kove handmade | the blog

last day

2012-01-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder that today is the last day of our last chance sale! The online shop will close tomorrow for the season, so if you've had your eye on any kove goodies, you have a few more hours to place your order.

xo

seattle

2012-01-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

The first weekend of the new year, I snuck down to Seattle for a weekend full of new neighbourhoods, coffee, deluxe junk, wine and fantastic company. Was the perfect way to set the tone for 2012.

xo

end of season

2012-01-23T16:31:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, friends!

First, great big thanks to each and every one of you for making this such an amazing season for kove! The last few weeks of 2011 flew by at such a rapid pace, I just barely caught the action with my phone camera, but here are a few snaps of the madness. Between Got Craft?, OOAK, Christmas orders and restocking retail shelves, I am convinced that half of Vancouver received kove from Santa.

If kove is still on your wishlist, fret not - we're having an end of season sale! Head on over to shop for your last chance to snag FW11 pieces before the shop closes for the season on February 1st. (Local pickup is still available with the coupon code IMLOCAL.)

The online shop will be closed for the spring season this year, as I'm off to India for a few months of yoga, wanderlust and textile inspiration - I can't even begin to describe my excitement.

xo

(Got Craft? photos credit to Studio Jeannie)

georgia straight

2012-01-23T14:19:00.000-08:00

I was interviewed by the lovely Sarah Rowland for the Georgia Straight last week - you can check out the article here if you'd like.

OOAK Vancouver

2011-12-07T21:11:00.001-08:00

It's been pretty hectic around here preparing for this weekend's One of a Kind Vancouver. Since it's my first major gift show, I've been entertaining a steady stream of worries, but thanks to some major help from generous friends and family I think it's going to come together nicely.

I've also managed to sneak in a few new designs that are exclusive to the show - so, if you're in the Vancouver area, come visit us at booth RS2!

Will post more photos when we're up and running tomorrow.

xo

got craft?

2011-12-07T21:07:00.001-08:00

Thanks to everyone who came to see us at Got Craft? this past weekend! Andrea and Robert at lotus events always put together an awesome show, and this year was no exception with a packed house for most of the day.

Anyone snag a swag bag?

xo

kove in the cove

2011-12-01T14:01:00.001-08:00

For all those of you who live on the North Shore, we're excited to share that you can now shop a big selection of kove designs at Room6 in Deep Cove.

Am loving the colours Megan chose for the chevron cowls - so bright for those grey winter days.

Plus, the annual Room6 open house is this evening, so if you're in the area you should stop by and say hello!

xo

got craft? swag sneak peek

2011-11-28T12:42:00.001-08:00

A sneak peek of our swag for the Got Craft? show this Sunday December 4th.

new cards

2011-11-28T12:34:00.001-08:00

Excited to receive this new new batch of cards and hangtags, just in time for the upcoming Got Craft? and OOAK shows. My good friend [and creative genius] Tim designed a few new icons for kove, and I'm thrilled with how they turned out.

xo

PS - our holiday sale is still on until the end of the day - use code COZYUP in the online shop for free North American shipping.

holiday sale

2011-11-24T17:52:00.001-08:00

Head on over to our online shop this weekend and enjoy free North American shipping with the code COZYUP.

xo

holiday ordering dates

2011-11-24T14:42:00.001-08:00

Despite my disbelief that it's almost December, the fact remains that holiday shipping deadlines are sneaking up on us. If you're hoping to receive your kove before Santa arrives, here's what you need to know:

+ International
Place order by Saturday November 26th

+ USA
Place order by Monday December 5th

+ Canada
Place order by Monday December 12th

+ Local Pickup (Vancouver)
Place order by Sunday December 18th
(use code IMLOCAL to remove shipping from your checkout and we will email you to arrange a pickup time)

xo

urban rush

2011-11-24T10:05:00.001-08:00

A few of our scarves were featured on Urban Rush this week, thanks to Christie Lohr of Style Nine to Five.

Hope you're having a great week - watch for a few more posts later today, including a sale!

xo

got craft? holiday edition

2011-11-21T17:07:00.001-08:00

Mark your calendars! Got Craft? is less than two weeks away, and we're super excited to be participating again this December with dozens of fantastic local makers.

Remember - the first 45 people through the door get the infamous swag bags!

xo

weekend

2011-11-15T11:22:00.001-08:00

Things are absolutely bananas right now - in the very best way. The holiday rush is in full swing, and I'm up to my ears in wholesale and gift show prep.

