Progress (It's a Miracle!)

A few months ago, I posted my very first pattern for a baby blanket I made for a friend. Guys, it's gotten such a great reaction! I'm so happy and flattered and excited and I'm giddy every time I see someone post a picture of their progress on Ravelry or Instagram. I don't even have the adequate words. Ahhhhhhhh!!

I've been getting lots of questions and comments and, though I've done my best to answer all of them, I know I can only be super accurate if I knit up another blanket following the pattern and fix any mistakes I may have made. So, ta-dah!, I have FINALLY gotten around to starting another blanket. Here's proof:

I like to match my knitting to my nail polish - don't you?

Yes, the color was inspired by my nail polish. What? I like mint and orange!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sucker for Packaging

Did I buy this blush solely because it looks like knitted fabric?

Physicians Formula Cashmere Wear Ultra-Smoothing Blush - Rose

Yeah, pretty much.

Luckily, it's actually pretty good! Nicely pigmented and only the tiny, tiniest bit of shimmer (I'm not a fan of shimmery blushes). Nicely done for an impulse buy!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Guess Who Has Two Thumbs and Has Reopened Her Etsy Shop

This gal!


I finally opened the shop back up and it is such a relief to finally have gotten around to updating and listing again.
The day job's been pretty lax recently so I took advantage of that time to photograph and update descriptions for items. Quick poll: does anyone else find the process of photographing and editing shots as tedious as I do? You have to take so many shots, get the lighting just right, select and edit your best shots, and then finally you can post. How I wish there was a quicker way! Pays off, though, 'cause I'm really pretty happy with the way the shop is shaping up. But, uggghh, just when I think I'm done and finally ready to post, I catch a stray piece of lint or a ring band that's tarnished and - bam! - gotta take pictures all over again. Figures.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Buttons and Rings and Gems - Oh My!

A few weeks ago, during a fit of crankies over the seemingly endless gloomy weather, I pulled out all my buttons and gems and set to making the most colorful rings I could think of.  I didn't take a picture of my final products, and then my mother came and wiped out my inventory, so all I have to show you are the ones I kept for myself.

Apparently, I prefer more neutral colors for my own accessories.

For this week's Crafty Sunday, I decided it was time to make some more! It's really just so much fun and though I'm a little commitment-phobic when it comes to officially gluing everything together (do I really like the colors together? is that rhinestone too much? or not enough?), the final results are really satisfying. If you have any ring blanks and buttons lying around, I highly recommend seeing what you come up with, as it's one of the quickest and easiest projects you could work on.

Work area.

Awaiting permanent assembly.

I swear I actually glued everything into final rings, but did I remember to take a picture? Nope. 


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

On Crafting and Blogging

Welp, I've managed to be MIA for almost a year. Sure, there've been blog posts here and there but, for the most part, GONE. I'll admit it - Instagram had stolen my attentions away. It's just so quick - click! - to post a shot of what I'm up to. If you follow me there (@shecraftsdoom) then you know I've actually made quite a few things over the last few months and even instituted a little "me" time I like to call Crafty Sundays wherein I craft. On Sundays. Fascinating, I know - you've been missing out!

The truth is, I'd kind of gotten into a slump when it came to making things and blogging because I became so focused on making stuff for the shop. And lost my drive a little because I felt like everything I made had to fall into the context of items that fit that aesthetic and that I thought would sell, completely forgetting that I make things simply because I ENJOY MAKING. I don't actually care if anyone wants to buy my items. I started a little shop just 'cause I couldn't think of what else to do with all I make. And, yes, because secretly I would love to make crafting my one and only full time job.

So, for awhile there, I wasn't making anything at all. Which meant I had nothing to blog about other than what a loser I am for not wanting to make things. I finally decided that I needed to temporarily shut down the shop and get back to making whatever I want whenever I want. It's completely reignited my love of grabbing a bunch of items without any plan in mind and seeing what comes of it. Which, in turn, has motivated me to get back to posting here! Ah, the happy little circle of life.

