Shoppe Update and European Style Bread Basket

Hi There - how was your thanksgiving??  Mine was very nice, I got to spend the day with hubby's family and we had quite a smörgåsbord of treats and food.  Yummy!  Among other things, I was responsible for bringing the bread and of course you know I couldn't just stick it on a plain old tray, it had to be handmade.

I took my inspiration from the bread baskets I saw on my travels in Europe this summer (speaking of which, I don't think I ever finished talking about that - oopsie! =))  In Austria particularly they had these wonderful quilted breadbaskets that served to keep the bread warm and had a nice presentation as well.  They do breakfast a bit differently over there than they do in the states.  Bread is a big staple, and not usually slices of bread, but big rolls or biscuits.  They are usually covered in either meat and cheese or fresh preserves and butter slathered on thick.  Mmmm - I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!

Anyhow - so I had a few thanksgiving themed panels from the local quilt shop - slapped those together with heavy-duty interfacing, batting, etc and quilted the sides.  It was so easy I had it done in only an hour.  The hardest part was putting on the binding, I didn't have a lot of colors around so I had to make do with what I had. 

The piece is sewn flat and then tied up in the corners, easy - peasy and done!  What a wonderful way to present bread!  I know this is kind of a slap-dash approach, anyone interested in making your own?  I could do a tutorial.  It's reversible too - so you can change which side shows. 

In other news, I received a lovely special swap package from Kim - this poor little package has really been around the block so to speak, we thought it had gone missing, and my faith in the US postal service may have been renewed when it showed up on my doorstep.  There was lovely wine (!she really knows how to swap! =)), biscotti, beautiful hand-dyed merino lace yarn and a lovely notebook, all wonderful things that fit me to a t!  I have such a thing for little notebooks and yummy yarn! =)  I had a hard time taking a picture, I've already eaten the biscotti and put my feet up and had a glass of wine so I had to run around the house putting it all back together to photo it!  That is the most wonderful type of swap, thanks so much Kim! =)

And in other news I just did a shop update!  There are new peri-twinkle battlets as well as a new color, bluebells in both BFL (a wonderful fiber for both beginners and experts alike) and Cormo wool top.  The Cormo is very special to me, I got to meet the sheep that produced this wonderful fiber.  The farm itself has won many awards for it's fleece and it was an absolute treat to work with.  There's also a few project/sock bags as well.  I'm so happy that people really like their sock/project bags, they are wonderful to carry around with you, you can hang them from your wrist and walk and knit at the same time and they also stand upright when you're ready to sit and knit for a bit.  These also have the built in pockets and holders for your needles to keep you organized.

OK - enough talk about that, happy friday all! =) 

Comments

[Margaret]

Isn't Barbara great! I bought my first wheel from her, and have taken spinning and dyeing workshops up at the farm. The battlets are lovely.

[Beth]

The bluebells color is beautiful, too! I'm glad you had a nice Thanksgiving.

[Kim]

Whew!! I just read your email that the package finally arrived. Whoo hoo! I am very impressed that the PO figured this all out!

I'm glad you were able to put your feet up and have a sippa!

[Angelika]

What a nice treat. I'm sure you enjoyed it. I'm glad you had a nice holiday too. So I see you are blogging in your lunch time or did you actually have a day off today? Now to go check out your shop.

[chris]

Wow - I love those bread baskets. And the fiber in your shop just looks beautiful. Oh Boy - Wine!! I would still be doing swaps if there was wine....

[rohanknitter]

Sounds like you had a nice Thanksgiving - the bread basket is really adorable - what a cute print!! I'd love to see a tut. if you have time.

[Debi]

I love the bread basket and I'm crazy about the project bag with the orange flowers on it! You do beautiful work Keri!

[Leah]

What a lovely swap package. And your bread basket is brilliant!

[Katie]

The bread basket looks like a lot of fun to make--if you have the time, a tutorial would be great! You are talented on many levels!

[Debby]

Your orchid mitts look so nice and warm!

I'm glad to hear Elle is doing much better and that you all had a nice Thanksgiving. I love your bread basket, what a nice touch!

[Rachel]

The bread basket is so cute! I love the owl fabric. I haven't picked one of those up since we've been here in Germany, but I think making one would be even better. I'd love to see a tutorial if you get a chance!

[lisa]

What a great little basket! And the orchid mitts are lovely too!

[AJ]

I absolutely love your bread basket. And the fabric. I ♥ owls so much!

Your swap pal really does know how to treat! I love the shade of the yarn. What yarn is it?

[Crystal]

That is such a gorgeous bread basket!

[tiennie]

What a great bread basket! Hope you had a great holiday!

[Felicia]

Love your Thanksgiving basket! Its so cute.

[tracey in mi]

I won't be able to post to my blog--- cause my two older sons have BIG mouths.. (like their mother) but the wii? Mission accomplished;)

[Lynne]

That is the coolest little project! I love that retro-y owl fabric! Nice gift from Kim...let's see, if you drink that bottle of wine while watching a movie, will you stay awake? happy week after Thanksgiving, Keri!

[Erin]

What a nice package! Good thing the USPS finally came through on that!

[Oiyi]

Love the basket! Yes, a tutorial would be awesome!

[linda]

wow, i love the little bread holder- what an easy idea. :) also, your knitted mittens in the more recent post are amazing.

[Linda S-H]

Pretty please - share your breadbasket technique! (It's how to do the binding and tie-ups that I can't figure out....)