A Custom Tray

I have really been enjoying my custom projects of late and wanted to quickly share one with you. This lovely tray is hand-knit from 100% wool yarn then machine felted shaped over a form and air-dried. It measures 7" across and 1"deep and is a lovely addition to a dresser for those everyday pieces of jewelry you wear. I was contacted by the recipient of this bowl and we worked together to get her the colors she wanted. You too could own a just for me item from Gretchen's Creations.


I also listed these cute nesting bowls in my Etsy store. They are crocheted from the same yarn.


And last but not least these Springy Pale Blue Armwarmers are perfect for the chill of a Spring evening or when you are stuck working at the computer:


Thanks for looking and Happy Spring!

Almost the full swing of Spring

What a crazy couple of weeks! My son turned 6, spring break came and went, Matt and I have now hiked over 35 miles on the Colorado Trail and yesterday we did the 14 mile round trip to Barr camp on Pike's Peak. Most of all though The first day of Spring officially arrived and the gardening season is bearing down on Colorado Springs like a freight train. This is the time of year where I will be turning more toward blogging about green and growing things as well as wildlife that I see in the garden and out in the world. From bulbs to ornamentals to veggies there will be lots to share here and I can't wait!

Don't worry if you come check my blog out for the fiber goodness, I might be busy making things grow but I always make time for knitting. I also am working on some custom orders and would love to do more if you have something in mind let me know.

More Clover and an Anchor

Here is another Bowl I just listed in my Etsy Shop for St. Pat's Day:


And here is a bowl that is part of a custom order that I can't help but share because I am so excited at how it came out.

Saturday March 12th - Be There!

Spring, Custom Orders, Bread, Beer, Coffee...

I just finished and listed this fun 27 Oz. Klean Kanteen cozy in my Etsy shop yesterday. Apparently lots of people are needing a plethora of color in their lives these days because my Tyler stripes are going like hotcakes! Turn around on this baby was 4 days and although I can't promise such quick service as I head into the gardening season, I can say that I will hustle as fast as humanly possible on custom orders.
As for custom orders, keep your eyes peeled here at the blog for postings on a fabulous custom felted bag I am about to delve into ASAP for a local gal. Michelle is not only one of my favorite new people but she is also a baker and gifted me the most delicious loaf of rosemary artisan bread. If you are local I suggest searching her out and sampling her wears. In fact if you are on Facebook, you should run right on over and become a fan of her page : Manitou Michelle's Breadeaux Company.
I also have a pair of felted mittens on the needles right now for a friend who shares my Reynaud's affliction. Erin DJ's down at Brewer's Republic at least once a month in addition to running the open-mic there. Check out their FB page for dates and times. If I haven't mentioned Brewer's Republic before I am truly sorry! It is a great bar that serves All Colorado Microbrews and Umpire Estate Coffee which is my favorite coffee (and coffee shop)!

I realize that this blog post reads more like one big advertisement for some of my favorite things, but I really believe in supporting local endeavors. All of the businesses I have mentioned above are amazing and worth checking out if you are in the Colorado Springs area!

Anywho, Happy March! It is supposed to be in the 60s and sunny again today. I am starting to get calls from clients for spring clean-up and that is where I am headed as soon as I finish typing this. I will post pictures tomorrow of the progress I have made in my own gardens in preparation for what I hope will be a banner year of veggie growing. I can't get ahead of myself though. This IS Colorado: snow in April has been known to occur.

Clover all Over

St. Patrick's Day is coming and with a son named Seamus it is a fun holiday around here! We thought for sure he would be born on the 17th but I suppose 5 days after isn't too shabby! So let me reword: March is a big deal in our household since my little Irish imp is turning 6 this year! He loves St. Patrick's day since there is a parade with the crowning jewel the streetsweepers at the end and that everyone is wearing his favorite color. We also get a visit from the mischievous Leprechaun who turns our house upside down in the night! If you leave a treat for the ML he makes a bit less trouble ;-) I will post pictures~ I do have to give credit where credit is due and admit that I didn't come up with the idea single-handed. Greenstylemom actually told me about it a couple of years back.
I like to make Shamrock bowls for the season and here the first 2 in my series listed in my Etsy shop. These precious little ring bowls would make terrific gifts for your Irish sweetheart and I think would also make a wonderful alternative to a wedding ring pillow since everyone can use a little good luck on the big day!

Mary Lou's Custom Nest Bowl

She answered the call when I jokingly said "You know you want one!" about my last nest bowl posted on facebook. So here is Mary Lou's very own:

I am as we speak (well not right now because I can't type and knit at the same time silly!) knitting up more nest bowls if you are looking for one yourself. I would also like to mention that I am coming up with some springy designs to celebrate what could possibly be an extremely early spring here in Colorado. If you have any ideas of things you would like to see me create, please do share!
Last of all I will once again be making some Looking Over a 4 Leaf Clover bowls like this one and this one for St. Patrick's Day and all of those fun Irish people I know. Please check in at my Etsy store to see what is new.

Things are hopping at Gretchen's Creations and I feel so honored by all the people who have purchased from my store. I love what I do and it makes my heart swell to know my creations are being enjoyed. Thank You!