February Oh, February

February – Oh, February you have been a very busy month!

I was sitting in my rocker last night realizing  that it was indeed the end of the month. So I started contemplating exactly where this month and this is what went to…….

First part of the Month my Dan came down with a cold….oh dear, his sister came for a visit. It was a very nice visit even though we did not really do anything special – due to sad cold.

February from the Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady, displayed with a few of my favorite things

The first part of the month of February brings several birthdays. The first one to arrive is my oldest  gran – daughters, who turned eleven this year, oh my! She decided last year she was going to start collecting and wearing fashion scarves, so naturally, I knit her one. This year I knit her a neck kerchief. She likes to make list and schedules so I thought she might enjoy a felt note pad case along with a hair bow – she loves to wear hair adornments!!

Amellia’s Neck Kerchief.Hand knit in Sea Song yarn made of cotton and Kelp fiber. I like to try to use a unique yarn, last years scarf was knit of a yarn made of corn fiber!

February is also Amellia’s Daddy’s birthday…. and several more in the family.

Happy Eleventh Amellia! Felt note pad case along with the hand-made hair bows and necklace.

In the mean time ….

I was finishing up an order for one of my Hand-knit Tasha Tudor style Cottage Elegance cotton shawl. I enjoy including free gifts in my orders and have wanted to design a brooch / shawl pin to go with my shawls. Here are two I tried out.

 

Tasha Tudor style shawl safety-pin brooch / shawl pin. I hand wired this brooch with beautiful cranberry and gold  czech glass beads.

We do see Tasha using a safety-pin to hold her shawl on……It always makes my kind of cinch when I see that the pin is just attached to just one stitch on each side, but I’m sure Tasha knew how to mend it if a stitch was to break. If you look close at the picture you can see that I catch two-rows of stitches on each side. Here is another style of brooch / shawl pin.

My Yo – yo brooch is made with a hand-dyed fabric (I purchased from another artesian) Encircled with czech glass beads accented with a shell button.

Happy Custmer = Make me happy!!

Received the  beautifully made shoulder Shawl,  I am late in saying thank you, Also thank you for the 2 pins And the two sachets.

I will email you Again as I would like one in grey And a little bigger I have wide shoulders and I am 5 feet 9.

I am happy to take custom orders.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/150994904/cotton-cottage-elegnace-tasha-tudor?ref=shop_home_active_4

Here you see a little bit longer version of my “Cottage Elegance Cotton Shawl”

“Cottage Elegance Cotton Shawl”

Then came Valentines day and Dan shared his cold with me!!!

Tasha Tudor “Be Mine” Valentine Advent calendar in the lovely glow of bee wax candle. A beautiful relaxing scene I take in from my rocking chair.

Dan did make up for sharing his cold with some lovely Valentines Day gifts.

Gifts from my Valentine

A beautiful wooden tea try from Germany with water colored wild flowers. I think I’m going to hang this on my wall. Some yummy Chocolate Velvet and peppermint chocolate republic tea.  Several years ago while visiting P.E.I  – Robert Montgomery ( Lucy Maud Montgomery’s second cousin once removed) gave Dan a lesson in how to identify fine china and Dan was a very good student  indeed, Here is yet another lovely tea-cup – Theodore Haviland Limoges fine china Tea up from France with a lovely violet print. I know you would like a closer look….

My violets in my new violet tea-cup.

A closer look

Then another exciting visit…….My oldest daughter, son-in-law and two of my gran- daughter’s. I was over my cold enough to meet them at the park. It was a lovely day.

A Visit….. a little conversation on gran’s  shell phone 😉

A little help knitting my Tasha Tudor Style shawl!!

She has always tried to help me with my knitting so this year I gave her a basket with her own yarn and knitting needles.

Nature Notes:

The Pelicans, Sea gulls, cormorant love feasting on the fish in the canal this time of year.

Pelicans are interesting birds to watch. They are so big but glide so gracefully through the air and just above the water!

Gliding in search of the perfect fish.

Is it time yet? No we have until April this year!!

I hope you had a lovely February !

Take Joy ~ Melissa

You can find my shawls and PDF Pattern to knit your own shawl in My etsy shop. I also take custom orders for the brooches.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/elegantlyhandmade

You can find the lovely Valentines Day Advent Calendar – ‘Be Mine” at

https://www.tashatudorandfamily.com

All Content and Photographs are under copyright 2017 By Melissa O’Connor

Do not remover – do not PIN!!!

Autumn of my soul….

AUTUMN OF MY SOUL

 

SEPTEMBER  

‘Best I love September’s yellow,                                                                                                               morns of dew-strong gossamer,                                                                                                           Thoughtful days without a stir,                                                                                                                      Rooky clamours, brazen leaves,                                                                                                                   Stubble dotted over with sheaves –                                                                                                             More than Spring’s bright uncontrol                                                                                              Suit the Autumn of my soul.’                                                            

 ~ Alex. Smth

“Goldenrod is one of the fairy, magical flowers…..”
~ Margaret Fuller

Lovely Lady Bug seems to find goldenrod quite magical.

