Woolmint

Woolmint has moved

2011-08-17T00:03:00.000-07:00

Woolmint blog moved to new home. You will find it from http://www.woolmint.com/. See you there!

Fall 2011: What fashion has to say

2011-08-02T06:25:00.000-07:00

Seems like top designers doesn't value knits this fall 2011 season. As previously, I browsed Style.com to find some interesting knits from different collections, but didn't find much.
ADAM is one of few who has several on their collection.

Moschino Cheap and Chic

Pringle of Scotland

New patterns coming!

2011-08-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to announce that my first design for Koigu Magazine arrived to Canada on Friday. Now I have 2 weeks to complete the pattern, which will hopefully be published on next issue.
I was pleased to hear that Taiu, the owner of Koigu, really liked my sweater and I'm anxious to show it to my blog readers, too! But you still have to wait a bit.

Until then, I have a plan to write a pattern for those fingerless gloves. Some people have already asked for it, so it will be done and published on Ravelry in next few weeks.

UPDATE! Pattern is finished & uploaded to Ravelry.

Update to the fans of Kaisu

2011-07-17T13:19:00.000-07:00

Long time, no see - but you know how hectic our life have been in recent months or even in longer period.

I wanted to post some news about Kaisu, because I know that some of you wonder how she is doing. Well, the little brave girl still fights with cancer, but for first time in last 6 months, she has her hair growing again!
At the moment treatment goes as planned and Kaisu has better and not so good days - depends on the medications she gets.
This is the latest photo of her, doesn't the girl look good despite of everything? :)

Be positive on Wednesdays!

2011-02-16T23:35:00.000-08:00

Monday Moodboard - inspired by lavender

2011-02-14T03:26:00.000-08:00

1) Lapomme
2) byMarianneS
3) LaLaShoes
4) LAccentNou

Happy Valentines day!

"Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave and impossible to forget"
G. Randolf

Be positive on Wednesdays!

2011-02-10T05:28:00.000-08:00

If you'd like to donate a hat for a little cancer patient

2011-02-03T01:30:00.001-08:00

I discussed this idea with some of my European friends, who were willing to help, so I decided to post all information about this hat project here.

Some of you already know that my little, 1,5 year old niece Kaisu had a leukaemia diagnosed right after Christmas.
Good news - she's doing better and is at home for a week now, after a month spent in the hospital. She still has to go there to get her chemotherapy every second week, but half of the time she spends home with her family where she belongs. There's a good chance that she will recover, but the first treatment session takes 2,5 years.

Kaisu lost her hair as a side effect of chemotherapy and like most cancer patients, she's a big fan of hats now.
I crocheted some hats for her, but I'd be happy if someone else likes to make/donate a hat for her.

Her head circumference is 46-48 cm and the material of the hat should be something suitable for a sensitive skin.

If you'd like to help, please contact me by e-mail anniki@woolmint.com and I'll send you our shipping address. I'm sure it will be a great surprise to my brother's family.

And I thank you all my European friends for all good wishes we have received! It means a world to our family :)

Romantic Lace Gloves pattern

2011-01-26T12:14:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, I haven't been a great online friend recently. I know some of you wonder where I disappeared. We had so much going on in our family in the end of 2010, but I'll write about it next time longer.

I wanted to share a great news! Moment that some people are waiting for is finally here!

I finished writing Romantic Lace Gloves pattern and it's available on my Etsy store. And if you're going to knit them, be sure to share your project on Ravelry, too!

Was a great challenge to me, but so many people inspired me to write it down.

On next few days I'm going to edit some of my older patterns and will republish them soon!

UPDATE 30/11

The pattern is now available on Ravelry pattern shop.

Cake, anyone?

2010-10-26T01:46:00.000-07:00

Is there something that can't be knitted? And don't tell me you don't feel hungry now :)

Photo taken from here.

Autumn in colorful

2010-10-24T22:52:00.000-07:00

I knitted some more fingerless gloves. The photo is colorful, as the autumn in Estonia :)
Still wonder if I should write a pattern for them? Anyone interested?

Logo designs

2010-10-21T23:57:00.000-07:00

A web company is working my new logo at the moment and I should choose which of those two samples I like more, so we can continue working with one.
First I didn't like the one with two colors, and I asked to make another one, but more I look it, more I like the one on the first photo. What do you think, please, help me to decide...

Koigu progress

2010-10-20T00:52:00.000-07:00

Katy Perry's new album "Teenage Dream" is playing in my headphones and it is a real teenage dream - I'm too old for enjoying this kind of music on Wednesday 10am.
But I write CD reviews for the newspaper and I must do it.

Anyway, I didn't want to write about Katy Perry.
You see the photo of Koigu yarn I got ... hm, last week? Or even week before.
I keep looking those beautiful skeins of yarn and think what to do with them. Yep, November is soon here and I should come out with an idea, but the brain is just not working.

I love the texture and color of Koigu KPPPM, but it’s challenging – because of multiple colors, it’s not possible to use all patterns, which I would like to, because they just don’t show up on the garment. So my secret plan is to play more with the cuts and less with the pattern.

Last night I got some inspiration and made a small, doll-sized skirt out of it. That’s how I usually plan my designs – I knit a decreased size to see how it looks like. I liked it in general, some changes should be made, but I can’t decide if to go for more classical skirt or a bit extravagant? I’m thinking of something with fluffy bottom edge…

Or maybe tunic? Or sweater? Hats-socks? For me it would be easier to make them all, and not to decide this one and only thing.

But despite of headache I get from thinking, I love doing it! The creative team of Koigu magazine – Taiu, Maie and Kathy – are fantastic and I’m glad that for my first big project I ended up with such a helpful and experienced people.

Meanwhile I made a new cotton shrug.

Koigu's here!

2010-10-12T05:08:00.000-07:00

It's here!
Koigu KPPPM yarn is here! And what a fantastic color!
Now must think quickly what to knit from it. Today I plan to experiment with different patterns, just to see what's working with those colors and what's not.

Romantic fingerless gloves

2010-10-05T01:32:00.000-07:00

This is my vision of romantic fingerless gloves - light colour, small pearls, traditional Estonian lace pattern.

I really enjoyed knitting them, and in last few days they have got a lot of positive feedback.

The main patten is taken from Estonian lace book "Haapsalu shawl", which I absolutely adore. I made some changes, as usually, but the basic idea is the same.

I used regular soft wool yarn, it took about 60-70 grams.

So I'm thinking if I should write a pattern for them too? It would be in English.

Lace is always beautiful

2010-10-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

Today's sunny weather was perfect for taking new photos.
I have them more, but I want to show you the lace shawls first.

Estonian knitters have been making light lace shawls with traditional patterns for hundreds of years.

Sock collection success story

2010-09-29T00:43:00.000-07:00

I've been giving hints about new sock collection for months.
Sorry, it's still not completed, but some designs are photographed! And probably I'm not able to finish this project now, because first pairs I listed to Etsy got a positivse feedback and will be soon hopefully sold in NY retail stores.
First pairs are sent to them for review and it's pretty sure we're going to work together, if the customer decides the colours and patterns they like most.
If it goes as planned, knee high socks will be in the stores on November.
I will keep you updates!

I still dream of flying to London Knitting and Stitching Show next week, to meet creative team of Koigu. But not sure if I can afford it at the moment...

Etsy holiday boot camp!

2010-09-24T00:09:00.000-07:00

I decided to participate in Etsy Holiday Boot Camp this year!

Here's the pledge:

I, Woomint, pledge to participate in the Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp to the best of my abilities. I vow to check in every week, do my homework and support my fellow Holiday Boot Campers. I will read the weekly newsletters and blog posts, check in on the weekly forum thread, read the weekly blog post, check off the checklists and salute the mascot. I promise to share what I've learned with those who need it, support my fellow Etsy indiepreneurs and, most of all, have a positive and persistent attitude. I understand that together we can spread the word about our handmade and vintage goods, making this holiday season a more unique and meaningful one to gift givers and give-ees everywhere!

So excited!

A paradise

2010-09-22T11:55:00.000-07:00

Do you know how a paradise looks like? I know, but I don't have my own paradise. But if I did, it would look something like this:

.... or like this

.. or something similar to this:

Got the point?
At the moment I wish I could knit full time...

Once in a lifetime opportunity

2010-09-16T23:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, for making some designs for new Koigu magazine.

If you have read my blog previously, you know how big Koigu fan I am. Taiu, who is one of the owners of this yarn company, found me some time ago from Facebook and turned out she’s Estonian like I am.
She sent me some Koigu yarn and their first published book, “Knits from a Painters Palette”.

Yesterday, when I came from fittest club and opened my mailbox, I found e-mail from Kathryn Merrick, who’s a knitting designer in Interweave Press and puts together Koigu’s new magazine.
Taiu recommended me to make some designs there! Can you believe it? I can’t!

But they’re both very helpful and I’m going to do this. We agreed that they will send me some yarn and after receiving them I start working.

