Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Mini Blog-ette

Time's Running Out!

The deadlines for holiday orders are quickly creeping by... If you want to surprise that special yarn lover in your life (or stuff your own stocking!) with fabulous Everyday Peacocks jewelry, better order soon!

EverydayPeacocks Holiday Shipping

*Although regular shipping deadlines will soon be past,
Priority Shipping world wide is still available until December 16!

(This will cost more, but if you contact me I will have a price quote for you within 24 hrs.)


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Sunday, November 18, 2012

Mini Blog-ette

NOW AVAILABLE at Everyday Peacocks:

Gift Cards!

EverydayPeacocks Gift Cards

Available in English and French
with preset amounts of $5, $10, $15, $20, $25, and $50!

(Or any other dollar amount you would like, just let me know!)


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Saturday, November 10, 2012

Mini Blog-ette

If I were a really, really, REALLY fast knitter, this is what I'd knit today:
Evendim
Evendim

"Evendim" by Julia Trice

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Mini Blog-ette

CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS!

Everyday Peacocks Shawl Pin sighted on the AC Engineered Knits Blog

AC Engineered Knits

Pattern: Nanook by Heidi Kirrmaier
Yarn: Cascade 220 Heathers

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Mini Blog-ette

If I were a really, really, REALLY fast knitter, this is what I'd knit today:
Wolves Will Be Wolves

"Wolves Will Be Wolves" by Julia Farwell-Clay

Monday, October 22, 2012

Who's Keeping Your Crochet?

With the arrival of the Cascade Collection comes the introduction of the new Everyday Peacocks Crochet Tools!

Everyday Peacocks Crochet Keeper

THE CROCHET KEEPER
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The next tool being introduced is something unique, and the very definition of fabulous decadence-- the Crochet Keeper! The concept for this tool came directly from the feedback of crocheters. I asked what types of tools crocheters might need--that I am unaware of, since I am not proficient in this crafty art form. Most folks told me there were not many accessory tools used other than stitch markers (and of course the main tool, a crochet hook.) Several people mentioned they use their markers to "hold" their projects when they put them down--so that the yarn or string won't unravel. Personally I have always left my hook in place and carefully stored the crochet Work In Progress (WIP), crossing my fingers that the hook would not slip out! I said to myself, 'there's gotta be a better way...'

crochet hooks

Since this is a common problem, I decided it was worth solving. The main objectives for this tool would be:

  • Free up hooks to use on simultaneous projects
  • Free up crochet markers to use on simultaneous projects
  • Eliminate the chance of the tool accidentally falling off
  • And keep WIPs from unraveling in the most decadent and fabulous way possible!

yarn ball

From this, the Crochet Keeper was born! These easy to use Crochet Keepers will not only effectively protect your WIPs from unraveling when not being worked on (with their unique double loop design), but they will look gorgeous while doing it. Liberate your crochet markers and hooks letting them do what they love most-- help you with other projects!!!

Since crochet work can take so many forms, and use so many weights of yarn, I felt one type of Crochet Keeper was not enough. Therefore, I am offering two sizes -- Light Weight for those daintier and light weight yarn projects, and Heavy Weight for those thicker worsted or bulky weight projects. The sizes are really developed for aesthetic purposes, since either size will work for any project, but for those very delicate projects I do recommend the smaller keepers due to the thicker wire being a bit heavier in physical weight. If you are worried these sizes may not suit your needs, let me know and we can figure out a solution together!

As I am sure you have all guessed by now, I take great pride in my work and absolutely love the way these tools have turned out. Next time I will be introducing Everyday Peacocks Crochet Tool Sets! As this is a new arena for me, any comments or suggestions you may have would be great; if there are any crochet needs that I might be able to help with, leave me a note in the comments! I love discovering new things!


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Thursday, October 18, 2012

Mini Blog-ette

If I were a really, really, REALLY fast knitter, this is what I'd knit today:
Swag Draped Pullover

"Swag Draped Pullover" by Wilma Peers

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Crochet, Crochet, Crochet!

With the arrival of the Cascade Collection comes the introduction of the new Everyday Peacocks Crochet Tools!