But in between thousands of crochet stitches and weaving in ends, there's a bit of time for brunch with girlfriends, dance parties, puppysitting, autumn walks and dreaming up ways to thank my family members for continually saving the day...

xo

gastown shop hop

2011-11-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

The Gastown Shop Hop fall edition returns this Thursday, November 17th - a great chance to wander through some of Gastown's premier boutiques and enjoy bevvies, music, shopping and discounts. See you there?

shopgirl

2011-11-10T20:23:00.001-08:00

Pretty thrilled to see our Raincity Boot Warmers and Pacific Cowl in the December issue of Vancouver Magazine.

daydreaming

2011-11-09T08:30:00.000-08:00

Doing more than my fair share of travel daydreaming lately...

(photo sources found here)

ps - have you seen Kathryn's article on Dastkar on the Etsy blog?

lately

2011-11-08T20:45:00.000-08:00

Since we moved out of the pop-up shop, it's been nonstop production of wholesale orders and prep for fast-approaching holiday gift shows. You know things are crazy when three massive boxes of yarn arrive at your doorstep and you seriously wonder if it's going to be enough.

This past weekend I trekked out to the folks' place for some quality time and got to admire a few things my family members had been working on: a three-page article celebrating the CBC's anniversary written by my grandfather, and my dad's latest project, a 1930s icebox which now functions as a beer fridge.

xo

fine finds

2011-11-02T11:52:00.000-07:00

I don't think I've ever walked into Fine Finds in Yaletown and left empty handed. Jane picks the loveliest things for her shop, so you can imagine how happy I am to have them carry kove this season.

1014 Mainland Street, Yaletown, Vancouver | 604.669.8325

undrudgery

2011-10-26T20:43:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to sit down with the lovely Kelsey Klassen a few weeks ago to chat about kove for her new column Undrudgery. Check out our interview here on Vancouver is Awesome.

last week in the shop!

2011-10-24T19:14:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe it's already the last week for our POP up shop! We're open for just a few more days, and would love to have you stop by for a visit. We have our chevron cowl in a few new colours - as well as a place to create a custom order just for you.

kove POP-up shop at Rize Mount Pleasant
196 Kingsway (at 10th Avenue)
Tues - Sat: 11am -5pm

xo!

LYNNsteven

2011-10-24T18:39:00.000-07:00

You can now find pieces from our autumn collection at LYNNsteven in Vancouver. It's one of the loveliest shops in the city, and we're absolutely thrilled to have kove available there.

...and stay tuned! We're working on a few exclusive pieces that you'll only be able to find at LYNNsteven.

225 Carrall Street, Gastown Vancouver | 604.899.0808

shop tour

2011-10-11T23:55:00.000-07:00

Here's a more detailed look at our pop-up shop! It's been so much fun, and so much work, setting up the space and I'm thrilled to have a place to showcase the collection. I know I've said this before, but I have the most amazing friends and family who helped make this little vision a reality. Such talented folks!

Lots of news to come in the next few days - including our holiday schedule, Vancouver stockists and a giveaway!

xo!

pop-up shop is open!

2011-10-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

Here's a little peek at our pop-up shop! Proper photos to come this weekend.

We'll be here Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm for the month of October, and would love to have you stop by for a visit and try on some kove. We'll also be taking custom orders, if you'd like to have something unique made just for you.

(More details on how to find us here.)

xo

pop-up shop move-in day

2011-09-30T21:24:00.000-07:00

Today was pop-up shop moving day, and I think it was a great success. If you ever wonder how incredibly talented, generous and helpful your friends and family can be, open a temporary store with no budget. Everything came together amazingly well (and fast!), and we even had a few moments to browse through some thrift stores' camera sections.

Our doors are open tomorrow, even as we put the finishing touches on things. Will post more photos here in the next few days once we've settled in.

Have a happy weekend!

pop-up shop

2011-09-20T20:09:00.000-07:00

In just two short weeks we'll be opening the doors of our very own kove pop-up shop! For the month of October, we're setting up a retail space full of cozy west coast knitwear in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood of Vancouver. More details will be posted in the next few weeks, or you can RSVP to our Facebook event page if you'd like.

xo

kansas city

2011-09-18T21:40:00.000-07:00

I found myself in Kansas City last week for a few short days and took advantage of a sunny afternoon to wander the city with my camera. I'd never been to the midwest before, and was taken with the friendly faces, delicious BBQ and sweet small-town charm of the city.

summer wanes

2011-09-15T15:15:00.000-07:00

On what felt like the last day of summer (though I was assured it was not) we drove out to West Van to wander through the old trees and hang out by the lake. It pretty much made for the perfect day before all the fall madness kicks in.

xo

woven bohemia

2011-09-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

I suppose it's only fitting that while on a short trip to Kansas City this week I also came across Woven Bohemia on Etsy. The Kansas City-based vintage shop has an amazing selection of vintage clothes, shoes, belts and bags - my inner 70's child is insisting I get my hands on one of the maxi skirts.

xo

ps - isn't her hair amazing?

shop forever autumn

2011-09-13T18:27:00.000-07:00

The complete fall collection - Forever, Autumn - is now available for purchase here and here.

xo

fall lookbook

2011-09-12T00:13:00.000-07:00

Our fall lookbook is now live and can be viewed here. The online shop will be updated with new products throughout the day, so check back!

xo

fall texture

2011-09-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

Playing with new textures is always a big part of my design process, and this season was no different - fall has such a rich offering of colours and shapes that there's endless inspiration to be found. I also managed to learn a few new crochet techniques which allowed me to give a fresh look to new pieces.

