inspiration post

Feeling inspired by the warm weather recently, and I felt like sharing the spring/summer-perfect supplies I just ordered ...

Turquoise nuggets from Pink Supply.

Hemp yarn from BodhiYarn.

alpaca/silk/merino

These are the ingredients of the most luxurious blend I have worked with recently. Not surprisingly, this scarf is oh so soft. Look for it in the shop soon!




PS: I'm introducing a new face to the store ... Asher! Since Banks and I have opposite work schedules now, it's hard to catch daylight at the same time (especially in the winter), which means I have temporarily lost my usual male model. I'm sad, but working with my little brother is fun.

bamboo spins

Just having some fun with a new scarf that will hit the shop soon. My first knitting experience with bamboo, and I love the way it moves.

diff'rent stitches for diff'rent ...

. . . I couldn't think of a word that rhymed with that title without sounding offensive. But I wanted to document the introduction of a new stitch to my knitting repertoire. I stumbled upon this tutorial for the Herringbone Knit Stitch about a month ago, and I've been dying to do it ever since. After catching up on orders, I finally had time to try it out. The second scarf pictured was created with a friend in mind, and is already in the shop. The first scarf will be popping up in a listing soon, but until then, be sure to check out these pictures:

mbg for kids

I just crocheted these mini versions of my Unisex Crochet Cowl for Henry to model. He wears them well, but boy is he difficult to photograph when all he wants to do is run around and play. Expect these cute scarves to hit the shop over the next few days.

moss-stitch snood

I am so happy to have this new style in the shop. It feels like forever since I added a new design, mostly because I'm too busy filling orders for the old ones. I'm definitely not complaining, but it sure is nice to work a new pattern every now and then. The scarf pictured above was knitted with gorgeous and incredibly luxurious Peruvian wool from Wool and the Gang. About two months ago, I discovered that I am able to purchase their yarn through my job, at an amazingly good price. So exciting! I hope to bring more of their wool to the shop soon.

featured: etsy seller handbook

Great Product Photos from Etsy Inc. on Vimeo.

Two days ago, my Wool Cozy Cowl was featured in this post on the Etsy blog as an example of great photography. If you watch the video above, you'll see that I pop up for a second. My Wool Cozy Cowl was also grouped with a bunch of other wonderful items at the bottom of the post. So exciting!

it's in the bag

I recently created these one-of-a-kind knit/crochet bags, inspired by my recent work travels and upcoming beach trip. The purple and yellow bags pictured below were knit with a seamless technique, from an unusual paper yarn that I purchased while in Asheville. They are surprisingly sturdy, soft, and washable. Pretty cool. The coral bag was made with super soft and durable cotton, and is my first piece that combines knit and crochet. All three will be hitting the shop this week...

splash of color

After a long period with no store updates, I finally posted some new and colorful wash cloths to MBG over the last couple of days, with more to come heading into next week. It's always exciting to have fresh listings up -- even if they are mundane things like wash cloths -- and I hope that these colorful little bundles won't stick around long. They are perfect for spring and summer, so head on over and check 'em out!

spring is springing...

... And I have finally added something seasonally-appropriate to the shop. This cotton wrap is versatile and knit with my new favorite drop-stitch technique. I think it can be worn year-round, but the sage green is definitely spring-inspired. On a side note, my hair is copper and blond now (it makes me think of Run Lola Run, but it definitely isn't as crazy.) Check it out!

cables, round two

One last new design for winter scarves... The cabled unisex scarf. Check it out!

ink magazine

I am so excited to announce that some of my knits have been featured in the latest issue of VCU's Ink Magazine! I was contacted by the fashion editor a few months ago when they decided to do a spread on knitwear, and I quickly knitted a few pieces and sent them her way. My fellow VCU Photo alumna, Cassie Mulheron, took the gorgeous photos below. Check them out, and be sure to look at the whole issue here.

Featured items: Extra Thick Cozy Cowl/Circle Scarf, Knit Tank Dress, Unisex Crochet Cowl

the ladder scarf

Just added this new take on the circle scarf to the shop today. I have never knitted with this drop-stitch technique before, but it's so much fun and I love the way it looks and feels. This could possibly be the last of my new scarves for the season, but we will see. Expect a shift towards spring soon!

new!

New items, new styles, new pictures, and new listings are all hitting the shop this week! I finally got around to photographing some new inventory and new designs this weekend, and I am so excited to update MBG over the week. About eight new items will be listed soon, and I am particularly excited about the first scarf pictured here. I recently learned to cable knit, and this is my first completed piece using the technique. Best of all, it's made from a super soft cashmere/merino blend. Check it out -- I can't wait for someone to wear it!

mad dash done

Whew! This month has been insane, to say the least. I started a new job (still can't blog about the company, but this time I'm in management) that is way more time consuming/demanding than my last, but also has benefits and can actually pay my bills. Woohoo! On top of that, MBG has exploded, and Christmas is happening in two days. I just finished the last little bit of shopping that I had to do tonight, and I can't wait to exchange gifts with everyone over the weekend. Overall, I would have to say that December has been fun and 2010 is definitely ending on a high note. :) :) :)

I'm proud to report that I received 30 orders this month, and knitted 25 scarves, 11 pairs of mittens, 4 pairs of baby booties, and 2 hats, in addition to some other random small items that will probably make an appearance in the shop soon. My hands and arms are tired, and I couldn't be happier. The picture below was taken on my phone at 2:30 AM on December 20th, and it's just a snapshot of the last handful of Christmas orders that went out that day. It's interesting to see that this picture is totally lacking color - it actually makes me smile to see that my customers are drawn to the same earthtones that I find so appealing in knits...

preview!

Finally got around to photographing a few new items that will be popping up in the store over the weekend ...