Beautiful Autumn Days with out a stir.

Pumpkins ripe in or from the field ….. Suite the Autumn of my soul!

 

Brazen yellow leaves of September.

The Autumn of my soul enjoys the many colors of fall.

Happy First day of fall.

What suites the autumn of your soul? The beautiful colors, do you have a favorite? Cooler weather? Comforting foods – pumpkin (everything), soups, homemade breads?

Do you decorate your home and outside. I enjoy decorating both!

It’s still rather hot and humid for many of us…….

So join me under the  shade of the drooping sunflower umbrella where we can chat and knit our Tasha Tudor Style shawls. It’s a calm relaxing knit whether you are a beginner or experienced knitter. You can find the PDF pattern or completed shawls on sale for Fall in my etsy shop.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/236659762/pdf-hand-knit-pdf-patterns-cottage?ref=shop_home_feat_2

From a Happy Customer

5 out of 5 stars  *****

 Angela Oct 2 , 2016

Adorable, love it, will be one of my first projects after scarves, can’t wait to make it, excellent seller, highly recommended, will buy more patterns from, thank you!

Peaceful, calm Autumnal  knitting….

 

OR ~  you can order a custom hand knit shawl, like Emily is wearing.

~ My hand-knit TASHA TUDOR STYLE ‘KINDRED SPIRIT’ VERMONT WOOL SHAWL, here:

http://www.aftcra.com/elegantlyhandmade/listing/142839/cottage-elegance-kindred-spirit-vermont-wool-handknit-shawl

 

A happy customer wearing her custom knit Tasha Tudor style  shawl

OR  ~ a beautiful Red TASHA TUDOR STYLE ‘COTTAGE ELEGANCE’ COTTON SHAWL, here:

http://www.aftcra.com/elegantlyhandmade/listing/225866/cottage-elegance-red-cotton-shawl-hand-knit

Here are a few of my handmade fall toy / decoration as well.

The Candy Corn Man……

You can find the Candy Corn Man, here:

http://www.aftcra.com/elegantlyhandmade/listing/148163/candy-corn-man-organic-stuffed-felt-toy-fall-decoration-halloween

Have a beautiful day!

~ Take Joy, Melissa

All content of this blog is under copyright © 2016  -2017 By Melissa O’Connor

To My Mother

Since Mother’s Day is May 8, 2016 I was looking for poetry about Mothers, a lot of the poetry I came across pertain to the loss of one’s mother. I know that many have indeed lost their sweet mothers to heaven’s realm but I am very blessed to still have my Mother here on earth with us. My Mom is a wonderful source of inspiration and encouragement  in my life and especially with my etsy shop / boutique and my blog and I appreciate her very much.

And my Mom does love a sale so a long with some lovely poetry about Moms I am featuring some of my handmade treasures – hand-picked by my Mom, Now on sale!!

One of the first items my daughters and I created during our craft show – home show days was the very popular swarovski crystal necklace. And yes, my mom does own one.

Available in two styles. Featured here with a larger center focal crystal/bead.

You can find both Necklaces here:

http://www.aftcra.com/elegantlyhandmade/listing/148299/heirloom-crystal-necklaces-customized

https://www.etsy.com/listing/130357360/heirloom-crystal-necklace-mothers?ref=shop_home_active_21

 

To My Mother

The angels, whispering to one another,
Can find, among their burning terms of love,
None so devotional as that of “Mother”

~ Edgar Allen Poe

I especially love that last line – None so devotional as that of “Mother”

My Mom loves to stay warm therefore she likes all of my hand-knits. My Mom crochets she tried knitting but prefers for us to knit for her. One of her favorites – My Tasha Tudor style shawls both cotton and wool. My shawls are hand knit by me of USA wool and mohair purchased from a local mill, in a town in Vermont where Tasha lived – I think she would approve !!

ON SALE  – I do not do this very often ….  See more detail in my shop.

http://www.aftcra.com/elegantlyhandmade/listing/142839/cottage-elegance-kindred-spirit-vermont-wool-handknit-shawl

 

My lovely, cozy warm, Berry Red Tasha Tudor style shawl !

https://www.etsy.com/listing/266957880/cottage-elegance-tasha-tudor-style-shawl?ref=shop_home_active_3

 

 

Sonnets are full of Love

Sonnets are full of love, and this my tome
Has many sonnets: so here now shall be
One sonnet more, a love sonnet, from me
To her whose heart is my heart’s quiet home,
To my first Love, my Mother, on whose knee
I learnt love-lore that is not troublesome;
Whose service is my special dignity,
And she my loadstar while I go and come
And so because you love me, and because
I love you, Mother, I have woven a wreath
Of rhymes wherewith to crown your honored name:
In you not fourscore years can dim the flame
Of love, whose blessed glow transcends the laws
Of time and change and mortal life and death.

