tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87754166210611072052024-03-13T03:56:55.896-07:00The Life ArtisticMirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01661426692050115317noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775416621061107205.post-10799377161542349382013-03-24T07:21:00.001-07:002013-03-24T07:21:34.721-07:00My favorite crochet flowers!This post is actually a pre-requisite to a new pattern I'm working on. I love all the flowery headbands on Ravelry, but I <i>don't</i> love having to create each flower individually, and then fasten them together. I'm determined to make a flower chain headband that isn't such a hassle.<br />
<br />
I looked around for a good five-petal flower pattern, and I found <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/teeny-tiny-flowers.html" target="_blank">this one</a> over at <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/" target="_blank">Attic24</a>. So far, it's my favorite!<br />
<br />
I've only just started my flower chain headband, but already i'm pretty excited about how it looks. Crossing my fingers that I'll have the pattern up by the middle of the week!Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01661426692050115317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775416621061107205.post-80455644020166237782013-02-12T17:49:00.002-08:002013-02-12T17:49:51.555-08:00Cuff'd Fingerless Gloves
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>539</o:Words>
<o:Characters>3075</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Virginia Commonwealth University</o:Company>
<o:Lines>25</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>6</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>3776</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
My best friend in high school had a pair of fingerless
gloves she wore all the time. I could not for the life of me understand their
purpose. Fingerless gloves? What is that? How are those supposed to keep you
warm? It wasn’t until I made my first pair quite recently that I understood the
allure. Now I’m a huge supporter. Fingerless gloves! Fashionable and
functional!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In case you are a skeptic like I was, here’s a list of all
the things you can do with fingerless gloves that you can’t do in regular, old,
knit gloves:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Use your IPhone</li>
<li>Easily text</li>
<li>Pick up objects</li>
<li>Eat food without eating yarn hairs</li>
<li>KNIT (that’s a big one)</li>
<li>Turn pages</li>
<li>Show off your nail polish</li>
<li>Look bohemian</li>
<li>Pick your nose</li>
<li>Play guitar</li>
<li>Play the flute</li>
<li>Pet a dog</li>
<li>Do origami</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’re not convinced yet, take a look at this adorable
fingerless glove pattern, and then tell me you aren’t in love.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9UnnffpwGzM/URrtk2bUeAI/AAAAAAAAASI/ZAF-8S4uLA8/s1600/etsy+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="449" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9UnnffpwGzM/URrtk2bUeAI/AAAAAAAAASI/ZAF-8S4uLA8/s640/etsy+037.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s what I thought.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This pattern uses a lateral braid, which, if you don’t know
how to do, is a very useful little trick. Check <a href="http://cpeezers.wordpress.com/2011/01/06/lateral-braid-a-little-how-to/" target="_blank">here</a> for an awesome tutorial on
the lateral braid. If you’re still totally intimidated, you can eliminate the
braid and simply <b>purl</b> those rows...but you should learn the braid!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Alright, let's get to the pattern!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">CUFF’D<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b> </b><b>Yarn:</b> any
variegated worsted yarn will do- the skein I used was homeless, and had tag or
wrapper on it</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Recommended Needle Size:</b> US #8</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Notions:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stitch markers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yarn needle</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stitch holder or scrap yarn (scrap yarn works better for
thumb gusset)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Gauge:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
16 stiches x 25 rows = 4in by 4in in the round</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Pattern Notes:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
M1: make one stitch by picking up the yarn in between the
stitches from back to front and knitting into the front</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
pm: place marker</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
sm: slip marker</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
CO: cast on. I recommend long-tail cast on for this</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ssk: slip two stitches knit-wise, knit both together</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
k2tog: knit two stitches together</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
yo: yarn over</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
BO: bind off. I recommend using the k2tog bind-off method</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
wyif: with yarn held in front</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
sl1kw: slip one stitch knit-wise</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Reverse Linen Stitch: worked over four rows</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1: k</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2: *(wyif sl1kw, k1); repeat from * around</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3: k</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4: *(k1, wyif s11kw); repeat from * around</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C0jC3O2cqa0/URqNS9m4KPI/AAAAAAAAARo/PcIB1MG2LuM/s1600/etsy+039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C0jC3O2cqa0/URqNS9m4KPI/AAAAAAAAARo/PcIB1MG2LuM/s640/etsy+039.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Directions:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
CO 30 stitches, place marker and join in the round</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rows 1-3: knit</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4: *k2tog, yo; repeat from * around</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5-7: knit</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