It’s a challenge for me, because English is not my first language and so far I’ve done only simple patterns, like fingerless gloves.
Garments with different size calculations are a big work for me, but I already have some ideas and I’m eager to try.
But it all depends on yarns and they texture. I don’t know what I will get and all my ideas may not be perfect for them.

Anyway, I’ll keep you updated and I’m so happy to get this opportunity. Now, when I’m not completely satisfied with my work in newspaper, a new challenge is definitely something which keeps me motivated.

Here's some works I've done before with Koigu yarn:

Lacy elegant capelet

2010-09-16T03:19:00.000-07:00

I've never knitted a capelet like this before, but I'm satisfied with the result!
It's made from super soft Egyptian cotton yarn (150g) and I used a lace pattern from one Novita magazine, but in general the design is made by myself.
Usually it takes for a while to come out with new design, but this time it took only one evening to finish it! No wrong calculations, the yarn was perfect for the project and it was a pleasure to knit it.
Capelet is listed in my Etsy shop.
Better photos hopefully coming next week, when my model is back in the city! Just couldn't wait to show it.

What's happening here?

2010-09-08T23:10:00.000-07:00

I was happy in August that I’m fine after my wakeboarding accident. Now I must admit I made this conclusion too quickly.
I still have problems with my neck, which is not working correctly. I can’t turn my head to right side, because it just won’t move.
I hoped it will pass by itself, but nothing changed in last 2 weeks and today I’m going to visit chiropractor.

It’s the main reason why I decided to skip this running season. First competition was on Sunday and although I participated, I got the worst result ever, because my head just started to ache under the pressure and I wasn’t able to outpace my last year’s time.
Next race is this Sunday, but I’m not going. It makes me sad, because most of my friends are active runners and I get excited when I see them training and taking part in different events. All I can do is to stand next to the track and help them to reach their goals.
But I know I must make this sacrifice if I still want to run a marathon next year.
Wakeboarding season is also over for me. Next ywar again!
All I can do at the moment is indoor rowing and visiting gym.

***

Oliver’s birthday went very well.
We had firefighters party on Saturday. First all children and their parents visited local firefighters department and later they plays in children’s playroom for 3 hours.
I made a huge cake, which no one almost tasted. Kids were busy playing and adult were on a diet, I assume :)

***

I will take a week off in late October and travel somewhere outside Estonia. Not sure where I end up, but the plan is to grab my back bag and just go. To Russia maybe? I haven’t been there yet. Or a round trip in Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Germany and Czech Republic.
I’ve visited all of them before, but there are places where I’d like to go back.

***

Sock collection is still in progress. Six more pairs to do!

Creative Estonia: Portel iPad sleeves

2010-08-31T00:19:00.000-07:00

Portel is a fresh Estonian company, making sleeves for Apple products. They sell the designs on Etsy and have been featured in various blogs and magazines, including Estonian trading magazine “Life in Estonia”.

People may wonder what is the secret of their success, but I believe it’s not so hard to figure it out.
Their shop announcement formulates it clearly: “We want to keep it simple. We try to design our products so that they would have high functionality, not forgetting elegance and beauty.”

I found Portel several weeks ago when I searched for laptop sleeve for my new HP Mini Vivienne Tam notebook.
I truly believe that “less is more” and simplicity has its charm.

Estonian trading magazine writes:
“At the same time that Jobs was planning to present the first iPad in the USA; the folks at Seene Koda (Mushroom Chamber, a farm located close to Estonian capital of Tallinn) were looking for a way to link the useful and the pleasant. As soon as the measurements of the iPad were made public, the first Portel product was created.
So the first iPad sleeves made by Portel were sold online, even before the iPad itself made onto the market.”

I’m sure that this kind of mentality is a key element of their growing popularity - Portel was there right in the beginning and predicted what market needs.

Website www.greekosystem.com has claimed their sleeve to be the best of its kind. And I believe they deserve it.

Portel uses 100% natural materials and as most people in handmade business, they work without looking at the watch or what day of the week it is.

Portel shop
Facebook fan page

Third pair of knee high socks - sneak peak photo

2010-08-30T05:09:00.000-07:00

No words needed, just another hint about new knee high sock collection!

5 years together

2010-08-30T00:18:00.000-07:00

Five years ago little cute boy was born. He's name is Oliver:

We've had some fun events over the years. For example, Christmas with Santa Claus and a lot of presents:

He has surprised his mom for countless times. Like when he stood up first time himself:

Or learned how to eat apple:

We've enjoyed winter activities so much that mom had to carry him to fifth floor on a sledge, because little guy got tired:

We've discovered nature together:

And had fun photoshoots every summer:

Sometimes it's not so joyful. Like when little Oliver is sick:

But hard times pass quickly and in five years he has made a lot of friends:

Of course, it's not only about playing with mates. There has been hard work also, when he had to model for his mom's handmade hats (because salary was good):

Suddenly I discovered how time flies and the baby is not so small any more:

We've been together for 5 years.
I wasn't ready to became a mother, but I've enjoyed every second of it. I love him.

Weekly reading list

2010-08-26T06:29:00.000-07:00

I'm going to publish every Thursday a weekly reading list, for sharing the best blogposts, articles and other material found online.
Those are things that inspire me and may help you too.
I try to keep it balanced and feature content from different aspects, like business, marketing, personal growth, time planning, freelance life and so on.

If you have anything to share, you're welcome to post it to the comments, and I will add it to original post!

So here are first features I read this week:

How big brands employ social media marketing
Interview with Andy Sernovitz, founder of the Social Media Business Council. He’s talking about word-of-mouth marketing and big companies’ social media marketing experiences.

When You Need To Reinvent The Wheel, Build A Hover Car
Advice how to become a better blogger.

How to create a mind map to get more done and take action faster

And last but not least, something with a bit funnier title
How not to get old, jealous bitter once you are famous

Second pair of socks

2010-08-25T22:53:00.000-07:00

To be honest, it’s not ready yet, but last night I finished first sock with Norwegian pattern.
This time I used pattern from DROPS and didn’t think it out myself. I haven’t knitted multicolored patterns before, but I’m quite satisfied with the result. I could wear a pair like this.

Seems like there’s something wrong with my camera’s auto focus. Photos are not clear, but I’m working on fixing it!

Some of my favourites

2010-08-23T02:22:00.000-07:00

I made a fresh treasury with some of my favourite European artists.

I'm not gooing to add all links here, but you can see it on Etsy.

Ann's cow mug

2010-08-21T23:09:00.000-07:00

My Sunday mornings look like this.
Well, not always is there baked rolls, but I won't start a morning without my cow mug and fresh coffee :)
I love my cow mug. It's a gift from my mother, made by Tupperware. She originally ordered the mugs for her grand-kids, but as I have only one child and my brothers-sisters have a way more, she thought it would be fair if our tiny family will get two mugs.

Yesterday I knitted until midnight and I'm not sure if I want to see my needles today :)
Socks are finished, fingerless gloves with same pattern started.
But I'm not passionate about knitting them, because making same pattern all over again gets boring rather soon.

Sock collection preview

2010-08-21T02:52:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned before, I started knitting my knee high sock collection.
First pair is almost ready and here's a sneak peak photo for you.
Keywords are neutral colours, natural materials and wide range of patterns. I plan to do at least 8 different pairs and present them all together in late September.
If I can complete it, it will be my biggest project in last few years!

Small wakeboarding accident

2010-08-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

I had a small wakeboarding accident two days ago.
Everything went well until I didn't see another speedboat and its wave coming. I was stuck between two waves and just fall down to water straight to my neck. Luckily I had the crash helmet on, otherwise I wouldn't be here at the moment.
I hurt my head and chest, had hard to breathe and headache kept me in bed. I still can't move my neck and I must stay home for few more days, but in general I'm getting better.
Plus I twisted my left ankle, which means I may have to skip this autumn's running season... First competition is in 3 weeks and if it won't get better by then, I'm not able to participate.

Everybody ask if I quit wakeboarding now. Even the doctor tried to convince me it's dangerous. Yes, I know it is, but I'm careful, accidents can happen everywhere and this time was just bad coincidence.
No, I'm not going to quit. As soon as I feel fine again, I will be back on wakeboard. Hopefully it happens before the summer season ends. We have only 3 months of good water sports weather here and in September it's usually too cold for going on the water.
Until then I spend time in gym, because my hands need more strength for trying different tricks on board. Wakeboarding is physically very exhausting, only 10 minutes can make you feel like dead next day.

But until I must stay home, I plan to start knitting again. Hopefully I can make a short trip to yarn shop and post office today, tomorrow morning I have another appointment with my doctor.

UPDATE on August 19th:
I visited doctor today and I'm fine! Will rest until the end of the week, but on Monday I'm allowed to go back to work.
Neck is still painful to move and headache comes and goes, but it's not a big problem.
Thank you for being with me!

I want to show you one more photo. The quality is not very good, but it's the beginning of last night's thunderstorm in Pärnu.
We've had more thunderstorms than usually this season, it's normal to see rain and lightning almost every day. It's because of unwontedly hot summer.