Our fall collection launches this Monday - check back then to see the full lookbook.

Have a great weekend!

xo

(inspiration photo sources can be found here.)

summer

2011-09-08T08:26:00.001-07:00

With my camera in the shop for the better part of the last few months, I didn't take a ton of photos this summer. But with best friends, beach days, new bikes, babies, weddings and just generally being outside, this one was definitely a gooder.

fall inspiration

2011-09-04T20:54:00.000-07:00

I love summer - I really do - but I tend to love fall more. The colours, the layers, the food - it's all so cozy and rich. And for those of us who live on the west coast, some years (like this one) feel like an eternal spring/fall situation, so you have to learn to embrace it at some point.

(all photo sources can be found on pinterest.)

xo

hello fall

2011-09-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

Hello old friends! How was your summer? Hope it was full of your favourite people and campfires and beaches and festivals and BBQ's. We're back to regularly scheduled programming around here, and are getting ready to show you the fall collection. Sneak peeks to come!

xo

the spoils of got craft?

2011-05-09T13:02:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came by our table at Got Craft? yesterday, and thanks to Andrea + Rob for putting on another great show! For those of you outside of Vancouver, I'll be shooting the new items asap and getting them up in the shop.

I managed to snag a few treats for me - a lovely long necklace from Billy Would, delicious soaps from Olive Life and some black cabouchon earrings from Telly Designs.

xo

got craft? assembly line

2011-05-06T12:49:00.001-07:00

It's been a non-stop production line around here these days getting the kove inventory ready for Got Craft? I've put together a few new pieces and am looking forward to hearing what you think! I also may have gone friendship bracelet / necklace crazy. We'll see.

If you're in the Vancouver area, we would love to see you (and your mom!) on Sunday. The show is full of amazing local vendors like Olive Life, Billy Would, Sam Made and many, many others. You can also find out more about Maker Faire Vancouver - happening for the first time this June.

Here are the details:
Sunday, May 8th, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Royal Canadian Legion
2205 Commercial Drive (@ E.6th Ave), Vancouver

And, because it's Friday, I thought I'd let Jack - our family's new pup - introduce himself:

Happy happy weekend!

xo

new colours

2011-04-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

I went out yesterday in search of a few new colours to add to the collection, and came back with a lovely pink-y lavender and really vivid royal blue. I'm currently working the lavender into a new cropped halter, and the royal into a chevron circle scarf and a couple new jewelry items.

Am also nearly finished the one-shoulder cropped tank, and as soon as my camera is back from the 'hospital', I'll be able to take some proper shots of it and a few other new pieces. However, if you're in Vancouver next weekend, stop by Got Craft? for a sneak peek!

xo

Got Craft? booth refresh

2011-04-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

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With Got Craft? a little over a week away and few fall show applications due (not to mention the pop-up shop!), I've been dreaming up some new display concepts for kove. The current collection is less bulky, which gives me more creative options than the previous 'organize and stack cowls neatly' strategy.

1. Wrapped driftwood. So pretty, and just so beachy-summer.

2. Vintage wood crates. We have a few of these in the family, which is great because the antique stores in town charge an arm for small ones.

3. Coffee sacks. These aren't really 'west coast' but I love the colour and texture of the burlap, and have access to ample supply to line the crates with.

4. Mobile clothes rack. To get some more space, I'm working on rigging up some kind of wood clothes rack that will stand on or attach to the table. Will report back on my engineering feat (or lack of)!

5. Necklace / bracelet display. Still working this one out, but hoping to find a rustic woodsy looking solution for the summer chains and summer bracelets.

6. Dress form. I'm on the hunt for the perfect vintage dress form for my studio and for shows. I may bring my grandmother's dress form to Got Craft?, but it's a bit of an heirloom and the idea of transporting it to shows on a regular basis has me worried about its safety.

xo

DIY bracelets

2011-04-26T07:09:00.000-07:00

(Top photo via Oracle Fox)

While I was figuring out my plan for Got Craft? swag, I took a spin through a bunch of DIY tutorials that were modern takes on friendship-esque bracelets. While I opted for something that was a bit simpler, here are a few of my faves that I'd love to try and make.

1. The classic v-shaped knot and diagonal pattern. I remember making these in my teens, and I'm pretty sure they were some of the first things I sold at craft fairs in the early days.

