Chronicles of a Handmade Life

I've been writing about handmade living since 2008. Check out my musings on and tutorials for all facets of handmade living, with a particular focus on knitting, embroidery, sewing women's clothing, and original recipes. Scroll to the bottom of the page for a full list of article categories. 

NEW POSTS
Knitting 101 - Part 3: Binding Off
Knitting 101 - Part 3: Binding Off
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Knitting 101 - Part 2: The Knit Stitch (Continental Style)
Knitting 101 - Part 2: The Knit Stitch (Continental Style)
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Knitting 101 - Part I: Casting On (Long Tail)
Knitting 101 - Part I: Casting On (Long Tail)
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Maine Handmade Fair
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Class of ‘01
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What My Mother Taught Me
What My Mother Taught Me
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Golden State
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The Cakes My Mother Made
The Cakes My Mother Made
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Knitting Vertical Pleats and Pintucks
Knitting Vertical Pleats and Pintucks
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Indie Design Gift Along 2018 - My 24 Top Picks
Indie Design Gift Along 2018 - My 24 Top Picks
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KNITTING

Pattern Releases, Tutorials and Projects
Knitting 101 - Part 3: Binding Off
Knitting 101 - Part 3: Binding Off
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Knitting 101 - Part 2: The Knit Stitch (Continental Style)
Knitting 101 - Part 2: The Knit Stitch (Continental Style)
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Knitting 101 - Part I: Casting On (Long Tail)
Knitting 101 - Part I: Casting On (Long Tail)
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Maine Handmade.jpeg
Maine Handmade Fair
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Knitting Vertical Pleats and Pintucks
Knitting Vertical Pleats and Pintucks
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Indie Design Gift Along 2018 - My 24 Top Picks
Indie Design Gift Along 2018 - My 24 Top Picks
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Introducing STORYTIME
Introducing STORYTIME
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FO Roundup - Into Fall 2018
FO Roundup - Into Fall 2018

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STORYTIME - Coming Soon!
STORYTIME - Coming Soon!
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Got Moxie?
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Introducing Nerio
Introducing Nerio
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Knitting Colorwork: Tips & Tricks
Knitting Colorwork: Tips & Tricks

I love knitting colorwork. But, for the uninitiated, colorwork can be quite intimidating. How you choose the right colors? Why does it make my gauge all weird and pucker-y??  What do I do with all these ends?!!

Today, I'll be sharing some tips and tricks for success with colorwork. This isn't a be-all, end-all guide, but it should help get you starting on or improving your colorwork skills.

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FO Roundup - Spring 2018
FO Roundup - Spring 2018

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Reading Lace Charts: A Tutorial
Reading Lace Charts: A Tutorial
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Introducing WILDFLOWER
Introducing WILDFLOWER
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Introducing Reed
Introducing Reed
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Growing WILDFLOWER(s)
Growing WILDFLOWER(s)
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FO Roundup - Winter 2018
FO Roundup - Winter 2018
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Berroco Portfolio Vol 5.
Berroco Portfolio Vol 5.
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Planting Seeds for WILDFLOWER
Planting Seeds for WILDFLOWER
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Introducing Souviens
Introducing Souviens
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Introducing Sprout & Flutter
Introducing Sprout & Flutter
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Winter Warm Up Sale!
Winter Warm Up Sale!
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Tidings Craft Fair
Tidings Craft Fair
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Indie Design Gift Along 2017 - Shawls & Cowls
Indie Design Gift Along 2017 - Shawls & Cowls
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Indie Design Gift Along 2017 - Socks & Hats
Indie Design Gift Along 2017 - Socks & Hats
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Indie Design Gift Along 2017 - Women's Sweaters
Indie Design Gift Along 2017 - Women's Sweaters
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FO Roundup - Fall 2017
FO Roundup - Fall 2017
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Corrugated Ribbing Tutorial (for Two Hands)
Corrugated Ribbing Tutorial (for Two Hands)
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Introducing WOODLAND - A Ms. Cleaver Collection
Introducing WOODLAND - A Ms. Cleaver Collection
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EMBROIDERY

Pattern Releases, Tutorials and Projects
Maine Handmade.jpeg
Maine Handmade Fair
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Golden State
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Introducing STORYTIME
Introducing STORYTIME
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STORYTIME - Coming Soon!
STORYTIME - Coming Soon!
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Cherries, Chickadees, and Ms. Billingsley
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Lazy River Embroidery Collection
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Embroidery 201: Coloring Your Embroidery
Embroidery 201: Coloring Your Embroidery
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Introducing WILDFLOWER
Introducing WILDFLOWER
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Growing WILDFLOWER(s)
Growing WILDFLOWER(s)
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Planting Seeds for WILDFLOWER
Planting Seeds for WILDFLOWER
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SEWING

Patterns, Tutorials, and Projects
Maine Handmade.jpeg
Maine Handmade Fair
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Introducing STORYTIME
Introducing STORYTIME
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STORYTIME - Coming Soon!
STORYTIME - Coming Soon!
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Being Comfortable - Part II
Being Comfortable - Part II

Wherein I talk about body image, mental health and making your own clothes, one year later...

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Persephone Pants
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Slow Fashion October
Slow Fashion October
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Summer of Basics: Mélilot Shirt
Summer of Basics: Mélilot Shirt
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My Body Model - Designing on Real Bodies
My Body Model - Designing on Real Bodies
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Summer of Basics: Moss Skirt
Summer of Basics: Moss Skirt
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Being Comfortable
Being Comfortable

Wherein I talk about body image, mental health and making your own clothes

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RECIPES

Delicious baked goods and more!
German Sunken Apple Cake (Versunkener Apfelkuchen)
German Sunken Apple Cake (Versunkener Apfelkuchen)
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Garlic Scape Pesto and Asparagus Summer Spaetzle
Garlic Scape Pesto and Asparagus Summer Spaetzle
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Kohlrabi, Apple, and  Walnut Slaw
Kohlrabi, Apple, and  Walnut Slaw
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Homemade Soft Pretzel Recipe
Homemade Soft Pretzel Recipe
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Small and Simple (-ly Delicious) Chocolate Cake
Small and Simple (-ly Delicious) Chocolate Cake
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Croque Monsieur Handpies
Croque Monsieur Handpies
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Gluten Free White Chocolate Raspberry Tart with Coconut and Lime
Gluten Free White Chocolate Raspberry Tart with Coconut and Lime
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No Chill, No Spread, Cut Out Cookies
No Chill, No Spread, Cut Out Cookies
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Hot Buttered Apple Cider - Cocktail Recipe
Hot Buttered Apple Cider - Cocktail Recipe
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Crisp Apple Tart (Tarte Fine aux Pommes) Recipe
Crisp Apple Tart (Tarte Fine aux Pommes) Recipe
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