All of this just a long-winded way of saying I'm getting back into the swing of things, folks! For today, I'll leave you with an art piece I made a couple months back. I'm not big on photos being displayed everywhere in my home but always wanted to have some sort of a family portrait. I love silhouettes and thought of this idea years ago but, not being a painter, had no idea how to go about it. Enter Manzanita's post, two and a half days of work, and now this proudly hangs in my bedroom.





- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Knitted Round Pillow Project (simple tutorial included!)

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I completed this project a few weeks ago. But...I realized I hadn't shared it on the ol' blog at all!

Pillow!

This project came about because I wanted to start incorporating more handmade items into my home. So, since the accent pillows I'd bought years ago for our sofas were now definitely worse for wear, I thought I'd remake them - knitted style!

Want the simple instructions? I thought you might. It was really so simple that I didn't even write the pattern out, just came up with it as I knitted along. First, I found this link, which taught me how to knit a flat circle (thanks Alyoops!), then I simply made two large flat circles (approximately 19in. wide, I'm my case), crocheted one looooong band in single crochet (approx. 2.5in. wide), and crocheted all the edges together. Hint: I started seaming the edges together before I was even done crocheting the band so I could make it exactly as long as I needed. Stuff (and really over-stuff so your pillow holds its shape) and tuft with two large buttons on either side. Ta-dah!

Inspiration pillow shown here in all its faded, dirty glory.

I'm still on the hunt for the perfect large brown buttons, since you can tell these ivory-colored ones just don't cut it, but, other than that, I LOVE the way it turned out. So soft and cozy and I MADE IT. Yay. I'm currently working on the rectangular versions (in the opposite color scheme) for our other sofa, but that's been a little slower going since knitting flat panels just isn't as interesting as knitting the round ones were.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Striped Chevron Baby Blanket - Free Knitting Pattern!

Recently, I completed a baby blanket as a gift for a pregnant friend. It got some good response in the ol' Instagram community, so I thought I try my hand at writing a pattern and offer it for free to you fine folks!

As this is my first time writing a pattern out for others to actually be able to use, please be kind and forgive any errors made. Did I screw up somehow? Let me know and I'll be happy to help/fix the mistake!

So, without further ado - ta-dah! - the pattern:

Striped Chevron Baby Blanket

When I learned my friend was pregnant, I knew instantly that I wanted to knit something for her.  She’s a classy little lady so I thought a classy little blanket would be perfect – and preferably one that didn’t scream “cutesy.”  Enter this striped chevron blanket!  Once you’ve gotten the hang of the pattern, it’s pretty quick and easy going, with enough changes to keep from getting bored to tears while knitting it but not so complicated that you get frustrated or lost when you have to put the project down.  And it’s super customizable!  Add or subtract rows to make the stripes wider or the blanket longer and use any colors you’d like!

Quick tip:  Make the chevron pattern into a simple chant you repeat to yourself while knitting to avoid making the easy mistake of creating extra stitches in your rows (learned this the hard way - but chanting in my head really helped!)

Materials

·         Size 8 needles (36 in. circular)

(My personal faves – Denise Interchangeable Knitting Needles)

·         Worsted weight yarn

(I used Caron Simply Soft but any worsted weight yarn will do)

Colors

·         A1 and A2: Caron Simply Soft – Heather Grey (315 yds.) - 2 skeins

·         B: Caron Simply Soft - Lemon (315 yds.) - 1 skein

·         C: Caron Simply Soft - White (315 yds.) - 1 skein

Gauge (although, on a blanket, do you really need to worry about it?)

Approx. 4 sts. x 7 sts. = 1 in. in chevron pattern

Finished Measurements

Approx. 29 in. x 30 in.

Chevron Pattern

*K2tog, K10, YO, K1, YO, K10, S1, K1, PSSO*

Border

Using A1, CO 156 sts

Rows 1 - 4: Knit in garter stitch for 4 rows.

Body

(You will be maintaining the edges in garter stitch throughout the entire blanket.)

Row 5 (right side): K3, chevron pattern to last 3 sts, K3

Row 6: K3, P150*, K3

Rows 7 - 38*: repeat rows 5-6 (34 rows total)

Yellow Stripe

Row 39* (right side): K3, add in and switch to B, k chevron pattern until 3 sts remain. Add in and switch to A2, K3.