Hansamarket in Pärnu

2010-08-16T04:59:00.000-07:00

We had a big 2-day hansamarket in Pärnu. The official name of the event is Pärnu Quild Days and the tradition is more than 10 years old.
Every August people all over Estonia come to Pärnu and sell their handmade items and homemade food. There are a lot of concerts too.
This year I didn't participate, because it was on my birthday and I had some guests to host. But I had time to walk around and see all beautiful things made by fellow artisans. Only few are on the photo, because camera battery was low, as usually :)

And here's one extra photo of myself. Made today while we celebrated my birthday in our office. I'm usually very critical about my photos, but I like the emotion on this one.
The author of the photo is my dear colleague, photographer Urmas Luik.

... do you know the feeling of?

2010-08-04T01:03:00.000-07:00

Do you know the feeling of waiting something for so long and not getting it finally?
Disappointment.
Do you know the feeling of being cheated when you least expect it, by the person you trust most?
Do you know the feeling of promising to put yourself first and ending up making compromises and quitting your dreams because of someone else?

I’m sure you do.
I do.

I accept the fact that it’s over, although we really haven’t talked about it. But somewhere deep inside I know it’s the end.

So what a girl doest after facing the fact of break-up?
First she pretends she never cared so much about him anyway.
Then she’s confused and doesn’t understand what went wrong.
And she cries. For a day, or two. Or longer.
Then she runs all her emotions out and does her personal best on running track.

Suddenly life is not so sad any more.
It reminds all the goals she had before starting this forever-lasting circle about waiting, waiting and more waiting.
I want to go back to school and become a better photojournalist.
I want to run a marathon in Rome!
I want to learn another language.
I want my friends back. Those I pushed to second position when he came.
I want to branch out my business.

Yes, there are things I want but can’t do myself, like another child :) But I can wait, I still have time!
Self-irony always helps, right?

Don’t write off me yet!
And thanks to all friends who were with me in last few days, emotionally and physically.
After this post whining is officially ended, I have better things to do :)

Note: I'm not used to be so personal on a public site. But maybe it helps to understand my feelings, plus I don't anything to hide either.

Favourite time of the year

2010-07-31T00:23:00.000-07:00

My favourite time of the year is finally here - season of fresh berries!
Yesterday we went picking some blueberries after work. There wasn't many in the forest (someone probably was there before us), but we got enough for making a cake and some dessert cream.
Mosquitoes tried to eat us alive, but both I and Oliver were brave and picked out boxes full of berries.

Blueberries are very good for health, they have a diverse range of micronutrients, with notably high levels of the essential dietary mineral manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K and dietary fiber.

I'm not crazy about organic food, but whenever possible, I try to use fresh and clean nutriments from my own area, so I can be sure there are no food preservatives or E numbers involved.

Monday Moodboard: Green

2010-07-26T00:23:00.000-07:00

1) LaLaShoes
2) Kirevi8
3) Artistico
4) Lacravateduchien

I'm not going to write long. Why green? Because it's just a beautiful colour :)

See more moodboards on Fleurfatale's blog, and don't forget to turn volume on, because she has a great music playing there!

Since now you can comment without word verification in my blog. I know some people don't like to type those silly words to a box, so I just removed it.

Back to the present

2010-07-21T04:48:00.000-07:00

I scared you off with the previous winter post, didn't I? :)

I must admit it's almost 30C in Estonia and I'm probably only one thinking of fall/winter season. Not because I wait it so much, but knitters like I am can't leave it to last minute either.

Today I left my knitting needles home and I've been searching for perfect summer dress on Etsy.
You know what's ironic about it? First dresses I saved to my list were all made in China.
I believe handmade items can be made in Asian countries too, but after seeing the photos and descriptions I'm not so sure if they are handmade, so just to be sure, I won't feature them here.I've read a lot about resellers on Etsy but until now I didn't think I've even seen any myself.

So the task was not as easy as I hoped, but I found several dresses I like and I want to share them with you.

Perfect orange and flower dress made by michalsclothes

What about one like this for a evening coctail party? Made by dgiforvictory

Olive mix silk by cocoricoo

Silk dress by larimeloom

Never too early to prepare for winter

2010-07-19T22:56:00.000-07:00

First very important announcement:
TipJunkie is hosting mygiveaway on July 27th and then will be 3 winners! It lasts only 24 hours, so don't be late!

But even if it's +30C outside, I'm preparing for fall/winter season. 5 pairs of fingerless gloves are ready, more coming soon!
This morning I took some new photos of them. I don't have a good camera at the moment, but I can borrow one from work and I used this opportunity for pimping up my item photos.
I like to photograph in open air, because there's more light than in my tiny dark apartment, where sun shines only in the morning.
But it's hard to do it alone. My friend, who helped me with the photos by being my model, moved away for couple of months and I need to do it myself. I don't know anyone else to ask for help, but if here's someone from Pärnu, Estonia (still, most of my readers are local) and is willing to do it, please drop me a line! Small present is guaranteed :)

All gloves are listed to Etsy of course.

Monday Moodboard: Travel to Italy with me!

2010-07-18T23:52:00.000-07:00

1) ImmortalButterfly
2) NancyvdBoom
3) emelephotography
4) trotalo

Italy is in my heart since first time I visited. I've seen different sides of the contry from Africa refugee centers to beautiful cities and landscapes. Nature and history is something I especially love there.
Driving on scooter in Rome at night is something everyone should experience. Going to one of seven hills of Rome (Sette colli di Roma) and enjoying most incredible city view.
Having espresso and gelato (similar to ice cream) in open air cafe.
Visiting Tuscany and getting a bottle of red wine.
Spending day walking around, seeing old farm houses and narrow streets.

I miss it!

World famous designers love cable patterns

2010-07-15T00:45:00.000-07:00

Designers presented their Fall 2010 ready-to-wear collections while ago, but closer the season comes, more interesting the topic gets. As in previous years, I browsed some of collections and searched for knits.
Didn't have to disappoint this time, world famous fashion designers still believe in knitting!
Lot of them love cable patterns this year. You'll find designs with cables in ADAM's, D&G's and Tommy Hilfiger's rtw collections, while Michael Kors and Sonia Rykiel keep it more simple.
D&G features a lot of knits in their show, with colourful Nordic patterns.
You will find all collections at Style.com!

ADAM:

D&G:

Michael Kors:

Sonia Rykiel:

Tommy Hilfiger:

Monday Moodboard : orange

2010-07-11T23:14:00.000-07:00

1) Elixirio 2) Sunshineartdesign 3) ThreeBlueBee 4) MistyAurora

No wonder why I picked orange for this moodboard, right?

Yes, it is because of football and Spain winning the world cup.

I admit I am a big fan of football and Spain is very sympathetic team to me.

So let it be orange!

See more at fleurfatale's blog.

Kaboodle

2010-07-10T03:31:00.000-07:00

I first read about Kaboodle from Etsy. It's a social shopping community for people who like to share their favourite findings from web, share their wish lists and so on. In my opinion a bit similar to Stylehive, but with more opportunities.

I like the place not because of promoting my own stuff there, but it's a Kaboodle Styleboards is a fun way to mix things together, get inspiration from other members and see, what people actually like. I did my first Styleboard, featuring Etsy artists only.

So if you're on Kaboodle, I'd like to be your friend. If not, checking it out won't hurt, right?

Give your shoes a new life

2010-07-08T00:54:00.000-07:00

This is something I've been doing for a while now - pimping up old shoes and giving them new chance to live for some more years.
Easiest way is to repaint them (which I did), maybe use some glitter, ready made fabric flowers or pearls for decorating.

What you need?
* Paints suitable for leather or fabric, depending what kind of shoes you have. I use Pebeo Deco, it's suitable for all kinds of materials.
* Different brushes - thinner for the borders, bigger for the top of shoes. Small brush is good for making patterns.
* Masking tape. You may try to use it for covering the borders, so you don't have to clean them later, but it may happen that after the paint is dried, the tape can rip open some of the paint too, so be careful! It's depending a lot on the material.
* Nail polish remover, in case you have to clean the borders later.
* Acrylic vanish. Cover the shoes after painting and they look beautiful longer.

My white shoes are now purple with bronze ornaments and leather shoes lime green. Both look good. Haven't decided how to decorate green shoes, any ideas?

My photos should show before/after combination, but I painted both white shoes before I got an idea to do it. But you can see a white strap on one shoe, that's how they looked before.

A girl can never have too big closet

2010-07-05T08:03:00.000-07:00

One of my biggest home-related dreams is having a big closet for clothes, shoes, bags, accessories and so on. Something similar to the one on the photo from Closet Tailors website.
In this apartment I don't have enough space for it. I'd put my vintage suitcases there, and buy a cosy sofa with flower pattern... Plus bright colours, big mirrors, a lot of light. A girl can dream, right?

