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It is official, Christmas and our traditional gift giving season is only 6 months away.  If you’re going to shop for gifts this year you have plenty of time, but as a fiber artist the clock is ticking!

No need to stress, with a little organization you can have all your dream gifts knit and crocheted and wrapped and ready in no time. 

For the very special people on your holiday list, a new baby, or a child just old enough to understand what Christmas means, or a grandparent or even new (or old) husband, you may enjoy creating a one of Annie’s Woolens personalized Christmas Stocking.     

Annie resides way up north, not the North Pole, but Eagle River, Wisconsin and knows a thing or two about ice and snow and staying warm indoors while knitting.  Her knitted Heirloom Personalized Christmas Stockings will add old fashioned charm to your home for the holiday season.  Begin a family tradition with one of her classic designs and hang them near the fireplace to be filled with goodies from Santa.

There are eleven original motifs to choose from and you can order an entire Kit which includes the pattern and wool yarn or the Pattern only.   

Cardiff Bay Handknits’ Kenzie Handbag is an easy to knit bag with grown-up style, scaled down to size and perfect for any young fashionista.  The orgainc yarns reflect the colors of sand and sky, complemented by natural bamboo handles, and a sliver of satin ribbon.  You can knit this delightful handbag in a few hours, and create a very special gift!

Yarn: 1 ball Rowan Natural Silk Organic (71 yards), 2 balls Plymouth Earth Oceanside Organic (109 yards)
Needles: size 13 US (9mm)
Gauge: 11.5 sts = 4″
Notions: Yarn Needle, 1.5 yards .5″ ribbon and circular bamboo handles 6.5″ diameter

This pattern along with all of Cardiff Bay Handknits’ patterns is sold as a PDF download that will be emailed to you after purchase with no shipping fees.

Visit all of Cardiff Bay Handknits’ patterns.

I’m always thinking about expanding my inventory and I’m curious about people’s Sock yarn preferences. If you would be so kind to take a moment to answer a few questions I would appreciate it.  Leave your answers in the Comments.

After taking the Poll feel free to tell me about an important aspect that I’m not asking about. Or if you’d like to mention your favorite brands and why.

I’ll keep this posted for about a week, judging from the amount of responses I get, than I’ll do a drawing and send the winner, what else, a Sock pattern! 
Thanks!

Your favorite Sock yarns… 
1. What fiber or fiber blends do you prefer?

1. Which weight, Fingering, DK, Sport, something else?

2. What is the average yardage and ounces a skein should have?

3. How often in a year do you knit socks?

4. Do you use Sock yarn to knit anything else besides socks? If yes, what else do you knit with it?

5. Do you prefer a hand painted mix of colors or a monochromatic solid?

6. What are you top three favorite colors (or color blends)?

7. How important is pattern support to you for a specific line of yarn? 1 very important 2 some what important 3 not at all important

8. Please tell me about any other important aspect(s).

First impressions, Vienna is a relatively small city that packs a lot in.  The country’s population is a little over 1.6 million, and even with most people living in Vienna, along with all the German tourists, its still refreshing after spending so much time in NYC. 

Vienna’s streets are winding and built around the oldest part, the circular Innere Stadt.  This Innere Stadt is surrounded by the Ringstrasse and these two areas house the oldest architecture, mainly in baroque & rococo styles and the best museums, the Hofburg palace and government buildings.

Innere Stadt

As you move further away from the Innere Stadt the buildings become more modern.  The area where we’re staying is where the Vienna International Center and United Nations are and this area is completely modern.

People here smoke like its healthy and the favorite seasoning is salt.  The fast speed internet is still very slow and I’m using an European keyboard that has the letter Y on the lower row plus these letters, Ö and Ä, could be worse I could have no internet! 

This city takes the term Cafe Culture to a whole new level, they love ice cream and coffee and enjoy sitting around in cafes eating and drinking both, while smoking, for hours on end.

I don’t smoke, but I do enjoy my ice cream!

Unemployment throughout Europe is at 12% (could help to explain the Cafe Culture).  And right now one Euro = $1.40 US so we’re not to happy with the prices of things, but we have to eat!

And its amazing how much of the Austrian empire has influenced the rest of the world through music, architecture, fashion and more.  The Hapburgs ruled for over 600 years, up until the early 1900s, and their empire reached far beyond Austria, so this makes sense.