Row 40*: using A2, K3, bring yarn forward as if to purl, twist B around A2 and continue to P150* sts with B, yarn back as if to knit, twist A1 around B and continue to K3 with A1

Row 41*: Using A1, K3, move strand B back to knit, twist around A1 and continue in chevron pattern until last 3 sts, move strand B back, twist A2 around B, and K3 using A2.

(Note:  This reads a little complicated but it’s really not, it’s just to show how to twist the strands around during your color change so there are no gaping holes in your work as you progress.)

Rows 42-54: Repeat Rows 40 and 41 (16 rows total of color B)

White Stripe

Row 55* (right side): With A1 K3, add in C and continue in chevron pattern until 3 sts remain, switch to A2 and K3

Row 56*: K3 with A2, P150* with C, K3 with A1

Rows 57-58*: Repeat rows 55 and 56 (4 rows total of color C)

Yellow Stripe

Rows 59 (right side) - 76*: repeat rows 40 and 41 (16 rows total)

Body (Grey Stripe)

Rows 77 (right side) - 92*: using A1, K3, chevron pattern to last 3 sts, P3 (16 rows total)

(It’s up to you if you’d like to keep using A2 where the pattern usually calls for it. It does make it one less seam you’d have to weave in later, if you do. J)

Yellow Stripe

Rows 93 (right side) - 110: repeat instructions for rows 40 and 41 (16 rows total)

White Stripe

Rows 111 (right side) - 114: repeat instructions for rows 55 and 56 (4 rows total)

Yellow Stripe

Rows 115 (right side) - 130: repeat instructions for rows 40 and 41 (16 rows total)

Body

Rows 131 (right side) – 164: using A1, K3, chevron pattern to last 3 sts, P3 (34 rows total)

(Do not continue using A2 at this point, it’s no longer necessary – except for if you run out of A1 before you finish the blanket.)

Border

Rows 165 (right side) - 168: K in garter st for 4 rows

Finishing

Bind off all stitches.

Weave in ends and block blanket (if desired).

* Errata
Row 6: A previous version stated P156, corrected to P150
Rows 7-38: A previous version stated Rows 7-39, corrected to 7-38
Row 39: A previous version stated Row 40
Row 41: A previous version stated P156, corrected to P150
Row 57: A previous version stated P156, corrected to P150

 ©2012 She Is Crafting My Doom  www.sheiscraftingmydoom.blogspot.com

All rights reserved.  This pattern is provided free for personal use only.  Neither pattern nor garments made from this pattern may be sold.  If you’d like to share this pattern, please link directly to my site.  Questions?  Happy to answer!  Contact me at happydoomcrafter@gmail.com.

The Crafty Helper: How To Make A Seamless Color Change When In Knitting In The Round

Hello all!

'Tis my return to the ol' blog and I come to you with crafty assistance. I tend to think of myself as only moderately crafty (I ain't no Martha Stewart) but realized that every once in a while, I actually know useful tidbits I could share with others!

Today's lesson is how to make a (relatively) seamless color transition when knitting in the round. I learned this technique years ago and wish I could remember where/who from so I could give credit where credit is due. It's really pretty simple but can be a little confusing to understand at the beginning. (Note: this tutorial assumes 1) you already know how to knit in the round and 2) you already know how to add in a new color to a knitted project.)

Here we go!:

Ignore the messy nails - these hands have been too busy crafting to wait for fresh nail polish to dry!

For this technique to work, you need to knit at least two rows with the new color. Apply this technique any time you change color and, of course, don't forget to twist your yarn in the back to avoid gaping holes in your work.

When you're done, your work will look a little something like this:

Apologies for the lighting change - the day got away from me!

Not completely  invisible but way better than it would look like otherwise. If you look closely, you'll see that what this trick does is elongate the first stitch in the color change while hiding the stitch below it in the previous color. In my example, there are four rows of the khaki color, but the first column of the change actually only shows three stitches. Clever, right?

I hope this helps and I hope I was able to explain it in a way you could easily understand. Let me know if you have any questions!

I Made A Bag!

For those of you making fun of my oilcloth and/or sewing skills - suck it! I made a bag and, though it may be less than modest to say, I love it!