If it comes to clothing, I try to follow saying "I'm not rich enough to buy cheap things". That doesn't mean I'm a fan of brands, but I better buy less, but stuff with quality and things which last longer than just one season.
Estonian stylist Karolin Kuusik told once in her lecture that the relation between clothing price and usage has to be reasonable. I really like her idea.
For example, if you buy a dress worth $150 for just one elegant event (someone's wedding, prom, concert, whatever), it's expensive, because you probably won't wear it ever again in your life. Would you pay $150 for wearing a dress - eventhough it's gorgeous - for 3-4 hours? I wouldn't.
But if you buy a winter coat with same price - $150 - and wear it 4 times a week during the season (at least 4 months in Estonia), it means putting it on 64 times.
Calculate: 150/64 = 2,3. So the cost of wearing this coat once will be $2,3. If you use it next season too, then halve it and you'll get $1,15. Not so expensive any more.

I have my favorite Tommy Hilfiger red jacket in my closet, worth $120. I've been wearing it countless times for 3 years and it still looks like new, so the investment was totally reasoned.
Now, after first hot days, I bought some T-shirts from mass product shop, each worth $6. After first day one was broken, seam just diverged. Even $6 sounds too much for me for one day only, if I could buy a shirt for $30 (see nicacollection)and wear it in next few summers.
I hope you get my idea.

But most of all I love a bit funky stuff from vintage stores, plus handmade shoes and clothes.
Buying handmade always associate with quality to me, plus knowing that there may be only a few similar items in the world makes it very valuable.
Some days ago I found funky leather shoes from Dawanda, today Star charmed me with her belt.
Butter Cookies makes fantastic hand painted shoes, ThongbaiTatong most beautiful skirts I've seen, Jane e Roberti simple, but elegant accessories.
I know no one who have regretted buying handmade.

Monday Moodboard : embroidery

2010-07-05T01:05:00.000-07:00

This time I used search word "embroidery" for moodboard and here is the result. Enjoy!

1) LaTouchables 2) SmArtAnna 3) StarBags 4) Kuutydruk

See more at fleurfatale's blog.

Giveaway on Facebook

2010-07-01T11:09:00.000-07:00

It's nice to receive things for free, isn't it?
To celebrate the first collection of Woolmint baby footwear, I'm giving away a pair of baby booties shown on the photo.
2 sizes available: 3-6 months and 12-18 months.
Outside of the booties is made from natural linen, inside is a soft fleece. It's a great gift for both small girls and boys.

I run the giveaway on Facebook this time, on Woolmint's fan page.

How to participate?
* Become a fan of Woolmint
* Find a wall post about giveaway
* Simply follow the instructions there and leave a comment under the photo.

Giveaway is open internationally and will last until 10th of July. Winner will be picked by Random.org.

Until the same time all FB fans and blog readers can use their advantage and have a FREE worldwide shipping on Woolmint's Etsy shop.
Just write "FREE SHIPPING" into the box "message to seller" after buying and you will get a refund via Paypal.

Have any questions? E-mail me!

After the market

2010-07-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who wished me luch for international market.
The last day of it was fine, although I expected a bit more. But in general I can't be too sad, because we managed to get a bit profit and didn't end up in a loss.

We made baby booties especially for this event and I'm happy that some pairs of them travelled all over the world - tourists from Germany, Finland and even Australia bought them!
This is the best thing I like about markets and fairs - straight communication from with the buyers, a lot of interesting stories to tell and hear.
But I still have a few left and I listed them to my Etsy & Dawanda shops.

International Hanseatic Days

2010-06-26T11:35:00.000-07:00

International Hanseatic is the biggest event that Pärnu (Estonia) is hosted in last 20 years.
450 sellers on craft market, 4 days filled with culture events, more than 80 delegations from other countries and estimated 100 000 visitors in total.

The symbol of hanseatic days is red apple and entire city is filled with them. Simple, but cute, isn't it?

I've been selling on market yesterday and today. Tomorrow is the grande finale, which means that event is over. We prepared for this for months and then it just ends. A bit sad, because at the moment the city is filled with people and positive energy, but after tomorrow everything will be same again.
Market is nice, but we're not doing very well. I've sold some stuff, but not as much as I expected. Most people I've talked with say the same - people are looking, but not buying. Is it about economy? It should be better now, if to believe news.
Anyway, I'll do my best tomorrow and hope it won't be so slow. Next big craft event is in Pärnu on 14-15th of August and we plan to take part again.

The big event is here!

2010-06-24T13:42:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,
I just came from opening ceremony of International Hanseatic Days.
This is the biggest event in last 15 years in Pärnu. 4 days of folk culture, handmade market, people around Europe and much much more!
As Pärnu is a city between river and sea, the opening ceremony was related to water. Thousands of people came to see it and the feeling was rather great! I like the big red apples all around the city, which you can see on the official web page. They're bigger than I am. Photos coming soon, I promise.

Tomorrow the market starts. I still have things to finish, but most products are labeled, packed and ready to go! Here are a little hint about what we're offering:

Only bad thing is that I broke two toes today. Yes, it's bad, the bone is broken and I can't walk much.
It was kind of silly accident, I ran to the sofa while I was finishing stuff here and hurt them pretty badly. And of course, two people on the opening ceremony had to step on my foot too :)
But no worries, I'm a tough girl, I can handle it.

After the big event is over, I'll start working on pre-Christmas items. Every year october-november has been crazy and this time I hope to be more prepared. Plus I have some designs to do for magazines.

Share your gorgeous postcards!

2010-06-04T05:50:00.000-07:00

Hi dear friends!

I know that a lot of you have already received your postcards. So do I.
Florigamigirl made a real surprise to me.
I was expectind a post card, but I got two! I adore her little fabric flowers with button hearts since I visited her shop for first time. Now I have one of my own in my card, with wonderful positive message "peace, love, creativity".
But there was another, very special French postcard (left side on the photo). With real stamp where it's not possible to read the date posted, but Flori wrote it should be from 1910-1920. Signed from Marie to Emile.

I'm curious to know more about it, maybe Flori can explain does she know the story behind this card. I'm trying to find someone who can help to find out when it was sent (maybe the stamp helps?).
Big hugs to Flori and all others who participated!
I hope you all got a new friend and it's not last time when you surprise her with card, because it's always fun to get something by mail.
Don't forget to share your blog posts!

International Hanseatic Days in Pärnu

2010-05-31T00:39:00.001-07:00

As you may know, I'm preparing for International Hanseatic Days which will be held in Pärnu, 25th-27th June.

I ordered a baby booties pattern for making some pairs for my niece, but ended up sewing them to the fair also. I found a seamstress who is helping me and first 20 pairs are ready.
I love them! Now need to figure out how to decorate the booties. Maybe some embroidery and fabric flowers, what do you think?

Soon I'll make a blog post for postcard swap and you all can link your blog posts there! I know that most of you already sent the card and maybe some have also received it.

Monday Moodboard: Rain

2010-05-24T03:00:00.000-07:00

Raining cloud by atelierpompadour, purple rain journal by Kreativlink, rain drop earrings by vantidesigns, watercolour personalised print by chichiboulie.

After a week of sunshine it's rainy in Estonia. It's cold. No, it's freezing! And that's why my moodboard looks rainy too.

My laptop is still broken and I can't blog as much as before, but addresses for European Postcard Swap has been sent and I know that some of you already finished your postcards too! I'm going to make mine in next few days.

I'm preparing for International Hanseatic Days in Pärnu. I haven't participated in such a big event before and I want everything to be perfect. Ordered item tags from Singapure, thinking how to make paper bags, how much inventory I have and so on. Only one month left!

Craft day in Tallinn

2010-05-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

Disainimaja is hosting a one day craft fair in Tallinn, May 29th.
Hedviga from Disainimaja asked if I can share the information, so please visit Disainimaja webpage for more information!

Announcement about postcard swap

2010-05-14T03:36:00.000-07:00

My laptop broke this week and you won't hear from me in next few days, I don't have access to internet. Hopefully I'll get new laptop next week.

Everyone who sent their addresses for postcard swap: may I ask you to do it again?
I hope I can restore my mailbox from old laptop, but just to be sure no one will be missed.
People are still welcome to participate. More information here.

Giveaway for Estonian readers

2010-05-12T01:05:00.000-07:00

I know I have a lot of Estonian readers here.
Besides Etsy I sell my knits on similar local site Disainimaja and in their blog I'm giving away children's summer hat. All you need to do is leave a comment under original post.

Hedgiva from Disainimaja did also an interview with me, you can read it here.

Pimp up your item photos

2010-05-10T01:16:00.000-07:00

I just read Mouse's post about how to get Etsy sales you want and got a lot of inspiration for improving my store.

Woolmint is a brand new shop, but I've been on Etsy for at least two years and I believe I have some experience, although I still have a lot to learn.

Last year my biggest goal was making eye-catching photos. If you create tiny items, it’s not such a problem, but with knits it can be rather hard to make it stand out.
Biggest thing I learned was that you don’t have to show whole product on your thumbnail photo.
But I did it for a long time.