8: purl</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9: k</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
10: p</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
11-12: k</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
13: *k2tog, yo: repeat from * around</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
14-15: k</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
16: p</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
17: k</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
18: p</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
19-20: k</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
21: *k3, k2tog; repeat from * around – 24 sts</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
22: work lateral braid</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
23-30: work reverse linen stitch, ending on a pattern row</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
31: work lateral braid</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
32: k</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Both hands are worked exactly the same up to this point.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Right hand:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
33: k1, pm, k1, pm, k to end</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
34: k1, sm, m1, k to marker, m1, sm, k to end</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
35: k</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Repeat rows 34 and 35 until you have 13sts between the
markers. Knit three rows plain, then set up before dividing for the hand:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
k1, remove marker, k2tog, replace marker, k to last 2sts
before marker, place marker, ssk, remove marker, k to end – 9sts between
marker, 26 on hand</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Divide for hand:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1: k2, place thumb sts on holder, k to end – 26sts</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2-8: k</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9-12: work in 1x1 ribbing</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
BO</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Left hand:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
33: k to last 2sts, pm, k1, pm, k1</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
34: k to marker, sm, m1, k to marker, m1, sm, k1</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
35: k</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Repeat rows 34 and 35 until you have 13sts between the
markers. Knit three rows plain, then set up before dividing for the hand:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
k to marker, remove marker, k2tog, replace marker, k to last
2 sts before marker, pm, ssk, remove marker, k to end – 9sts between marker, 26
on hand</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Divide for hand:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1: k to marker, place thumb sts on holder, k to end – 26sts</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2-8: k</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9-12: work in 1x1 ribbing</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
BO</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thumb:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1: k 9sts from holder, pick up 7sts along the hand – 16sts</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2: k</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3-6: work in 1x1 ribbing</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
BO</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Repeat on the other hand</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sAdQHYWdqKg/URqMUyVTTeI/AAAAAAAAARg/c3J-iYDwWmY/s1600/etsy+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sAdQHYWdqKg/URqMUyVTTeI/AAAAAAAAARg/c3J-iYDwWmY/s640/etsy+038.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And that’s it! Wear them around looking fancy, or have your
artistic roommate take pictures of you drinking out of a mug that isn’t yours.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please do not sell the pattern or the finished product, as I’m
planning on selling these in my Etsy store once I get it on it’s feet, but make
as many pairs as you’d like for yourself or your loved ones! As always, credit back to The Life
Artistic. Ciao!</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01661426692050115317noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775416621061107205.post-22445001574868030232012-11-23T12:44:00.002-08:002012-11-24T07:48:21.553-08:00Earflap Fuzzy Hat Pattern<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>557</o:Words>
<o:Characters>3176</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Virginia Commonwealth University</o:Company>
<o:Lines>26</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>6</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>3900</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1028"/>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1"/>
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tgPggIrN9OE/UK_ewVzNhvI/AAAAAAAAAN0/immDwk7lewg/s1600/IMG_0887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tgPggIrN9OE/UK_ewVzNhvI/AAAAAAAAAN0/immDwk7lewg/s400/IMG_0887.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">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!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">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!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vcIP4tAL5S0/UK_evLOyYiI/AAAAAAAAANs/b1Xe_XK5Mn0/s1600/IMG_0886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vcIP4tAL5S0/UK_evLOyYiI/AAAAAAAAANs/b1Xe_XK5Mn0/s400/IMG_0886.jpg" width="300" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Gauge: </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">In
Red Heart Classic Solid, with size 8 needles in stockinet stitch: 4”x4” = 16sts x 24 rows<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Yarn:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">1 skein Jai Alai, or similar
fuzzy yarn<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">1 skein Red Heart Classic
Solid<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">1 skein pink worsted weight