2. Crochet chain bracelet Love the look of superfine crochet thread stitched around a huge chunky chain.

3. Satin cord bracelet. Instead of a washer or hex nut, I'd find a gemstone or charm of some kind for this simple knotted version.

4. Jersey knit bracelet. Remember finger knitting? Great reuse of old t-shirts.

...and then there's these three from the folks at Honestly WTF:

5. Friendship necklace.

6. Woven chain bracelet.

7. DIY hex nut bracelet. This went around the web a few weeks ago and you've probably seen (or tried?)

Kinda makes me want to hunt down my box of DMC thread and host a friendship bracelet party - or is that just a bit too summer camp? You'd obviously have to include some cocktails.

Hope you all had a fantastic long weekend!

xo

noemiah bridal couture

2011-04-21T07:06:00.000-07:00

I have a few girlfriends getting hitched this summer, and the minute I saw the new line of bridal couture by Montreal-based Noemiah, they each got an email. Stunning, non?

(And If you don't happen to be getting married in the next while, there are plenty of lovely, feathery statement pieces here.)

xo

maiwa & india

2011-04-20T18:30:00.000-07:00

Last week I went to a slideshow about India at Maiwa on Granville Island and left more inspired than I'd been in ages. The Maiwa team had spent six weeks in India earlier this year, traveling through the country and meeting with the master artisans they work with and purchase from.

A true textiles lover, I was engrossed in the process photography of the artists' (incredibly detailed) work and generally craving a trip to go see it for myself. Charlotte's stories about the work the Maiwa Foundation has done to help artisans across the country with their craft were pretty inspirational.

Did I mention that I really want to go back to India? In the meantime, Maiwa's 2011 workshops, lectures and events have been announced and there are a few natural dyeing and knitting workshops that I've marked down. Registration starts June 20 at 10am, so you know where I'll be.

All photos found here on the Maiwa blog.

xo

got craft? swag sneak peek

2011-04-15T12:28:00.001-07:00

Swag for the Got Craft? show! The first 45 people through the door on May 8th will get their hands on a bag of goodies from vendors, and they're in high demand. It seems the line-up starts earlier and earlier each year - last I heard was 6am-ish? Bring coffee!

Our spring/summer collection is all about the carefree days of summer, and since friendship bracelets seem like the epitome of summer nostalgia I thought they'd be a perfect little swag piece. Will probably have a basket of these at our table, so if you're not a 6am-on-a-Sunday kinda person, come visit after brunch!

I managed to get a few shots of my swag contribution before my camera broke down on me. I didn't get any snaps of the final product, so I guess this is a true 'sneak peek' only.

xo

spring?

2011-04-15T12:10:00.000-07:00

Spent a few days at my parents place this week - about an hour east of the city - and just when things were starting to look like spring, SNOW! Ridiculous.

Speaking of ridiculous, my new camera bit the dust yesterday and I had to ship it off to the camera hospital in Toronto. Pardon the lack of photos on the blog while I find someone else's to 'borrow'...

xo

moody

2011-04-13T18:43:00.000-07:00

Some days are moodier than others, and today was one of them. It was rainy and dismal outside, and inside it was a can't-get-anything-done-for-the-life-of-me kind of situation. So, I pinned some moody photos and decided to try again tomorrow.

How's your week going?

xo

(Click through on Pinterest for photo sources)

fall inspiration - OR by angela chen

2011-04-12T19:51:00.000-07:00

How sweet is this collection of chunky, drape-y fall knits?

"Sleep & Poetry" is the Fall / Winter collection for OR by Angela Chen, showcased at LGFW earlier this month. The collection is said to be inspired by American contemporary artist Jonathan Lasker, with its minmal colour palette and focus on texture and structure.

The best part (other than the fact she's from Vancouver)? She knit each of these beauties herself. Love.

xo

(photos sourced here)

got craft? sneak peek!

2011-04-12T12:45:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peek at the gorgeous window display Barefoot Contessa has put together at their Main Street shop to help promote the Got Craft? show in May. The Commercial Drive window is in the works, and I can't wait to see how it turns out.

There's only a few more weeks until the show, and I'm still trying to figure out what kind of swag I'm going to contribute to bags for the early birds!

xo

dace dresses

2011-04-08T10:14:00.000-07:00

I'm still kicking myself that I didn't snag the Dace Bobbi Dress last season, so I'm clearly going to have to correct my mistake with one of these lovelies from their spring collection: the Lilly Dress, the Poppy Dress and the Wheat Dress.

Decisions, decisions - would love your thoughts!

xo

PS - I'm also adoring the Quince Blouse which in my (terribly biased) opinion would be super cute with a crochet halter peeking through.

happy friday!

2011-04-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

Yay weekend! It's super sunny in Vancouver today and since it's not supposed to last, I'm planning on soaking up some rays with friends all afternoon. What are your plans for the next few days?

