Getting Crafty For Spring

With warmer weather my crafty mojo is kicking in.  I blew the dust off of my sewing machines recently and have been sewing up a storm.  Thanks to my friend Susan for inspiring me to create clothes with a little retro feel.  She sent me a link to Pink Chalk Fabrics.  They have beautiful downloadable patterns and retro style fabrics.

This was the dress that caught her eye!

And this coat caught mine

I will make one or both of these someday soon, but I am an instant gratification kinda girl so off to the local fabric store I went to look at patterns and fabric.



I use to sew most of my clothes, but the day came when fabric was crappy and pattern cost sky rocketed so it became more expensive to sew than to just buy something at the local Target.  Oh sure I still made the occasional ball gown (I ball room dance), baby quilt and clothes, and I can't forget a bathing suit or two for my friends who compete in fitness comps.  I also am lucky to have a Brother Sewing/Embroidery machine so that was my creative sewing outlet for some time.  My husband and son (and me too!) have some unique shirts and bags.  As anyone who reads this blog knows I also knit and make jewelry, so I think those two things just kept me busy and away from my machines.



Lucky for me the first thing I did was an internet search and found PS I Made This.  I had some neat knit fabric that I bought for another project several years ago and so I made this vest/cowl thingy.

 Mine isn't as long as the one on her site, but it will be great all
year long depending on what I wear under it.  I wore it to work and
everyone wanted one and couldn't believe I made it.  So I bought some
dark grey fabric and made a longer one.  It was a hit too.  I needed a
couple of pins to hold the vests closed and decided to create some using
buttons, rhinestones, felt and glue. 

Here are the results:



I made this one for another project I am working on

I made some other button jewelry too....

Lucky for me the buttons were on sale this week.  While I was at the store I also browsed the patterns, Vogue was 75% off, so I got a DKNY pattern for about $7 and I also got a McCall's pattern for $1.99.  I had a conversation with a couple of ladies that were also browsing the patterns and we remember when patterns where about $2 all the time. 

I got Vogue DKNY 1236





And here is my version

I realized that it might be a little shorter than I wanted so I bought pink tulle and added a piece to the bottom and made a matching flower clip.  I got lucky and had 2 summer sweaters that matched it when I shopped my closet.  On Saturday I wore it with a sweater and the flower in my hair.  It was a hit!  I felt so girly and like I did as a kid in my new Easter dress.



I also made McCalls #6165

I made the tank top in bright pink.  I love flowey tops so this is perfect for me.  Oh, I also didn't hem it or finish any of the edges..t shirt fabric doesn't  fray!  So why waste time sewing it....

My next dress will be Burda 7517

I haven't sewn a Burda pattern in awhile, but they have adapted to the US market by including the seam and hem into the patterns....you used to have to add that one when cutting.

PS I Made This led me to searching the internet for other like minded blogs/sites.  How many things could I make with no pattern?  I found a ton of them and I am still finding more.  I made this dress from designer Anna Maria Horner.  She makes lovely fabrics and on her blog is a link to some free ideas for you.  I also made a skirt based on her idea.

I made a few changes...I used 1 1/3 yards of fabric, 45" wide.  I selected this cotton from the quilting area (it was 1/2 price!).  After washing I cut off about 6 inches along one end, and cut the fabric in half along the original fold line.  I created a waist band with the strip I cut off by folding it in half and after stitching one side of my skirt together stitching it to the top.  I then created three channels for the elastic to go in, and added it using a safety pin, stitching it down on each end.  I sewed up the open side and folded up a narrow hem and top stitched.  When I tried it on I realized I had a skirt that was too big in the waist and a little too boxy for my curvy figure, so I simply sewed it to adjust the fit.  Next one I make I will cut it a little more A line.  It is a great casual skirt and really cost under $10 to make.  I love to wear skirts in the summer more than shorts...just so comfy!.



Here are some other sites I have gotten great ideas from:

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/  there is a great knit skirt that I know I will make!

http://m-sewing.com/patterns-catalog/women/tops/draped-top.html

http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2010/05/shoe-redo-red-ruffle-flat.html this site had a ton of great ideas

http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/2010/08/garnet-hill-shirt-knock-off-by-dream.html I will be doing this shirt!

http://rufflesandrosescrafts.blogspot.com/2010/06/summer-of-skirts-elastic-line-tutorial.html

http://www.adventuresindressmaking.com/2010/03/anthropologie-winding-road-tank.html



I have to figure out how to have the time to do all of these!  And there are even more sites out there to explore!  Good luck crafting, sewing and in your general messiness!