yarn<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Materials:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">16-inch size 8 circular
needles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">5 size 8 double-pointed
needles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Stitch markers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Small pom-pom makers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Size J crochet hook<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Tapestry needle<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Pattern Notes:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Inc: Unless otherwise noted,
increase by knitting into the front and back of the stitch<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Dec: All decreases are k2tog<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 20pt;">Ear Flap Fuzzy Hat</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Ear Flaps—make 2:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">With strands of Jai Alai and
Red Heart Classic held together, CO 3. Work flat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Row 1 (RS): knit<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Row 2 (WS): k1, inc by
picking up st in between, k1, inc by picking up st in between, k1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">R3: k<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">R4: k1, inc, k to last two
sts, inc, k1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Repeat rows 3 and 4 until
you have 17(19) sts on the needle<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Work 7(5) rows in garter
stitch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Row 8: join earflaps to hat!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75"
style='position:absolute;margin-left:234pt;margin-top:-.55pt;width:274pt;
height:364pt;z-index:2;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;
mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;
mso-position-vertical-relative:text'>
<v:imagedata src="file://localhost/Users/Miranda/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image003.png"
o:title=""/>
<v:textbox style='mso-rotate-with-shape:t'/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Hat:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9_2citD-8kQ/UK_etQXFO_I/AAAAAAAAANk/JaSx6SFBWUg/s1600/IMG_0885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9_2citD-8kQ/UK_etQXFO_I/AAAAAAAAANk/JaSx6SFBWUg/s400/IMG_0885.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Working from RS of one
earflap using circular needles, place marker, k across earflap. CO 22 sts, k
across 2<sup>nd</sup> earflap, CO 16(20) sts, and join in the round. 72(80) sts
on needles.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Work 1½ inches in garter
stitch using Jai Alai and Red Heart Classic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Switch to pink worsted
weight yarn, and begin working in stockinet stitch. Work 2½ inches in stockinet
stitch—4 inches from edge of hat<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Switch to Red Heart
Classic Solid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Larger size only:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Round 1: k all stitches<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Round 2: [k8, k2tog] around –72sts<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">All sizes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Round 1 and 2: k all
stitches<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Round 3: begin decreases,
switch to double pointed needles when needed— [k7, ktog] around –64sts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Round 4: k all sts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Round 5: [k6, k2tog] around
–56sts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Round 6 and 7: k all sts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Round 8: [k5, k2tog] around
–48sts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Round 9: k all sts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Round 10: [k4, k2tog] around
–40sts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Round 11: k all sts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Round 12: [k3, k2tog] around
–32sts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Round 13: k all sts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Round 14: [k2, k2tog] around
–24sts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Round 15: k all sts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Round 16: [k1, k2tog] around
–16sts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Round 17: [k2tog] around
–8sts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Cut a tail about six inches
long, and thread through all 8sts on the needles. Pull tight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Weave in ends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Edge and tassels:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">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<sup>nd</sup> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kUVzGfnZKOM/UK_erwfJYcI/AAAAAAAAANc/rr4PRDVPOJI/s1600/IMG_0884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kUVzGfnZKOM/UK_erwfJYcI/AAAAAAAAANc/rr4PRDVPOJI/s400/IMG_0884.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">That’s it! All done!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Please use this pattern for your own enjoyment, <b>but
do not sell the pattern or finished product without my consent. </b>As always,
link back to thelifeartistic.blogspot.com, and let me know if you have any
questions!</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01661426692050115317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775416621061107205.post-2517547597387694032012-10-24T21:12:00.000-07:002012-10-24T21:12:20.274-07:00The Most Amazing Microwave Cake Ever. I love chocolate.<br />
<br />
Like any normal person, chocolate is one of those things that I could just nom on every day, in all shapes and form.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
But today, I invented something marvelous. Meet:<br />
<br />
The Most Amazing Microwave Cake Ever.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9SpMBEanZIY/UIi3B4nzUDI/AAAAAAAAAM8/WL9Cg-Q0g5Y/s1600/IMG_0800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9SpMBEanZIY/UIi3B4nzUDI/AAAAAAAAAM8/WL9Cg-Q0g5Y/s320/IMG_0800.JPG" width="320" /></a>Ingredients:<br />
<br />
3 tbsp Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Cake Mix, or pretty much any Duncan Hines Cake<br />
