Wooly Escapades

The colder days are blowing in complete with nipped noses and ears. While I haven't come up with anything in the way of an attractive nose cosy I have got the ears covered (no pun intended).

Inspired by the basic concept of this lovely creation,
I decided to crochet a version and whittle down some of my stash of random single balls of wool.
It's not as soft looking as the knitted version, an aspect of crochet I often lament, but it works up faster and I think I might love shell stitch. This project is so easy, honestly, a great starting point for someone just starting crochet who wants to try a more decorative stitch.
The wool I used was 50g of Jaeger Siena 4 Ply and the hook was 3.5mm

So on to the pattern my lovelies.
Chain 32,
Row 1. Single crochet into 2nd chain from hook, skip 2, {double crochet 5 times into the next stitch, skip 2, single crochet into next stitch, skip 2} repeat x4. For the next shell just double crochet into the stitch three times. Each row should have 4 and a half shell patterns.
Row 2. Chain one, turn, {single crochet into next stitch, skip 2, double crochet 5 times into the next stitch, skip 2} repeat x4. On the last shell double crochet into the stitch three times.
Row 3. Repeat Row 2
Row 4. Repeat Row 2 ... and so on
Continue like this until you have a strip of about 61cm (24 inches).

When complete twist in the centre. You can sew together or crochet the ends together. I crocheted and this is what the seam looks like:
I'm currently working on a slimmer one in purple which I may put up for a giveaway if you are really good! As always if you have any question just holla!

Let's take it to the Street's

Feel like picking up some Sailmaker's Daughter pieces, like the ones below, from a brick and mortar shop? A month ago I would have said "tough luck dumb-dumb".

But now, well now things have changed. Wait for it.....
I have a concession in Lucy's Lounge in Temple Bar. HURRAH!

I've been selling there for just under a month and it's going really well.
Lucy's is such a quirky spot and if you have an eye for the vintageous then you should check out all the lovely wares. Deirdre, the owner is very cool and the place has a really welcoming vibe.
Check out their blog for more info on Lucy's Lounge: http://lucyslounge-dee.blogspot.com/

Swap Meet

I've joined a new site called the Swap Workshop. I was thinking it would be a great way to move some of the impulse purchases of supplies I've made - you know how it is: "Oh, this mini chainsaw is half price, it's so cute and I've been meaning to try my hand at ice sculpting". Story of my life.
I'm hoping it might also be a way of moving items which have been ignored on my etsy as I don't believe in renewing an item more than 3 times unless it had A LOT of hearts.
Swap shops could be a great boon for the crafters out there, after all we are each others best customers, plus you can swap vintage or supplies as well. Here's the blurb from the site if you think it sounds like your cup o' chai:

If you are anything like me you work very hard for a living, raising the kids, running the house and even holding down a "proper" job?

On top of this you choose to open your online shop because you love to make things or are passionate about life gone bye. In these difficult times wouldn't it be great to supplement the sales from our shops and get those little extras by trading or swapping the things we have!

Now, life is hectic enough without involving ourselves in another full time activity. So, what if you could choose a couple of items, list them somewhere and almost forget about them until another person wanted them? Sounds easy? Then Swap Workshop is the place for you.

In just the first 2 weeks, we have 35 new members, 40 listed items and so there is plenty to choose from. Membership is FREE, no item is for sale, just the cost to ship your item!

Take a look at our introduction and if you join before the end of August. You will receive free points when you list just 3 items!

Swap Workshop - the place to swap handmade, vintage or craft supply items!

www.swapworkshop.com

Have a great weekend guys. Smooches!

Fall Hard

I made it into another treasury (I said that like I'm always in 'em - alas not quite).
This Treasury focuses on the hues of Autumn and features many wonderful Irish etsy sellers.
It makes even a summer bunny like me think wistfully about wrapping up for the colder months.
My Orange you Glad Now earrings are included.

Skirting Summer

My skirt for the Summer essentials sewing has been finished for 2 weeks now but I'm only just getting round to posting it. I'm a disaster I know. I actually have a shrug finished too but I'll save that for another eon shall I?

This skirt is made from my Aunts curtain valances which she gave me before Christmas.
I love the flowery summer fabric.
I used a tutorial from burdastyle as my base and then changed it up a bit to suit the fabric and effect I was going for: http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/nayantara%E2%80%99s-quick-party-skirt

As you can see it's a little short which is why I didn't hem it and just left it overlocked. I do like the length though. It's racy!