~Christina Rossetti

“I learnt love-lore”…. and many things…..

I do believe I inherited my love of hand crafting from my Mother. She taught us  how to sew in our 4-H class. I made a bathing suit and cover up and won the Miss congeniality  award at our local fair. Ugh, I had to model that bathing suit!! My Mom made / sewed many of our outfits during elementary school. My Mom was also our Girl Scout leader and when we went to Girl Scout Camp I learned to Macrame Necklaces. I macramed and sold necklaces  while in High School. My mom crochet and My grandmother knitted, I still have some of my grandmother’s  knitting needles.

I Love you, Mother…  she, my daughters along with Dan lovingly encouraged and assisted with my next endeavor, the writing of a story pattern and creating it into a PDF – the  knitting pattern for my Tasha Tudor style Cottage Elegance Shawl a long with bonus patterns. And yes, it is ON SALE!

My PDF digital downloadable story pattern includes Two variations of the pattern for my Tasha Tudor style cottage shawl,  A Cottage scarf along with tutorial, hints & tips on how to use left over yarn – such as making a doll shawl and hand warmers.

PDF pattern is 20% off  through Mother’s Day.

Enter coupon  code 2JOY2916 at check out. Available here:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/236659762/pdf-cottage-elegance-kindred-spirit?ref=shop_home_feat_1

 

 

Fairy Nuggets, sterling silver chain necklace available in my new AFTCRA store:

http://www.aftcra.com/elegantlyhandmade/listing/148161/fairy-amethyst-nuggets-sterling-silver-necklace

 

My Mom and grandmother always bought quality jewelry. I remember when she bought me a black diamond pinky ring. A lovely faceted black diamond set in a  sterling silver band and when we turned thirteen we received our birthstone ring – mine a Peridot set in 10 Kt Gold band. We also had  a few pieces of Sara Coventry and Avon,( when she was selling Avon). I still have some of the Avon jewelry – just not the same quality today!

I like my grandmother and Mom believe in heirloom quality – so that’s all I use when creating my jewelry. The Necklace above was made using genuine amethyst nuggets, quality sterling silver chain, components and clasp. Made to pass down from one generation to the next.

Please stop by my New Aftcra shop

http://www.aftcra.com/elegantlyhandmade

 

I have a few items left in my etsy shop and it’s they place I can sell my digital PDF pattern (for now)

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ElegantlyHandmade?ref=l2-shopheader-name

 

Mother’s Love

Her love is like
an island in life’s ocean,
vast and wide
A peaceful, quiet shelter
From the wind, the rain, the tide.

Tis bound on the north by Hope,
By Patience on the West,
By tender Counsel on the South
And on the East by Rest.

Above it like a beacon light
Shine Faith, and Truth, and Prayer;
And thro’ the changing scenes of life
I find a haven there.

~ Unknown

My mom loves yellow roses, so when I see one I take a picture and send it to her! She has an Iphone, she text, send pictures and is on FB.
Happy Mother’s Day

 

I think I  may like this last poem best – too bad the author is unknown ?

I love you, Mother ~ Melissa

You can also find me at :

MY NEW SHOP

http://www.aftcra.com/elegantlyhandmade – Handmade in USA

All photographs and content under copyright@2016 By Melissa O’Connor

No content may be removed without permission. DO NOT PIN!

“Cottage Elegance” ~ “Kindred Spirit Shawl” Pattern

After much starting, proof reading – restarting,  gauging, sourcing. Trade marking, copyrighting, watermarking , technical lumps, bumps and hurdles……..

You might enjoy viewing my New Post –  Old ~ January 2016

Old ~ January

Emma – Rose, Sally-Marie, Sally Anne and I Take Joy in letting you know that we have a limit number of “doll shawls”  (the three pictured) available in my etsy shop here….

https://www.etsy.com/listing/237556163/hand-knit-china-doll-shawls-vermont-wool?ref=shop_home_active_1

And  my pattern to knit your own Tasha Tudor style shawl is now available…….

https://www.etsy.com/listing/236659762/pdf-cottage-elegance-kindred-spirit?ref=shop_home_active_1

That the PDF downloadable pattern for my “Cottage Elegance” Tasha Tudor style “Kindred Spirit” shawl – is available in my etsy shop. The PDF pattern tells the story of how I came to design my shawls with the instructions for knitting grey wool shawl I am wearing in the top picture and suggestions for knitting your dolls a shawl – like the girls are wearing in the above picture.

This pattern includes a few bonuses. Such as…

Tasha Tudor style “Cottage Elegance Cotton Shawl”

Five star rating from a happy, friendly lady!

***** “A beautiful, perfect, warm, lovely shawl. (Think I like it?) Melissa is a wonderful, friendly person to do business with. You will not be disappointed!!!!!”

Here you see a little bit longer version of my “Cottage Elegance Cotton Shawl” Full instruction in my PDF pattern available in my etsy shop: elegantlyhandmade.etsy.com

I have also included a basic “Man about the Cottage Neck Warmer scarf”

A five star review from a wonderful lady who purchased a knitted scarf.

