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timeslostart · 1 year
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July 14th, 2021
SUSTAINABLE LIVING - MODERN LIVING AND WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH KNITTING?
Everything in balance...
So recently, due to the worldwide pandemic, I found myself with a lot of time on my hands.  (It’s over a year later and we are still feeling the effects.)  I thought this was a wonderful opportunity to work on some knitting designs I’ve had in the works for a while and prepare for the annual winter craft and trade show I usually attend, however, nothing ever entirely goes as you plan.  KNITTER’S WRIST IS A REAL THING!  I sprained my wrist at the beginning of April and couldn’t knit anything for almost two months.  What’s a knitter to do?
I binge watched Netflix for about a week and then I became very bored.  I needed something to do after my son went to bed other than watch TV.  I saw an advertisement on Facebook for some online courses through a website based out of the UK, that after a bit of research, I found was quite reputable and so my quest for knowledge to end my boredom began.
Among the many courses I decided to sign up for, some to help further my career, others that were just for fun, I found one that I was just plain curious about, Sustainable Living.
Now I am sure you are wondering what this has to do with knitting... a lot actually.  As knitters we get to choose the kind of yarn we use to knit with.  So why not choose a few items that are a bit healthier for the environment.  Wool over acrylic yarn is a great start especially if you buy from a smaller business that is certified organic and ethical.  They are out there and yes they are a bit more expensive than buying from a big box store but I’m okay paying a little more for quality and a healthier environment.  O-Wool is an amazing brand of wool yarn (it is in the name) that is based out of the United States and luckily for me, ships to Canada for a very reasonable price.  If you are interested in learning more about this company and their amazing 100% merino and cotton/wool blend yarns please go to www.o-wool.com for more details.
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Another simple change that is easy to make might be looking into using wooden knitting needles instead of metal ones.  However, if you love your metal needles and don’t want to give them up, buying vintage knitting needles from a secondhand store instead of new would also be a great alternative.  I’ve found that they even make wooden yarn needles now which I find very interesting to work with. 
These are just a few little things you can do but if we all start thinking about the little things and making small changes in our everyday lives eventually bigger changes will follow.
Gabrielle Vansteelandt
Times Lost Art
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timeslostart · 1 year
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May 18th, 2021
SUPPLEMENT
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50 Posts!
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timeslostart · 1 year
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May 18th, 2021
KNITTING, SELF-ESTEEM AND BODY IMAGE
Life after becoming a mom...
Gearing up for our big move to our new house, my son and I have just started going through our clothes.  Some of mine I haven’t seen in years and frankly, I forgot I even had them.  Pulling them out and looking through them I’ve become slightly self-conscious of the fact that I’m not as thin as I used to be before I had my son.  I worked very hard before he was born to get fit as I used to be quite overweight and I made the decision to completely revamp my lifestyle.  I lost close to 100 pounds in a year through exercise and healthy eating habits.  I’ve found since becoming a mom it’s a bit harder to have that “me” time to focus on my physical fitness.  By the end of the day after working and chasing after my four year old, I’m just plain exhausted and I’ve gotten into a slump of not wanting to do anything but binge watch Netflix.
This has gotten me to thinking that I need to change my lifestyle again as I’ve fallen back into the trap of a few unhealthy habits.  Honestly I’ve become a little blue thinking that I might not look as attractive as I once did before my son was born.  My son, however, says I’m the most beautiful mommy because I look like him!  (If only he knew that’s not how genetics works.)  His comment has gotten me thinking that maybe the thing in my life that needs to change the most is my perspective.
So in order to do that I have started looking into some Bohemian clothing designs.  I love the flow of the fabric and the idea that one size can and does fit all.  As a mom my taste in clothing has changed a lot.  I prefer loose fits to tight ones and clothes that I can put on in a hurry.  After designing my first sweater earlier this year I’ve decided I’m going to take a crack at a Bohemian inspired tank top.
Here’s my progress so far...
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A very close friend of mine, Duncan Cameron, did this very lovely sketch of my design.  I want to have a lace back using my favourite stitch pattern... old shale.  So far I’m set on a worsted weight yarn in either cream or mauve.  We will see what happens as the design unfolds.  Knitting needles tend to have a mind of their own!
