Somehow during Winter break last week I got out of my blogging routine, and I have missed you all! Now we are happily back to our regular daily routines after a lovely week of holiday, and I promise to be around more. I just dropped Lilly off at nursery school where she will play, sing, eat and play outdoors for 4 hours.
She was jolly as can be as you can see and walked the entire way herself. (She is still fond of sitting in the stroller, but promises that when she turns 5 she will no longer use it.)
Before I scurry off to photograph some new dolls and other things, I have to show what I recently sent to my mother. She had been saying how much she needed an organizer for her double pointed knitting needles and so I surprised her with one!
I used a William Morris fabric, which I knew mom with adore too. The most challenging part was these little balls on the ends of the ribbons. My first attempt was near perfect, very round, but the second ball, was alas a bit oblong. I guess that is charm of handmade?
I made a slot for each set of needles, labeling with both millimeters and the American sizes. I just love my own needlecase where I have done this. I wasn't completely happy with the rather primitive patches that I hand stitched in place. I plan on making some dp knitting needle rolls for my shop, but I have another idea for the needle sizes.
The funny thing is that my dad was nearly as pleased by this gift as mom was, because he won't have to listen to mom spending an eternity trying to dig through her bag of needles anymore. Her knitting needles are now all in their propler slot, ready for action.
The needle roll is lovely! I love the fact that you embroidered the needle sizes on the roll! And I agree with Lily.....use the stroller whilst you can!!
Posted by: Di | March 04, 2010 at 01:22 PM
The balls at the end of the ribbon are such a great touch! A small thing that adds so much charm.
Posted by: Melissa P | March 04, 2010 at 04:42 PM
Welcome back! Your lines about your dad made me laugh.
The needle organizer looks lovely. I ought to make one for myself as well. One of these days...
Posted by: Anne Marie | March 04, 2010 at 04:48 PM
Simply lovely, Emily! What a lucky mum!!
AND dad.. LOL
Hugs from Eva Mari :)
Posted by: Eva Mari | March 04, 2010 at 04:54 PM
What a great gift. I love how you've labeled each pocket. I might have to do that to my roll. It just makes sense!
Posted by: gretchen/juneatnoon | March 04, 2010 at 05:02 PM
I'm hoping to need one of these one day! I bought my first set of double ended needles today! I have seen what you and several others have made and was inspired to give them a try. I am about two inces into my first wrist warmer. Thanks for the inspiration.
Posted by: Millie | March 04, 2010 at 09:00 PM
I love how happy Lilly looks as she goes off to school.
Posted by: mary | March 04, 2010 at 11:36 PM
Wow! The knitting needle roll is just beautiful. As my crochet hook collection grows I am thinking of making something similar. Might just have to do it. :)
Posted by: Christina | March 05, 2010 at 02:04 AM
What a dear, thoughtful gift for your mother, something that is sure to be treasured! I am continually impressed with your hand work...and I completely think that the oblong shape on the second round bobble is the beauty of handmade :)
Posted by: Faith | March 05, 2010 at 02:31 AM
Beautiful fabric and thanjs for the Link.
Bear regards,
Beertje Zonn
Posted by: Beertje Zonn | March 05, 2010 at 08:58 AM
Beautiful - lovely fabric and great design.
If you're not happy with the labels,why don't you print your own on eg. EQ Printables. it gives you wonderful, accurate results. Just make sure your printer uses ink, not toner.
Posted by: Miranne | March 05, 2010 at 09:31 AM
Yippeee welcome back! So happy to see you here for i really miss you! Your daughter is soo sweet in that photo! You gift to your mama is gorgeous...you are really talented! Have a lovely merry happy weekend and love to you!
Posted by: Jacqueline | March 05, 2010 at 10:21 AM
I'm so happy your back! I love, love the bag for the needles!
Posted by: Julie | March 05, 2010 at 04:39 PM
what a thoughtful present, and how great that your dad liked it as much as your mum!
: )
Posted by: picciolo | March 05, 2010 at 08:57 PM
That's too funny about how your dad was just as thrilled with the gift, lol. The poor men in our lives and how they have to put up with our endless amount of fabric, yarn, buttons, needles, etc, etc, the list goes on and on. :)
Posted by: theartistshouse | March 05, 2010 at 11:13 PM
she looks so joyful! like happy me looking at those little balls.
Posted by: jude | March 06, 2010 at 05:02 PM
What a beautiful wrap. Could you share how you made the little balls?
Posted by: elizabeth | March 07, 2010 at 03:41 AM
Brilliant!
I could use one of those too...
I made some for my pencils last year, but they did not turn out very well, so I guess I need to try again, and perhaps I should make one for my needles as well
Posted by: sofy | March 07, 2010 at 09:13 PM
Love the organization! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Mildawg | March 21, 2010 at 07:32 PM