Insider Peek into CricketsHome Studio

Today I'd like to give you an insider's view of what happens when I design custom order throws! It's one of my favorite ways to work because I feel like together, we can create pieces that are extra special.  I love incorporating my customer's style into my knits.

 

Here's a fun example; A very nice NYC textile expert, owner of Katherine Klyce International, sent me some fabric samples and asked me to design a throw to match the samples.  Here are the blanket colors we chose together (salmon, light blue and light tan):

 

My next step was to choose the fringe!  I was looking for colors that would echo the blanket as well as add in the fabric swatches' greens, yellows, darker blues and reds. As usual, I opted for fringe yarns that wouldn't tangle, fray or shed. The fringe selection process on a custom order usually takes at least an hour in my giant yarn stash room and I enjoy every minute of it!:

 

Here's a close up of the final result:

 

And in a home setting:

 

To see more unique throw blankets that I've had the privilege of designing and knitting for others, please visit my online home decor boutique, CricketsHome.

Would you like to explore the possibility of working with me to create something specific for yours or a loved one's home?  I'd love to hear from you via email or phone (contact info in my signature below)!

Thank you for your interest and support; I hope that you have a great week!

Celeste (Crickets)
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For Boys: New Baby Blanket Colors! :)

Hello, how are you?  Today I'm very excited to announce a new color combination and a special price for my MacroPelt™ chunky knit, super plushy baby prop blanket! 

The new color mix is a stormy blue-grey and a spruce green together for a calming blend that reminds me of Yosemite National Park (it's actually a bit deeper than in my snapshots below...hence the discount to make up for my amateur presentation): 

 

To see modeled photos of other colors and to take advantage of the this-week-only discount on any thick, corded MacroPelt™, please click here! 

Oh and as always, it's FREE SHIPPING for US orders over $200 at CricketsKnits.com ;) 

Thank you for letting me share my latest news with you and I hope that you're gearing up for a wonderful weekend! 

Celeste (Crickets)
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435-689-0907 

Crickets' Knits in Norway!

I suppose that I should clarify that while my knits are in Norway, I'm still right here in southern Utah, enjoying the Southwestern life.  :)

Meanwhile the inspiring, talented Anne Marthe Widvey of Norway is an exceptional, "one to watch" Norwegian photography celeb (I am in awe that her facebook page has over 35,000 Likes) and she took this photo with my new 'LaceWing' gossamer, brown and grey wrap (which is also home decor and fashion, pls read on for details):

 

21 year old Anne Marthe Widvey also has a blog that you can follow and I highly recommend that you get in on the fun; she's such a delight. :) 

And while I'm on the subject, I hope that you don't mind if I bubble over a bit with excitement for this new 'LaceWing!'  It's got just a little bit of shimmer and a whole lot of versatility!

Here it is on our dining room table as a centerpiece mat:

 

And here I am showing a few ways that it can be used as a fashion scarf:

 

And now, an action item for you:  If you haven't already done so, will you please click this link to let me know what topics you're interested in hearing about from me (the choices are "Tell me everything!" "Scarves/Fashion," "Throws/Home Decor" and "Baby/Maternity/Props")?

Thank you for sharing in my joy and let's chat again soon! :)

Celeste (Crickets)
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We Found our Dream House! Crickets & Nickets Come Home

We found our dream house right here in Kanab!  It needs a ton of work (that we're tackling night and day) because it's never been finished, it has flood damage inside and it's been abandoned for 5 of the 6 years since it was built, but.... WE FOUND AND BOUGHT OUR DREAM HOME on foreclosure (which is the only way that we were able to afford it, lol)!!  

It's on almost 3 acres and there's plenty of studio room for everything Crickets.  Wanna see some photos (some of these were taken BEFORE the flood damage, but you get the general idea)??

If only the yard still looked this good (now it's high weeds)!

The main floor front door...love the archways! :)

This is the 2-story-high great room with picture windows and indoor balcony

What's this?!  Plenty of kitchen cabinets?! :D

My fave part: Master bath with soaker tub and FIREPLACE!!

Thanks for joining us...now you've seen most of the main floor (there's also an upstairs and a basement), more pics will be coming later. :)

New Prop Sets for 2013 to Share with You!

