Friday, June 26, 2009

Summer 2009

Welcome to the new look of Uma Joy Designs! Something else for you as well....a look at my Summer 2009 line of botanical soaps. After years in the making and sharing with my family and friends I am finally selling my soaps. So exciting!


You will still be able to find my knit designs here as well. I'm just expanding into another creative direction. I have dreamed of working at my passion for too long. Now in my 40th year and with the girls getting a bit older and my mind and body getting more sleep (finally!) it was now or never. I just could not choose between my love of knitting and my desire to experiment and create natural soaps which are good for your body and the environment. So I'm doing both! 'Made by Hand for a Small Footprint' applies to both my knitwear patterns for children and my eco-friendly soaps.


No artificially colors, fragrances or preservatives for your body or to get washed down the drain into our water supply. Made with plant oils and scented with pure essential oils it's gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. We have used nothing but my soap on our girls since they were born! These botanical treats are wrapped in handmade papers and labels printed on 100% recycled paper.


And if you live in the Northern New England area they are currently available here and here to support local businesses. I will also be at the Front Street Market in Rollinsford, NH on Sunday July 12th from 9am-3pm. I'll be showing my kids knitwear designs as well, with patterns available for purchase. Come by and say hello! I'll be updating my Etsy shop soon so if you aren't in the area, I can send you some botanical goodness in the mail, staying green using my daughters' artwork for packing material...the perfect solution for what to do with all of that beautiful creativity once it's time on the refrigerator door has passed:)

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Autumn Harvest Jacket

I know it isn't even officially summer yet and here I am posting a pattern for Fall 2009! I'm still getting used to creating patterns for off seasons. I knit this little jacket earlier in the Spring for Brown Sheep Yarns and they just showed it last weekend at the TNNA Summer show.

It's knit in Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Superwash Wool Bulky which is a fantastic wool that is nice and squishy and has superb stitch definition. The main color is Grey Heather (SW04) and the contrasting trim is Blaze (SW145). If you've never used Brown Sheep's Superwash Wool before, check it out! They have an amazing color selection and they are a family owned company right here in the USA.


My oldest has been practicing her modelling moves...


The bulky wool knits up quickly and the pieces are seamed together with set in sleeves and optional patch pockets for collecting acorns, of course.


...and fun toggle closures...


Check out Ravelry and Flickr for more photos. Published as pattern leaflet number #0922 for Brown Sheep Company.