I am not a flower person. I don’t particularly want anything in my house that’s going to die and leave dust everywhere, plus I’m allergic to lots of flowers. But ever since I got engaged all I hear is “Oh, what colors will your flowers be?” The problem is, I don’t want flowers, either to carry or decorate with, but I felt like I had to. I had decided to just do some simple arrangements myself, but then I saw these:
Paper flower kits from Papersource.
I love these! Some people over on Indiebride have used these. They recommend getting one kit and then just buying paper for the rest. After all, I’m crafty, right? I’m already making all my own stationary products (save the dates, invites, programs, place cards etc) so why not go all the way? I also want to make myself a shawl for the church. I like the shawlette in the new Interweave Knits (which I finally got today!) because it looks easy to tie on, and because it isn’t massive (I have no patience for huge lace projects I think.)
My comments on the new Interweave layout? I like it better. I agree with the editor, the patterns will be much more usable in this format. I don’t think it’s much like Vogue at all. Most of the patterns are lovely (except the apron) and I even like some of the designs I passed earlier, like the bonsai tunic (although I don’t think it would look great on me.) I am somewhat displeased with the big giant chart for the Swan Lake Cardigan. I dislike charts intensely, although I do see the point here. I hate reading backwards, and I hate it when the same symbol means different things on different rows.
I want to make the dollar and a half cardigan right now. Patternworks is now showing the info for the Soft linen yarn here. It isn’t in stock yet, but it does exist! I have a lovely dark blue silk/wool blend that I would like to use up (Elann Highland silk), so I may swatch that. I won’t be able to wear it in the summer, but lets be honest…. I won’t wear a long sleeved cardi in the summer anyway, and I’m cold all the way through May usually. I love the cable down raglan still, but I’m not sure on a yarn for that. It’s made in lovely merino, but I’m thinking a blend would be nicer and more versatile, especially with those lovely 3/4 length sleeves. I’m even considering a cotton/acrylic blend. Oh well, plenty of other patterns to try first. I can’t wait to see some of these sweaters being made in blogland!
Green apples - Stitchywitch Creates 
I agree about the new IK. I like the format… and the patterns! I love your flower idea. My husband has finally learned after 16 years of marriage that I don’t want flowers as a gift. Too expensive and they die too soon (I’m sure it’s the whole needing water and care thing… but heck, I already have 5 kids to take care of, forget flowers!) And yes, allergies too.
Those are so neat! And a very good idea. You can do it, crafty girl. I love all the wedding things I have seen so far!
I’m not doing flowers at my wedding. I get a lot of “what are your flower colors?” questions from wedding vendors, but my family and friends accepted it right away. You just have to prioritize what is important to you and Marc. I do like those paper bouquets though. Very cool.
I thought the Swan Lake cardigan looked too poofy when I saw the photo in the magazine. It makes the model look like a pin head when I look at it again. Maybe she just has a small head, but I don’t want to take that chance with something that takes so much time.
I agree about using a blend on the cable down raglan – the 3/4 sleeves mean I’ll be wearing it when it’s at least 55-60 degrees out, so maybe a wool cotton would be good for that.
Just saw your post about your Sahara sleeve issue. I’m going to do a short sleeve version too, so I’m glad to have seen this issue (though sorry you ran into it!). What about picking up fewer stitches around and omitting the short rows? I’m curious to see what you end up doing – good luck!
I got married last April, and oh my, I was obsessed with Papersource!