Great example is my neck warmers. I used a mannequin for photographing them. Here's the first photo I made:

The photo is fine, you see what you’ll get, but for reaching next level (which was getting featured in treasuries, blogs, etc) it didn’t work. Looks kind of boring, right?

So I took a neck warmer, curled it up, added some pearls, used two lamps (I took them off from wall for turning them on the way I needed) for getting good light and made a photo that features only one edge of the neck warmer.

After using it as a thumbnail photo I got more views, features and sales. I sold around 20 neck warmers before Christmas and people wanted to order more, but I just didn’t have enough time for all custom orders.

Second thing I learned was getting out from home. Natural light works best for me, if it’s not too sunny or too cloudy day.

There are so many inspiring things outside – old benches, historical buildings, green grass and blue sky. Find what’s perfect for you and make it work.
I live in apartment, I don’t have my own garden, but I often took a bag of fingerless gloves and found a place where to photograph them. Sometimes it was funny to sit on a bench and make photos of my own hand (when I didn’t have a model to use), people walking by and thinking what you’re doing. But it pays off!
Before and after:

I know people have different opinions for using real models for photographing clothing.
I’m in favor of using a model for my knits. I do have a mannequin, but if people are buying with their, eyes, they usually want to see how the garment keeps shape and so on. And for me it’s better to improve my designs if a real person is wearing it, I see details, their weak and strong sides.

I’ve never had a problem with it. I’m sure there are people who won’t buy from me because of it, but no one ever told anything about it. And I’ve sold most of my knits.
Also, my items intend to get more on the treasuries (and to FB) if they are photographed like this.
Before and after:

I know I still have a lot of work to do for getting great images. Sometimes it's hard to find time, but lets be hones: if you don't invest your skills and time into your shop, it will never pay your bills.

Baby sneakers ready

2010-05-09T04:12:00.000-07:00

After two days I spent with my sewing machine we kind of understand each other :)

Today I made a pair of booties that I'm satisfied with. I added a crocheted flower and small button and it looks more cute, don't you think?
I already ordered another tutorial from the same seller and can't wait for making some pairs of Mary Jane booties too. I have two small nieces who would appreciate having a pair like this and sewing is a great alternation for knitting.

But I faced some major problems. For example, I did't have suitable scissors for cutting fabric. Now I bought them, plus also a washable pen for drawing on the fabric.
And I lost all my needles! After I learned how to do slip stitch, all my needles were missing. So I made a pin cushion.

Now we're going to visit my grandmother, for celebrating a Mother's Day. And I have some parcels to ship too.

First booties ...

2010-05-08T10:34:00.000-07:00

... are done!

I made 3 today (fourth is half done, but I'm too tired).
Well, I still have a lot to learn. I used same size pattern for all booties and they all look different :)
With last one (on the right) I'm almost satisfied and finishing it took most time, because I had no idea what is slip stitch!

Many thanks to Steve Chen, Chad Hurley and Jawed Karim for inventing Youtube, because I found some pretty good slip stitch tutorials there.

I'll continue tomorrow. After today I admire everyone who can sew.

Treasury inspired by Jenny Joseph

2010-05-07T01:36:00.000-07:00

Treasury thing on Etsy has changed a lot and it's kind of weird to make whenever you wish. No more sleepless nights for catching one :)
This is my first Treasury East and it's inspired by English poet Jenny Joseph. Once she wrote a poem:

"When I am an old woman I shall wear purple, With a red hat which doesn't go and doesn't suit me, And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves, And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter."

Here is my definition of red hats, satin sandals and summer gloves, plus a bit more of my favorites. Sorry, no brandy this time!

From the beginning: SmilingKnitting, iragrant, afra, Stemellina, momochas, HouseofNinesDesign, Periay, ThongbaiTatong, homelab, Arctida, cookieletta, annarubyking, HappyHuismus, lacravatteduchien, creationsbyeve and tizzalicious.

First serious sewing

2010-05-06T06:08:00.000-07:00

I bought a sewing machine 6 years ago. I've used it twice for sewing lining to crocheted bags. Very simple thing, just 3 straight seams.
If to consider that, I'm not very good at sewing. I'm terrible at sewing! Or maybe I'm not, I just haven't tried :)

Now I'm going to do something that will boost up my skills. Hopefully :)
I bought a baby booties pattern from sewingwithme7 and I'm actually going to make them!
She stated that it's suitable for beginners and the pattern is great, with photos and everything, but I'm still a bit sceptical.
I would like to try it now, but I have no fabric in home.

European postcard swap “Positive thinking”

2010-05-05T00:38:00.000-07:00

We all love to get postcards, don’t we? Then let’s make a swap!

The idea of positive thinking postcard swap is simple- to make someone else happy by sending handmade postcard with wonderful wishes.

How it’s working?

First let me know that you want to participate- e-mail me your post address to anniki@woolmint.com. Do it by May 16th. Please also add your Etsy username, if possible!

I’ll find you a swap partner and e-mail his/hers address by May 20th.

Now it’s time to make a postcard! Use your creativity and imagination. There are no limitations for the size or technique used.
Add some positive thoughts or wonderful wishes. Feel free to come up with something your own or use help of famous quotes.

After you’re done, it’s time to post it! Please do it on May 28th latest.

Please let me know if you received your postcard! I’m sure it won’t happen, but if something gets lost, we can organize another positive postcard and no one will be left with empty mailbox.

Who can participate?

This swap is mostly meant for Etsy European Street Team members, but if anyone else from Europe would like to participate, it’s fine too! We are friendly :)
For sharing the wishes and cards you received, please blog about it! I’ll organize a link box where we can gather all blog posts.

Have questions?
Contact me by e-mail anniki@woolmint.com
Or http://woolmint.etsy.com
Or simply leave a comment!

Announcement!
Viltalakim pointed out the right thing: please, add a real stamp to your postcard instead of bar code, if possible! It looks much nicer on a postcard :)

Photo by European Street Team member matilou.

The story of hand warmers and lacy beret

2010-05-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

We made some new photos today, although I faced some major problems.
My Canon doesn't cooperate with me any more. There's something wrong with auto focus and most photos were foggy. Fortunately Photoshop makes wonders and saved the day.

This is one of my favorite photos of beret and hand warmers.
It's a bit sad to sell them, because I kind of fell in love with this set. But sorry, pink is just not my color (In case you wonder, my best friend is modeling for me, this is not me on the photo. She looks good in pink).

They're made from one of my new favorite yarns, Koigu Mori. Lot of knitters consider having a ball of Koigu as a dream came true and so do I!
This hand painted merino and silk mix is super soft and so cozy next the skin.
It's interesting to know that despite of Canadian background, Koigu is managed and owned by Estonians. The founder of company, Taiu Landra moved to Canada very very long time ago and now her daughter Taiu is working for yarn brand also. Taiu found me on Facebook and we've chatted a bit, they're very warm and friendly people!

I sewed little fabric flowers to hand warmers on last minute, they looked kind of boring without some details.

If I ever sell the set, I'll donate half of the items cost to charity. We have big campaign here for buying a new boat to one of our best male rowers, who wish to compete in London Olympics in 2012. In last Olympics he got a silver, next time he's after gold of course!
I like to support him, because rowing is very close to my hears. Lots of my friends are rowers and I do indoor rowing twice a week. It's so happy to support someone who has big dreams and motivation for making them true.

Monday Moodboard: Colorful

2010-05-02T23:12:00.000-07:00

1) Wool felted beads by StemellinaSupplies
2) Long spring neclace by aysetugrul
3) Adjustable ring by momochas
4) Yarn wrapped stacking bangles by mysticfibres

It's bright and sunny day in Estonia.
My monday moodboard is inspired by green grass, colorful flours and beautiful blue sky.
Gorgeous items on the photos are made by my dear European Street Team friends. See more at fleurfatale's blog!

Let's make friends :)

2010-05-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

I have been running this blog for years but I just realized you don't know much about me besides knitting, right?
So please, let me be a bit selfish today and write about myself.
I always enjoy features and interviews with creative people, it's nice to know who are behind the usernames I've used to see in forums.
I promise, I'll keep it short :) You already know my passion about knitting and I'll skip this step.

* My name is Anniki, but most friends call me just Ann.
* I work as a journalist. My prime employer is a regional newspaper, but I work for international event magazine too and once in a while I pack my luggage and fly to report from different countries mainly in Europe, but sometimes from Asia too. No one has asked us to come to US, sad :)
* I love running. It's not a hobby, it's a lifestyle. My goal is to participate in a marathon someday. Yep, 42 kilometers! First I had to do it this autumn, but I'm not in a best shape at the moment and next few months will show if I'll do it now or next year. If I don't run, I do indoor rowing.
* Besides running myself, I organize running events. At the moment I'm busy with preparing two running summer camps.
* I love baking. Bread, cakes, pies - just name it and I can make it for you! Tortillas and pasta is my second obsession, if it comes to cooking.
* I'm passionate about motorbikes. I don't own one myself, but I have friends who do :)
* Sometimes I spend my weekends at nightclubs, shooting photos for websites. Photography is my biggest hobby.
* I recycle and I'm a fan of green living.
* I love handmade clothes, bags and accessories. I can browse Etsy for hours :)

And last but not least- I have adorable son, almost 5 years old. He plays football and is addicted to computer games, although I don't let him to play much.