1 tbsp water<br />
1/2 tbsp vegetable oil<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RjDsowh4CWk/UIi27clfGUI/AAAAAAAAAMc/ZhemTWgPSEg/s1600/IMG_0795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RjDsowh4CWk/UIi27clfGUI/AAAAAAAAAMc/ZhemTWgPSEg/s320/IMG_0795.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
For the Frosting (optional):<br />
2 tbsp confectioner's sugar<br />
1/4 tsp water<br />
1/4 tsp vanilla<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_3LivW8JbNU/UIi23Ui_OSI/AAAAAAAAAMM/zuYIyH_dZJY/s1600/IMG_0793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_3LivW8JbNU/UIi23Ui_OSI/AAAAAAAAAMM/zuYIyH_dZJY/s320/IMG_0793.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
For the cake: combine all ingredients in a small, microwave bowl (ramekins work well) and mix until moistened.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Frd1QrwH3KE/UIi28017exI/AAAAAAAAAMk/DRoDIgTTVgA/s1600/IMG_0796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Frd1QrwH3KE/UIi28017exI/AAAAAAAAAMk/DRoDIgTTVgA/s320/IMG_0796.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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!!<br />
<br />
Alternatively, you can just sprinkle with powdered sugar.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0AN6ST__fi8/UIi3ANp_2GI/AAAAAAAAAM0/SG3oBUdy25c/s1600/IMG_0798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0AN6ST__fi8/UIi3ANp_2GI/AAAAAAAAAM0/SG3oBUdy25c/s320/IMG_0798.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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 <i>Proof</i> 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!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I hope you enjoy your single serving cake! I know I did. Yum.<br />
<br />
<br />Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01661426692050115317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775416621061107205.post-22153541897358775142012-09-19T19:48:00.000-07:002012-09-19T21:31:34.556-07:00Lace Overlay Skirt Tutorial<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jGkacd9mHas/UFqBYYzyuJI/AAAAAAAAAL4/tWf7mKQhsTk/s1600/lace+skirt+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jGkacd9mHas/UFqBYYzyuJI/AAAAAAAAAL4/tWf7mKQhsTk/s640/lace+skirt+front.jpg" width="486" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lace overlay is so in right now. I see lace everywhere; dresses, shirts, blouses, jackets, skirts, suits, hats, underwear...it's everywhere! I love <b>love </b><i>love </i>the lace overlay skirts. I was on pinterest.com and I saw this adorable skirt on <a href="http://styleaddict.com.au/clothing-en/shorts-and-skirts/teal-scallop-lace-skirt.html" target="_blank">styleaddict.com</a>. My first thought: "I can remake that!" </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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! </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br />
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!)</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So let's get started!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You will need: </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>1.5-2 yd of lace, or enough to wrap around your body</li>
<li>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!</li>
<li>7" to 10" invisible zipper--mine was 12" and I cut it down to 8"</li>
<li>Matching thread</li>
<li>Sewing machine!</li>
<li>Hook and eye closure for top</li>
</ul>
<div>
Step 1: Take your measurements</div>
<div>
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.</div>
<br />
<div>
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:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ORgxSacPl4g/UFpwx0QW_rI/AAAAAAAAALc/fBeD1K0s4pk/s1600/lace+skirt+measurements+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ORgxSacPl4g/UFpwx0QW_rI/AAAAAAAAALc/fBeD1K0s4pk/s640/lace+skirt+measurements+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zF96oo0p-B4/UFpW7OdDRnI/AAAAAAAAAKA/xl9N-eLfqh8/s1600/IMG_3559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zF96oo0p-B4/UFpW7OdDRnI/AAAAAAAAAKA/xl9N-eLfqh8/s640/IMG_3559.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is what you should have:</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wcS7CbyAkmQ/UFpW54mDFSI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/pGzlBO1YBdA/s1600/IMG_3558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wcS7CbyAkmQ/UFpW54mDFSI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/pGzlBO1YBdA/s640/IMG_3558.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-E2UFCNeg0/UFpW8POx3aI/AAAAAAAAAKI/pbdk4nV8F7Y/s1600/IMG_3560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-E2UFCNeg0/UFpW8POx3aI/AAAAAAAAAKI/pbdk4nV8F7Y/s640/IMG_3560.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LiMVpNXVKdE/UFpwzsHY44I/AAAAAAAAALk/5OKplnCUDt0/s1600/skirt+measurements+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="515" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LiMVpNXVKdE/UFpwzsHY44I/AAAAAAAAALk/5OKplnCUDt0/s640/skirt+measurements+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IGxWvAm348c/UFpXAd3452I/AAAAAAAAAK0/QKMyUPSIPzY/s1600/IMG_3566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IGxWvAm348c/UFpXAd3452I/AAAAAAAAAK0/QKMyUPSIPzY/s640/IMG_3566.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now cut your fabric, allowing <b>at least half an inch of seam allowance</b> 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!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Last but not least, hand stitch a little hook and eye into the top of the zipper.</div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And you're all done! Turn the skirt inside out, and wear proudly!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qcAq-AJHCFE/UFpUUqDP2GI/AAAAAAAAAJA/iT28axuqAVE/s1600/lace+skirt+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qcAq-AJHCFE/UFpUUqDP2GI/AAAAAAAAAJA/iT28axuqAVE/s640/lace+skirt+side.jpg" width="483" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm really excited about this post because it is my <b>first ever sewing tutorial!!!</b> 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! </div>
<br />Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01661426692050115317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775416621061107205.post-68556613394791107152012-09-15T06:04:00.000-07:002012-09-15T06:04:00.568-07:00A 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.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But I'm also posting!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