Happy Knitting and Happy Soon To Be Summer!
Gabrielle Vansteelandt
Times Lost Art
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timeslostart · 3 years
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May 17th, 2021
KNITTING AND MEDITATION - IS THERE A CONNECTION?
Remember to just breathe...
There have been many articles published recently discussing the many health benefits (mental, physical and emotional) of knitting and how doing it on a regular basis is akin to meditation.  I don't dispute any of this as I'm not a doctor; I'm just a part-time designer but in my opinion any form of creativity, whether it be writing, drawing, painting, sewing, quilting or even music can be meditative and good for your well being.  It just so happens that knitting and embroidery are my creative outlets so that's why these articles have been catching my eye. 
Over the years I have seen quite a few of my friends and family members, myself included, struggle with depression and anxiety; mostly in silence.  I have also seen how meditation and art can have a very positive impact on their road to recovery.  Because of this I would like to encourage everyone to be creative.  If you are a DIYer like I am please check out my website.  I am releasing new knitting patterns every month and will be releasing my first cross-stitch pattern by the end of the summer. 
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Use Discount Code: JUSTBREATHE and receive 50% off of your TLA Exclusive Pattern purchase.
Remember, it's okay to talk about it...
If you are struggling with anxiety and depression please reach out and call the local help line in your area.
Gabrielle Vansteelandt
Times Lost Art
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timeslostart · 3 years
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May 11th, 2021
OVER THE RAINBOW TODDLER BLANKET PATTERN RELEASE
and the overcomplicated rainbow pouf pattern...
So, it has been a few months in the making but I am officially releasing my Over The Rainbow Toddler Blanket knitting pattern on my website this week.  It was a smash hit with my "yarn hating" four year old and it has been carted all around the house as a prized possession ever since it was finished.  I think the colours are absolutely spectacular and the design itself is simple yet elegant.  It has definitely earned its title of favourite blanket.
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Over The Rainbow Toddler Blanket
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OLD STITCH
MODERN TWIST
This beautiful rainbow inspired toddler blanket will chase all the clouds away with its bright colours and fun design.
Using a variation on the old shale stitch pattern this blanket is a simple beginner knitter project that looks elegant and sophisticated. Measuring 36" wide x 40" long this blanket is the perfect size for your little bean sprout at every stage of toddlerhood.
This knitting pattern is a digital download in a PDF format.
Its companion piece however (an oversized pouf pillow) has been causing me so much grief!  Who knew knitting a circle could be so complicated or time consuming?  I sure didn't. 
Now you could say I'm a seasoned knitter, I've been doing it for a handful of years now and I'm quite proud of the fact that I have just learned how to knit sweaters and everything that entails... shaping, armholes, etc. But knitting a cover for my pillow has been one of the worst projects I've ever tried to tackle, mostly because I had no set plan on how to design the cover.  I've attempted a few different ways... knitting the top first on straight needles and then switching to circular ones for the body of the piece.  Picking up stitches, increasing stitches, decreasing stitches, slipping stitches, nothing seems to give me the shape or size that I want.  Then I realized that I didn't need all the bells and whistles, simplicity is best.
I've decided to knit the cover in the round so it is one solid piece.  Then I'll create two ties using I-Cord and weave them though the stitches on both sides (top and bottom) so I can cinch the ends closed.  I'm hoping this method works better than the last few I've tried.  Only time and my knitting needles will tell.
Stay tuned... more updates about this project to come.
Check out TLA's official website for digital downloads of all of my patterns including the Over The Rainbow Toddler Blanket.
www.timeslostart.com
Gabrielle Vansteelandt
Times Lost Art
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timeslostart · 3 years
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April 23rd, 2021
GETTING MY SON TO LOVE YARN!
Quirkiness at its best...
Lately I've been feeling quite swamped with projects.  There is always so much to do and so little time.  With the weather improving, my son and I have been getting outside a lot more which is nice after the long winter we've had but that means less time for knitting.
