Monday, September 30, 2013

Quandary Peak Mittens - Fun Knitting Project


I'm ready for a Colorado winter!  These 100% wool mittens will keep my hands super warm! I picked the pattern up at Fancy Tiger in Denver along with the wool yarn.  However, if you download from Ravelry you'll save a buck.   These were quick to knit up even with the fair isle design. 

Have fun!!




Monday, September 23, 2013

The Best of... Handmade Colorado

If there's a handmade market in the Denver area, chances are I will be there.  I love checking out the things that others are passionate about making.  I've purchased things along the way that I really love and would like to share them with you.  All of the vendors have an online presence if you're not in the Denver area.  These would make fantastic presents for Christmas, birthdays, housewarming etc. 

If you are in the Denver area, I highly recommend these three handmade markets:
1) Fancy Tiger's Holiday Handmade
2) Highland's Horseshoe Flea Market
3) Boulder's Firefly Market

For Farmer's Markets, I highly suggest Aspen, Steamboat Springs and Vail.


Food
Modern Gingham Preserves
Organic jams with interesting flavors.  Try the strawberry basil or Pluot, Cloves and Cinnamon...the latter is a perfect jam for fall!  
$10 per jam or 3 for $9.

Where to find: Boulder Firefly Market









Cider Fixins

The strawberry jam from Cider Fixins is outstanding.  Love spreading it on warm toast or mixing in with plain yogurt. 

Where to find: Steamboat Springs Farmer's Market


MM Local
"Eat local, all year long".  MM Local preserves our summer fruits and veggies so they can be eaten year round.  They also offer a Harvest Share program. 

Where to find: S Pearl St Farmer's market; (I think they have a presence at the majority of farmers markets in Denver).



Kids
Viola Studio
The capes are stunning.  Each is made with wool felt and appliqued with a cute and whimsy design.  The price tag is high, but they are fun to admire.  She has other designs besides the capes such as dolls and pillows. I purchased an owl pillow that comes with a knit baby owl. My daughter loves it!

Where to find: Vail and Aspen Farmer's Markets







Baby Grey Clementine
Cute headbands and barrettes for the precious little girl in your life. Great selection to choose from. 

Where to find: Horseshoe Flea Market in Denver 







Penni Olive
Adorable appliqued aprons for toddlers, tweens and some adult sizes. 

Where to buy: Denver Holiday Handmade and Boulder's Firefly Market.












Soap
The Naked Goat Company
Variety of items...jams, body butters, lip balms, soaps.  Their body soaps are so pretty they can be displayed or used! I purchased the lavender soap for $6.

Where to buy: Boulder Firefly Market







Other

C+M designs
Husband and wife team out of Boulder creates some stunning pieces.  I purchased a set of their laser cut coasters with four different designs.  



Monday, September 16, 2013

DIY A-frame Tent

My favorite craft project of the summer- an A-Frame tent! We spent many afternoons napping, reading, and playing in this tent.  I may love it more than my daughter does. :D  


Ta da!


Pillows in corresponding fabric.

The little lanterns were purchased from Pottery Barn and I added flameless tea lights so my daughter can play with it.