***** ” My husband loves it (Christmas gift)…thank you!”

This scarf would make a nice gift for a man, teenager or to layer with your shawl, as we so often see Tasha doing.!!

The Pattern for my  Tasha Tudor Style ” Cottage Elegance Kindred spirit Shawl” is now available for purchase – in my etsy shop!

Five star rating from a customer in another country.

****”Thank you for the knitting pattern!”

Yes, you can translate my pattern into your language, after you purchase it!

Here is my “Cottage Elegance Forever Christmas Red” Shawl knit in a lovely Berry red, cozy soft Vermont wool and mohair yarn. Instructions in my PDF Pattern

 

~In my pattern I share with you the story of my shawl with instruction for knitting your very own Tasha Tudor Style grey  wool “Kindred Spirit Shawl” !

~Bonus instructions for knitting my  “Cottage Elegance Cotton shawl”- as previously featured on my blog. Within my story pattern I share with you, what yarn I  use and  the best size needles to use with different yarns.

~I have also included the instructions for my  “Cottage Scarf” pattern! This scarf  makes a great gift for a man or teenage,  especially when knit in other colors such as elderberry (Purple), Balsam (Green) or raspberry red.

My “Cottage scarf” also looks nice when layered with your Shawl. I have also included many suggestions for using left over yarn!

~ Plus a separate Tutorial pdf.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/236659762/pdf-cottage-elegance-kindred-spirit?ref=shop_home_active_1

Follow my blog and you receive emails when I make new post.

https://elegantlyhandmade.wordpress.com/2013/01/29

All Content of this blog under Copyright 2013 – 20116 By Melissa O’Connor

Cozy Knitting Nook – New Friends!

Oh my, this looks like the perfect cozy, elegant cottage setting! The blue chair looks like the perfect spot to relax and loose one’s self in one of the many books on the shelves. I might would add a matching ottoman / foot stool to prop my feet on ( as I am short and my feet do not always reach the floor Lol ). Did you notice the two ivy plants trailing down from the mantle, aren’t they just lovely. Now I would move that wooded chair out , even though it’s pretty, I think I would prefer it in the dining room and add a lovely antique rocker in its place!  I can just smell the intoxicating aroma of the forced narcissus on the side table accented in the glow of the beeswax taper at its side. Such a beautiful little nook to sit and knit a Tasha Tudor style”Cottage Elegance Kindred Spirit Shawl” or maybe work on a bit of embroidery or other handwork. Please do have a seat and join me…….

Here I  am, nice and cozy in one of my custom knit ~ Tasha Tudor style-“Cottage Elegance Kindred Spirit Shawls”. I knit my kindred spirit shawl a in a lovely shade of grey Vermont wool yarn.  I will share with you in the pattern where I purchase my yarn.

 

My  PDF Pattern for my Tasha Tudor Style ” Cottage Elegance Kindred  Spirit Shawl”, is now available for purchase – in my etsy shop!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/236659762/pdf-cottage-elegance-kindred-spirit?ref=shop_home_active_1

In my pattern I share with you the story of my shawl along with instruction for knitting your very Tasha Tudor Style grey  wool “Kindred Spirit Shawl”, with the bonus  instructions for knitting my  “Cottage Elegance Cotton shawl”- as previously featured on my blog. Within my story pattern I share with you, what yarn I  use and  the best size needles to use.  Plus my “Cottage Elegance Scarf” pattern, that works great for layering with your Shawl, many suggestions for using left over yarn!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/236659762/pdf-cottage-elegance-kindred-spirit?ref=shop_home_active_1

You may enjoy viewing my new post – Old~January 2016

Old ~ January

 

Oh, Gran your shawl is so soft (as she is rubbing it on her face), will you teach me how to knit one – in purple!!
Well, of course I will!

A nice cozy corner of my home where I sit and knit. I have a couple cozy corners where I knit my Tasha Tudor style cottage shawls and work on my many other hand work projects. 

Do you have favorite little nooks that you have created and arranged in your home, just for you, where you can relax and take in the beauty around you…. looking out a window, a favorite picture or vignette ?!?

Here I am with my new friends, Bethany Tudor – Tasha Tudors daughter, and my new china doll, Sally-Anne Tudor. I adopted Sally-Anne while traveling in Vermont. Sally-Anne has started on quite an adventure…….

 

Sally-Anne was delighted to make friends with Bethany’s doll, Lucinda.
Lucinda was lovingly handcrafted for Bethany by her mom ~ Tasha Tudor.

Bethany and Lucinda have had the pleasure of meeting many Kindred Spirits.