According to my guidebook there are 15 palaces in and around Vienna, of which I’ve seen three.  The word palace could also mean mansion or castle so basically a really big house, and people complain about America’s “Mc Mansions,” those are nothing compared to these grandiose monstrosities!  All three were decorated in the classical baroque style that was all the rage with the Hapsburgs through the centuries.  

Our first palace was Schloss Schonbrunn, which is second only to Versailles in size.  Like with many of the important buildings here in Vienna it’s history is filled with original buildings that were destroyed by war or two and rebuilt by the next generation of rulers who’s main goal was to outdo the previous generations efforts.

Schonbrunn is home to the very first zoo in the world!  And the surrounding gardens include an alpine forest, rose gardens, Labyrinth, the Neptunbrunnen Fountain with its dancing Greek gods and the Gloriette which offers one of the best views of the entire city.

The palace interior is baroque decor at its finest.  Each room out does the other with grandiose.  There is the Round Chinese room and an Oval Chinese room both with amazing wooden inlaid floors.  And a Blue Chinese room where more important things happened.  In the Millions Room Persian miniatures were cut up and set in rosewood panels and framed in gilded rocaille frames, its said Maria Theresa paid a million dollars to have this room done.

Besides Maria Theresa, Marie Anntoinette lived here, Napoleon, Napoleon’s only son who died when he was 21, the tormented empress Sisi and over the years lots of other famous people resided in this huge palace.

I also visited the palace Schloss Belvedere that consists of two palaces, the upper or Oberes and lower Unteres separated by a huge manicured garden and several fountains. Both palaces have been transformed into art museums and the upper was showing the work of the important Austrian artist Gustav Klimt, his famous The Kiss is on exhibit here and is breathtaking.

And the third palace I’ve seen is the grand Hofburg which was built in the 13th century in the Innere Stadt and was started as a Swiss Guard camp.  Like every other important building structures were added throughout the years to one up the previous tenants and the Hofburg is sprawling and has kept this tradition up quite nicely.

Me in front of Hofburg, this photo does not do the size of the complex justice!

Hofburg is home to the SiSi Museum, (Sisi is the poor little rich empress the Austrians love to hate), the Hoftafel- und Tafelkammer or court tableware and silver depot and the Kaiserappartements where Franz Joseph and his wife Sisi lived. My favorite was the porcelain, silver & gold tableware exhibit, these people knew how to set a table.  For every major and minor event a new table setting would be commissioned. 

They originally ate on gold and silver plates but not much remains as most of it was melted down to make coins to fund various wars.  No wonder the lower classes revolted.  Most of the beautifully crafted porcelain displayed was made here in Austria and was executed to celebrate historical events, victories in battle, some ruler’s love of botany, the country’s natural resources and of course baroque tributes to romance and love.

The Kaiserappartments were better at the Schonbrunn, but still very opulent and the portraits old and splendid.  There are more museums in Hofburg than I saw and currently the Prime Minister of Austria uses part of it as his official office, nice!

I also visited their biggest and most important museum, the Kunsthistorisches, which houses much of the Habsburg family’s personal art collection plus some of the finest art in Europe.  The building itself is a work of art, done in marble with amazing ceilings with murals and stucco embellishments.  It was just room after room of beautiful art work of all generes. 

But its summer here and very hot, one of the ways Austria has gone green is to not air condition their public spaces i.e. museums and palaces, also the very easy to use subway system is not air conditioned!

And though the Lipizzaner Stallions are on their summer vacation I did get to see a small show at the Spanish Riding School where these magnificent animals are trained.  The Spanish Riding School is also housed in the Hofburg Palace. 

The show was about an hour and featured historical carriages, three year old colts and the mares with their one month old colts.  These horses are very well cared for and beautiful, and I was surprised to learn they are on the endangered species list. 

Its true I borrowed this photo from another site, I didn’t get to see the horses dance like this one, but I was in this beautiful arena to watch the show.

And on Saturday we returned to NYC and though I’ve enjoyed myself here immensely I was ready to be home!

The ruling class of Austria, mainly the Habsburgs, loved the Italian baroque style and developed their own known as Austrian Baroque.  In case you’re as intrigued and amused by this romantic look as I am here are some pointers for adding this elaborate decor to your home, I suggest starting with a single room before investing in the marble and expensive wood that are the mainstays of this regal look.

How to make a room Baroque without going Broke..