More Goodies From Chicago!

Yes there are more goodies from the Chicago Beauty Show.   You have got to try this product!  I love it!  I have sensitive skin so I shy away from a lot of exfoliating products, but this one has made my skin so soft that I have to talk about it.  I felt a difference from the first time I used it.  My makeup has never gone on smoother and my skin has never been softer.  We sell it in the kit with an extra exfoliating pad or individually.  The pad would also be great for a man prior to shaving to get rid of dead skin and lift up those beard hairs.

Cailyn Cellborn Exfoliating Peel Off Gel

        
Cailyn Exfoliating Peeling Gel provides gentle exfoliation and Vitamin C in one.  Taking advantage of a new technology in the preparation of "Vitamin C Beads".  Cailyn Exfoliating Peeling Gel removes dead skin cells, leaving the skin with a healthy glow, while supporting the natural cell renewal process and stimulating circulation.

Vitamin C recognized internationally for its skin caring properties, Vitamin C encourages collagen production, improves elasticity and helps protect against damaging environmental aggressors. 

For soft, smooth, radiant looking skin

   
Instructions:
Wash your face or body before use.  Apply to damp skin, (if wet, towel dry slightly for the best result).  Gently massage until the dead skin cells appear in flakes upon the skin's surface.  Rinse off with water and pat dry.  Moisturize your skin well after each use!


Why wait and pay shipping? You can now get this at On The Bend Salon 1402 N Ft Thomas Ave,
Fort Thomas KY - 859-491-4800

We also have Hempz Cucumber and Jasmine lotion in the 2.5 oz travel size, perfect for traveling and a steal at just $1.00 each! (yes I said $1.00)

Pure hemp seed oil and extract are rich sources of essential fatty acids, amino acids and nutrients vital to providing skin hydration, nourishment and conditioning.Shea Butter, Ginseng and natural extracts help calm, cool and soothe skin.Vitamins A, C and E help neutralize environmentally triggered oxidants and help minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles.Provides 12-hour moisturization.THC-Drug Free.Fragrance:
Cucumber and jasmine.

We also have Hempz Lip Shines in 4 delicious flavors for just $4.00 each!  Yummy!

Treat your lips to the delicious taste sensation they have been craving with the delightfully decadent Hempz Treats Lip Shines. Each yummy Lip Shine is enriched with 100% Pure Organic Hemp Seed Oilfor luscious, long-term hydration to make lips feel as good as they taste. These scrumptious Lip Shines melt into lips with mouth-watering aromas that bring back memories of freshly baked goodies. You won't be able to stop at one, so try them all!

Each Hempz Treats Lip Shine has a corresponding Body Lotion flavor that provides luxurious hydration, skin nourishment and a sensation that is so rich, so irresistible, so good.

Pure Organic Hemp Seed Oil is a rich source of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), 9 Key Amino Acids, a perfect 3:1 ratio of Omega-3 and Omega-6 Linoleic Acids, natural proteins, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and nutrients that are vital to skin hydration, nourishment and conditioning.

Call for flavors available.

Americas Best Beauty Show

Members of our staff recently attended the Chicago Midwest Americas Best Beauty Show

 

We are definitely on beauty overload!  We have brought back a wonderful selection of products and new services we can't wait to do!  

One that you have been asking about is light cured gel polish.  We did our research and picked a product from NSI called Pro Polish. 

 

We have about 24 colors available including French Manicures and can do this on fingers and toes!  Price for this procedure is an additional $10 to any nail service, including over artificial nails.  The freedom to walk out of the salon with completely dry nails is fantastic and it lasts up to 2 weeks on fingers and a month on toes. 

We also have a new line of lash growth enhancer from RevitaLash a company started by a husband of a cancer survivor to help with her hair loss.

We offer lash and brow products and the new hair product from this company.

Another new item we are offering are crystal nail and foot files!  Beautiful to look at and they work great! 

