Notes from the Something

Jewelry Kick

I just whipped up these little beauties for my boss/housemate/friend Erika... she loves big dangly earrings, and I've been dying to try this pattern! I can't wear earrings, unfortunately, they make my ears CRAZY! I tried these on for literally 30 seconds (my holes are still going strong, lol) and my ears hurt all night :(

Anyway, they were supposed to be a quick, cheap, easy project, but due to trial and error on the wire and switching from silver to gold I ended up spending about $25 all together. The upside is I know have enough leftover materials to start an earring FACTORY (sigh) but it's cool! I'll just keep looking around for people who love big crazy earrings! The 30 ga Artistic Wire I used was absolutely lovely to knit with!!

Pattern is Bijouterie, from Knitty

I call them "Cherry & Unicorn" after my magic wand ~ they were my Herbology homework this month!! I love the House Cup so much (Ravelry link)!!!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Necklace Tutorial (and a prize!)

I have had a few requests to explain how I make the beaded crochet necklaces, and I have to admit I was reluctant! Because the work-to-impressiveness ratio is MINISCULE, and I don't want to reveal all my secrets ;) But it's time. Just promise me you'll still ooo and ahhh when I post one!

The technique is actually super simple and straightforward. The secret is in the materials! I should note here that I am in no way an expert beader/jewelry maker. This is pretty much the only thing I know how to do! It's that easy. So, materials needed:

1) Metallic thread - I like On the Surface New Metallics - you can buy it in a small 5 yard bobbin, which makes about three 3-strand necklaces, but I get the 100 yd spools here.

2) Teeny crochet hook - I use a 2.75 mm but any very small size works.

3) Glue - I don't love the one in the picture, I prefer the one below with the pinpoint precision tip. It makes it much easier to get it into tiny spaces.

4) Clasp -  2 clamshell doohickeys (the technical term), a hook, and a figure-8 thingy. The hook and eye are unimportant, you can use any sort of clasp, but the clamshells are vital!

5) Beading needle - big eye in the middle

6) Beads (not pictured) - you can use pretty much anything within a size range. I don't like to go smaller than a 6/0 seed bead (the larger ones), and if you go too big the necklace will be weighted funny, but you can go pretty big. It's imprecise, but they are extremely cheap and quick to make, so you can play around! I generally use about 75 per necklace, for a standard 16-18" length.

I like to use a mix of stand-out beads, filler beads, Swarovski crystals, and sometimes charms!

7) Crimping pliers - I got the Mighty Crimper at Michael's after the Gestapo at the Dublin Airport threw mine away. Sigh. 

The glue I prefer - just bought a new tube!

Close-up of the clasp bits

Step 1: Thread the beads (approx. 24) onto the metallic thread in the order you want them. DO NOT CUT THE THREAD!

Step 2: Make a slipknot in the thread and put the crochet hook through. Begin chain stitch - video here, but it's SO easy to do!! You just pull the thread through the loop to make a new loop. Chain 12-15 to get started, then bring up your first bead. Snug it up right next to the hook and chain another stitch, securing the bead in place. (Like most knitting/crochet things, this might sound confusing, but will become abundantly clear when you DO it).

Step 3: Chain 4-6 stitches, then bring up another bead (I usually do larger spaces between larger beads, smaller between smaller). Continue in this way until the last bead, then chain 12-15 (however many you started with). Before cutting the thread, try the chain around your neck and see how it looks/feels. If it is your second or third chain, compare it to the other one(s) and make sure they are similar in length. When the length is satisfactory, cut the thread leaving a 3 inch tail, and thread the end through the last stitch to secure.

Step 4: Make 3 chains in the same manner. I like to do one bead difference on each, eg 24, 25, 26, so they are slightly different lengths, but if you are doing different sized beads, use your judgment. They should be close in length but not exact, so they will lie together nicely. Try holding them up to your neck all together and making sure they look right.

Step 5: The clamshell doohickey - Thread the three ends through the hole in one of the clamshells. I just use the beading needle and do them all at once, but you don't have to. It can help to trim the ends so they're all neat and the same length. Pull the ends through so the clamshell is snug against the ends of your chains. Holding the three together, tie a knot as close to the clamshell as possible. I use the crochet hook to tie around and get the knot really low. Knot it again over the same one. This takes a little practice but is pretty easy to get the hang of! Pull very tight, and cut your ends close to the knot.

Step 6: Put a bit of glue into the clamshell (this is where the precision tip comes in handy!) and use the crimper to close it up tight. I usually give it a good firm squeeze and hold it a few seconds to help set the glue. Tip: It helps if you close the clamshell a bit before doing the glue - sometimes they are wide open and you make a gluey mess trying to get it closed! If any glue oozes out or gets on your tool, not to worry! It comes right off when it's dry. Repeat with the other end of the chains.

(Forgive the extremely bad photo! It's hard to photograph yourself squeezing pliers.)

Step 7: Put your claspy bits on the hooks at the end of the clamshell and use the crimper to bend the hook closed. Make sure it's secure!