I'm so squiqqly-wiggly excited to share these new "Ribbon-Weave" prop sets with you!  

 

 

First of all, a giant, "THANK YOU!" to my friend and photographer Michelle Federkeil for creating these modeled images so quickly with the new goodies!

 

 

 

What you get with each matching set:

1. Hand knit, lightweight ribbon layering blanket featuring four, special stitch patterns (two of which I came up with myself, they're some of my signature stitches that I've pulled out of my bag of tricks)!
2. Braided, tieback headband (such as shown in the image below) that fits any size, age newborn to adult.
3. My new, funky 'Sprig' hat in newborn size (such as shown in image above)
   

 

 

Here are the colors to choose from (clockwise from upper left are Blue/Ivory, Navy Multi, Purple/Grey/Black and Brown/Cream ~ headbands are shown on white balls of yarn):

 

 

As a thank you for being a Crickets Community VIP, I'm giving you a running head start on these sets at almost one third off!  Please click the link below to get the exclusive deal before anyone else:

Order new "Ribbon-Weave" blanket with matching headband and "Sprig" hat

As ever, I'm eager to hear your feedback about these new props for baby; please do let me know what you think (I'm hoping they'll be a hit)! :)
 

Thank you all so much for being my "core" group of peeps with whom I can be dorky, creative self!  :)  {{hugs}} until next time!

Celeste (Crickets)
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435-689-0907

A Name is Needed!

Please help me name these "As yet untitled" new blankets that come with a matching headband (such as the one shown on the bottom photo here) and are approximately half the size of my usual PuffPelts! THANK YOU!

Newborn portraits by Tracy Joy Photography in the Chicago, IL area

Please vote to name this blanket! :) HalfsiePeltPetalPeltMiniPeltDemiPelt Other:     Would you like to join Crickets' Community & receive free, fun, weekly emails from Crickets? Yes, please!Pls check & add me if I'm not already joinedNot right now First Name * Email *

My Mom, my Role Model!

I'm so excited that my mom and her hubby, Mike are coming to visit this weekend for my 40th birthday!  She is so amazing!  The photos here are of "Mikey & Mommie Melena" modeling some of my early scarf designs.

My mom has been a huge inspiration and source of support for me.  She is a kick-butt businessperson and entrepreneur and taught me the meaning of hard work and how to go the extra mile to add that special touch.

I am one, lucky gal to have a mom who has given me a lifetime of love, giggles *and* real skills that I use every day!  

Who in your life has helped you grow and learn and be your best?  Please tell me in a comment below!

See you on the other side of 40 (notice how I'm brushing over that issue, lol?!),
Celeste (Crickets)

How to Wear Scarves in Warmer Weather

Here's a fun way to wear a Crickets scarf in mild weather (when it's not too cold and not too hot outside).

I put on a dress, a triple strand necklace and then I tied a loose, simple (single) knot in my "Rusty Rose" lightweight, long scarf.  I placed the (comfortable) knot at my neck and slipped the tied scarf over my head for a funky 'necklace' look.  The middle of the scarf dangles near my waist.  My neck has plenty of room to "breathe" so the scarf doesn't change my temperature comfort level.  :)

Thanks to my muse, inspiration and husband, Nicky, for being the photographer!

And now, I thought you might like to see.... the OUTTAKE!

Eep!  I was tempted to edit OUT the double chin and edit IN some boobs and a waist, but hey...keepin ' it real ;)

Hugs 'til next time,
Celeste (Crickets)

Which Photo Do YOU Like Best?

Please help me choose which photo to use for this new throw blanket that I just finished! Here's a link to the poll where you can vote for which photo (or you can even tell me that they all look the same to you, lol)

1rst Photo (sunglow and a little dusky):
  

2nd Photo (sunglow only):
  

3rd Photo (sunglow and dark edges):
 

And if you like hearing from me and want to become a "Crickets Community VIP" and receive free, weekly emails, then I'd love to have you join the fun! :)

Which photo do you like best? 1rst Photo2nd Photo3rd PhotoToo close to tell   Would you like to join Crickets' Community & receive free, fun, weekly emails from Crickets? Yes, please!Pls check & add me if I'm not already joinedNot right now First Name * Email *

Thanks for helping me decide on a photo!

Hugs,
Celeste (Crickets)
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