Things I learned:
- Wouldn't hurt to add interfacing for a little more structure
- Need to come up with a border solution I'm happy with to make the edge look tidy but not make the bag look lunch-baggy/juvenile
- Need to man-up and commit when pressing the sewing machine pedal so my stitches are neater (don't look too close - it ain't pretty)
- Don't forget velcro closure (doh!)
- I need to get more oilcloth!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Clearly, I Am Just TOO Talented

I sewed a rectangle!



Here's why this is an accomplishment:
A few months ago, I bought several yards of oilcloth with lofty ideas and ambitions about the kind of fabulous items I would soon be happily making out of them. I don't know what made me think sewing oilcloth would be easy but I discovered it wasn't. The plastic side kept getting stuck when trying to run it along my sewing foot, which caused big ol' holes from where the needle repeatedly came down in the same place. Such a waste of my pretty fabric!

So I did what I'm always happy to do when I get frustrated - I gave up.

But then!

I was googling something totally unrelated to sewing oilcloth when I came across a tip. Simply sew with a bit of tissue paper directly on your material to help glide it along and rip away when done. Easy-peesy! I wish I could remember where I read that tip (so I could give credit where credit is due) but I don't. If it was yours, thanks so much!

Unfortunately, I didn't really plan this item out - just sat down and started sewing away - so I'm not sure what to do with this somewhat awkwardly-sized bag. I'm thinking I'll fold it, attach a button, and make a pseudo-envelope clutch. That I'll never use cause when have I ever carried a clutch?


Regardless, yay for learning something new and putting it to use!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Prototyping

Working on a new idea (by request), The Doomed suggested it'd be best I try it out mini-scale first. Constantly finding new uses for the Ken doll.


Sexy beast.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

1st Impressions: Olympus Pen E-PL2 (A Layman's Review)

I finally bought the Olympus Pen E-PL2 I've been coveting for months now. (Choir of angels sing "AHHHHHHhhhhhhh.")

Taken with the iPhone 4.

I LOVE IT.

When I was researching what camera to buy, I read many reviews for this Olympus Pen that, I'm gonna be honest, were way over my head. I've yet to learn how to use all its functions and can't tell you diddly about aperture or shutter speeds so I thought I'd write a review from the novice point of view, based on the two weeks I've had it.

Taken with the automatic setting

- It really is as easy to use as a point-and-shoot right out of the box but it takes noticeably better pictures, even without any special photo-taking skills or settings. You know those photos where the subject is in focus and the background is not? THIS CAMERA AUTOMATICALLY DOES THAT. Just like a professional's!

Taken with the iPhone 4.

- It comes with a removable M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm lens and I bought the additional macro adaptor to use for photographing my shop items (note: the camera comes with two traditional macro setting plus a macro option specifically for use with the macro adaptor). It works really well but, except for being able to specify exactly where I want it to focus, I honestly can't tell the difference between my old Canon Powershot SD 550's macro and this Pen's. I'm sure it's because I haven't yet learned how to best use it. I'm also curious about getting the wide-angle adaptor.


Taken with macro adaptor

- Because my Canon came with a small SD card, I held off on purchasing one for the Pen because I wanted to see what size it came with. Turns out, it isn't included at all so make sure to get an SD, SDHC, or SDXC card at the same time as your camera (I got this one).

- It has six art filter options which are pretty cool and can even be used when recording in HD.

Taken with Grainy Film filter and macro lens

Taken with Dramatic Tone filter.

Taken with Pop Art filter.

- Like with anything else, white gets dirty right quick. That was dumb of my OCD-self not to expect. The smooth, main body is fine but the grittier surface on top where the on/off, shutter, and flash button are is really susceptible to dirty smudges. Luckily, it cleans easily with an all-purpose cleaner (carefully applied, of course). Consider the black, red, or silver camera if you're as anal about this as I am. (Personally, I love the way the white looks and have no regrets.)

- It does not come with a viewfinder which, coming from the world of point-and-shoot, is not a big deal to me. I hear it's useful, though, so I am considering getting one that conveniently clips right in at the top of the camera.