Decorating a room in your home as a baroque sanctuary is quite easy. Pick a rectangular room and start by painting it an iridescent white.  If after you’ve finished this room you find you like it you can do other rooms in pale lemon yellows or a pale blue, but the iridescent white works best with flickering candle light and is most popular.

Next in the center of the ceiling install a large, multi-tiered Marie Antoinette style chandelier that either has real candles or you can cheat and use light bulbs that look like flickering flames. 

On each wall, centered near the ceiling add a large panel that is shaped like a cross between a trefoil and a rectangle and gilt the edges in gold.  This panel will be repeated once on each wall.  In the center of the first one draw three happy, chubby cherubs holding wreaths.  To the left of these cherubs add two more chasing away a scary looking Greek monster so the three cherubs in the center can enjoy their wreaths undisturbed. 

Repeat this panel on the other three walls, slightly smaller on the two smaller walls.

In the next panel have 3-5 angels, dressed in flowing robes with flowing wings, playing horns.  Surround them with clouds and center them around a pedestal holding an urn with flowers and fruit and have them blowing their long horns toward the heavens above.

In the next panel have two women lounging near a tree shaded pool, in various stages of undress, and eating fruit while laughing with a Greek half man, half horse creature.  Add some smiling cherubs hovering over the women.  Though the Greek creatures are scary looking make sure their expressions are beguiling and animated so as not to scare the women.

And in the last panel proudly display your family crest.

“S” for Singh.

The artwork below each panel is simple.  Have a portrait painted of each family member, in their finest attire, and surrounded by their hobbies, and hang them below each panel.  Two or three portraits can grace each wall.  And if you or a family member has had great victory in war have a painting done capturing this defining moment of victory. 

The last and most important painting for this room is the kidnapping of one of the naked women by one of the Greek monsters, the cherubs are no longer smiling in this one.  It can be any variation of the naked woman being dragged off
while waving her arms sadly at her human love, who can’t do anything but look sad. 

It goes without saying that this painting is fraught
with symbolism and you can decide what that should be.

Add some rococo furniture upholstered in expensive looking damask. 

You’ll want a dressing table where you can spend as much time as you need on your hair makeup.

And some long sofas and benches, one bench will be opposite the kidnapping painting so visitors can enjoy the symbolism you included. 

And a chair or two scattered about is good too. 

And there you have your new baroque room.

This is a picture of my Grandpa Krupa who I talk about in the post below.  No thats not me, this photo is a little before my time, its my cousin Tom.  This pic is from the early 60s in Youngstown, Ohio.

We’re in Vienna  now, we arrived about 4 days ago and have been visiting the sites nonstop.  Today is the first day I finally feel over my jet lag! 

On Saturday we took a boat trip down the Danube River to Bratislava, Slovakia, the ancestral home of my father’s parents.  Both his mother & father were from a little farming village outside Bratislava.  They traveled to the United States in the early 1900s aboard the Carpathia, the same ship named after the Carpathian Mountains in Slovakia and rescued the Titanic survivors. 

Back in Vienna we’ve visited Mozartaus, where the famed composer Mozart lived for about 2.5 years, and saw an intimate performance of his music in the Salena Terra where he loved the acoustics.  We’ve seen two (of the many) palaces, the Hofburg where Marie Anntoinette was born and the huge Schloss Schonbrunn were she spent time as a child.  A host of other royal nobility lived and visited these palaces as well…more on that later.

And we’ve been enjoying ourselves while wandering around the Innere Stadt, the oldest part of Vienna and home to the most lovely Baroque architecture and delicious ice cream!

But what I really want to write about today was what happened before we arrived in Vienna, my brother and his two boys visited us in NYC the week before we left and it was nonstop action, we saw everything fit for a 6 and 10 year old. 

Here we are at Coney Island, prior to the Tilt O Whirl we ate Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs, but only I got a little ill on this ride despite what my youngest nephew may look like.

We spent an entire day at the Museum of Natural History, this museum is huge and the displays are very well done, we could have spent a lot more time if we had it to spend!

And here we are walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, you get a great view of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. 

We spent two days enjoying Central Park, one morning at the Guggenhiem, took in the Broadway musical The Lion King which I highly recommend for both young and old, went to the top of the Empire State Building, visited the NY Public Library, Rockefeller Plaza, Time Square and lots more.  Our quest for dinner every night was to find the best pizza NY had to offer.    