Everyday Peacocks Crochet Tools

THE CROCHET STITCH MARKER
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The first tool being introduced is a new take on an old favorite-- the crochet stitch marker. When talking with crocheters about what they look for in a crochet marker, a couple of items kept coming up: ability to lock/stay in place, and easy to use with one hand. I added a few more to my "must do" list as well to develop these designs: lay flat against the fabric (not sticking out at weird angles), create tools for all types of crochet work, and (of course) be absolutely decadent and fabulous in true Peacock style!

yarn ball

These qualities swirled together for months until finally I was happy with the base design. Rather than trying to imitate what I have already seen, I have tried to create something totally new and different. The biggest challenge was to create a way to keep the markers in place without using a hinge or other type of locking mechanism which could easily snag on the crocheted yarn/thread with repeated use. In response to this hurdle I developed a special notched design which keeps the markers in place, reduces slipping, and helps them to hang 'just right'.

Everyday Peacocks Swirl Crochet Markers

Created with ease of use in mind, these markers are not only fabulous to look at, they are very easy to manipulate as well. Each marker has a portion large enough to grasp between thumb and forefinger allowing for insertion and removal using only one hand-- this means you spend less time fiddling with your marker and more time crocheting your masterpiece!

crochet hooks

I freely admit that I do not crochet often-- much more of a knitter myself-- but one of my favorite things to crochet is thread work and lace. By working with this sort of pattern as well as the thicker worsted weight variety, I have seen that one size tool does not fit all. Therefore, I am offering several tip sizes and thicknesses to accommodate every crocheter's wildest fantasy! Currently I am creating two sizes of looped tips, and two sizes of straight tips. If these sizes not large enough (or small enough) for your needs, let me know and we can figure out a solution together!

Everyday Peacocks Spiral Crochet Markers

As I am sure you have all guessed by now, I take great pride in my work and absolutely love the way these tools have turned out. Next time I will be introducing Everyday Peacocks Crochet Keepers! As this is a new arena for me, any comments or suggestions you may have would be great; if there are any crochet needs that I might be able to help with, leave me a note in the comments! I love discovering new things!


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Monday, October 15, 2012

Mini Blog-ette

If I were a really, really, REALLY fast knitter, this is what I'd knit today:
Everdeen

"Everdeen " by Jessica Myers

Saturday, October 13, 2012

The Cascade Collection Has Arrived!

Those of us in the northern hemisphere are keenly aware that Autumn is finally upon us once more, bringing brisk, frosty mornings and brilliantly colored afternoons! I am already bringing out the cozy morning sweaters and early evening shawls to help ward off the chill.

Watkins Glen State Park

Inspired by this beautiful season and its celebration of warm yarny goodness, Everyday Peacocks proudly presents the Cascade Collection of yarn jewelry and tools! The new colors and designs are a perfect way to showcase those gorgeous cold weather garments, and to bring the seasonal spirit to your current yarny projects.

The amazing beauty and colors captured in this photo of Watkins Glen State Park, New York represents my perfect autumn fantasy. The Cascade Collection credits its name and designs to the numerous cascading waterfalls and swirling pools found along the park's pathways.  I offer this collection as a way to share that magical feeling with all of you.

EverydayPeacocks Stitch Holder

Since fall is a time for brazenly colorful transitions, I felt it important to include the same vibrance in The Cascade Collection.  Fine jeweler's Copper forms the base of this jewelry with tricolor metal accents of Bronze, Yellow Brass, and Sterling Silver.  Fresh from the studio, these metals are shiny and almost silver-bright on a rosey copper canvas.  But within a couple of weeks, the jewelry starts to embrace warm autumn tones (as a patina forms over the metals) reminiscent of the changes occurring in the natural world.  Just as with the changing of the leaves, the metamorphosis of this jewelry is wonderful to behold!  Unlike nature, though, it is remarkably quick and easy to return the jewelry to its original bright tones again, if desired.

EverydayPeacocks Shawl Pin

Playing with these colorful metals is a gentle mix of stones and crystals.  The collection features large aqua colored Swarovski crystal accents alongside translucent Smokey Quartz lending the feeling of both flowing and still waters.  The earthy colors found in Verdite beads elude to rocky cliffs and riverbed pebbles.  All together, the qualities and traits found in the materials of The Cascade Collection compose a portrait of the autumn season as it may be seen in every imagination!