 

Crystal nail files are the best in personal or professional nail care. These files resist wear and tear of sand paper emery boards and wont damage your nails the way rough metal files do.  Here are some of the benefits of crystal nail files over others.

• filing surface is powerful but gentle, perfect for babies and individuals with fragile nails
• represent a green alternative to throw away files for the environmentally concerned
• save money over time, perfect for salons and spas that want to keep overhead down
• out perform and out last knock-offs and imitations
• make excellent gifts for any of your friends or loved ones
• come in a variety of styles to match any personality unlike dull cardboard or metal files
• will fit in any beauty kit

 The other new trend we came across was Keratin Hair Straightening.  We already offer the best from All-Nutrient...the Keratin+ Treatment!

Cold and Crafty Days

So I've been busy during the freezing cold and snow we've been having around here.  The knitting needles are flying, glue sticks in hand, cardboard and scissors and a little fabric thrown in for variety.  Sooner rather than later I need to make some jewelry too!

So I came across a blog that I love StitchMana.  I love her patterns and immediately bought yarn to make the Spoilt for Choice and Foliage patterns.  Here is my Foliage vest...

I love the leaf edging.  It is knit sideways and I did it in about 2 days..







I have the Spoilt for Choice Cast on...just need to get to it.  I also took an UGG project and turned it into this hat with a little additional felting.



Yes...I've got "Hattitude".  I am currently knitting another hat to felt.



Then I was at a friends for a knit and well you know..and I kept losing my place so she gave me this pattern marker made from a ribbon and magnets.  My brain started to work immediately.  Such a simple idea and so easy to make!  All I needed was a few supplies.  She also had a pattern protector made from fabric that looked like a little portfolio.  Off to the internet I went to see if I could make one.  I ended up creating these using my own designs.

I also made what I am calling a Pattern Folio.  This is my first attempt and I can't wait to make the next one...learned a lot making this one. 

I was at JoAnn Fabrics today buying a few more supplies and picked up some retro looking fabric at Hobby Lobby too!  I'll post the pics as soon as they are done.

Justins Wandering Vine Scarf

My son has been wanting a scarf so I let him pick out yarn the other day at our local Meijer Grocery Store.  He liked the Lion Brand Tweed



 



We both loved this color.  Now I had to create the scarf.  I probably tried out 3 or 4 different stitches, needle sizes etc before I decided on creating a scarf using an easy lace pattern called Wandering Vines.  Here are my easy instructions:



One skein Lion Brand Tweed

Size US 10 1/2 needles



Cast on 22 stitches and work as follows:



Knit first 4 rows



Begin pattern repeat and knit until desired length;

Row 1 and all odd rows Purl

Row 2 - K3 *YO, K2, SSK, K2tog, K2, YO, K1* (repeat pattern) K1

Row 3 - Purl

Row 4 - K2 *YO, K2, SSK, K2tog, K2, YO, K1* (repeat pattern) K2

Row 5 - Purl

When you get to your desired length knit 4 rows and bind off.  Weave ends in and add a fringe if desired.

This is an easy but nice looking pattern and easy to knit.

I am about 1/2 way done.

Yup...It's Cold and I'm Knitting

So you haven't heard from me lately.  I can only say that October was a tough month for me.  I was in a very serious car accident and a concussion kept me busy trying to remember just the day to day stuff, let alone do any serious crafting.  I decided to exercise my brain by knitting.  Following the patterns, counting stitches (ripping all said stitches out) and ending up with a finished project I could wear was great brain exercise.  At one point my son suggested I just quit or give up, I told him that I was going to finish my knitting and that it just might take longer than usual.

Here are some pictures of my most recent finished projects:

 Thanks to my friend Susan for this beautiful yarn to make a shawl.  I also created the leaf shaped shawl pin.

 Here is my lovely model in a bulky cable scarf with another one of my shawl/scarf pins.  This one is called Abstract Rose.

 I found this beautiful Malabrigo Yarn at my local yarn store - Knit On and used a pattern from Knitty called Duet to make this neck warmer.  I then created the pin to match.

Here is my ruffled scarf...this was over 1000 stitches by the time you cast off!

Two Abstract Leaf Shawl/Scarf pins in copper.

Right now I am knitting a scarf for my son Justin and will post pictures and a pattern in the near future.  I also have a couple of projects lined up for me!  Glad the old brain still works.