown, sitting on a moped- between this image and the description (inspired by Scandinavian designs)  I knew I had to make this.. I was going to be attending a wedding reception for a couple amazing friends in Iceland a few months after I got the book- fate obviously wanted me to have this book and make these!!

Knitting these bad boys was a labor of love- working with crepe paper (streamers) was a challenge and took a lot of patience, but I am thrilled with how they turned out.  And while I had to let the groom in on the secret so we could collaborate on the right time during the reception to "crown" the couple, the bride was completely surprised :)

here are a few photos of the finished product

* thanks to Sam's brother Tyler Chartier for the black and white photos!!

Pretty in pink (and green)!

I loooove my osprey rucksack.  It was brilliant last year in Kenya, and I know it will serve me well on my trip to Iceland.  The only flaw with it is that it has a few loose straps that, if checked at the airport, could get stuck in belts and things.  To remedy this, I decided to make a cover for it!  I *may* have home a bit overboard but hey, at least ill know which bag is mine. :)
I willl try to post directions after my trip!

Fun with post it notes

I started a (fabulous) new job a few weeks ago.
This is the view into one of our conference rooms.
It makes me smile.

Handmade Christmas

I hate to admit it, but I am really, really thankful that the holidays are over.  This year was a little insane- between launching Star Wars: The Old Republic and being in a crazy life transition stage, I can honestly say I am really happy to have 2011 over and 2012 underway! 

Having said that, I did have a bit of fun making Christmas presents this year. 

I've never really been a big fan of crazy ridiculous presents- Ok, after age 13 I've never really been a big fan.  It is so easy to get caught up in the hype and spend copious amounts of money on what amounts to a pile of goods (most likely manufactured in China) that will end up forgotten or not really needed.  So continuing a tradition I started a couple years ago with my nieces and nephews, I tried to make the majority of presents for Family this year.  Because I was crazy busy at work (sw:tor launch info! I had a very limited amount of time, but I was at least able to make hats for each of the five kids! 

Storm Trooper Beanies for the Boys:
Star Wars Chart Patterns

Snowflake Beanie for Miss Caroline:
"Rudensk" pattern on Ravelry

Beret for Karlee:
Star Crossed Slouncy Beret on Ravelry

 

A couple for Chloe:
"Poppy" hat pattern on Ravelry
Adorable flower pattern from Martha Stewart

This one is literally the same as Karlee's beret, yarn and everything, except on much smaller needles :)