Everyday Peacocks Crochet Markers

With the launch of the autumn line, Everyday Peacocks is also introducing a new line of crochet tools. Crochet Markers, Crochet Keepers, and Crochet Tool Sets will be available over the next few weeks along with the Knitting Tools and Shawl Pins many of you have come to know and love! Be sure to stop by the shop often to see all the new goodies, or follow along with the Everyday Peacocks Facebook page to see the whole collection as it becomes available.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Totally Green Contest--TOP 3

OK, Folks, you've voted, and the Totally Green Contest is now in the Finals round!!! This is it-- this vote is for ALL the cookies (or $350 gift pack in this case!) Here are your FINAL THREE CONTESTENTS...

Here's a quick view of the final three projects (in no particular order):

Totally Green Contest Top 10 Contestants!

Perpetual Calendar
Burlap Bins
Macaroni and Cheese Costume

That's it folks! If you see something you LOVE, head on over to Totally Green Crafts and vote! Remember, the winner will be getting a huge $350 prize pack!!! More details on each of these projects can be found on the contest page. Good luck to all these well-deserving recycling geniuses!

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Saturday, October 6, 2012

Mini Blog-ette

If I were a really, really, REALLY fast knitter, this is what I'd knit today:
Longpullover

"Longpullover" by Dorothea Neumann

Monday, October 1, 2012

Totally Green Contest--TOP 10

It's finally arrived! The Totally Green Contest has moved into the Semi-Final round!!! Now it's up to you-- the viewing public-- to vote for your favorite crafts and ideas to move THREE of these great projects into the final round...

Here's a quick view of the final ten projects (in no particular order):

Totally Green Contest Top 10 Contestants!

Mosaic Wall Decor
Music Sheet Monogram
Halloween Haunted House
Perpetual Calendar
Mail Art Postcard
Burlap Bins
Dollhouse
 Holiday House Place Cards
 Rocket Powered Jet Pack
Macaroni and Cheese Costume

That's it folks! If you see something you LOVE, head on over to Totally Green Crafts and vote! Remember, the winner will be getting a huge $350 prize pack!!! More details on each of these projects can be found on the contest page. Good luck to all these well-deserving recycling geniuses!

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Sunday, September 30, 2012

Mini Blog-ette

If I were a really, really, REALLY fast knitter, this is what I'd knit today:
Divine Vest

"Divine Vest" by Kristen TenDyke

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Mini Blog-ette

COMING SOON to Everyday Peacocks:

Crochet Tools!

Capt. Hook

Grab your hooks and Stay tuned for details...

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Mini Blog-ette

If I were a really, really, REALLY fast knitter, this is what I'd knit today:
Chaussons Hedwige

"Ink" by Hanna Maciejewska

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

ATC Swap Loot!

Back in July I wrote about a new crafting adventure I threw myself into-- Artist Trading Cards (ATCs). I dove headfirst into this incredibly enjoyable artistic endeavor, discovering the many missing elements in my creative life.

FamousFirsts ATCs

Of course I didn't make this journey alone. Oh no,I was egged on by some friends from Ravelry. Ok, here's a quick recap. Some of the Ravelry group "Good Things Together" decided to do a quick ATC swap as a way for us to explore what was a new art form for most of us. This is the series of ATCs that I contributed to the swap:

Celtic Curiosities ATC cards
(You can read more about how I made them by following this link.)

After a long postal delay-- beyond anyone's control--my new little treasures finally arrived the other day, and I couldn't be more pleased with them all! So here's my little gallery for you to take a quick stroll through if you like:




Mary
ATC Card

"Sailing Away" series 1 of 3
maryootsy on Ravelry



Tess

ATC Card

"Party Line" series 3 of 3
girliecurls on Ravelry



Kristy


"Stary Sky"


ATC Card

"Blind Contour Self Portrait"
KristyRecycles on Ravelry



Dona


"Life by the Sea" series 1 of 8


ATC Card

"Not Too Shabby" series 6 of 6
Dona on Ravelry



Claudia

ATC Card

Untitled


ATC Card

"GTT Friends" series 3 of 6


ATC Card

"My Flower Photography" series 5 of 7
delights on Ravelry
(Our swap hostess with the mostess! Thanks Claudia!)


This little swap really was a lot of fun and reminded me about parts of myself I sometimes ignore. I look forward to similar opportunities in the future, should they arise, and I encourage everyone else to do so as well... You never know what you might discover about yourself!


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