Please, write some lines about yourself too :) I would be happy to know more of people who are reading here!

My creative space

2010-04-30T01:22:00.000-07:00

I didn't have a camera yesterday, but I so much want to share this photo with you.

I had an obsession that I have to have some old leather suitcases for keeping my knits in it and transporting them to different craft fairs.

Besides the practical aspect they just look beautiful and nostalgic.

However, it wasn't easy to find one. People who has them, are not so happy about selling or giving them away, unless the suitcase is broken. Or if they do, it costs a lot more than I'm willing to pay.

A month ago I took my old clothes to charity shop and there they were! Two brown leather suitcases, almost identical, but one is a bit bigger than another.

I had to pay only $5 for two suitcases. The shopkeeper said they would throw them away a day later, because no one wanted them for 2 years! Can you imagine how happy I was?

I was looking for suitcases for ages and they just stood in a shop, two houses from my home and waited for 2 years to be found.

See more creative spaces in kootoyoo's blog!

Creative Estonia : innovation in Villatee blog

2010-04-29T01:53:00.000-07:00

I don't know where I've been living, but I found this very inspiring Estonian blog just today and fell in love. Please visit Villatee even if you can't read Estonian, because photos are worth to visit.

Sometimes I'm sad that I have a full time job in newspapers. Why? Because unemplyed people can participate in the project that helps them to start working in crafts. I've heard a lot of positive comments about the course and a lot of people from their group have made real innovation in traditional crafts.

Heli from Villatee is one of them. She took regular Internet data cables and covered them with traditional Estonian national dress patterns. See how cute they look now!

Sometimes I don't understand where people take that kind of ideas? Yes, I can knit, I learned it from my mother years ago and I'm thankful for the basic knowledge I got from her, but there are times when I feel that I have a lack of creativity and imagination.
Once in a while I think I should recycle more and use old things for making something new, but then I hit the wall again: fine, I have some old sweaters, but what to do with them? Maybe I'm just pushed too much into stereotypes? Maybe I afraid too much that the result is not good? Maybe I should just try, even if the result is not the best at first?

Don't worry, most days I'm happy. Today I'm happy too. I like what I create. But somedays I feel that I was somewhere far away when great fantasy were spread around the world :)

Kalmer the teddy bear

2010-04-28T01:09:00.000-07:00

Do you remember my little niece Kaisu? She just celebrated her first birthday.
Kalmer the teddy bear had to be made for her birthday, but I didn't have an opportunity to finish it on time.

Making him was quite a challenge for me, because I haven't done toys before and I thought I never will. Tiny legs and hands plus clothing were finished in a week, next to other project I had to make.
I like the result and Kalmer (my coworkers gave him a name. Although I thought he looks more like a girl, they desiced that a boy's name is more suitable for him) will get some more bear friends soon!

Pattern is my own.
I will list him to my Etsy shop soon!

More long lacy socks

2010-04-26T01:12:00.000-07:00

Time flies!
It was in December when I made a post of creamy long socks and a day after finishing they were already sold for a Christmas present.
Purple socks are knitted some weeks ago, with a bit different pattern, but from same yarn. I do have a third sock also, knitted from my favorite yarn brand Koigu, but it's a bit early to show it :)

I'm preparing for this year's International Hanseatic Days, where my new label Woolmint will be publically presented for the first time. I signed up just a week ago, because I wasn't sure if I'm able to finishe the whole comception, but now it looks promising. And there will be some long socks available too.

Long creamy winter socks

2009-12-02T00:48:00.000-08:00

I wanted to write more about the long socks I made last week, but happened that a day after I finished the pair, they were already sold. Probably a Christmas gift to someones wife or girlfriend :)
The plan was to make better photos before blogging, but now they're already on their way to US.

I'm not a fan os sock-knitting, especially long socks. But I had a perfect wool for making them and I wanted to prove myself that I'm patient enough for completing both socks.

I have about about six or seven lonely knitted socks (and four mittens) in my craft basket, because somehow I lost motivation to make the second one. It was more fun to start new projects rather than doing the same thing twice.

The pattern is my own, a mix of previous designs. I probably make another pair (purple!), but a little different: less lacy, more cables.
Yarn: 100% wool, about 100 grams
Needles: 3,5mm bamboo
Length: 43cm

Next week I'll be in South-Italy, Bari. Already found an address of local yarn shop, would like to take my knitting needles with me (hours long waiting in airports), but it's mission impossible. The airport security always take them away as very dangerous whepon :) So I won't even bother this time...

Monday Moodboard: Purple

2009-11-30T00:18:00.000-08:00

My mood is made by fleurfatale, wearaddiction, milloo and mysticfibers from Etsy European Street Team.

Let's face it: purple is a hot color at the moment. It wasn't one of my favorites until this summer, but then I discovered different shades of purple and find it very rich and ambitious color. If you haven't fell in love with purple, you should try: sometimes things surprise and you can find a cool new favorite.

More moodboards on FleurFatale's blog.

Monday moodboard: fairy tale

2009-11-23T00:16:00.000-08:00

My fairytale is made by fleurfatale, lapomme, star of the east and PamelaAngus.

"If you see the the magic in a fairy tale, you can face the future."

Here's a good article about fairy tales in modern advertising campaigns.

Monday Moodboard : Intimate

2009-11-16T12:38:00.000-08:00

you make me so... by BlackWhitePrint

tea and honey by honeyandjamphotos

purple passion amethyst by HighDesertDesign

autumn harvest incense cones by kimberquinn

The best things are those that

Have no words to describe them....

Last night was intimate and I've been feeling like this all day. Nothing else but someone important to me, a cup of hot peppermint tea and long talk beside the kitchen table. Glance, feelings, thoughts, discoveries.

I'm not in love, but he's someone I feel good with.

We all need a special person who's with us on the right moment and understands us even if we say nothing. Who holds hand and feels so secure.

I am an independent woman. I can change light-bulbs myself, I know how to hang wallpaper and I'm strong enough to carry my shopping bags to 3rd floor.

But there's one thing that can't be done all alone. It's a hug. It's the feeling when someone holds you, gives a small kiss to your forehead and says the world is full of surprises.

Feeling sad? Feeling creative?

2009-11-09T07:51:00.000-08:00

I love getting mail, that's why I keep buying online.

Mum called today and said I have a parcel from Belgium. I knew immediately that postcards I ordered from Art have arrived.
They're even more pretty than I expected. So minimal, but very deep and full of emotions.

I keep repeating it, but Art is one of the best examples of crafts, product improvement and marketing.
First she stared on Etsy with felt necklaces, at least that's what I remember. Then came the totally fabulous 99 feelings project (see the 99 photos here, or watch the film) and I wish I could have all of them!
I'm so happy that she also made 99 feelings postcards and little copies of the big products, so everyone could have at least one special feeling.

Misty knows exactly how to make people happy. From communication to packaging, everything is perfect.
If you read tutorials from her blog, you understand how less you need for being creative.

All our EST friends already know her and can assure that all my words are true, but in case you haven't met Misty yet, go and find her on the web:

The blog
The site
The shop

I wanted to keep this post for the morning, but couldn't resist blogging now!

Monday moodboard

2009-11-09T02:30:00.000-08:00

1) Rick Poppy Red Dupioni Raw Silk Wrap by bonzie
2) Spring Bracelet no86 by byMarianneS
3) Dasha Fascinator by PinMeUpCouture
4) Love is 2Maroon SL by cocoricooo

My moodboard could be red every day as I just like this color so much. It's one of the Cristmas colors too, so can't hurt to post it now, right?

See more moodboards (I wonder why I always want to write moonboard?) on fleurfatale's blog.

More dresses from Flickr

2009-10-18T16:29:00.000-07:00

1. Vintage Red VOGUE knit dress, 2. Vogue Knit.1 dress, 3. 60s navy knit mod striped dress, 4. long grey sweater dress, 5. gray knitted dress with pattern of flowers, 6. Yellow dresses for Veronika & Kamila, 7. Summer Knit Dress - French Connection, 8. knitted dress, 9. knitted dress

Here are some more dresses from Flickr users.

I don't have my own works to show, but I'm starting to get along with knitting again...

Flickr favorites: Sunday morning green

2009-10-10T22:35:00.000-07:00

Computer and I are not friends. I just discovered how to make Flickr mosaics, although everyone else knows it.

Here's my first, inspired by green.