My doll family continues to grow ~ as long-lost relatives reunite 🙂 The girls got busy right away with their special bamboo and rosewood needles, helping to knit some doll shawls to put our little etsy boutique / shop……

I have a limited number of my 100 % wool from Vermont, hand knit doll shawls available in two sizes – in my etsy shop:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/237556163/hand-knit-china-doll-shawls-vermont-wool?ref=shop_home_active_1

 

Sally-Anne:  ” How many more Tasha Tudor style shawls do we need to knit for our kindred spirit friends? My arms are getting tired. I think we should sell the pattern to those who would love to knit a kindred spirit shawl for themselves”.

Indeed, I agree with Sally-Anne!!  The pattern is now ready for purchase here;

https://www.etsy.com/listing/236659762/pdf-cottage-elegance-kindred-spirit?ref=shop_home_active_1

Please visit my blog post where I share Kindred Spirit stories.  https://elegantlyhandmade.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=3344&action=edit

 

All content of this blog under copyright 2015 – 2106 By  Melissa O’Conor

Irish Cottage Style Knitting with Tasha Tudor

Oh my, this looks like a perfectly elegant, cozy  Irish cottage setting! Please do have a seat and make yourself comfortable.

Photograph by Richard Brown.

I do wish I could have sat by the hearth, on cool winter evening knitting with Tasha ~ watching her style …how she held her needles…how fast she knit …. just how many projects she has on the needles at one time…listening as she shared her wisdom and knitting experience. I did get to talk to someone very special about Tasha’s shawl and many other insights into Tasha’s life.

O’Connor Irish Cottage Style Knitting  I : Now that you are comfortable let me show you how I how I hold my yarn….

First  ~ We will  bring the yarn across your small/ pinkie finger ~ just once ( sorry that looks like twice I do not know where that top yarn came from), the yarn really does not stay there after you get your yarn placed, and start knitting.
Second ~ you then bring the yarn to the top between your ring finger and middle finger. and back down between your small/pinkie finger
Third picture ~ bring the yarn to the back and across the back your ring and middle finger and up to he top, between your middle finger and index/pointer finger.
I have included a video from my Vimeo account (at the bottom of the post), ~ A new up-dated video coming soon! I hope will help ~ I am working on my production skills, so please excuse some of the focusing and back ground noises. If you have any question please leave a comment.

O’Connor’s Irish Cottage Style Knitting II :

Next, we bring the yarn across your ring finger and down (to the back of your hand) between your ring finger and your pink / small finger

Third  ~ bring the yarn to the back (this is the yarn at the top in the picture) and across the back your ring and middle finger and up to he top, between your middle finger and index/pointer finger. When your knit the index finger of course does a lot of the work and your thumb keeps your knitted fabric moving along. Since your yarn is coming between the index finger and the middle this will naturally be where your tension is controlled – naturally, you should not have to squeeze your fingers together,  you will achieve a natural  occurring tension as you become more comfortable with this style of knitting.
I have included a video from my Vimeo account  ~ A new up-dated video coming soon!

 

If you have any question please leave a comment. Follow my blog so you get notification of new post with about Tasha adventures~ seeking Kindred Spirits! I will be looking even closer at Tasha’s shawls  and have some insights from a very special friend. I will up-date you on the progress of my shawl pattern.

.

I do wonder what Tasha is knitting ~ in this nice cozy looking picture???  Maybe another grey shawl? The grey shawl appears to be her everyday work shawl ~ so we would certainly need several on hand. I always have a “Kindred Spirit” or “Cottage Elegance” shawl on the needles. I find this type of knitting to be a calming knit.

Here is the current Tasha Tudor style cottage shawl that I am working on. I do seem to always have one in progress because of the many kindred spirits who request for me to custom knit a shawl, just for them!

It is a bit hard to keep up with knitting for my gran-babies, daughters and my shop. So by popular request I have decided to offer my PATTERN FOR SALE, so that my friends can knit  a “Kindred Spirit” “Cottage Elegance” Tasha Tudor style shawl of their own.

My shawl pattern will include my  “Kindred Spirit” Tasha Tudor style grey wool shawl, with added bonus of  my  “Cottage Elegance Cotton Shawl” – as previously featured on my blog. Along with a few extras.

My PDF / DIGITAL PATTERN  is – indeed ready for purchase and available for purchase in my etsy shop:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/236659762/pdf-cottage-elegance-kindred-spirit?ref=shop_home_active_1

You can custom order a shawl in my AFTCRA shop

Quite often I have shawl off the needles and ready to ship

~ My Hand-knit TASHA TUDOR STYLE ‘KINDRED SPIRIT’ VERMONT WOOL SHAWL, available here:

http://www.aftcra.com/elegantlyhandmade/listing/142839/cottage-elegance-kindred-spirit-vermont-wool-handknit-shawl

~ My hand-knit TASHA TUDOR STYLE ‘COTTAGE ELEGANCE’ COTTON SHAWL, available here:

http://www.aftcra.com/elegantlyhandmade/listing/225866/cottage-elegance-red-cotton-shawl-hand-knit

 

 

 

*Would you like to take a closer look at Tasha Tudor’s Shawls?