- Riddle me this, Olympus: what's the point of the Olympus Pen Pal when it doesn't work with what is arguably the most popular smart phone on the market today? I was so excited to add this little gadget to my paraphernalia only to get it home and discover it doesn't work with my iPhone. The concept of it is pretty awesome: it allows you to zing your camera photos over to your smart phone via Bluetooth. No need to connect to your computer, upload, and then download or email to your phone. A really clever idea, I thought, since I do a lot of editing and photosharing on the go. Turns out, it's completely useless when it's not compatible with your phone. It's probably more of an iPhone issue than a Olympus one, but it dissapointed me so I choose to vent about it here.

- A new Olympus Pen has already been announced so I suppose that makes this one outdated but from what I read, the updates aren't enough to make me feel like I'm missing out on anything (plus that means I was able to get this one at a slightly discounted price - bonus!)

- I want to take a photography class to really learn how to use my camera but, meanwhile, I came across this free online tutorial from Alexandre Buisse. It seems pretty in-depth and I'm excited to start it.

I've tried to address all the questions I had when looking into this camera, but I'm sure I've overlooked some you fellow amateur photographers may have. I'll keep updating this post as I learn more about it's features and really get a handle on this camera but I will say this: I wanted a camera that was an upgrade from a basic point-and-shoot yet didn't require me to be professionally trained to use a DSLR. That is exactly what I received with this Olympus Pen. Excellent photo quality and I can manipulate light, shutter speed, focus, etc. if I wish or click to the automatic function and have the camera do it all for me if I don't. Absolutely perfect for my needs and I highly recommend it if those are your needs, too.

Note: all items were purchased from Amazon with my own hard-earned loot. No money nor incentives were received for this (extremely simple) review.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Not An Adrenaline Junky

Recently, The Doomed made me start watching 101 Ways To Leave A Gameshow. What he considers the "best time ever!" is my absolute worst nightmare. Have you seen this show? The premise is it's a basic gameshow where contestants answer random questions correctly for the chance to win $50,000. The catch is if they get an answer wrong, they leave the show by some extreme Jackass-style means. Like standing on top of a small plane and having it take off. WITH YOU STILL STANDING ON IT.

I do not enjoy.

I hate adrenaline rushes. I don't have a fear of heights, so long as I'm not on some rickety platform, but I do have an intense fear of falling. Which means I hate rollercoasters, driving fast on hills, bungee jumping, sky diving - anything that gives you that stomach-in-your-throat feeling. HATE IT. Can not emphasize that enough. I don't scream in glee like you crazy rollercoaster lovers - I am mute and petrified. And I stomp my feet like some sort of petulant child in an attempt to make the stomach lurching stop. Yes, yes I am relentlessly mocked for that by all my friends, how did you know?

Last week, I came across this video (warning: while the video is totally G rated, the site itself is NSFW. I tried to embed but it wouldn't let me). Do you see that man's head gear camera work? FREAKS ME OUT. That is insanely high! And talk about rickety, there isn't even a proper platform! If I have to hook myself to anything to make sure I don't die, I am OUT.

I can't help it. I like to keep it simple.  :)

My version of a rockin' good ride.

Wholesale?

I got my first wholesale inquiry last weekend and even if nothing comes of it, I'm glad someone was interested enough to ask. It did also get me thinking that I really should get my portfolio ready for that sort of thing. My big goal for this year was to do craft shows and I've been trying (haven't been accepted to as many as I'd like, but oh well). My big goal for next year is to try the wholesaling side of things, but it didn't occur to me that I'd be unprepared if someone contacted me THIS YEAR. Guess I better get on that.

I spent the weekend making large hair clips with the paper flowers I showed last week and I really like them - so much so that I've already been "test driving" them myself. They got quite a positive reaction - even from the fellas! Totally unprompted!


That's always a good sign. :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Petty Little Wishes

I wish the perpetual heat and humidity didn't keep me trapped in my home, reluctant to venture out and enjoy my neighborhood.

I wish I didn't have 11 itchy mosquito bites right now, courtesy of a single, stealthy mosquito who enjoyed dive-bombing me yesterday morning.

I wish I had better photography skills.

I wish I looked good in bangs.

I wish I didn't get so discouraged when crafting projects go wrong.