1. fresh green, 2. "Strong coffee", 3. Has the cat got your tongue ?, 4. forrest lane, 5. Tiramisu Galore, 6. High Fashion in Green 2, 7. Matrix: Stay off the freeway, 8. Musical Chairs, 9. Poison

Creative Estonia: Hatbar elegant hats

2009-07-20T01:10:00.000-07:00

I would like to introduce you a woman who I know for years. Marge Iilane is sweet Estonian lady who I met some years ago because her fancy hobby- felting. She did, and probably still does, gorgeous felted items under label FancyFelt.
Marge is one of most elegant and friendliest people I've seen in my life. Because of this elegance I wasn't very surprised when the local newspaper wrote about her new hobby and work- making hats under label HatBar.

It's impressive that she got her millinery skills from UK and the teacher was famous Mrs. Rose Cory, who is Royal Milliner!

She doesn't sell her hats online, but from her webpage it's possible to ask a custom order and she will make & ship it all over the world.

Do you have a sock? Then make a monkey!

2009-04-17T00:59:00.000-07:00

When I joined Etsy 2 years ago and saw first time in my life sock moneys, they seemed so weird. They still do, but in a very cute way :)

Anyway, some days ago I made a search and discovered that the sock monkey is a lot more than just a toy. It has a history! And very long one... Wikipedia has a long story about it.

In European Street Team we have our own sock monkey maker Strumpfkunst from Germany.I borrowed the photo from her, hoe Strump doesn't mind :) She does make more cute sock animals that you can find from her shop or from her blog.

Of course you can try to make your own sock monkey, but if you have so less experienced like me, maybe it's smarter to buy the first one.
I've never seen in Estonia original sock monkey socks with the red heel, but it's probably possible to get them from other European countries. And in US it defenitely is no problem!

Youtube has a lot of video tutorials about making a monkey and making the right cuts.
For example:
How to make leg cuts
How to cut monkey arms
How to cut snout

I admit I've been very conservative artist and I don't experiment much with different materials and styles. I love knitting and crocheting, even sewing a bit, but that's all.
But as a mother to 3 year old boy I need to stay creative and learn new things too. Maybe sometime in the future you will see my first sock monkey that won't look as great as Strump's for sure!

My newborn niece new photos

2009-04-12T06:37:00.000-07:00

They're finally home from the hospital and the small girl is even cuter. And look at the hair! So long and dark.
We visited my brother's family today and the baby was still sleeping most of the time. And she is much more tinier than Oliver was- weights only 3000 grams.

Every time I see a baby like this I wish I had one too.
They got the dress from last post also and my sister-in-law likes it. It's too big at the moment, but should be perfect for upcoming summer.

Latest projects

2009-04-11T10:38:00.000-07:00

The dress is made for my newborn niece. Her 4 year old sister already has one similar to this from past summer.
I would like to make more of the dresses for selling also. Do you think it's a good idea and what kind of colors combination would you like?
I'm thinking of yellow/green, pink/green, but I'm ready to try more.

The shrug is not a new thing. It was finished some months ago, now I just have a cute photo I wanted to share with you :)

You have seen similar tops in my blog before too, but this is a bit different.
The story is funny too. I went to local yarn shop and bought the cotton yarns for this project. 5 balls, because it's usually enough and if I need more, I can always go and get it.
I was choosing the color very carefully, but after I had knitted half of the top, I discovered that the colors are totally different! 2 balls were light beige and 3 balls light brown. I didn't see it in the shop.
First I wanted to unravel it, but I think 2 colors looks maybe even more interesting than one? I had to change the border pattern too, so it would make sense in different shades.

Now I'm dreaming of a dress with similar pattern...

Smallest and cutest :)

2009-04-07T10:07:00.000-07:00

Look what we have!
This is my brother's newborn daughter, less than 2 days old cute girl. We visited them in the hospital, little one is sleeping most of the time.
All our children have long dark hair when they born, so this cutie is definitely ours :)

Something sweet

2009-04-06T04:05:00.000-07:00

My real job, being a journalist and half-time photographer, takes me to different interesting places.
Today I visited a school where children are making marzipan figures. It's amazing how many cute and beautiful things can be made this way. I'm not sure I have enough talent for creating something like this myself, but after half and hour with second grade students I'm willing to try.

Creative Estonia: Kihnu island

2009-03-27T01:50:00.000-07:00

Photographer Urmas Luik, Original photo location

Kihnu is a small Estonian island situated not far from the place I live. Its population is approximately 500 and there are only 4 villages.

What makes the place so unique is their old culture and traditions kept alive for centuries. It’s a place where women wear folk costumes daily, people often sing folk songs while walking and unique handicraft is highly honored. The main attraction is the island itself, with scenery, people and way of life.

The men of the Kihnu community have taken to sea to hunt seals and fish, while the women have remained on the islands to farm and to maintain the household. Kihnu women thus have become the principal custodians of the cultural traditions embodied in numerous songs, games, dances, wedding ceremonies and handicrafts.

The most visible emblem of Kihnu culture remains the woolen handicrafts worn by the women of the community. Working in their homes using traditional looms and local wool, the women weave and knit mittens, stockings, skirts and blouses, which often feature bright colors, vivid stripes and intricate embroidery. Many of the symbolic forms and colors adorning these striking garments are rooted in ancient legends.

Original photo location

Kihnu island is a part of UNESCO Intangible Heritage Lists.

I believe their handicrafts makes everyone jealous. Not many people can knit like women living in Kihnu. Enjoy the photos and search more from Google if interested!

SEE MORE PHOTOS HERE

Color therapy: green

2009-03-20T01:19:00.000-07:00

I'm starting new series about colors and feature some of my favorite products on Etsy too.
Spring is coming and everything turns green around us. It's one of my favorite colors at the moment with it's thousands of different shades.

The word green is closely related to the Old English verb growan, 'to grow'. It is used to describe plants or the ocean.

Green is the color of the heart chakra. Green is the color of nature. Green is the most predominant color on the planet. It balances our energies, and it can be used to increase our sensitivity and compassion.
It represents purity and harmony. It has a calming effect, especially in inflamed conditions of the body. It is soothing to the nervous system. It is a great healer. It builds muscles, bones and other tissue cells. Its complement is magenta.

Featuring baby items this time is not coincidental. My brother and her wife are expecting their third child who will be with us in next few weeks :) And.... She is a girl!

nellybeanco, DebiBirkinDesigns, GraciousMary, littledaisydesigns, daisybows, RaspberryBaby, beeskneestudio, handmadebyjules, ahyingmui.

Shop Loca @Etsy: Europe

2009-03-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Knits 2009: IN or OUT?

2009-03-15T10:58:00.000-07:00

The world's best designers are prepared for fall 2009 and presented their ready-to-wear collections at Paris and Milan Fashion Week.
Bad news is that most of them don't have any knits, so knits seems to be OUT this fall! Wear something else, if you wish to be fashionable!
But...
Chanel has pink and green cardigans and those funky knitted hats! And Chanel is always IN! Here are some examples from www.style.com: Chanel fall 2009 ready-to-wear collection!

Spring is coming, I'm back!

2009-03-15T02:10:00.000-07:00

Happy new year! First time to post here after months and I haven't wished a happy new year yet... Shame on me!

It won't be a long post, but spring is already here and Ann is hopefully back again. Last months have been hard, even very hard, but most problems are solved now, but I still have long way to go... But I'm knitting again and I can't wait sharing it with you.

I just finished a summer top, it's suitable for size XS/S. Knitted in cotton yarn.
I started it last year and it took "only" 3,5 months to complete the challenge!

Us Trendy

2008-10-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

I was contacted by Jordan who asked me to be part of the Us Trendy fashion designers, models and artists community. The site is like a virtual runaway and fashion people search for new talents there.
Come and look around :)

Some photos

2008-10-27T02:12:00.000-07:00

I have no new knitting to show, so here are some photos of our weekend. We had a storm- after year 2005 when water was more than 2.5 meters above average and houses near the beach were flooded, people call every wind that blows a bit stronger, a storm.
Now the weather is almost fine. Still raining outside, but not so badly.

Real treasures

2008-10-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

Etsy has a wonderful feature- treasury. I made one too, dedicated to my European Street Team friends!

First line: fleurfatale, JKphotography, enchantedpond.
Second line: krize, nanouke, AtelierSusan.
Third line: staroftheeast, TheHouseOfMouse, byMarianneS.
Fourth line: Silvia66, P8Accessories, Kreativlink.

Lazy shopper tips

2008-10-18T00:38:00.000-07:00

I'm not one of the girls who likes to go shopping once in a week and spend their free time in shops. I hate it.

If I need new clothes, I will go and buy a lot, so I don't have to do it any more in next few months. I even don't like supermarkets, food hunting makes me tired and angry.
Having a personal shopper would be great solution. Someone, who takes your list and enjoys running for one place to another ans searching for red ankle boots or new carpet.