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 :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5eBORtXKsqI/UFR6Sr0I8-I/AAAAAAAAAIg/w80FU_7OOWk/s1600/IMG_0505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5eBORtXKsqI/UFR6Sr0I8-I/AAAAAAAAAIg/w80FU_7OOWk/s640/IMG_0505.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Shirt: Target, on sale</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Belt: Forever21</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Skirt: Homemade!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Boots: My roommate's highschool's costume shop</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm definitely not the most fashionable person in the world, but I loved the way this turned out!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3zBkNm2zY90/UFR8ag8fmDI/AAAAAAAAAIo/MidZOBXqBt8/s1600/IMG_3556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3zBkNm2zY90/UFR8ag8fmDI/AAAAAAAAAIo/MidZOBXqBt8/s400/IMG_3556.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also wanted to post another picture of my <a href="http://www.thelifeartistic.blogspot.com/2012/09/anthropologie-diy-ivory-eshe-necklace.html" target="_blank">Ivory Eshe Necklace Knock-off</a>. You can really see how cool it is when I'm wearing it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy Weekend!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01661426692050115317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775416621061107205.post-14892413807820174252012-09-04T15:33:00.001-07:002012-09-04T15:33:41.938-07:00Anthropologie DIY! Ivory Eshe Necklace Knock-off<div>
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. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
So, true to our relationship, I was browsing Anthropologie.com when I came across the <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/jewelry-necklaces/25972415.jsp" target="_blank">Ivory Eshe Necklace</a>. My first thought was, "I can make this!" And I did! Behold, the Ivory Eshe Knock-off!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4_vzKv8RvfU/UEaBnBHumsI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/snXQ6RlvsZk/s1600/ivory+eshe+knock+off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="419" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4_vzKv8RvfU/UEaBnBHumsI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/snXQ6RlvsZk/s640/ivory+eshe+knock+off.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
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!Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01661426692050115317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775416621061107205.post-66179625187196547862012-08-20T14:39:00.000-07:002012-11-24T07:48:42.192-08:00Crochet Flower Slippers<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For all you infrequent flyers out there: <i>planes are freezing.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i>
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!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GOS6iitdERc/UDKEmceUavI/AAAAAAAAAGk/iTUh3XIY-D8/s1600/IMG_0588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GOS6iitdERc/UDKEmceUavI/AAAAAAAAAGk/iTUh3XIY-D8/s400/IMG_0588.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wanted something that worked up quickly, and didn't require any fancy straps or buttons.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>31</o:Words>
<o:Characters>180</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Virginia Commonwealth University</o:Company>
<o:Lines>1</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>221</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial;">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</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">red</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial;">where
certain rows could be lengthened or shortened to accommodate different feet.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<!--EndFragment-->.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Flower Slippers</span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Loops and Threads Impeccable worsted, 1 skein soft rose, 1
skein dark forest</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hook: size 9 (I)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In soft rose, make a slp knot. Ch3, 6
sc in slip knot. Join, pull tight</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">R1: 2sc in each
sc around –12 st</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">R2: 2sc in each
sc around –24 st</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">R3: sc in each sc
around –24 st</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">R4: [sc in next 3
sc, 2 sc in next sc] around –30 st</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">R5-R10: sc in
each sc around –30 st </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">R11-R13: sc in
next 22sc, ch1, turn –22 st</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">R14: sc2tog, sc
in next 18 sc, sc2tog, ch1, turn –20 st</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">R15: sc around
–20 st</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">R16: sc2tog, sc
in next 16 sc, sc2tog, ch1, turn –18 st</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">R17-R24: sc
around –18 st</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;">8½, I would crochet 28 rows.</span><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Characters>2</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Virginia Commonwealth University</o:Company>
<o:Lines>1</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>2</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>12.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
<w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
</w:Compatibility>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">R25: 2sc in 1<sup>st</sup>
sc, sc in next 5 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 5 sc, 2sc in
last sc –18 st</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">R26: sc in each
sc, ch1, turn –18 st</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">R27-29: repeat
R25</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fasten off. Fold in half and slst heel seam together.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Edge: in dark forest</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">R1: Start at center back of heel, where stitched together.