This photo is the truest colour:


Here's the skirt with the (store bought) top that it was intended for. I wore it out with a bunch of the gals and everyone thought it was a dress. I like that it's versatile that way AND *it has pockets*.
Only a week left before I go on holidays to Marrakesh so I better get the sewing (and blogging) skates on to make the start of August deadline. Click the Summer Essentials button at the top of the page to see what the other participants have made.

Sew Summer Essentials: Dress

I've joined the Summer Essentials Sew-Along that is going on over here:
http://wardrobereimagined.blogspot.com/2010/06/summer-essentials-sew-along.html

The basic gist is that you make 5 items from the 6 categories by August. The catagories are:
Poolside Pretties;
Clam Diggers and co.;
Sweet and Sassy Skirts;
The Sundress;
Tee, Tunics and Blouses;
Those Summer Nights.

Due to the lack of inexpensive and pretty fabric round these parts 2 or 3 of my pieces will be recons. I think I'm gonna try to go for 6 items altogether as recons aren't as intensive as from-scratch sewing.
Without further ado here is my first recon project - My Sundress!

Before:
It's a nice enough dress but I just don't like shirt collars plus it's all a bit tired looking.


After:
A sweet heart neckline and gathered straps for a more pin-up style. It's a few inches shorter now to boot, sitting about 2" above my knee, which is much better on my 5, 1" frame.

I like it much better. What do you guys think?
Skirt next I think and it shall have a scalloped hem. This is the inspiration (plus a tutorial link) that I'll be using: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=333760.0

Oh and the necklace is from my new line of pennant necklaces. Check them on my mini on etsy if you likey.

Get thee to a Gallery

The Science Gallery to be exact. This is the final week that you can see the woolly wonder of the Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef.
I truly enjoyed this exhibition and if you are interested in any manner of wool craft I would say it's a must see.
The exhibition highlights environmental issues surrounding coral and reef formation using ingenious methods which yield awe inspiring results. Given my interest in both marine biology and crafting it was a real treat for me.

The Bleached reef highlights the phenomenon of coral bleaching which happens as a result of stress to the coral by environmental conditions or over feeding by coral predators such as certain starfish.

The Toxic Reef is an effort to portray the damage that plastic is doing to our seas and the ocean floor.
The frightening inspiration for this piece is what is known as, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This patch is great indeed (in the physical sense). It is 1.5 times the size of Ireland.
A swirling mass of non-degradable waste caused by currents to collect off the coast of Hawaii, the GPGP will be a reminder of a throw-away mentality that will still be choking our seas in many hundred of years time. Small pieces (relatively speaking) break off and litter the nearest shores while other bits sink to the ocean floor and become a permanent fixture in our planets geological strata.
Knock on effects such as the blocking out of light to the plant and animal life below by the 30 meter deep plastic pain in ass will also come to bear their sticky petroleum-based fruit. The patch will of course result in a dead zone similar to areas blighted by acid blooms like those off our own coast. Sorry I'm ranting. Crafting, yes.. I digress.

There were many other wonders made from beads and glowing tubing, all a feast for the eyes and a splendid marvel for all and for any hookers (crochet hooks, people) out there- a real inspiration.
Not to forget of course the Irish reef which celebrated our homegrown talent and homegrown reefs off the west.
Hyperbolic mathematics are explained in diagrams and by helpful staff if you are particularly eager. Kids, both young and young at heart, can try their hand at applying the idea to making a paper soccer ball at an activity table up stairs. So go, play, enjoy and tell me what you thought.

Oh there is also a lecture tomorrow on Ireland's cold water coral reefs which I know I'll be going to. Check out the website for a list of events to come: http://sciencegallery.com/this_is_science_gallery

Sailboats and Salutations

Hope you are all having a smashing bank holiday weekend (or a smashing regular weekend if you're not from round these parts.)
I spent yesterday at the Maritime Festival in Dublin with a friend and her family. Lots of sails and sailors. My crafty self felt very at home.
This photo was taken from on-board an Irish Navy gunboat. Despite the imposing sky it was actually a very warm day.