Here are some fave links from around the interwebs over the last few weeks:

+ A top 10 list for manifesting success, from one of my favourite photogs. Please please please take a spin through his portfolio - his work is stunning, and well, you all know about my soft spot for India...

+ Pinterest is becoming a great place to find great food. I want to make these quinoa patties, these avocado fries and a gigantic bowl of tortilla soup.

+ I can't wait to try Kate's Maple Sour (looks amazing, no?)

+ I love this DIY summer braid scarf from pickles, and this cropped sweater from Kensie.

+ Oh, and I setup a little shop for kove on cargoh.com. These will be available next week, so check back!

Have a happy, happy weekend!

xo

(photo found here)

in progress

2011-04-07T12:37:00.000-07:00

On my (new white!) desk lately:

1. A new version of the Captain Fringe with more 'ways to wear' options. I'm playing around with this in wool, but will probably make it available in the bamboo silk as well.

2. A one-shoulder crop top that I've almost got just right. Super excited for this one, which will be available in the shop next week. Aaaaand, maybe the sun will come out so I can wear mine?

3. Customer orders in progress and now en route to CA and Vancouver.

xo

summer days

2011-04-07T07:05:00.001-07:00

Longing for the dog days of summer.

Beach hair. Maxi dresses. Berry picking. Rompers. Cut offs. Jumping in lakes. Road trips. Hat head. Camisoles.

chevron stripes

2011-04-06T07:27:00.000-07:00

I have joined the masses in going mad for chevron stripes. Between Pinterest and Etsy, I'm finding the most beautiful shots of pointed stripes on clothes, walls, floors and everything in between. I'm still trying to figure out what exactly about the geometry has me so inspired, but I do know that you haven't seen the last of them in the spring / summer collection.

(click photos for source)

hidden memories

2011-04-05T15:09:00.000-07:00

I'm a little late to the party on this one, but when I found Miranda van Dijk's Hidden Memories collection on Poppytalk, I had to re-post. The Netherlands-based jewelry designer scans old photos and prints them on cotton fabric leaves, which are then turned into pins or necklaces.

I love how the images take a little while to appear when you first look at them. Wouldn't these make a great gift for a parent or grandparent? You can find Miranda's Etsy shop here.

(via Poppytalk & All the Mountains)

beachcombing

2011-04-05T08:12:00.000-07:00

On what felt like the first sunny afternoon in eons, we headed out to Pacific Spirit Park to do some west coast beachcombing for the spring collection photoshoot. I managed to find a few oyster shells, some pretty pastel rocks and some small pieces of driftwood, which I had to wrestle a puppy for on my way home the beach.

xo

timberline treasures

2011-04-04T21:03:00.000-07:00

Loving these pouches, sleeves and clutches made with blanket-weight Pendleton wools.

Find Timberline Treasures on Etsy.

xo

island road trip

2011-04-04T12:18:00.000-07:00

In March I tagged along with my folks on a west coast road trip to the island. I spent the first few years of my life there, and always feel so at home when we get off the ferry. My aunt and uncle have a gorgeous farm in the Cowichan Valley, and it's one of my favourite places to be.

We did a lot of wandering around antique malls and eating as much as we could at Saison bakery. I didn't take as many photos as I wanted to since it rained so much, but Bill the pony did come out for his close up on the morning we left.

xo

mailbag

2011-03-30T12:05:00.000-07:00

A couple of exciting bits of mail from lately:

1. Finally got my mitts on a new tote from the lovely Anabela & Geoff of Fieldguided. I love that i's the perfect size to take all my knitting and crochet projects on the go.

2. Swatches for the FW11 collection! I've sourced some 100% merino straight from a farm in the US and I think I'm going to have a terrible time picking colours - they're all so beautiful.

xo

project orange

2011-03-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

ING Direct contacted me late last year to put together some branded cowls for their staff and clients. They chose the Chilco Cowl in pumpkin to match their corporate colours, and I really like how the orange pops.

Thanks Gloria!

xo

postcards from a canadian summer

2011-03-27T22:05:00.000-07:00

We're back! Between traveling around the province and putting the new line together, the kove blog has been a wee bit neglected these days. I'm excited to finally reveal what's cooking for spring and summer, and show you some of the places I've been visiting.

Our brand new collection - Postcards from a Canadian Summer - is inspired by the carefree spirit of summer holidays: lazy days by the lake, long bike rides on windy streets and road trips with girlfriends. The collection is primarily created with a bamboo silk blend that is lightweight, drapes easily and offers a slight sheen.

Now available in the shop - happy shopping!

xo

happy weekend!