But the one event that I hope was the most meaningful for my nephews was our visit to the Statue of Liberty…

This was our view from the ferry ride over.

On opening day to buy Statue of Liberty Crown tickets my brother sat at the computer for 6 hours before he was able to get through to purchase them. His patience paid off and on July 7th my brother, his two sons and I walked up, up and round & round the spiraling staircase to reach the top of Lady Liberty’s head and look out her crown toward Brooklyn.

Here we are standing in front of the original torch before our walk up.

Originally Lady Liberty was a gift from France to celebrate our country’s independence. But the French believed the statue should be a collaborative effort and the US had to build, and pay for, the base. Money had to be raised on both sides of the Atlantic to get her here and erected. It was quite controversial at the time with many Americans wondering why they should have to pay for a “gift?”

Our walk up was not as hard as I imagined. My visions of collapsing on the side of the staircase in a heaving heap didn’t happen, before I knew it I was at the top looking out. Now this is not to say that the way up was not daunting, the first part was a regular staircase and easy, but the last part to the very top was a narrow spiral and if I was any taller I would have had to hunch over, I’m not sure how my brother did it. The security every step of the way was good and included a bomb sniffing machine & rangers along the staircase up, among other things.

Of the total visitors the statue receives annually only 1% go up into the Crown, which has been closed since 9/11. So we were excited to be part of this special event.

When we made it to the top this kind ranger spoke with us about the statue’s long history, its almost 123 years old and has had its torch replaced twice and internal structure, that holds up the 2 penny thick copper cover, replaced once.


This is the internal structure, the wavy lines are Lady Lib’s hair.

She told us the statue does sway in strong winds up to 6 inches and I had the pleasure, not, of feeling it sway slightly, but not 6 inches.

The view out is rather limited because the actual windows are small. Through one window we could look up and see her arm and torch.

And the rest of the views were of the harbor. The better views are down below at the Fort Hood level. After about 15 minutes we were ready to turn around and follow our footsteps down.  After we made it down we visited the rest of sites and the museum at the base.

The museum was very interesting and well worth the visit.

It gives the history of the statue, which is really well documented with artifacts and photos, including information on the sculptor Frederic Auguste Barholdi’s visit to the US before the statue was built.  Upon his arrival he knew Lady Liberty should be placed in the New York Harbor on what was than Bedloe’s Island, now Liberty Island, which had Fort Hood on it, instead of in Philadelphia.  Barholdi knew the slab that Fort Hood was built upon would be perfect for his masterpiece, it was flat enough and stong enough to support the statue.

The museum also houses a great collection of photos of the statue being built in France and erected in the Harbor without scaffolding, some of the original structural iron that has since been replaced and newspapers and keepsakes from he grand opening ceremony.

After the museum it was time to board another ferry for the last leg of our journey, Ellis Island.  The highlight of this part of the trip was visiting the wall out back of the immigration building that has the names of all the immigrants who passed through these gates upon their entry to the United States in the 1800 and 1900s.  We found my father’s father and mother’s names, though there is a small bit of family controversy on the spelling and if these names are really theirs.  But I’m convinced the John and Julia Krupa written on the wall are them.

If you get the chance to go up into the Statue of Liberty, do it. Its truly memorable and I’m hoping my two little nephews will be talking about it long after my brother and I are gone.

The gorgeous paua shell is native to the deep blue waters of New Zealand, it is noted for its predominant blue and purple color currents reflecting silvery luminescence. Occasionally woven with copper, chunky browns, blacks, and ribbons of silver, the surface virtually dances with radiance, a synergy captured in Jane Thornley’s loose, swingy, top, the Paua Shell.
 
 Here’s an easy, one-size fits all knit with drop sleeves and a deep single-button neckline perfect for all body types. Kimono-like, on lean forms, the knitted fabric drapes around the body in elegant waves while streamlining more abundant shapes (like my own, pictured above). Could there be an easier cover-up for a chill summer’s eve? It’s like wearing a shawl minus the pesky ends. In cooler climes, try wearing it over a turtle neck.
 
 Random feather & fan is featured here along with bands of garter, stockinet, and wave stitch (a variation of the drop or long stitch). The combination evokes the movement of light playing across the shell’s surface and keeps the weight lacy and open. It’s so much fun to knit! Boredom need not apply. Just cast on with size US 6 (4.5mm) needles and start playing with yarns in primarily blues, purples and greens, surely the most soul-satisfying colors in existence. Three inches into the piece, you have the option to move to larger needles making this a fast knit to complete.