Tuesdays with Tasha Tudor; Tasha’s shawls – A closer look!

*Please join me on my visit to the Tasha Tudor museum, Unending Delight, Tasha’s World of Dolls here:

Unending Delight – Tasha Tudor Museum Exhibit

*Join me on my delightful visit to the Museum’s exhibit: Afternoon Tea with Tasha Here:

Afternoon Tea with Tasha Tudor at the Museum

All content and photographs are copyright to Melissa O’Connor

Forever Christmas ~ in July….

Merry Christmas – in July. Have you started your working on your handmade Christmas gifts?

The greatest gift is a portion of thyself.~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

What better way to give a portion of thyself than in a well thought out meaningful and useful gift. And now is the perfect time to start making a list of the love ones and friends you would like to delight with a lovely handmade gift.

Like Tasha , I also work on my gift’s throughout the year! so I’m not quite so rushed as Christmas approaches.

Then we are not quite so rushed as Christmas approaches.

A little added touch to round out the theme of a gift is to include something purchased. Maybe a bar of soap, some hand lotion or for the kitchen maybe a wooden utensil.

I do however like to add some finishing touches,  when I’m making the finial decision of who ~ gets ~ what, it adds to the festive Christmas feel. Here is a picture of some of the types of cloths I hand knit  with the addition of some purchased, specialty bars of soap.  You could always make your own soap, have you ever made soap? I have not ~ yet!!

The many color and designs of my Hand knit  cloths.

There are many cotton yarns available out there, some are very good and hold up well. It is nice to keep some hand-knit cloths on hand for when you need an unexpected gift ~ such as guest bath set, they also make really nice gift set when paired with a wooden spoon, spatulas, candles or lovely decorative soaps.

My lovely clothes have many more uses than just face and dish cloths. 

Hand – knit cloths also make good candle mats, coaster, napkins, pot holders and hot pads. All you need to do to change the size of your cloth and it’s thickness by simply changing the size of your needles and the number of stitches you cast on.

Here is a rather basic  but pretty cloth.

You can also get differing effects depending on the color of yarn you use especially with the variegated yarns, like the ones pictured above.

Tasha Tudor style Cottage Shawls, such as my “Kindred Spirit” Vermont wool and Mohair and “Cottage Elegance”  cotton shawls also make lovely gifts !!

I do believe the best gifts are handmade gifts and a gift  that a person will actually use. I have gifted my hand-knit cloths and shawls to many throughout the years and to see them in use in their homes for many years to come!!

***You can now PURCHASE My  PATTERN  to knit your very own –  Tasha Tudor style “Kindred Spirit” and “Cottage Elegance Cotton” Shawls Here:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/236659762/pdf-hand-knit-pdf-patterns-cottage?ref=shop_home_active_1

PDF Pattern – To knit your own shawl in Two styles, Cottage scarf and hand-warmers Plus many tips – Doll shawl etc

You can custom order a shawl – Hand-knit for your, Here:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/166646477/tasha-tudor-style-vermont-70-percent?ref=listing-shop-header-0

Tasha Tudor style ” Cottage Elegance Shawl.” hand – knit of Vermont wool and Mohair

 A hand knit Cotton C”Cottage Elegance” Shawl, Here:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/266957880/cottage-elegance-tasha-tudor-style-shawl?ref=listing-shop-header-2

Here you see a little bit longer version of my “Cottage Elegance Cotton Shawl”

https://www.etsy.com/shop/elegantlyhandmade

All Content of this blog under copyright to 2013 – 2016 By Melissa O’Connor

A Shawl ~ From Vermont

Tasha Tudor Museum ~ 2013 Unending Delight

2013 Exhibit at the Tasha Tudor Museum

while in Vermont this summer / fall we went to one of our regular stops, actually two ~ first was the Tasha Tudor Museum in Brattleboro and the second ~  A lovely sheep farm where I spied some beautiful light grey yarn, that was available this year.  I just knew I had to have some to knit My Cottage Elegance “Kindred Spirit Wool Shawl”  in the exact shade of Tasha’s shawl!!!

And what a perfect knitting project while traveling ~ so easy I can knit while riding (not driving) a long taking in the beautiful autumnal scenery of Vermont.

Vermont – very loved, well cared for sheep. In my PDF pattern, I share with you were you can purchase your yarn from a USA, Vermont spinnery.

Have you been working on a knitting project ? I have been working on another Tasha  Style Shawl!  I love this style of shawl and have a better understanding of why Tasha appeared to be wearing one so often. The mornings and evening in Vermont have a breath of chilliness  (even in summer and fall) and this style of  shawl , hand knit of wool or cotton, is just the right amount of warmth needed. What I really love about this shawl is its sturdy, functional elegance!!

 

Tasha wearing her shawl while knitting, from the cover of the “T.T. Museum newsletter”.

 

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The cool crisp autumnal air and colors in Vermont just invite you to knit….

