I found a university about 30 minutes away that has an undergrad in fashion apparel design. 
I'm really interested in going, however, I live in Wisconsin and will probably never move to New York or someplace like that.
What sort of things can you do with such a degree that don't require a big city?

Lady Eleanor
Yarn:  6 Skeins of Cascade 220
Needles:  US Size 10 1/2
Size:  6 ' long, 1.5 ' wide

This has been my "background" project for about a year.  I only really picked it up when I felt particularly motivated to have an entrelac shawl.  All in all, it took about 40 hours to make.  I'm so glad its done.

I'm looking into sewing a nice vinyl purse.  I have some limited experience sewing with it, and all I know is that it rips easily.  Where can I find some general information/tips on how to sew handbags with it that are sturdy?

I love those buttons! Where did you find them?

I bought them at Yellow Dog Knitting in Eau Claire, WI.
I don't know where else you could get them, though :-(

Here is my Wandering Aran Fields from the book Wrap Style...









The buttons are the best part!

I used Patons Classic Merino in Olive.
US 10.5 needles
4.5 balls

It took only two months, which is really fast for me, considering that I was also working on 3 other projects.

I dyed some scraps of wool just as an afterthought, and it turned into my favorite yarn ever.

Before:


After!:


laceweight, approx. 66 yds.

I've been spinning for a few months now, and I love it.
My only problem is that my yarn tends to be really rough-- no matter what kind of fiber I'm using.  I was told its in my technique, but I don't know what I'm doing wrong.
I tend to have a very tight twist (which probably has a lot to do with it), but I don't know how to make it less-twisty and still have structural integrity, too (if I put less twist in it, it falls apart).
I don't know anyone who spins, so I can't really ask for help :-(.
What do you suggest?

I have 100 yards of yarn that I hand spun and dyed.  Its self striping.  I wish I had a picture, but its drying yet.
I can't for the life of me think of a knitting pattern to do that will only use 100 yds and show off the pretty stripes. 
Can you suggest a good pattern?
Help!!
Love
Natalie

Aww man...<--conflicted

If it makes you feel any better, I LOVE using Cascade 220 because its MUCH softer than a lot of wools out there! 
If dry-cleaning is a factor, just tell him "if it gets dirty, DON'T touch it, I will clean it".  Its some extra work for you, but I ususally think its worth it to have a garment that lasts.  Besides, if you get some Eucalan (which will make the wool softer!!) all you really have to do is dunk it in some Eucalan-y warm water a few times (gently, of course).  Then blot it out and hang or lay out to dry. 

I think, after two years of dedicating my life to yarn, that I can finally declare my street-cred in the knitting community.

It was a long journey,
but…
I have finished a sweater.

Please please do not confuse this with working on sweaters. I have started many, many large knitting projects only to rip them out in the neverending quest for a pattern I felt was worth my time. It wasn’t until now that I had the persistence to finish an actual, honest-to-goodness wearable item of clothing.
The fruits of my labor:





Specs:
6 Skeins of Paton’s Classic Merino Wool Yarn in Dark Grey Mix
US size 8 needles (I have a tight gauge; the pattern called for size 5)
Modifications:
I made the sleeves extra long (I like it in the winter) but I’m kind of regretting it now.. we’ll see how I feel when it gets colder.
I think I want to make i-cord loops for the toggles instead of using the button holes. I don’t like how it gaps when you button it (honestly, who writes that into a pattern?).