Sc to corner (22 sc), sc3tog using 2<sup>nd</sup> half of 22<sup>nd</sup> sc,
sc in next 6 sc, sc3tog, sc 22 starting in 2<sup>nd</sup> half of last sc3tog,
sc 22, join to 1<sup>st</sup> sc, ch1</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">R2: DO NOT TURN. [sc2tog, sc2] around, join with slst to
ch1, ch1</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">R3: DO NOT TURN. [sc2tog]x2, slst in next sc, ch1, turn</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">R4: [sc2tog]x4, slst in next sc, ch1, turn</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">R5: [sc2tog]x2, join to heel, fasten off</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At this point, the slippers should look like this:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KdruUaBvCIE/UDKEglr3keI/AAAAAAAAAGU/rAyzL-5Xd1Q/s1600/IMG_0586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KdruUaBvCIE/UDKEglr3keI/AAAAAAAAAGU/rAyzL-5Xd1Q/s400/IMG_0586.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sY5GUSlfqbg/UDKEt8c9tPI/AAAAAAAAAG0/Of0NV5xe5Ec/s1600/IMG_0591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sY5GUSlfqbg/UDKEt8c9tPI/AAAAAAAAAG0/Of0NV5xe5Ec/s320/IMG_0591.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Crochet Flower</span></h2>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Using dark forest, make a slp knot. Ch4, join to form a ring. Ch2, work 11sc inside the ring, join the round</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">R2: work [1sc, 1dc, 1trc, 1dc, 1sc] into each ch2 space around, join to first sc with a slst</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">R3: working behind petals from R2, [ch3, slst between petals] around. Pick up dark forest thread.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">R4: Using dark forest, work [1sc, 1dc, 2trc, 1dc, 1sc] into each ch3 space around, join to first sc with a slst</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weave in ends, and attach to slipper!</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now they're all done! Wear, be comfortable, and enjoy!</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sY5GUSlfqbg/UDKEt8c9tPI/AAAAAAAAAG0/Of0NV5xe5Ec/s1600/IMG_0591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w1MDgtWdHsM/UDKEqTl2R9I/AAAAAAAAAGs/2VseSHR5j60/s1600/IMG_0590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w1MDgtWdHsM/UDKEqTl2R9I/AAAAAAAAAGs/2VseSHR5j60/s400/IMG_0590.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 18pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial;">Please
use this pattern for your own enjoyment, <b>but
do not sell the pattern or finished product without my consent. </b>As always,
link back to thelifeartistic.blogspot.com, and let me know if you have any
questions!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01661426692050115317noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775416621061107205.post-88100141311427501062012-07-26T13:45:00.001-07:002012-07-26T13:45:04.825-07:00Bahia Dress<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qbjcfOo7iGg/UBGoPz0E4tI/AAAAAAAAAFw/XxuxEqeiDiE/s1600/Pelo%CC%82-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qbjcfOo7iGg/UBGoPz0E4tI/AAAAAAAAAFw/XxuxEqeiDiE/s400/Pelo%CC%82-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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 <a href="http://www.bahia-online.net/" target="_blank">here</a> 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.<br />
<br />
Needless to say, I'm <i>beyond excited.</i><br />
<br />
So, in anticipation for my trip, I made myself a dress! I call it the <b>Bahia Dress</b>. 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. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--4Hmmpp8ddY/UBGoL-caPUI/AAAAAAAAAFg/1SVKC8RWtO4/s1600/IMG_0427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--4Hmmpp8ddY/UBGoL-caPUI/AAAAAAAAAFg/1SVKC8RWtO4/s640/IMG_0427.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z7BvcuU8vI8/UBGl6_HweHI/AAAAAAAAAE4/xXQB8fCGTHk/s1600/IMG_0421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z7BvcuU8vI8/UBGl6_HweHI/AAAAAAAAAE4/xXQB8fCGTHk/s640/IMG_0421.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czBBQTmdsyU/UBGoNq324MI/AAAAAAAAAFo/3k52ZXJiUyU/s1600/IMG_0432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czBBQTmdsyU/UBGoNq324MI/AAAAAAAAAFo/3k52ZXJiUyU/s640/IMG_0432.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7A1w2WDms1A/UBGqtii0kyI/AAAAAAAAAF8/thWp2wtdaJo/s1600/IMG_0423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7A1w2WDms1A/UBGqtii0kyI/AAAAAAAAAF8/thWp2wtdaJo/s640/IMG_0423.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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!</div>