I love the deep fall color of burnt orange, which inspired me to knit my burnt orange cowl ~ available in my etsy shop!

 

….while in Vermont one must knit a Tasha Style shawl!!  So grab your knitting needles, a cup of tea and join me in a video tour ~ I made of my visit to the T.T. Museum

https://vimeo.com/73230569.

**** PDF PATTERN AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE***

My Pattern Tasha Style ” Cottage Elegance Cotton Shawl” and “Kindred Spirit Wool Shawl” is now available for purchase in my etsy shop:

In my pattern I share with you the story of my shawl with instruction for knitting your very Tasha Style grey  wool “Kindred Spirit Shawl” with the added bonus of the instructions for knitting my  “Cottage Elegance Cotton shawl”- as previously featured on my blog. With in my story pattern I share with you, what yarn I  use and  the best size needles to use. Plus more.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/236659762/pdf-cottage-elegance-kindred-spirit?ref=shop_home_active_

https://www.etsy.com/shop/elegantlyhandmade

 

If you would like to knit a shawl just like our Kindred Spirit, Tasha wore? You can find out where to purchase the pattern – above.

My doll family continues to grow as long-lost relatives reunite 🙂 They girls have all been quite busy knitting doll shawls to put in our etsy boutique / shop.

We have a limited number of shawls available in our shop here:

Large China Doll Shawl:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/253011631/china-doll-hand-knit-tasha-tudor-style?ref=shop_home_active_2

Small china doll SHAWL:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/237556163/hand-knit-china-doll-shawls-vermont-wool?ref=shop_home_active_1

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***Copyright NOTICE ** DO NOT PIN***

All content and photo’s throughout this blog , etsy and Facebook are under copyright@ 2010- 2016 By Melissa O’Connor

Tuesdays with Tasha Tudor; Tasha’s shawls – A closer look!

Tasha ~wearing her shawl~  while baking!! Take a close look at the edge!

 

I have often thought ~ that upon closer look, the grey shawl that we so very often see Tasha Tudor wearing, does not have the yarn over lace edging that so many kindred spirits use for knitting their Tasha style shawl . This type of edging can be quite annoying when it catches on things ~ especially when going about your daily task in the kitchen, garden or even the barn.

Photograph by Richard Brown.

So I designed and knit a shawl that I believe looks a lot more like Tasha’s. I think Tasha would agree  – do you not??   I have recently found out from Tasha’s daughter, Bethany that my shawl is in fact  just like Tasha’s and that her Mom’s grey shawl did not have the yarn over lace edging.

The Private World of Tasha Tudor ~ By Richard Brown

What a delightful friend I have made in her (Tasha’s daughter). Follow my blog so you will receive email notice when I share new post about when I  meet her, along with my many adventures at the T.T. museum and around the town of Marlboro – where I discovered that the shop owners did , indeed know Tasha and she was a  frequent customer of theirs ~ Tasha and her chicken!!

Tasha wearing her hand knit shawl while carrying kindling. Tasha Does make the task look so elegant, while wearing her shawl, neck and head kerchiefs.
Photo from the book – ‘The Private World of Tasha Tudor’ By Richard Brown

Tasha’s daughter has also shared with me many of her fond memories of her childhood, along with some wonderful insights about her Mom – Tasha’s shawls.

You can order a shawl handknit especially for you!         Available  in my etsy shop  – Links at the bottom of this post.

I like the red shawls, too!! I get enjoyment out of naming them – ” Forever Christmas Red”,  or “A Brighter Garden”.     It’s like wearing a warm Cozy (Hygge) Christmas feeling throughout the year !

Here you see a little bit longer version of my “Cottage Elegance Cotton Shawl”

I know you will ” Take Joy” in knitting your very own Tasha style shawl ?

How beautiful this world is…….. ~ Tasha Tudor

I take Joy in the many new Kindred Spirit friends I see visiting my blog. I invite you to please follow along and share with me – the shawls or socks you have knit for yourself. Maybe you like gardening – I would love to hear about and see what you grow! Do you raise chickens? I use to when my girl’s where at home – I have a few chicken stories I should share sometime. Do you have a pet corgi or birds as Tasha. My middle daughter has a corgi – Jake Bones, I have a Yorkshire Terrier, Lady Mitzy, I call her” little girl” and she responds to that too. !

 

I started knitting this T.T. style shawl after I purchased the wool yarn that had been spun from sheep in Vermont (Tasha Tudor’s home state). I actually enjoy knitting throughout the year. I find knitting to be relaxing, especially when it’s the type of knitting used to knit your Tasha Tudor style”Cottage Elegance” “Kindred Spirit” (Grey) and “Cottage Elegance Cotton” (red) shawls. I seem to always have one on the needles

I invite you join a long with me in knitting our very own “Cottage Elegance” hand – Knits. Elegant yet functional, sturdy – classic – calming knits.

A peaceful, calm knitting….

