Falling for Warm Colors and Chunky Knits

Hi there!
It's that Back-to-School time of year. Are you finding new inspiration in the change of season?
Here at Optimistic Craft mini DIY space and shop, we've stocked up on some great fall colors of Brown Sheep Nature Spun, Lamb's Pride and Burly Spun yarns. Here's a little sampling...

I'm loving the chunky yarn trends! Could spend hours looking at ideas over on Pinterest

We're continuing to be open on Saturdays only from 12-6 for Open Studio and classes. See tab for scheduled classes. You can schedule time for evenings and Sundays if you want to take a class on a certain day, just let us know. Or if you'd like to get a group together for a learning session party we can do that, too!

As for personal projects, starting A LOT and being very Optimistic about finishing -- especially sewing a new winter coat! More on that later, but now here's my first completed sewing pattern review. Contests are a great way to get things completed! Hopefully I make it to the 2nd Sewing Bee Round.
Enjoy your projects-in-progress!
Optimistically,
Elisabeth

November News

Greetings Crafty Friends!
I've been a bit neglectful of the blog these days. Very busy working on Optimistic Crafts brick and mortar Saturday studio space! I am pleased to announce the grand opening next weekend, Small Business Saturday, November 29, 2014.
We will be in the new space with a fun holiday embroidery project at the craft table. Opt to work on that or bring something you are working on and show us! 
Our mission is to be a crafty oasis for sharing projects, project inspiration and how-tos. We will carry a small selection of supplies and materials--right now, an assortment of yarn, knitting and crochet notions, embroidery kits and garment care. 
Classes coming soon. Let us know your interests!
Optimistic Crafts is at 37-02 Astoria Boulevard, 3rd Floor. Here is a view from the balcony on a sunny day, and the space as work-in-progress. 

Latest Obsessions

Among many current obsessions...

Pile of fabric awaits.

Fall garments

It’s that time of year when the chill begins and I start wishing I had already created some new things for my fall wardrobe.

This is just some of the fabric in my stash longing to be turned into something.

Yarn, yarn, yarn!

With "I love yarn day" coming up on the 12th, I thought I couldn't get much more excited about Yarn! Then I discovered Roman Hills at the New York  Maker Faire this past weekend. Now that I have explored their site and blog I really should have stayed and chatted with them a little longer—they seem like a lot of fun!

Kollabora

I can’t wait to finish a project to put it up on their site! They share my enthusiasm for DIY and they were also at the Maker Faire with fun projects. Kollabora at Maker Faire 

There are a lot of interesting crafty people involved in this new endeavor. Looking forward to keeping up with their project inspirations and to seeing what else they're up to as the holiday seasons approach. If you are familiar with the site, leave a comment. I'd love to check out your projects if you are participating!

 

...well, that wraps up some recent discoveries for now. More to follow!