2011-03-04T11:25:00.000-08:00

If anyone needs me, I'll be here...

xo

wedding shoot

2011-03-02T20:32:00.000-08:00

I was recently asked by Rose of Simply Rose Photography for a few warm pieces that would keep a bride and groom cozy on a west coast wedding day, and was happy to provide the Cariboo Scarf, Fairview Wrap and Sequoia Wrap.

Her promo shoot features green wedding vendors from around the Lower Mainland, and was shot on location at a beautiful rustic location in Mission. For more details on the gown, vendors and location, the full shoot is posted here. Thanks for including kove!

All photos credit to Simply Rose Photography

Find kove: Facebook | Twitter

beachcombing

2011-02-23T15:09:00.000-08:00

There may be snow predicted for Vancouver tonight, but my mind is on ocean breezes and lazy summer days. I'm loving these Quercus Designs collections of beach finds. Based on the coast of Maine, Jennifer's photos make me wonder how east coast and west coast beachcombing might compare. And after following the adventures on her blog and her flickr, I'm inspired to grab a pail and head for the sand over here.

xo!

PS - Do you use Bloglovin'? I've just switched over from my ancient bookmark system. You can follow kove here.

project orange

2011-02-22T18:44:00.000-08:00

Have been working for a while on this little project. It's almost wrapped up, and I'm hoping to share it with you soon!

xo

here lately

2011-02-22T18:41:00.000-08:00

Feels like a busy week already, tying up loose ends and wrapping up orders before a wave of newness begins next week. Simultaneously working on a wee spring collection and a few new FW11 collections, and looking forward to gradually unveiling it all.

Hope your week is off to a good (sunshine-y?) start!

xo

anniversary sale

2011-02-14T10:55:00.000-08:00

In celebration of our first birthday, and as a thank you to our lovely customers, we're having a 30% off sale until Friday, February 18th.

a year of kove

2011-02-14T09:58:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday kove! It was a year ago today that we listed our very first designs in the Etsy shop, and thanks to all the love and support from our customers, stockists and fans, we've had an amazing year. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Looking ahead, there are a bunch of things brewing for 2011 and I'm looking forward to sharing them with you!

Lots of love (and Happy Valentine's Day!)

xo

friday favourites: neighbourhood edition

2011-02-11T15:54:00.000-08:00

I'm a big fan of our little neck of the woods (so much so that the last time we moved it was only seven blocks away). There's a never-ending selection of weekend brunch spots, good coffee, art supplies stores, little markets and pretty sidestreets for sunny afternoon walks. It also helps that most of our friends live super close by.

What are you up to this weekend? I'll be making Indian food for friends tonight, and tomorrow we'll be at the Maker Faire info session before heading up for another winter weekend (lucky, I know!). Then, kove turns one on Monday, so to celebrate we're having a little sale - more details to follow.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend!

xo

wedding shrug

2011-02-10T10:05:00.000-08:00

You may remember our trip to Tofino in mid-October to celebrate the wedding of two of our best friends and favourite people (one of whom happens to be my amazing photog for kove).

At the time, A asked me if I would design something that would keep her warm on the beach and complement her gorgeous BCBG satin dress. My answer was YES!, as I had been secretly wanting to give her something handmade to wear that day.

After a bunch of yarn scouting, swatch creation and many Google Image searches, we came up with the off-white shrug you see in these photos. Crocheted with a 100% Tencel yarn from Birkeland Bros, I thought it had just the right amount of sheen and just the right amount of warmth.

The credit for these shots goes to the lovely Ariel Kirk-Gushowaty...um, except for this one:

....which is a little gem from the user-operated photobooth - something that may or may not have been a little too much fun into the wee hours of the evening.

xo!

spring sunset

2011-02-08T17:55:00.000-08:00

Maybe it's just that the days are getting longer (these shots were taken around 5:30pm), but something about the sunset tonight made me feel like spring is going to be here tout suite. I'm also working on some spring and summer designs for kove, and hoping to share a few bits with you this week.

xo

robert montgomery

2011-02-08T07:06:00.000-08:00

I'm loving these pieces by London-based Robert Montgomery - an artist who hijacks ad space on billboards and at bus stops and uses recycled sunlight for his installations.

indian block printing

2011-02-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

I've sort of fallen in love with block printing lately - I figure it has something to do with my love for India, my love for textiles, and my frightful drawing and painting skills. On a recent trip to Granville Island for new kove supplies, I discovered a heavenly nook full of Indian block stamps at Maiwa and chose two to take home.

I successfully resisted the urge to stamp everything and made a few simple prints for our home. These framed ones were made for my lovely friend E, who I traveled with in India and who just had a birthday.