Thank god someone invented Internet!
Online shopping is totally different thing. I buy unique things on Etsy and often shop on Ebay too. And Ebay is something I wanted to talk about.
Most times I always get what I want, but I've still learned some very important things:

* If you're not sure about something, always ASK. Take time for details.
I bought boots 2 weeks ago, there was only one photo about them. Size was right, so I bought them. But turned out they didn't have a zip on the side and boots are too tight for wearing.
* Buy from someone who has return and refund policy.
She was ready to refund the cost of boots, but not the shipping cost. But shipping cost was 2 times higher than the boots.
* Always check feedback!
If someone has a lot of feedback, but in last month more than 15 negatives (true, and more than 100 positives), then it makes me careful.
* Check the shipping costs
Sometimes it can be unreasonable. Again about my boots- she took £5 more for shipping than it actually cost. Not very good customer service, I can see the price on the package.

Please, feel free to ad your own tips. It can help someone :)

Happy weekend!

How all the magic happens

2008-10-14T09:11:00.000-07:00

It wasn't very long time ago when I accidentally discovered blog community called SITS. Officially "The Secret Is In The Sauce".
Maybe a week ago or so and I didn't pay too much attention to it- first it seemed like every other community where you can leave your blog link and hope others to find you.

Gosh, I was wrong! I spent hours browsing other's blogs and I was totally speechless. I still don't understand how so many people can handle everything- raise kids, be a fantastic husband, manage the household and blog so sincerely that it's impossible not to read.

I admit- I don't read much blogs, I'm more the photo-watching girl. Now I've found some truly amazing writers and I appreciate how they let strangers to their life. I don't know none of them personally, but I feel like we've been friends for years.

There's time difference between Estonia and US (most SITStas seem to be from US)- when I go to sleep, they have afternoon. When I wake up, they already sleep.

After my first evening, when I read the blogs and left comments, I was surprised next morning finding same amount of comments from my own blog. Even more.
I thought "well, ok, they are just polite. there is no chance they come back again if I won't leave another comment"

I know, I know- I was AGAIN wrong. For example, Tressa from American in Norway commented my blog days later, because I forgot to put my blog links to my Blogger profile. And then she came one day, said something like "Oh, didn't see your blog link before, nice to meet you" and I thought "wow, you did all this for me???"

I felt like a horrible person. If I don't find the link immediately, I usually won't search for it later. Tressa, I admire you!

... and to make long thing short- I'm addicted to SITS. I like every user and I'm happy for Heather and Tiffany who founded such a great place.

I need to share some fantastic blogs I found thanks to SITS. Stop by, comment and say hello, maybe you will find a new friend :)

American in Norway
FL Home Blog
Pennies In My Pocket
Heather's blog, of course!
Saucha

New earrings

2008-10-13T00:04:00.000-07:00

When Anna made those earrings some time ago for European Street Team challenge, I knew immideately I need a pair like this!

But unfortunately someone bought them before I had a chance to do it. I was even more happy when I found another pair on her Etsy shop.

I bought them about 2 weeks ago (or maybe less) and the package arrived last week. Today is first time I'm wearing the earrings at work and I already got some compliments.

I love them! They're even more beautiful than on the photo.

I didn't wear earrings for years but start doing it again some months ago. Now I'm addicted- I have around 20 pairs of earrings and I buy new every time I see something fabulous.

Please, check out her shop.

Another puff sleeve cardigan

2008-10-11T04:53:00.000-07:00

We had to go to sailing today, but the weather is awful here- windy, dark and rainy. No fun to be outside, especially on the sea...

I used the time- surprise surprise- for knitting. I've finished another puff sleeve cardigan, in gray and green shades.
I've never been a big fan of effect yarns, so I like this one a bit more than the first. Mix of wool and silk is so soft on the skin.

I remember my childhood, mother always knitted us woolly sweaters for winter, but none of us did like them, because wool was itchy. Modern wool is not itchy at all and I've started to wear things made from it again.

About the project now:
Yarn used: Novita Luxus Wind, 80% wool, 20% silk
Color: Green, gray
How much: about 200 grams
Size made: XS

First I didn't like the mix of gray and green, but more I look it, more I like. Not bad at all.
Oval buttons are more suitable too, they don't stand out as much as roundish.
Pattern with cables...? Well, it's fine. Wanted to make it low-key.

I probably knit one for myself too. And Cammie, who's idea this cardigan was, wants it also.

I've been tagged: 7 facts about me

2008-10-09T05:29:00.000-07:00

Glasfaden tagged me and I need to post 7 facts about myself now. Isn't as easy as it looks, but I'll do my best.

7 facts:

* I don't like to wear socks (more into high heel shoes these days), but if I have to, my socks are always white.
* If I can skip cooking, I always do that. I prefer buying a wine while someone else is preparing the dinner.
* I love swimming, I go to swimming pool usually 5-6 times a week.
* I don't like sweets much, but I can eat Tiramisu all day long.
* I'm engaged to my camera. I go nowhere without my Canon.
* I always drink 3 cups of coffee in the morning.
* I love animals, as long they're not mine.

The rules are:
1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving theirnames as well as links to their blog.
4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving acomment on their blog.

Here are the ones I’m tagging:
MarianneS
LeinaNeima
Amanda
Meekiyu
Eve
The Ordinary Housewife
Heather Knitz

Etsy artists: Most adorable baby photos

2008-10-09T00:22:00.000-07:00

Look at those photos- don't they melt your heart and make you buy? I wish I had a baby...

joliem6201

pickleberrypunch

tiptopapplesauce

Purple for fall

2008-10-08T01:15:00.000-07:00

Givenchy Fall 2008 couture

I admit: I'm shopping addict.

Or actually I don’t like to visit shops much, but when I do it, I buy more things I should. Happens usually once in every 2-3 months, because I like to renew my clothing before every new season. Sometimes it works, sometimes not, depends how much I can spend.

However, in last few weeks I’ve been shopping much. All shops are filled with purple items, so I think it should be some kind of fashion color this fall.
I haven’t been a big fan of purple, but more I see it, more I like.

New York’s fashion designers emphasize purple in the top five tones used in their collections. Purple has become staple, but also blue, chocolate brown and steel grey.

Etsy artists: Buttons

2008-10-06T20:37:00.000-07:00

It's 6.30 here and I'm drinking coffee. I usually wake up at 8, but today I need to go to see my doctor then.
My son is still sleeping, so I show you some cool buttons and products with buttons I found from Etsy.

First: calloohcallay Second: heatherknitz

First: creativepapertrail Second: miaetgigi

First: Kraplap Second: PattycakesPlunder

First: AmandaSainsbury Second: TheHouseOfMouse

How to make seasonal business year around?

2008-10-06T07:59:00.000-07:00

If I knew that, I would be millionaire :)

There are different branches of industries that are seasonal.
Knitting, for example. Everyone likes to wear warm scarves in autumn and winter, wrap themselves to beautiful knitted capelet or put on woolly mittens while it’s freezing outside.

However, summer is not that cheerful, especially if it’s not only your hobby, but business also. Yep, it’s possible to make cotton tops or hats or whatever else, but it has always been, it is and it will be that knitting is more popular during cold seasons.

So what can you- as a business owner or artist- do for making it easier to survive during the low season?

Think about:

1) Marketing
* Do you know who and where are your clients, how to reach them?
* It can be a low season, but dollar spent to marketing is never expense, it’s investment. Sometimes it can be more useful to increase the expenses to marketing while things are not going so well, because it helps you to reach your goals in the future.
* New selling channels and strategies- what are doing now and how you can change things better?
* Do you have enough knowledge for selling your items?

2) Quality and product development
* Do you know your client’s expectations?
* Do you offer what you have promised?
* What kind of product you make? Is it copy-paste from someone else or original idea? Original sells usually better.

Spend the low season for preparing to busier times. Make new designs, think about your market and strategies, how to give a bit more than people expect from you.
Be brave and make decisions. Bad decision is better than no decision.

Autumn and colors

2008-10-05T03:36:00.000-07:00

Autumn is my favorite season because of colors and weather.
We just had a long walk on the beach- sun is shining, it's not very cold and trees are in yellow and orange outfit.

Estonians are lucky, because we really have 4 different seasons: spring with blooming flowers, summer with sun and warmth, autumn with colorful leafs and winter with a lot of snow. Some of my friends from Brazil, Portugal and Spain have asked how our cold (+10C and below that is cold for them, not for us) autumn looks like.
It's hard to put it into words, so just see the photos I made today.

I've been living near the water most of my life and can't imagine having a home somewhere else. We often find ourselves wrapped up to a blanket, sitting on the beach cafe, drinking tea on the terrace and enjoying the silence and sunset.
When I need to think about something or if I want to be alone, I go and sit on the beach, th best therapy ever!

Something cute

2008-10-04T02:25:00.000-07:00

I have to thank Cammie for the blouse I just finished.
Cammie is amazing woman from US, who has given me so many new ideas lately. I've knitted 4 different items to her and found a lot of inspiration on her thoughts...

So Cammie wanted a shrug with princess puff sleeves. I haven't done anything like this before, but it sounded like a great challenge. At the same time, ArtMind won the last week's EST challenge and picked "cute" for new topic.

I decided to mix those 2 things- cute and puff sleeves- together and here is the result.

I'm not sure how I should call this knit? Blouse, cardigan, shrug? Any ideas?