 
 Knit from your stash or start anew. As with all free-range knitting, any yarn works here but I recommend using lighter sock-weight yarns mixed with DK’s and the occasional band of ribbon for a summer feel. Most of the yarns used in the original are silk or silk-wool blends. Sometimes doubled by holding two yarns together while knit and at others times knit single ply. The design allows for plenty of variation in yarn types so don’t fret about keeping everything the same.

This pattern along with all of Jane’s patterns is sold as a PDF download that is emailed to you after purchase with no shipping charges.

Visit all of Jane Thornley’s Patterns. 

Sandrasingh.com opened it’s virtual doors in May of 2005  and has been open 24/7 ever since!

Sandrasingh.com was inspired by my joy and commitment to helping others transform their creative inspirations into beautiful realities.  Whether online or in my Showroom I continue to supply you with the materials, tools and ideas needed to stimulate and inspire your most creative aspirations.  I continue to expand my product line, improve service and evolve in direct response to your feedback, so please ask your questions and share your knitting projects and dreams. 

I realize there are as many different knitters as there are yarns!  With this in mind I carry premium domestic yarns from different regions of the United States, thus offering you a wide selection of American made yarns unique to their locale.  But at the same time I recognize that gorgeous yarns are being produced afar and I’m pleased to offer the finest imported brands as well.

With my large in stock selection of yarn something is usually On Sale, visit my Specials to see which yarns are being discounted today. 

My yarn lines are fully supported by an extensive array of knit & crochet patterns.  I carry over a thousand designs ranging from Garments & Accessories for men, women and children, Socks, Lace, Baby Knits, Plush Toys & Amigurumi, Environmentally Friendly, Home Decor and more.  I work with many of the best and most respected Independent Knitwear Artists in the fiber arts community, as well as offer patterns directly from my yarn manufacturers.  And I am constantly searching for new talent to introduce to you.

Sandrasingh.com is committed to promoting a Green Environment.  I run my business as Green as possible, besides offering a selection of knitting patterns to help you Reduce, Reuse and Recycle all customer communications such as Newsletters and Sale Announcements are sent via email.

Sandrasingh.com is now open to the public!  Visit my Showroom in the picturesque Hill Country just outside of Austin, TX.  Please call 877/519-1693 or email sandrasingh@sandrasingh.com to arrange a visit.  

And finally, what I enjoy most is getting to know my customers.  I created the Customer’s Creations page to showcase my talented clientele’s handiwork in yarns and patterns purchased from my site.  Please email a photo of your favorite hand crafted item, along with a brief description describing the yarn and pattern, and you just may see it featured.  If you do you will receive an online coupon for $5 off your next purchase! 

If you belong to Ravelry.com please join my group, Sandrasingh.com, friend me on Facebook, I’m Sandra Singh and if you Twitter or Plurk follow me at Sandrasinghcom

I appreciate your visit and one lucky visitor will win The Schaefer Yarn Company’s pattern #204 Anne Pretty Socks. 

To enter leave me a comment below, and email me at Sandrasingh@sandrasingh.com so I have your email address, at this time if you would like to sign up for my Newsletter tell me, you will not be signed up automatically.  The winner will be announced and contacted after July 20th.

Have a wonderful summer and enjoy your Sweet Summer Knitting!
Sandra Singh
877/519-1693

 

Special Announcement: Sandrasingh.com will be closed for shipping yarn from July 8-19th, you may order yarn during this time and it will be shipped after July 19th.  PDF downloads will be emailed after purchase as usual. 

Welcome Summer with beautiful new yarn & colorways from Schaefer, breathtaking shawl designs from Fiddlesticks Knitting and the clever crocheted designs of Knotsewcute, plus lots more summer ready projects.

In This Issue: Meet Nichole / Schaefer Anne /Fiddlesticks Knitting / Knotsewcute / Freshstitches / Gardiner Yarn Works’ New Collection / Katya Frankel’s Summer Tops for Girls / Athena Headband /

Meet Nichole
The Schaefer Yarn Company’s new Nichole is a smooth plied sock yarn crafted of 80% extrafine merino wool superwash for softness and 20% nylon for added durability.  Each hank of Nichole is a generous 405 yards/5 ounces, enough to make a pair of women’s socks.

