Thursday, February 21, 2013

Great new blogs found!

Just turning on my computer at work today, and saw 35 DIY fashion ideas on MSN. Anytime I see DIY, I'm interested, ready to try what's available. I went through the list, clicking on this link, lingering on another, and found several that I have added here in my follows list.

Now although I credit myself with being somewhat tech savvy, I haven't gotten around to pintrest, and including links as the pros have.  I do plan to though. I did notice however, that several of the people I took a fancy to were bloggers here on Blogger.com, so that should make it easy for you to look them up.

What I found was and assortment of jewelry, clothing, and knitted options that I'm chomping at the bit to try, problem is...no time )-: Some day, some day. So..here they are, in no special order:

Sachiko's blog is http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/2010/01/tutorialruffle-shirt.html. She has this cute top make over that I just can't wait to try. Seems like a pretty easy tutorial, I just ran through it quickly, but with a boutique outcome. Definitely something you would see in a store on Montana Ave. in Santa Monica, CA. Lovely.

Next up is Bridgette Meinhold's http://www.ettestudios.com/2012/10/diy-knitted-boot-cuff-roundup.html. Her area of creativity is in knits. Great little boot covers, toppers, or "boot candy" as she refers to them. They are basically a shorter form of legwarmers, but just as cute and functional. Wonderful ideas of how to re purpose items for the toppers. Now, if you are like me, and don't knit, it's fine, these little items will get you to thinking, and you can adjust to the crochet method. I'm all over this!

Just cause it's cold out; http://www.sisterssuitcaseblog.com/2012/10/diy-boot-socks-from-old-sweaters.html has yet more ideas for those who would like to wear boots and dress them up. I am always looking at old sweaters or tops, hating to get rid of them because there is a stain or, a rip in a spot that even if repaired still would show. This blog will solve that problem. It will make you say to yourself, "Self, why didn't I think of that?" There are plenty of ideas that are easy and cute that will save you a pretty penny and a trip around town looking for that perfect leg accessory.

Ok, I seem to be making this a boot thing. Sorry, but found another blog that will make you  re purpose something, and like it. Tamara's http://etcetorize.blogspot.ca/2012/09/lace-boot-socks.html . Again, just did a quick look through the tutorial, and really, really easy. If you can't do this, you can not call yourself a DIY'er, if that's a word. Lace boot topper thingies, AWESOME! Tre sexy cute!

Here's something to break up all that boot love, Jessica Haley's http://www.joyfolieblog.com/2011/05/sweater-revival-diy.html will have you looking at those old sweaters in a new light. Bring a little bling. Sweet.

BTW these blogs that I have mentioned do not only deal with the topic I listed, it's just that was the particular DIY item that caught my interest. They all have other project listings or other work the artist has done and that is available. To see all the projects go to MSN's style and beauty: http://living.msn.com/style-beauty/your-stylish-life/slideshow?cp-documentid=255972170#1. Hopefully I included the link correctly.

 Check them out, give them a like. Give me a like. Just starting out here you know, and trying to help out my fellow crafters and artists. We're all in this together. (-:
Happy crafting...

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Fixing a dropped stich on a knitt loom



This isn't so much a post as it is a sharing. I was going over my YouTube subscriptions by way of looking up an old DYI site I used to frequent; , which by the way is totally awesome,yes, I just went all 80's and channeled my inner valley girl, and came across a quick video by which is quite helpful for those who knit loom. I myself have just started, so I am having all kind of issues from how to cast on, not making the rows too tight to allow for increases and such, to my biggest achilles heel, binding off. I actually cheat, I use a crochet hook, and pull the working yarn through the yarn on the peg all the way around untill all pegs are without yarn, then I  finish off by doing a slip stich, or single corchet, I still get those confused, and I'm done. That's how I got into the mess that I'm in now.

I am currently working on something, that just this past Sunday, I had to completely undo two stitches away from completion because there was a dropped stitch which caused another and another and another and, you get the picture, that I just couldn't fix. How I could have used this to help me make my deadline that my son has given me of October 31st. I am so far behind that I doubt I'm going to make it. I have included the video for those who struggle with the knit loom. The principal is the same weather you use the Knifty Knitter looms by Provo Craft, or the Martha Stewart Crafts Knit & Loom, which is the one I use.

In continuing, I came across the sister video: Pick up a dropped Knit Stich http://youtu.be/YyZcAx5dLfo
Sorry for not including the video, I'm still learning how to get these shared videos into the blog.  But between the two of these, you should be able to fix a realatively small dropped stitch issue. Untill next time.. Happy Loom knitting.
 