Voila! You're done! Start to finish it takes me about 30 minutes to make one of these bad boys. If you'd like, you can block it when you're done by hanging it over a doorknob (dry! No need to get it wet) for a few hours or overnight.

Notes:

~ 16-18" is a nice length for someone with an average sized neck. The necklaces look best as a loose choker, IMO. Too long and they don't lie right because of how lightweight the thread is.

~If you want to add a charm in the center, put the charm in the middle of the first chain, and then thread it in the middle of the second and third chains as well, with the previous chains attached so all three are crocheted onto the center charm - make sure your lengths work on both ends!

~If you're using some larger or more dramatic beads, make sure to space them out on the three chains so they appear staggered - you don't want them stacked on top of each other in the finished piece! Unless you do.

~It is MUCH easier to take beads off than to add them on, so if you're unsure of the length, add a few extra onto the thread at the beginning. It's very easy to try on as you go! 

~See some of the ones I've made here in my Flickr album

~Feel free to play with more or less strands! I just like 3 cause it's the magic number. 

And to celebrate the fact that I finally did this tutorial, I am doing a GIVEAWAY!! Win a necklace in your choice of colors!

 Leave a comment in this post and I will choose a winner at random next Saturday, August 1st! 

Hope you enjoyed the explanation, and feel free to ask me any questions you might have!! 

Just a quickie share!

I finished this adorable little set for Melanie last week -- just in time for the birth of Declan Knight M.!!

The fabric really seemed to match the yarn in the skein, but I don't know how well it goes with the longies. Oh well, they're both cute separately anyway!

Pattern is Perfection Pants, Yarn is Carys BFL in Aiden from Three Irish Girls (can you believe it's the first time I've used BFL?? scratchier than I expected) - Channel Island Cast On, first time trying it -- I like the stretchiness and the cool edge it creates! T shirt is Organic cotton from Dharma Trading - so soft!

I'm hoping Mel is too busy babymooning to read blogs... and that she gets it soon!

Speaking of Babymooning, I might be diving headfirst into my new doula career sooner than I thought! I have no idea how to do marketing, and networking sounds scary but I think it just means chatting to people, which of course I am awesome at LOL! Plus, I'm from NJ, the national capital of "I know a guy" so I think I've been networking my whole life. 

If you have any suggestions on networking, marketing, or referrals, feel free to pass them along!!

But mostly, think good thoughts for me!! I can't wait to get started!

Showered!

Here's the thing: I want to post craft stuff all.the.time. But I don't want this to be a CRAFT BLOG, so I don't. I tell myself I can post knitting after I do 2 non-knitting posts, but then I can never think of anything really cohesive enough to write a long post about it. Or, I am straight-up lazy. But then time passes and I post NOTHING, so I guess crafty posts are better than none at all!

I have been meaning to post everything I made for Jenny for her baby shower, which was a blast! Of course I have a million things still in the works for her, as well, but this was what got done in time for the par-tay. 

First up, we have the booties you've already seen:

made from Patons Grace I bought in 2006 to make a sweater for Baby Girl that I totally f'ed up and frogged during my April "Fix it, Finish it, or FROG IT!" challenge. I used some more of it to make the Ballerina Wrap:

(The color is way off in this pic, but I love the composition. Redolent of - though nowhere near as good as - BrooklynTweed.)

Which all matched PERFECTLY with the gorgeous fabric I got for this Bubble Dress!

I just love everything about this little set!! I made a 12 mos size so it will hopefully fit her next summer! If she's a teeny thing, which is very possible, she might have to wear it in the fall but oh well! She will be precious no matter what.

I also made these burp cloths/diapers -- I bought some used prefolds and Oxi-Cleaned them, then sewed on fabric strips -- the fabric is all from Farmer's Market by Sandi Henderson, my current FAVE fabric line!! 

I'm not going to tell you how much time I spent admiring, arranging, and playing with these. Hint: waaaaayyyy too much.

And one more thing, a new craft to add to my rapidly growing repertoire..... Embroidery! I got this adorable Nick & Nora fabric in the city for $2... yes that's TWO DOLLARS a yard!! I am going to cut out some for applique and make an apron with some... 2 yds of a 54" (?) fabric is A LOT of fabric!! The applique is fused then machine stitched, and the letters are hand-embroidered. Totally worth it, I am so charmed by how this came out!!

You can't tell but the embroidery thread is a PERFECT match for the red and pink of the pie filling. I have a long way to go before I reach SweetMamaSmallSugar's level, but it's always nice to have a goal.

One last thing... more mini cupcakes! They took AGES to make, but it was totally worth it. I LOVE how they came out!!

 

Have a great week!

Crafting like it's my JOB.

Because until recently, it was about all I had to keep me busy! I keep saying I am going to post craft projects when I finish up just the last few things... and then new things start, and it's a never-ending cycle. So I am just going to stop right here and post some crafty updates!

~I got my first order of fabrics from the co-op -- yum!! A lot of Farmer's Market by Sandi Henderson... she's great! My style, but different enough to be sophisticated. I see many more purchases from her line in the future! And they're all coordinated so it's a breeze to pick ones that go together! I can't wait to get some of her patterns and start playing! I ordered Gracie and Claire. I am so glad Jenny's having a girl!