My rainbow blanket design has been underway for close to a month now and it's turning out a lot better than I expected and even my son is starting to love it.  (If you've read some of my previous posts you'd know that my four year old has developed an affinity for rainbows over the past year.) For a little gentleman who has sworn off all yarn for the rest of his life, he is getting quite attached to the idea of having a new blanket for his bed. 
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I don't blame him for disliking yarn as he was, and still is, the cutest model and best salesman in town when it comes to my baby toque designs but if I were him I'd be sick of trying on hats too! 
In order to get him to love knitted items again I've had to be a little bit creative... the rainbow blanket was a good start but I'm also designing an even bigger project that will accompany my blanket... a rainbow pouf!  A child friendly, overly large, round pillow cover for my 32" pillow that I ordered off of Amazon. It will look perfect in the corner of my son's bedroom!  If this doesn't get him to start liking yarn again I don't know what will.
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WISH ME LUCK!
Gabrielle Vansteelandt
Times Lost Art
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timeslostart · 3 years
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April 18th, 2021
TWENTY-ONE DAYS OF PATTERNS
Day 21 - Halloween costumes
Bad Little Kitty Cat Costume
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It's Halloween night and you're in for a fright!  Handmade costumes never go out of style and this little kitty cat costume is designed specifically to fit over top of your little one's winter jacket so they can stay toasty warm all evening long while they get up to some tricks and get some treats.  Knitted partially in the round and partially with straight needles, this pattern is ideal for the beginner knitter if this is your first attempt at a sweater.  This pattern uses stockinette as well as garter stitch and a basic 1 x 1 rib.  This is a two piece costume, a toque and a sleeveless pullover.
This knitting pattern is designed to fit a 2 to 3 year old child. It is a digital download in a PDF format.
Available on TLA's official website
www.timeslostart.com
Gabrielle Vansteelandt
Times Lost Art
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timeslostart · 3 years
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April 17th, 2021
TWENTY-ONE DAYS OF PATTERNS
Day 20 - Halloween costumes
Little Boo Ghost Costume
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Goblins, witches and ghosts OH MY!  The Little Boo Ghost Costume is a perfect beginner pattern for the introduction of intarsia knitting.  With easy to follow instructions and chart your little trick-or-treater will be ready to scare the neighbours in no time.  This pattern consists of a boo face poncho and matching toque, knit almost completely in stockinette stitch, that will fit easily over even the bulkiest of winter jackets. 
This is a knitting pattern designed to fit a 2 to 3 year old child. It is a digital download in a PDF format.
Available on TLA's official website
www.timeslostart.com
Gabrielle Vansteelandt
Times Lost Art
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timeslostart · 3 years
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April 16th, 2021
TWENTY-ONE DAYS OF PATTERNS
Day 19 - household essentials
Candy Cane Swirl Pot Scrubbie
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PERFECT FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON
Small but powerful, this little scrubbie has it all. It's gentle on hands but tough on grime.  It can clean pots and glass bakeware without the fear of damage.  It fits perfectly in the palm of your hand and is machine washable and environmentally friendly. Made using a yarn especially designed for scrubbing and knitted in a simple garter stitch pattern you will never have to worry about stuck on food again!
This knitting pattern is a digital download in a PDF format.
Available on TLA's official website
www.timeslostart.com
Gabrielle Vansteelandt
Times Lost Art
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timeslostart · 3 years
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April 15th, 2021
TWENTY-ONE DAYS OF PATTERNS
Day 18 - household essentials
Basic Pot Scrubbie
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Small but powerful, this little scrubbie has it all. It's gentle on hands but tough on grime.  It can clean pots and glass bakeware without the fear of damage.  It fits perfectly in the palm of your hand and is machine washable and environmentally friendly. Made using a yarn especially designed for scrubbing and knitted in a simple garter stitch pattern you will never have to worry about stuck on food again!
This knitting pattern is a digital download in a PDF format.
Available on TLA's official website
www.timeslostart.com
Gabrielle Vansteelandt
Times Lost Art
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timeslostart · 3 years
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April 14th, 2021
TWENTY-ONE DAYS OF PATTERNS
Day 17 - scarves and cowls
The Boyfriend Scarf
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Classy!  Distinguished!  Masculine and Genteel!  This wonderful scarf, designed specifically for men, has it all.  Using a four row repeat of alternating knits and purls it is the ideal project for the beginner knitter.  Simple in its design yet very sophisticated in its look; it makes the perfect gift for yourself or that special someone.