 Oct 2, 2016 Review from a happy customer

5 out of 5 stars *****

 From Angela

Adorable, love it, will be one of my first projects after scarves, can’t wait to make it, excellent seller, highly recommended, will buy more patterns from, thank you!

 

************PDF PATTERN AND SHAWLS FOR SALE***************

My digital PDF pattern is only available on etsy, as aftcra does not yet offer digital

~ Here you will find My PDF Pattern to knit your own Tasha Tudor style shawl:   https://www.etsy.com/listing/236659762/pdf-cottage-elegance-kindred-spirit?ref=listing-shop-header-1

OR

*************AFTCRA ********************

You can find custom knit shawls on my other venue/ boutique – selling site – AFTCRA

~ My hand knit TASHA TUDOR STYLE VERMONT WOOL SHAWL:

http://www.aftcra.com/elegantlyhandmade/listing/142839/cottage-elegance-kindred-spirit-vermont-wool-handknit-shawl

~  My Hand knit COTTON Tasha Tudor style shawl, available here:

http://www.aftcra.com/elegantlyhandmade/listing/225866/cottage-elegance-red-cotton-shawl-hand-knit

 

 

 

Tasha style hand knit shawl  ~ in progress…

This is such a meditative relaxing knit…… I seemed to always have one on my needles!

Tasha Tudor wearing her hand knit shawl while quilting – by hand!

FROM SHEEP TO SHAWL……..

 

Yarn in progress!

I would like to introduce you to a few of the very happy, healthy sheep that love living in Vermont!

They enthusiastically come running at the milking hour in anticipation of the delicious treat awaiting them at the milking stand. And they are equally delighted and relieved to share their wool with us.

Lovely Vermont wool….I spy white, brown and even grey yarn! Do you see the grey yarn?

Tasha Tudor style ” Cottage Elegance Shawl.” hand – knit of Vermont wool and Mohair

Custom knit shawl available in my AFTCRA SHOP:

http://www.aftcra.com/elegantlyhandmade/listing/142839/cottage-elegance-kindred-spirit-vermont-wool-handknit-shawl

Emily in her hand stitched gown, wearing her custom hand knit Tasha Tudor style shawl that her mom ha custom knit for her.

PDF Pattern – To knit your own shawl in Two styles, Cottage scarf and hand-warmers Plus many tips – Doll shawl etc

PDF Pattern – To knit your own shawl in Two styles, Cottage scarf with matching hand-warmers Plus many tips for knitting Doll shawl etc…

Available in my shop here :                                                             https://www.etsy.com/listing/236659762/pdf-hand-knit-pdf-patterns-cottage?ref=shop_home_active_1

 

“Cottage Elegance Cotton Shawl” At a customers request I designed this shawl with the addition of a button loop and decorative brass button.

You can custom order “Cottage Elegance Cotton Shawl” Here:

http://www.aftcra.com/elegantlyhandmade/listing/225866/cottage-elegance-red-cotton-shawl-hand-knit

You can take a closer look at the Tasha wearing her shawls in the many books about her Such as:

“Tasha Tudor’s Heirloom Crafts” by Tovah Martin and Richard Brown.

“Tasha Tudor’s Garden” by Richard Brown

“The Private World of Tasha Tudor’ by Richard Brown. ‘Tasha Tudor’s Garden’ by Richard Brown.

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HAPPY CUSTOMERS 

UPDATE : My burgundy shawl sold to a happy kindred spirit in Japan:

**From a happy customer in Japan**
“What a craftsmanship! Thank you so much for such beautiful works!”
She also purchased the wool Tasha Style shawl.
“Such a lovely item and very warm too. I really love it, thank you so much!”
You can find the wool Tasha Style shawl here:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/166646477/tasha-tudor-style-vermont-wool-shawl?ref=related-7

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ElegantlyHandmade?ref=si_shop

From yet another Kindred Spirit in Pennsylvania!!

She was so delighted that her children had purchased one of my grey Vermont wool shawls for her (their Mom) as a Christmas gift. I was happily ~ surprised with a phone call from her ” I love my Tasha Tudor ~cottage style~ shawl. I love the wool it’s so soft and still contains a soft lovely scent of lanolin and I love that the wool is grey and came from Vermont where Tasha lived ”

Happy knitting. Please follow my blog so you will receive notification when I make new post. If you have any questions please leave a comment  ~  I would dearly love to hear from you !

Please enjoy some of my other post, here;

Kindred Spirit – Stories of Inspiration

Here you will find a delightful story about Tasha Tudor’s Daughter Bethany and the doll Tasha made for Bethany.                                                                            https://elegantlyhandmade.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/a-doll-for-bethany-the-beginning

A Doll for Bethany ~ The Beginning….

Cozy Knitting Nook – New Friends!

 

Thank you for stopping by, please do have a beautiful day!

Take Joy

~Melissa

PLEASE ~ DO NOT PIN !!  ~ All content and photos of my blog, etsy shop, facebook and instagram copyright @ 2013 –  2017 by  Melissa O’Connor