<br />Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01661426692050115317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775416621061107205.post-15395578800936151592012-07-23T21:23:00.003-07:002012-07-23T21:34:26.213-07:00Anthro-inspired Bobby Pins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbMpFOQadb8/UA4VuZbZgOI/AAAAAAAAAEY/O8AN4Cgy5Ag/s1600/IMG_0408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbMpFOQadb8/UA4VuZbZgOI/AAAAAAAAAEY/O8AN4Cgy5Ag/s1600/IMG_0408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbMpFOQadb8/UA4VuZbZgOI/AAAAAAAAAEY/O8AN4Cgy5Ag/s400/IMG_0408.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Anthropologie has these adorable bobby pins out right now called the <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/accessories-hair/24496267.jsp" target="_blank">Sparkling Fete Bobbies</a>. They're cute, but for $24, I (and many other bloggers out <a href="http://savedbylovecreations.com/2011/07/anthropologie-hairpin-knock-off.html" target="_blank">there</a>) was convinced I could make my own for a fraction of the price!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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!</span><br />
<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
<br /></h3>
<h3>
<br /></h3>
<h3>
<br /></h3>
<h3>
You will need:</h3>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Jewelry glue or E-6000</li>
<li>An assortment of cheap* earrings, buttons, beads, etc.</li>
<li>Bobbie Pins with a bevel or flat end (I got a $2 package of ten at Hobby Lobby)</li>
<li>Pliers and wire cutters</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
*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.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Assemble your materials! </h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FIc1rqulX5s/UA4VP8Sa4aI/AAAAAAAAADo/CofUlWOqyik/s1600/IMG_0391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FIc1rqulX5s/UA4VP8Sa4aI/AAAAAAAAADo/CofUlWOqyik/s400/IMG_0391.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vRRVK-Hmt20/UA4VSSr_hWI/AAAAAAAAADw/kXAB50zv4gM/s1600/IMG_0393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vRRVK-Hmt20/UA4VSSr_hWI/AAAAAAAAADw/kXAB50zv4gM/s400/IMG_0393.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Use the wire cutters to remove the stems of the earrings.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I used my wire cutters to flatten and bend a long crimping bead to fit inside the bevel.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8QeJ1FBtJdg/UA4VoyP8EgI/AAAAAAAAAEA/vr9KRnROLjA/s1600/IMG_0399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8QeJ1FBtJdg/UA4VoyP8EgI/AAAAAAAAAEA/vr9KRnROLjA/s400/IMG_0399.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-129uPSpnKvo/UA4VrBDGp1I/AAAAAAAAAEI/XTsbIHt4wPE/s1600/IMG_0400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-129uPSpnKvo/UA4VrBDGp1I/AAAAAAAAAEI/XTsbIHt4wPE/s400/IMG_0400.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Using the anthro photos as inspiration, begin to arrange and glue your pieces together! Let them dry completely before touching or wearing.</div>
<h2>
TADA!</h2>
<div>
Wear your Anthropologie-inspired bobbies with pride!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01661426692050115317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775416621061107205.post-31694753025078814342012-07-15T15:11:00.000-07:002012-07-15T15:11:34.137-07:00Part 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.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RvJR8tDx_d8/UAM-Z2imtWI/AAAAAAAAACk/AJjMQY70Hjs/s1600/25550153_000_b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RvJR8tDx_d8/UAM-Z2imtWI/AAAAAAAAACk/AJjMQY70Hjs/s320/25550153_000_b.jpeg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$598? It has no reviews because <i>no one can afford it.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />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:<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UrL7L13CXzg/UAM_GXTTuCI/AAAAAAAAACs/1hMJz-B-jT8/s1600/25083197_089_e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UrL7L13CXzg/UAM_GXTTuCI/AAAAAAAAACs/1hMJz-B-jT8/s320/25083197_089_e.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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!</div>
</div>Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01661426692050115317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775416621061107205.post-77505617980867821032012-07-15T14:59:00.004-07:002012-07-15T14:59:59.631-07:00O 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. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
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?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
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!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>Mirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01661426692050115317noreply@blogger.com0