This is a digital download in a PDF format.  One size fits most adults.
Available on TLA's official website
www.timeslostart.com
Gabrielle Vansteelandt
Times Lost Art
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timeslostart · 3 years
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April 13th, 2021
TWENTY-ONE DAYS OF PATTERNS
Day 16 - scarves and cowls
On Fifth Avenue Cowl
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CLASSY and SOPHISTICATED
UPTOWN
DOWNTOWN
This cowl, designed especially for men, has it all. Created using a modern twist on the humble rib pattern you will be the talk of the town in no time with this beautifully textured, masculine, must have cold weather accessory.
This is a knitting pattern designed to fit most adults. It is a digital download in a PDF format.
Available on TLA's official website
www.timeslostart.com
Gabrielle Vansteelandt
Times Lost Art
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timeslostart · 3 years
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April 12th, 2021
TWENTY-ONE DAYS OF PATTERNS
Day 15 - scarves and cowls
Brunch Date Cowl
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Urban chic, stylish and sleek, this modern cowl is streetwear at its finest. Fashionable and practical have never blended so well. Stay warm this winter and look amazing at the same time. Designed using a simple knit pattern this cowl is a perfect first project for the beginner knitter. Knit flat and seamed together this pattern is created using the basic knit (garter) stitch.
This knitting pattern is a digital download in a PDF format.
Available on TLA's official website
www.timeslostart.com
Gabrielle Vansteelandt
Times Lost Art
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timeslostart · 3 years
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April 11th, 2021
TWENTY-ONE DAYS OF PATTERNS
Day 14 - scarves and cowls
Coffee Shop Cowl
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Afternoon coffee with friends or on a date with that special someone be the talk of the coffee shop with this comfortable yet stylish, chunky knit fashion cowl. Knit flat using a seed stitch pattern and seamed together to create one continuous piece this cowl knits up quickly and is a wonderful accessory for all your days and nights on the town.
This knitting pattern is designed to fit most adults. It is a digital download in a PDF format.
Available on TLA's official website
www.timeslostart.com
Gabrielle Vansteelandt
Times Lost Art
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timeslostart · 3 years
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April 10th, 2021
TWENTY-ONE DAYS OF PATTERNS
Day 13 - scarves and cowls
City Style Cowl
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MODERN MEN DESERVE MODERN KNITWEAR
This chunky knit cowl creates quite an impact with its variation on the basic 2x2 rib pattern. Beautifully textured with a distinctly masculine, urban feel; every man will want to wear this stylish statement piece.
This is a knitting pattern designed to fit most adults. It is a digital download in a PDF format.
Available on TLA's official website
www.timeslostart.com
Gabrielle Vansteelandt
Times Lost Art
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timeslostart · 3 years
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April 9th, 2021
TWENTY-ONE DAYS OF PATTERNS
Day 12 - scarves and cowls
The High Street Cowl
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On the street and in the club, transition flawlessly and rock your look with this gorgeously textured, ultra feminine fashion cowl. Designed using a variation on the ever popular 2x2 rib pattern and made to fit most adults, this cowl will be a worthy addition to any fashionista's wardrobe.
This knitting pattern is a digital download in a PDF format.
Available on TLA's official website
www.timeslostart.com
Gabrielle Vansteelandt
Times Lost Art
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timeslostart · 3 years
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April 8th, 2021
TWENTY-ONE DAYS OF PATTERNS
Day 11 - scarves and cowls
Snakeskin Cowl
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Modern and comfortable, this beautiful openwork cowl will be your new go to accessory. At the office or on the street look fashionable and be practical in all kinds of chilly weather. Designed using a simple purl and yarn over pattern this cowl was knit in the round so there is no seaming required, perfect for any beginner knitter.
This knitting pattern is a digital download in a PDF format.
Available on TLA's official website
www.timeslostart.com
Gabrielle Vansteelandt
Times Lost Art
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