I came home after my delightful outing to find that I had sold and item and my Curious Corvid lavender bag had been featured on a blog round-up of black crows. Ah, twas a great day altogether!
Check out the rest of the round-up from the lovely Vabo's Blog. http://vabodesign.blogspot.com/2010/06/76-day-12-whatever-tickles-my-fancy.html

They call me Mellow Yellow (quite rightly)

Hey Dudes and Dames. Bagged myself another Etsy Treasury. A woo-hoo.
Treasury is an interesting feature on the Etsy website which allows you to pick items and arrange them similar to what you see on Etsy's front page. Some Treasuries are picked for the front page too - if the tone is to the admin's liking. I think of it as a sort of mood board. Well here's mine anyhow:

If you wanna get a closer look at these babies just click the link below.
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=131248

With spring well and truly sprung I decided it was high time for some green fingered gallivanting.
A small balcony and a window-sill to work with - a challenge but not impossible, I think you'll agree.
About 2 weeks ago we went to Homebase and got ourselves some potting compost, seeds and pots. Radish, Rocket, Lambs Lettuce and Parsley have been planted so far.
The radish were sprouted in about 3 or 4 days! It was so gratifying to see them popping up. Look at them now 2 weeks in they are flying up. They'll be ready to pick in another 3-4 weeks apparently. Yummers!
What do you think of my plant markers? I just drew the letter backwards roughly on to a pieces of card and cut away. Then I just free handed the little radish beside it. Twas shocking easy.
Tried a different style R for the Rocket but don't like the effect as much.

I'd love to give these guys a go sometime. They're just darling, don't you think?

Slings and Arrows

Hi everyone. Obviously I'm on a bit of a hiatus. I'm kinda re-evaluating my crafting business. Having changed jobs twice already in 2010 life has been eventful in general. My new job is part time though so I had decided to make a real go at the Etsy business. Just when I was getting my butt in gear I had a set back in the form of an imitator. Crap right? While I understand this is part of putting your creations out there it's unpleasant none the less.
I'm gonna take a while to craft for myself and just enjoy that without concentrating on the business. I won't be shelving the business but I won't be making it the focus of my creativity for a while. Lets call it comfort crafting. I'll post anything worth while on the blog if I get a chance. Here are some things I'll be trying:

Popcorn Squares Afghan

Cocktail Umbrella Lantern

Beautiful Holly Golightly inspired dress from Burdastyle user Myk

Tried it Tuesday!

I had been meaning to get reviews in of some tutorials so without further a-do I bring you.. a something I made earlier:
Paper carnations
You may remember these rustling beauties from an earlier blog post.
Here's their version....
Gorgeous aren't they. I just had to try it!

So here are mine....
They were very simple. I didn't have everything they required but I improvised. I had no gardening tape so I substituted thick gauge jewelery wire, adding masking tape at the tip and base of the flower to secure things. Neither did I have 'felt tips' so I used the fabric markers I have laying about.
I think it turned out well, all things considered, don't you? I would definitely recommend this tutorial for a quick, low maintenance way to spruce up your living space this spring.

Shake it up Spring Style

Euk- sequins. Euk-gold.
Are you feeling my festive fashion fatigue? How utterly scrumptious are all those beautiful pastel shades out their? How delectable is everything with foliage and freshness?

I'm absolutely craving a major wardrobe shake-up and here's how I plan to go about it.

1. Clean out any item of clothing that makes me feel frumpy when I wear it - sell the best of them at the Bernard Shaw, use any nice fabric in my crafting, anything decent left goes to charity and the rest for rags.
2. Pick pieces from my mounds of "items for alteration" bag and create some pieces around designs I would actually wear.
3. Mend some of my fabulous but flawed garments which have been sitting in a bag forever;
   
4. Spend some quality time shopping with the Topshop voucher I got for Christmas (Thanks, Godmother-you know me so well).
5. Dip into a few second hand shops and the Dublin Flea Market for a more custom touch.

See a wardrobe re-vamp doesn't have to cost more than €30 and hopefully it won't.
I'm will keep you guys updated on how it all goes.

For now I can dream. Sweet Spring Dreams:

Sickness and sergers.

How was your Christmas guys? Mine was wonderful however I'm now rather ill. Just thought I'd drop by though to let you know I GOT AN OVERLOCKER.
Sorry to shout but it's a truly ace pressie, no? Thanks boyfriend!


Very excited to get that baby going just as soon as the pestilence passes. Tell me about your favorite crafty Christmas presents.