(paper from Urban Source, stamps from Maiwa and India)

vamoose bracelets

2011-02-06T17:37:00.000-08:00

This little preview from The Vamoose popped up in my newsfeed this evening, and now I can't wait to get a few of these stacked up around my wrist.

kove for weddings

2011-02-06T08:45:00.000-08:00

I was recently asked to contribute to a green-styled wedding photoshoot with some cozy wraps and scarves for the model-bride and model-groom. We decided on the Fairview and Sequoia for the bride, and a Cariboo in cilantro for the groom. I'm looking forward to seeing these wrapped around wedding dresses, especially after seeing this first post.

winter weekend

2011-02-05T09:32:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we drove up to Big White in Kelowna to celebrate the 30th birthday of one of my favourite people. It was so nice to escape the rain for four days of real winter weather (snow!) and log some serious hot tub time. We made gigantic (and delicious) meals, played board games, drank mimosas and enjoyed powdery snowboarding conditions. My newbie skills are coming along, and I managed not to fall quite as much as usual. Thank goodness for apres-ski beers and long soaks in the hot tub.

xo

friday favourites

2011-02-04T11:17:00.000-08:00

1. A new scarf, via Aritzia's Snooze You Lose Sale and thanks to the mister.
2. A photo of wee me, dug up in preparation for a good friend's baby shower this weekend.
3. Playing with new swatches and organic yarns for spring kove designs.
4. My fave feather and chain necklace from Noemiah.
5. My latest Rosebud Salve discovery - menthol and eucalyptus (!).

Any exciting plans for the weekend? I'm completely caught up on orders, and looking forward to a couple of date nights with my favourite people. We have some hard-to-snag resos at le faux bourgeois and I can't wait to get into the cheese.

xo!

friday favourites

2011-01-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

A few of my favourites from around the web this week:

+ I've done all the cooking lately, so I'm hoping I can talk a certain someone into making me this for dinner.

+ Stephanie's post took me right back to my own time on Vagator Beach, India (also, love her shop).

+ Doesn't this winter beach picnic look like fun?

+ Lusting after this blanket, these tops and this pair of boots.

+ And, if you happened to miss this post from The Vamoose earlier this month, it's possibly one of the most beautiful on the web.

What are your plans for the weekend? We're going snowboarding tonight for the first time this season (and for my second time ever). And while I'll probably be nursing a very sore body tomorrow, I'm super excited.

xo

(image found via pinterest)

projects around here

2011-01-20T14:50:00.000-08:00

Have finally had some time to run around the city and collect supplies for a few projects around the house. I managed to get my hands on two gorgeous letterpress drawers locally, but still need to decide what my plan is for them. I also spent a ridiculous amount of time browsing through the Indian block stamps at Maiwa on Granville Island, but more on that later.

xo

stacked jewelry

2011-01-18T21:35:00.000-08:00

A few pretty favourites from Pinterest this week. I love stacked jewelry - especially bracelets and bangles - and am feeling the need to add to my collection.

PS - I have six Pinterest invites - leave me a comment if you'd like one!

Image sources here.

a walk in the forest

2011-01-17T16:50:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, you just need a long walk in the woods with your girlfriends (and your new camera).

xo

dancers among us

2011-01-12T21:14:00.000-08:00

I love this collection by NY photographer Jordan Matter - Dancers Among Us. He shoots the city's top dancers in everyday scenarios - it all looks so utterly effortless. The Time's Square subway shot is my fave.

Gallery | Behind the Scenes

snow!...

2011-01-12T21:12:00.000-08:00

...for a while, at least. It's warmed up and mostly turned into slush by now, but it was pretty lovely to look at last night.

xo

closet visit

2011-01-11T21:39:00.000-08:00

Jeana Sohn's closet visit series now has its very own website. The L.A. blogger and artist visits the closets of creative and stylish women, photographing and quizzing them on their style inspiration, icons and fave designers. Started as a feature on her blog, the visit list includes designers, writers, artists and bloggers with enviable and inspiring collections.

Blog | Website | Closet Visit

All images via Jeana Sohn.

made by hank

2011-01-11T11:15:00.000-08:00

Am loving this new collection of wristlets and totes from long-time Etsy seller Katie Henry of Made by Hank. Katie uses primarily repurposed vintage fabrics in her designs (the geometric shapes are cut from repurposed suede skirts) with such amazing attention to detail.

Shop | Blog

animated dance

2011-01-10T20:29:00.001-08:00

Thought of You from Ryan J Woodward on Vimeo.

Every once in a while I come across something that reminds me of my younger, dancer self. The six-days-a-week classes, the love of movement.

This video moved me, so I wanted to share. (Thanks Nicole!)

(View the 'making of' here.)

weekend snaps

2011-01-10T17:30:00.000-08:00

Was a lovely, lazy weekend spent at the market with friends and at home with the Settlers of Catan.

xo!

happy friday!

2011-01-07T16:23:00.000-08:00

It was beautiful in Vancouver today - the sun made a long-anticipated appearance and shone through our studio windows all afternoon. Spent the day working on orders, meeting some lovely customers and studiously crafting plans for 2011. I'm feeling the energy building already as friends and peers talk about their projects, businesses and visions - the consensus is 2011 is gonna be THE year.