Friday, July 6, 2012

Share What I See

One of the things I would like to do here is to share art where I find it. Hopefully, I am not infringing on anyone's rights to their work. I am not trying to recreate, or sale other artists' items, I just want to share what I see, and help a fellow artist out. You know, generate some business and recognition their way. Hopefully, when you see one of my pieces that you really like, be it jewelry or one of the many other things I do, you will do the same. If we don't help out each other, who's going to??

I would like to do this at least once a week, but let's be real here, I'm a single mom with a teenage son, doing all my "business" stuff on my own. You know, the making of a piece, the photo "sessions", advertising, blah, blah, blah, you get the message. So what I'm really trying to say is I will get these tasty pieces to you as soon as I am able. Sometimes it may be a blurb, sometimes an essay. I gives 'em how I gets 'em. Please let me know how you like them. I'm sure the artist I feature would greatly appreciate it. Time permitting, I will even do some research into these fine folks, dare I call them my brothers in creativity, to give you, my readers (that's wishfull thinking on my part. LOL) an incite into the world of modern art.

Today's juicy find is by Jules Muck. I found that out because I did as I said I would, and researched. Proud of me yet?? Ok, it's not about me, back to the featured at hand. I saw this painting one day after I dropped my son off at school, while on my morning work out. I thought it was way cool, so I took a picture with my HTC phone and uploaded it to my facebook page when I got to work, cause I don't have a data plan (don't laugh). I didn't even think to ask permission, though maybe I should have. I just saw something I liked and wanted to share. Heck I even made it my background, and my profile pic once.



Now while doing my research on Jules via, swagbucks.com; gotta get my points, I found out that she's a SHE. Don't know why I assumed that the artist would be a male, just the way our society is I guess. That was surprise number one. I also saw that she is white, I'm sorry cacasian, don't want to be pollitcally incorrect. Just assumed that the artist would be black, there I go again, African American, because it's Marley. Would that be making an ass out of me? Anyway, surprise number two. Then I clicked on a link to her art page: http://julesmuck.com/.

 I was blown away by the stuff she has. Her shi...er, stuff was off the chain. Sorry, almost forgot I was a Christian. LOL. But truely awsome. She makes me, as an artist, want to get some work done. You know, get busy. I feel as though I have been lazy, the more I look, the more I'm in aw. Isn't that what a good artist is supposed to do? Like, inspire, make you get off your lazy a...er rear and make a difference! Well, I know that today after I finish this post, I'm working on some art work. Thank you Jules for that lift, that inspiration, that drive! Keep up the good work!!

(Note, this past month I noticed that this awsome picture had been defaced by some idot. Please people, if you are not capable of art at this level, are trying to make a statement, or are just ignorant of the fact that this is a passion, find some other way to show your displeasure. Marking up another's work is just wrong. No other way to say it. Please don't!)

(Comments, reflections, and questions are welcome, but must first be approved by me. So if you don't see them right away, do be patient, I will post if they are appropriate responses. Thank you.)

Friday, June 22, 2012

Fretting about Crocheting


I have gotten a bee in my bonnett, tee hee, to crochet a beanie. My first several attempts have left me unralveling several times. I have been on this particular project for about a month. I thought that I could use the yarn I had on hand to complete my project. The problem with that was the pattern was a two yarn project, and I was using one color. Then my stitches were too tight. So I tried another pattern, but now I find out that it calls for an acrylic yarn, and I'm using an all cotton yarn which makes the piece smaller, and I have to make more rows. Well, what ever this thing turns out to be, it will be! I refuse to pull out those stiches again!! (Here's the result of the trial and error piece) I wound up giving it to a friend's daughter who just loves it!





Now her brother wants one, but in boy colors!

With that said. I have been making the rounds on the internet, searching sites, joined a few. I even joined a knitting/crocheting group. I swore I wouldn't be one of those little old ladies in the corner knitting. Technically, I'm not, I'm crocheting. Big difference people. At least I tell myself that for now.
I am going to help those of you who feel the need as I have,  to crochet. Here is a nice easy to understand video that help start you on your way. It is starting you off on the Single Crochet. You can find it on You Tube, but I got the link from Lion Brand in their Learning Center section. 

And by the way, I have started knitting, sort of. More to come on that too. Enjoy the video tutorial.

Pictures of the crochet hat taken at Yarns Unlimited. Thanks Brandie