Also Schaefer has introduced their new line of colorways for Memorable Women, Kids and Solid Botanicals.  Some colorways have been discontinued but many new beautiful shades await.   

Schaefer Anne
Summer Knitty features Laura Nelkins Entomology Shawl and since Laura is Schaefer’s Designs Director this shawl is knit in their exquisite fingering weight yarn Anne. 

Anne is crafted of 60% merino wool superwash, 25% mohair and 15% nylon and was dyed in two special potluck colorways for Laura’s shawl, Ashes of Roses and Bluebell, I’m taking special orders for both of these colorways.  Anne is put up in generous 4 ounce/560 yard skeins and is On Sale for 25% Off!

Fiddlesticks Knitting
Sandrasingh.com is proud to welcome the exquisite lace designs of Fiddlesticks Knitting.  When you think of Fiddlesticks Knitting patterns you immediate conjure up images of draping yourself in flowing, gossamer lace.  Fiddlesticks’ luxurious shawl, stole and wrap patterns are the creation of Dorothy Siemens and she executes each design with exceptional attention to detail. 

Pick a pattern that is right for you, the new Peacock Feathers Stole, or the Chantilly, Lotus Blossom or Romance shawls.  

Knotsewcute
And Sandrasingh.com is also pleased to welcome the crochet designs of Knotsewcute.  If you’re an experienced crocheter or have set out to learn this summer Knotsewcute’s patterns will get you hooking.  The designs are the teamwork of two long-time friends, Kim Miller and Tara Schreyer. 

As you explore their adorable baby & toddler felted slippers, hats and whimsical toys, clever yet practical home decor, cozy tea and coffee accessories and unique accessories  for men & women you’ll be happy you discovered this charming duo’s crochet patterns. 

Freshstitches
Speaking of crochet the Amigurumi genius, Freshstitches brings us two new precious projects, Rolph the Little Rooster, he won’t wake you at the crack of dawn.

And the floppy eared dog, Jeffrey, who you don’t have to walk!  See all of Freshstitches Amigurumi, Hat, Keychain, Yoga, Holiday, People, Vehicle & Building designs.   

Gardiner Yarn Works’ New Collection
Its the time of year you look forward to, the launch of Gardiner Yarn Works’ new knitwear design collection, Fall/Winter 2009.  Start one of these projects today and you’ll be ready for the falling leaves and flying snow.

Chrissy Gardiner also introduces a new crochet projects, her Groovy Granny Scarf.  And her new pullover design the Port Townsend is knit in Schaefer’s Danya.  The sophisticated Gordian Twist Neckwarmer looks like a moebius, but its not, which means it doesn’t require a special cast on. 

The stunning Ivy wrap features a leaf lace motif that you’ll enjoy knitting and wearing.  And coffee lovers will adore Cappuccino, which was inspired by the delicate designs a talented barista makes with foam, and its knit with only one skein of Schaefer’s Heather.

Scarf for Ptesan-Wi is very special, its knit from one precious skein of buffalo down yarn and named for the Lakota holy woman also known as White Buffalo Woman.

And if you’re on Ravelry visit my group, Sandrasingh.com and join our KAL for Chrissy’s new scarf, Midnight Lace which is adorned with cables and lace.  I’m also hosting KALS for the Mr Greenjeans pullover and Ilga Leja’s lace vest, In The Courtyard.

Katya Frankel’s Summer Tops for Girls

Quickly update your little girl’s summer wardrobe with Katya’s two new designs.  Karys, a delightful tunic top worked in stocking stitch all over with garter trimming and easy finishing.  And precious Lilli, a tank with a very simple shape and an intricate looking cable pattern to keep things interesting.  You’ll have both finished in no time at all!

Athena Headband
Pull your hair back in easy summer style with Azalea & Rosebud Knits’ Athena headband. 

Athena is a three strand headband worked in I-cord with a base of stockinette, and the bottom features a sewn in elastic hair band to prevent unsightly bumps.  Its a great quick project that is stylish, useful and a stash buster.  

Time to draw to a close, I know there are a lot of summer projects to get started on.  Here in the US I hope everyone has a fun and safe Fourth of July celebration and to people everywhere make sure to get out and enjoy the warm weather.  Thank you for sharing my news.  I look forward to hearing from you with your questions and comments.  And remember, I’m always happy to help with any of your fiber arts needs. 
Happy Knitting & Crocheting,
Sandra Singh