Tonight I have a cooking date with one of my favourite people and I'm using Vij's new cookbook for the second time this week. I'm hoping some super spicy Indian food and chai will kick this looming cold from my system.

What are your plans for the weekend?

xo

breathing space

2011-01-04T22:59:00.001-08:00

With the holiday rush over, the pace of my days has slowly returned to normal. There is suddenly time for little luxuries like reading in bed, experimenting with cookbooks, and learning how to use my new dslr. We've also finally unpacked the last of our boxes and had a few days to fluff our nest (hello window coverings!).

I'm always surprised by how much time it actually takes to slow down, to neglect the to-do list for a while.

xo

2011

2011-01-04T22:59:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, friends! Hope your holidays were filled with family, friends, sleep and maybe a little too much good food. Mine certainly were. Now, slowly getting back into the swing of things this week after a few days of rest. I'm saving the year-end wrap up posts for next month, when kove turns one (!) There's much to be grateful for this year.

xo

vancouver sun gift guide

2010-12-21T10:08:00.000-08:00

Absolutely thrilled to be featured in today's Vancouver Sun!

xo

kove around town

2010-12-13T15:33:00.000-08:00

Just dropped off an armload of Mainland and Park warmers at Lushuz Boutique!

(Find them and other holiday presents at Lushuz - 2352 West 4th Ave or 3731 Main Street).

xo

US order deadline: today!

2010-12-06T11:08:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder that today is the last day to place orders for pre-Christmas arrival in the US!

Expedited shipping options are always available - just email me for a quote.

Gift Certificates are also available, and don't require shipping!

(image source)

the harwood scarf

2010-11-30T11:29:00.000-08:00

In my humble opinion, the new kove Harwood Scarf is like a hug you can wear all day long. Sound corny? Absolutely. But the truth is I haven't taken mine off since the day I designed it. Sometimes love is corny.

(now in the shop.)

xo

photo: tall orders

2010-11-29T14:09:00.000-08:00

the frilly fringe

2010-11-29T11:18:00.000-08:00

If the Captain Fringe and the Oakridge Chain had a lovechild, I think it would look something like the Frilly Fringe. Soft and flirty, oversized and bold. And the newest addition to the shop.

xo

PS - My jacket? Found it in Dace's closet.

photo: shoot setup

2010-11-27T20:39:00.000-08:00

gift certificates

2010-11-25T22:02:00.000-08:00

Gift certificates are now available in the shop in three denominations - $50, $75 and $100. Any denomination is available by request.

Perfect for the hard-to-shop-for lovelies on your list!

xo

holiday sale

2010-11-25T14:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Snow Day! We're having a sale this weekend!

Take 15% off your online order by entering the code THANKSKOVE at the checkout.

And, be sure to take a look at all the other Black Friday / Cyber Monday discounts listed at Poppytalk - support handmade this season!

xo

got swag? part II

2010-11-25T12:47:00.000-08:00

At Got Craft?, swag is a pretty big deal. A get-there-early-and-line-up-at-6am-with-coffee kind of deal. And it's absolutely worth it. A tote bag chalk full of goodies and gifts from vendors? Yes please.

But if you're not a get-there-and-line-up-at-6am-on-a-sunday kinda person, you'll still be able to get your hands on some swag. I'll be including these in the next 30 orders.

(Have you checked out the roster of vendors yet?)

xo!

picked two names...

2010-11-25T11:44:00.000-08:00

...out of a (new!) kove hat in the snow. And while I wish I could send each and every one of you a Captain Fringe, winners must be announced. So, the lucky recipients of Monday's giveaway are:

Katie W.
I absolutely adore the the britannia cowl in Cilantro! It's on my wish list for xmas. I can see wearing it and keeping warm on one of those winter escapes to the ocean, to watch the giant winter storm waves crashing onto the rocks. Britannia cowl + LaPush, WA = heaven

&

Nathan
I'm entering for my girlfriend. She has been eyeing this for months. I think she would wear it with just about anything.

Please send me an email at kovebyhand@gmail.com with your colour picks and addresses!

Thanks so much to everyone who commented, tweeted, blogged and posted! I have a treat coming up later today for the rest of ya...

xo!

2010-11-25T06:10:00.000-08:00

Talk about eye-candy. Pinterest is my new favourite way to categorize the goodies that I find online, and snoop on what others are looking at. I'm calling it organized time wasting, or a welcome break from my ball and hook. You can find and follow me at kove_handmade.

And, starting Monday, sfgirlbybay is teaming up with Pinterest to help you create and share your holiday gift guides. You can read more here, and sign up for Pinterest here. Fun!

xo, lovelies!