I wish they had Yoshinoya in Miami (shut up, I love it.)

I wish teleportation existed.

I wish tidying up could be done à la Mary Poppins.

I wish this Vespa sweater was available in my size.




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

There IS Crafting on this Craft Blog

I've been working pretty diligently on a new knitted item I had an idea for a while ago, but as I waited for the finished items to block this weekend, I moved onto another idea I'd been meaning to tackle.


I purchased these paper flowers without having any clear idea what to do with them. (You know how it is, you see something pretty and you just gotta have it!) In my head, I saw what could be the foundation for a sort of statement-piece necklace.

Embroidered and bedazzled

Now that I've got it all glued and embroidered together, I'm not sure if I'm completely sold on my original necklace idea but I am really happy with the way the detailing turned out. The Doomed mentioned something I hadn't thought of for the chain part of the necklace and suggested I should also try making brooches with the flowers. Look at him getting craftily-inclined with my girly items.

Awaiting assembly

I'm also liking the look for hair clips. Now I just have to see how it holds up to varnishing and, of course, get more supplies!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

My Guilty Pleasure

As part of the new style file feature, I think there's something it's time I confess.

I love watching makeup tutorials on YouTube.

Dudes (or dudettes, as the case may be), I can watch these videos for HOURS. Eyeshadow techniques, product reviews, hairstyling tips, I'm into it all. The only thing I stay away from are haul videos (where folks just show you their latest purchases) because unless they're reviewing the quality/performance of the items, it doesn't really matter to me how folks spend their moola.

There're a few people I subscribe to but my very favorite are the Pixiwoo sisters, Samantha and Nicola Chapman. These girls KNOW their craft. They are British professional makeup artists who happen to be gorgeous and excellent at what they do. And I love the quality and variety of their videos.





I'm sure you're wondering if I ever incorporate any of what I've learned. Um, I try? Really, I do! I'm an everyday makeup-wearer and have a pretty standard routine I'm happy with and rarely veer away from, but every once in a while I try to spice it up. My latest attempt was applying a pretty teal (apparently the color du jour) from a Kat von D pallette I purchased recently. The Doomed came home, took one look at me and said "so, we were having fun with our eyes today, weren't we?" I explained that I'd ended up removing some of it because I felt I'd overdone it and he said "you had MORE on?" I take that as a non-successful application.

Oh well. :)


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

While The Doomed Was Away...

...this crafter played. :) Hope your long weekends were great, too!



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Style File

In an attempt to bring bigger! better! faster! content to the 'ol blog, I thought it'd be fun to start doing a weekly style feature. Because I spend so much time at home, I've pretty much become a full-time t-shirt and jeans girl. I've always wanted to be able to incorporate my love of vintage and classic girly into both my wardrobe and home, so I thought scouring the internets for cute things might help push me out of my comfort rut.

This week's selections:

Sailor's Sweetheart Tee


It's no secret I've got a yen for sailor-inspired wear and this top is the perfect combo of casual and cute.

Soda Shoppe Saddle Shoes


I know saddle shoes aren't everyone's cup of tea, but they (and penny loafers) were my favorite part of going to a catholic high school. I think the little heel updates it perfectly.

Vintage Hairstyling 2nd Edition


There's a book to teach me? You know I love to read and learn! If they ever come out with a 60s hairstyling edition, I'm getting it INSANTLY.

Airmail Pouch


Classic. Adorable. Useful. That is all.

Picture Perfect Pencil Sharpener


So cute! I tend to use mechanical pencils if I use them at all, but I'd stock up on good 'ol #2s for this sharpener.

Hope you like this new feature! I've been knitting up a storm and hope to have new stuff to show you by next week. Happy weekend, everyone!

No money nor incentives were received from anyone for mentioning the above items or shops. I just like them :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Over A Month Is Long Enough!

I haven't crafted in over a month. Seriously. No knitting, no sewing, no beading - I haven't even touched any material to organize it.

Well, no more! I'm making a comeback! It starts tonight! Why? I don't know, but I finally felt the itch to make, make, make. Up first, finishing a beanie. See? Here's proof:


I'm even wearing my paint-splattered crafting pants!

Yes, this is what I consider fun on a Friday night.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone