Earflap Fuzzy Hat Pattern

I tend to be a yarn hoarder. I have a stash of yarn that’s at least eight years old. It’s left over from a time when all I wanted to knit was pink, fuzzy scarves, and now that I’m a classy college kid (haha) it’s just been taking up space. After an afternoon of searching through this yarn treasure chest, I found these two unusual yarns, and some Red Heart Classic I was never going to use, and the Ear Flap Fuzzy Hat was born!

This is an awesome pattern to use up those random skeins. It’s warm, cozy, and absolutely silly. It’s also a nice, simple ear flap pattern, so if you’re feeling boring, you could always skip the color change and make something more practical!

I made my hat larger than I normally would because I didn’t want it to flatten out my hair. If you want a smaller, snugger hat, I’ve adapted the pattern for both sizes. The instructions for the larger size are in parentheses. If your head is bigger than 22 inches, or you want the loose look like in the pictures, go with that.

One final note: The pink yarn I used is a multi-weight yarn—it changes as you knit. I don’t know what that type of yarn is called, but it’s listed as “worsted” on the tag. I’d say you’re pretty much golden with whatever yarn you choose, as long as check your gauge for the Red Heart Classic Solid and only knit for 2 ½ inches when you switch colors.

 

Gauge: In Red Heart Classic Solid, with size 8 needles in stockinet stitch: 4”x4” = 16sts x 24 rows

Yarn:

1 skein Jai Alai, or similar fuzzy yarn

1 skein Red Heart Classic Solid

1 skein pink worsted weight yarn

Materials:

16-inch size 8 circular needles

5 size 8 double-pointed needles

Stitch markers

Small pom-pom makers

Size J crochet hook

Tapestry needle

Pattern Notes:

Inc: Unless otherwise noted, increase by knitting into the front and back of the stitch

Dec: All decreases are k2tog

Ear Flap Fuzzy Hat

Ear Flaps—make 2:

With strands of Jai Alai and Red Heart Classic held together, CO 3. Work flat.

Row 1 (RS): knit

Row 2 (WS): k1, inc by picking up st in between, k1, inc by picking up st in between, k1

R3: k

R4: k1, inc, k to last two sts, inc, k1

Repeat rows 3 and 4 until you have 17(19) sts on the needle

Work 7(5) rows in garter stitch.

Row 8: join earflaps to hat!

Hat:

Working from RS of one earflap using circular needles, place marker, k across earflap. CO 22 sts, k across 2^nd earflap, CO 16(20) sts, and join in the round. 72(80) sts on needles.

Work 1½ inches in garter stitch using Jai Alai and Red Heart Classic.

Switch to pink worsted weight yarn, and begin working in stockinet stitch. Work 2½ inches in stockinet stitch—4 inches from edge of hat

Switch to Red Heart Classic Solid.

Larger size only:

Round 1: k all stitches

Round 2: [k8, k2tog] around –72sts

All sizes

Round 1 and 2: k all stitches

Round 3: begin decreases, switch to double pointed needles when needed— [k7, ktog] around –64sts

Round 4: k all sts

Round 5: [k6, k2tog] around –56sts

Round 6 and 7: k all sts

Round 8: [k5, k2tog] around –48sts

Round 9: k all sts

Round 10: [k4, k2tog] around –40sts

Round 11: k all sts

Round 12: [k3, k2tog] around –32sts

Round 13: k all sts

Round 14: [k2, k2tog] around –24sts

Round 15: k all sts

Round 16: [k1, k2tog] around –16sts

Round 17: [k2tog] around –8sts

Cut a tail about six inches long, and thread through all 8sts on the needles. Pull tight.

Weave in ends.

Edge and tassels:

Using Red Heart Classic and size J crochet hook, start at the base of one earflap. Sc around entire edge to the base of the 2^nd earflap, chain 28, and fasten off. Repeat for other half of hat. Make three pom-poms, and attach to end of tassels and top of hat.

That’s it! All done!

Please use this pattern for your own enjoyment, but do not sell the pattern or finished product without my consent. As always, link back to thelifeartistic.blogspot.com, and let me know if you have any questions!

The Most Amazing Microwave Cake Ever.

I love chocolate.

Like any normal person, chocolate is one of those things that I could just nom on every day, in all shapes and form.

The other day, I got a fierce craving for chocolate cake. So, while I was at the grocery store, I picked up some Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Cake Mix. I like Duncan Hines because the mix itself is vegan, and it's still pretty cheap and delicious. This cake mix sat in my cabinet for a while, waiting for me to have enough time to bake cake.

Here's the thing. I'm a college student. I'm an actor. And I have a job. And did I mention homework? Baking a cake is way down on the priorities list- and I mean WAY DOWN.

But today, I invented something marvelous. Meet:

The Most Amazing Microwave Cake Ever.

Ingredients:

3 tbsp Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Cake Mix, or pretty much any Duncan Hines Cake
1 tbsp water
1/2 tbsp vegetable oil











For the Frosting (optional):
2 tbsp confectioner's sugar
1/4 tsp water
1/4 tsp vanilla










For the cake: combine all ingredients in a small, microwave bowl (ramekins work well) and mix until moistened.













Microwave on HIGH for 45 seconds, or until a fork comes out clean. For the frosting: combine all ingredients together. Add another tsp water if mixture is too thick. Frost the cake, and dive in!!

Alternatively, you can just sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Seriously, the most delicious end to my day. It's been a long time since I've written anything, mainly because I'm starring in a show called Proof that opens very, very soon. But this cake was just too good to pass up. I know there are a lot of recipes floating around for microwave brownies, but none of those ever turned out quite as well as this did for me. P.S. I didn't post a picture of the cake with the frosting because, well, it just looks kinda... weird. But we all know what frosting looks like!

I hope you enjoy your single serving cake! I know I did. Yum.

Lace Overlay Skirt Tutorial

Lace overlay is so in right now. I see lace everywhere; dresses, shirts, blouses, jackets, skirts, suits, hats, underwear...it's everywhere! I love love love the lace overlay skirts. I was on pinterest.com and I saw this adorable skirt on styleaddict.com. My first thought: "I can remake that!" 

The lace is actually a hand-me-down from my mom. She used it to make some sort of fairy costume for me and my sister when I was younger, and offered it up to me last time I was home. And the lace overlay skirt tutorial was born! 

So. Deep breath. Here goes my first sewing tutorial. Let me note that I am a very beginner sewer-- I like to consider my self a crafter above all else, but really I'm into crochet and knitting with other things on the side to keep me entertained. Sewing is still quite new to me (just take a look at that uneven edge up top! woof!)

That being said, I think this is a great project for anyone of anyone skill range! It's a little fiddly, but if you have a french curve or a really good eye, this could be made in under an hour.

So let's get started!

You will need: 

• 1.5-2 yd of lace, or enough to wrap around your body
• 1.5-2 yd of broadcloth (or enough to wrap around your body) in a corresponding color--but I bet it'd look cute with some contrast!
• 7" to 10" invisible zipper--mine was 12" and I cut it down to 8"
• Matching thread
• Sewing machine!
• Hook and eye closure for top

Step 1: Take your measurements

Measure around the smallest part of your waist or where you want the skirt to sit-- my measurement was 26". Now measure around the widest part of your hips. Last, measure the distance from the widest part of your hip to where you took your waist measurement. A couple of notes: The length of my skirt turned out to be roughly the width of my fabric. You'll want to have enough fabric to cut out two squres. Also, you'll want to do this measuring in your undies in order to get an accurate measurement. My measurements were a wee bit off, and the skirt came out all bunchy and loose! I had to fix up the side seams later, causing my top hem to be all wonky.

Step 2: Take 1/2 your waist measurement, and add 1". Fold your broad cloth in half, raw edge to raw edge. Mark your hip measurement and cut out two pieces. The pieces will be roughly square, or should be! Fold each square in half, and mark 1/4 of your waist measurement from the fold. Unfold. Now do the same thing with the lace material, but leave a little extra lace on the bottom. My lace has a nice finish on the selvage edge that I could work with. This is what you should have:

Step 3: I don't have many pictures after this because I was so excited to finish, but it's all pretty clear from here on out. Pin the top edge of your lace to the top edge of your broad cloth, right sides together. Overcast or zig-zag stitch the pieces together. Turn right side out, and press. Now's the time to hem the broadcloth! I did a 1" hem.

This is what you should have:

Step 4: Move to the top of the skirt. Fold the joined fabrics down one inch, pin, stitch and top stitch. Repeat with second pattern piece. Once you finish this, you'll want to check and be sure your top hems match up to avoid my messy seams!

                           

Step 5: Pin the front and the back of the skirt together. Mark the waist to hip measurement from the top of the skirt down.

On one side, draw a slight curve from the mid-measurement to where you marked your waist in Step 2. You can eyeball this part, or use a french curve to make the line. Sew the seam and up along that curve ON ONE SIDE.

On the other side, mark the same curve. You will be inserting the zipper along the curve. Measure that length, and cut your zipper to size.

Now cut your fabric, allowing at least half an inch of seam allowance on the curve, where your zipper will be inserted. I used an invisible zipper. Invisible zippers give you special instructions on how to insert them, including when to sew the rest of the seam below the zipper. Now, go ahead and follow whatever instructions your zipper gives. Trust me-- you will get the best results!

Last but not least, hand stitch a little hook and eye into the top of the zipper.

And you're all done! Turn the skirt inside out, and wear proudly!

I'm really excited about this post because it is my first ever sewing tutorial!!! I think this skirt turned out way cute, and it was ultra cheap. I found the broadcloth as a remnant (how lucky!) so that only cost $1, and the zipper was on crazy sale for $1.50. Not too shabby compared to the $65 from styleaddict.com! 

A week of success!

After a long, productive week, I'm treating myself. I'm visiting my sister in Raleigh, NC. She's studying entomology, and today is BugFest at the science museum! We're going to take a few hours to check it out, and maybe even eat some insects--blegh! Then we're baking vegan macaroons, and going shopping for her apartment. All-in-all, today's my treat. I'm taking a break.

But I'm also posting!

One of my classmates took a couple photos for an interview I had. I liked this one so much, that I thought I'd throw it up here! Thanks, Byron :)

Shirt: Target, on sale

Belt: Forever21

Skirt: Homemade!

Boots: My roommate's highschool's costume shop

I'm definitely not the most fashionable person in the world, but I loved the way this turned out!

Also wanted to post another picture of my Ivory Eshe Necklace Knock-off. You can really see how cool it is when I'm wearing it!

And that's it for now! I'm working on knitting a vest right now, and I'll be sure to post that once I'm done. 

Happy Weekend!

Anthropologie DIY! Ivory Eshe Necklace Knock-off

I have a love-hate relationship with Anthropologie. I hate how expensive everything is (so expensive that I've never made a purchase there!) but I love all their crazy weird clothes and jewelry. 

So, true to our relationship, I was browsing Anthropologie.com when I came across the Ivory Eshe Necklace. My first thought was, "I can make this!" And I did! Behold, the Ivory Eshe Knock-off!

Now, I admit that my picture isn't very good, but I'm pretty proud of the outcome! It was super cheap, if a little challenging to make. I had the seed beads, and all I needed were some fake pearls, a few 1" eye pins, and those little bitty bead tips. I'd be happy to post a tutorial if you're interested :) just let me know!

Crochet Flower Slippers

For all you infrequent flyers out there: planes are freezing.

I forgot this important bit of information when I boarded the flight to Brazil, wearing thin pants and flip-flops. I spent 8 hours shivering while the woman next to me cozied up in big, fuzzy socks, and all I could think about was what I would do for a pair of cozy plane slippers. So, on the trip back (I did remember socks that time) I came up with these!

I wanted something that worked up quickly, and didn't require any fancy straps or buttons.

Note: This pattern is written for a size 7 to 7½ foot, but it could easily be altered for smaller or larger feet. I've included in red where certain rows could be lengthened or shortened to accommodate different feet.

.

Flower Slippers

Loops and Threads Impeccable worsted, 1 skein soft rose, 1 skein dark forest

Hook: size 9 (I)

In soft rose, make a slp knot. Ch3, 6 sc in slip knot. Join, pull tight

R1: 2sc in each sc around –12 st

R2: 2sc in each sc around –24 st

R3: sc in each sc around –24 st

R4: [sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] around –30 st

R5-R10: sc in each sc around –30 st 

R11-R13: sc in next 22sc, ch1, turn –22 st

R14: sc2tog, sc in next 18 sc, sc2tog, ch1, turn –20 st

R15: sc around –20 st

R16: sc2tog, sc in next 16 sc, sc2tog, ch1, turn –18 st

R17-R24: sc around –18 st
For a smaller size, work fewer rows. For a larger size, work more. You'll want to continue the slipper until it reaches the widest part of your heel. In general, four rows seem to constitute the difference in one shoe size. For example, for a size 8 to 8½, I would crochet 28 rows.

R25: 2sc in 1^st sc, sc in next 5 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 5 sc, 2sc in last sc –18 st

R26: sc in each sc, ch1, turn –18 st

R27-29: repeat R25

Fasten off. Fold in half and slst heel seam together.

Edge: in dark forest

R1: Start at center back of heel, where stitched together. Sc to corner (22 sc), sc3tog using 2^nd half of 22^nd sc, sc in next 6 sc, sc3tog, sc 22 starting in 2^nd half of last sc3tog, sc 22, join to 1^st sc, ch1

R2: DO NOT TURN. [sc2tog, sc2] around, join with slst to ch1, ch1

R3: DO NOT TURN. [sc2tog]x2, slst in next sc, ch1, turn

R4: [sc2tog]x4, slst in next sc, ch1, turn

R5: [sc2tog]x2, join to heel, fasten off

At this point, the slippers should look like this:

But they are so much cuter with the flowers! I looked at several flower patterns online, but none quite fit what I wanted, so I've created my own.

Crochet Flower

Using dark forest, make a slp knot. Ch4, join to form a ring. Ch2, work 11sc inside the ring, join the round

R1: ch3, [skip next sc, sc in next sc, ch 2]x5, join to ch1 with a slst. Join second color with a sc into first ch2 space, but do not cut off color one.

R2: work [1sc, 1dc, 1trc, 1dc, 1sc] into each ch2 space around, join to first sc with a slst

R3: working behind petals from R2, [ch3, slst between petals] around. Pick up dark forest thread.

R4: Using dark forest, work [1sc, 1dc, 2trc, 1dc, 1sc] into each ch3 space around, join to first sc with a slst

Weave in ends, and attach to slipper!

Now they're all done! Wear, be comfortable, and enjoy!

Please use this pattern for your own enjoyment, but do not sell the pattern or finished product without my consent. As always, link back to thelifeartistic.blogspot.com, and let me know if you have any questions!

Bahia Dress

 A week from tomorrow, I'm going to be on a plane to the beautiful coastal city of Salvador, Bahia. I'm going with a theater company to study Brazil-African culture for two weeks! If you've never heard of Salvador before, go here and check out all amazing photos and videos. We're going to be singing, dancing, eating, celebrating, attending festivals, watching capoeira, meeting artists, and, of course, spending time on the beaches.

Needless to say, I'm beyond excited.

So, in anticipation for my trip, I made myself a dress! I call it the Bahia Dress. I fell in love with the fabric, especially after seeing all the pictures of the colorful city I'll be staying in. It's a bold print, with simple spaghetti straps and an elastic waist; summer-y, but not too casual, and it could be dressed up if I wanted! I made it about six different times, cutting up the same fabric and putting it back together until I was fully satisfied. 

I also found those shoes at Old Navy for $2.47, which was a total steal! I'm not really a "heels girl" but I couldn't pass them up for that price.

I'm debating how to finish the back of the dress. Originally, it was just a halter, but then I pinned the straps straight. Now I'm thinking I might cross them, for some added support. Who knows! This dress has been through nip-tuck enough times that another little fix wouldn't matter.

I just love how flow-y and comfortable it is! Perfect for Brazil weather, with a high of 82. And what a nice change from the 95 degree weather we've had all summer!

Anthro-inspired Bobby Pins

Anthropologie has these adorable bobby pins out right now called the Sparkling Fete Bobbies. They're cute, but for $24, I (and many other bloggers out there) was convinced I could make my own for a fraction of the price!


There isn't much involved in this tutorial, because it's mostly about being creative! Overall, the project took me about 20 minutes, and cost me close to nothing!

You will need:

• Jewelry glue or E-6000
• An assortment of cheap* earrings, buttons, beads, etc.
• Bobbie Pins with a bevel or flat end (I got a $2 package of ten at Hobby Lobby)
• Pliers and wire cutters

*I say cheap jewelry for a reason. Cheap earrings tend to be very light weight, which means less pull on your hair, which means the pins will hold better.

Assemble your materials! 

Use the wire cutters to remove the stems of the earrings.

I used my wire cutters to flatten and bend a long crimping bead to fit inside the bevel.

Using the anthro photos as inspiration, begin to arrange and glue your pieces together! Let them dry completely before touching or wearing.

TADA!

Wear your Anthropologie-inspired bobbies with pride!

Part of being an actress and a student is that I can't (won't) spend a fortune on my clothes. As much as I love anthropologie's easy, hippy styles, I don't like the 3-digit price tags.

$598? It has no reviews because no one can afford it.

From time to time, I peruse anthropologie's website in search of outfits that could be recreated at a fraction of the price. The other day, I came across this:

and I fell in love. From the easy shift, to the sun hat, to the lettuce, it just screams early August. So, I picked up some Twisted Cotton Twine from Lowes ($2.98 for 420 ft), some sale fabric from Hancock (around $11 for 1 3/4 yard), and I'm off! I'll post the materials and the progress tomorrow. Hopefully, I'll have the full outfit done by the time the month is out!

O brave new blogging...

I've got this thing against blogging. I'm not entirely sure why, but I've always avoided creating a blog of any sort, like I avoid the plague or unloading the dishwasher. But, after my  Mom kept pleading with me to start a craft blog, I've given in. 

I'm an actress, a knitter, a fairly lazy chef, and a beginner sewer. I've got a love for the theatre, the outdoors, and any crafts that I think I can manage. I love making things-- clothes, decorations, gifts, you name it!-- but, more than that, I love making new fashions from recycled stuff. One man's trash, right?

This blog will be a place for me to post all my creations, and a place where I can hopefully inspire others to create as well!