~I made a "tags" blankie for the Meatball... I never understood them until I saw him in his crib one night, sucking on the tag of his stuffed animal. He also loves to suck on straps and strings and ribbons. Now, don't tell anyone you saw this, or the Taggie Police will come get me... but it's just for personal use so I might be safe ;). I was going to buy this cute, semi-generic light blue with jungle animals, and then I saw these ADORABLE MONKEYS!! And the green for the flip side and ribbons to match! Look at me, color-coordinating all by myself! The yellow ribbon is grosgrain for some texture variation.

~I offered some necklaces in Hogwarts colors as a prize for the House Cup, and I just finally got my act together to make them. I did a Slytherin, but I have no pics of that one :(, and a Ravenclaw (woot!). I am not usually a blue-n-bronze gal but I really like this! There has been some interest in a tutorial so I will be posting that soon. 

~And of course, the knitting!! Get ready for a collective "awwww!"... are these the sweetest? I swear, blocking is magic. These things were floppy blobs when I finshed knitting them, but a little water and some paper towels stuffed inside and they're good to go! 

Saartje's Booties the Bockstark way, Patons Grace (pink) and Rowan Handknit Cotton (green). The same yarn is going into a Ballerina Wrap sweater to match!

(Side note: I was just assigning categories to this post and in between "She's crafty" and "Sticks & String" is "Sports". Which is humorous enough, but it reminded me of the Yarn Harlot's idea that knitting is neither an art nor a craft... it's a sport, which tempted me to classify it as such.)

Let's see, what else... have I shown you the project bags?? Love 'em! 

~I made 3 in various sizes and I already need more! I am SO over ziplocs LOL!

Enough! Next time, much more knitting -- April was my "Finish Up UFO's" month and I got SO. much. done!! 

I've been unfaithful.

As you know, Knitting is my true love (in the craftiverse only - hi Dan!! <3). After a whirlwind courtship that involved lots of staying up late into the night, giggling and cuddling, and taking a few trips together, we got married almost exactly 4 years ago, in 2005. 

And it has been a blissful, harmonious relationship. Sure, early on there were a few blow-ups, but what couple doesn't hit bumps in the road? It only makes you stronger. Our children get more beautiful and our love grows deeper. 

But now.... now I am tempted. An old flame has returned, someone I thought I left in the past. 

It started out innocently enough... Tay asked me to teach her how to sew. I thought, sure, I can do that. I haven't sewn in years, but I'm sure it's just like riding a bike. We went fabric shopping... pleasant memories returned but I was still strong. I would not be seduced by prints and colors, I have a fantastic yarn stash at home!

In retrospect, the signs have been there for a while. I bought 2 yards of fabric in Hawaii, just for kicks. I've been a little frustrated by the limitations of knitting. I knit the top for Summerlin, though I held onto the fabric for 9 months before doing anything with it. I've been wanting some cute fabric project bags like these (I bought one and I love it, but I have a LOT of wip's at any given time and $15 a pop isn't going to fly). 

So, like I've heard these things always do, one thing led to another, and I was SEWING. I was sneaking around, spending time browsing fabrics... I joined a fabric co-op, ostensibly for Tay but who was I kidding? I finished Summerlin and made 3 project bags, all the time telling myself it was only temporary. I felt dirty. My knitting languished - just a bit, but I recognize the signs of a Craft Conversion. 

(I also discovered how my Brain is cleverly tricking me, but I don't know how to plot against it without it finding out. Tricky stuff, battling your own brain. More on this later.)

I was dejected. I was despondent! Wherefore art thou, Love for Knitting?

Then, it came to me in a flash, like lightning.

I'm not an ADULTERESS, I am a POLYGAMIST!! I can love knitting AND sewing! And they can love each other! And we can all be one big happy family like the Henricksons. 

Here's why:

~Sewing is quick, but knitting is portable -- you can get a sewing project banged out in a few hours, but they are hours spent tied to your sewing machine and cutting table. Knitting takes longer to get to the destination, but the journey is so much more scenic. This way, I can be both process AND product-oriented.

~It's time to face facts: You cannot knit EVERYTHING. (there are some who beg to differ, but we're not going there.) (Apparently tonight I am channeling Julie) There are some gaps that sewing snuggles right into - Miles of stockinette skirt on Crumpets holding you back? Just knit the top and add fabric! Need an instant gift idea? Sew up a Magic Bag! (photos forthcoming after it's revealed to its new owner)

And, vice versa, some niches that only knitting will fill - that cute sleeveless dress needs a shrug? Someone wants a nice winter hat? Really, I just need to say one word: SOCKS. Knit it up, baby! And then there are the times they work in tandem - cute cloth diaper with matching longies, for example! 

~Hobbies ebb and flow with the seasons  -- Sure, I knit in the summer. I've even knit at the beach! But there are only so many things you can get motivated to wrap your hands in when it's 100 degrees out. And only so many wearables you can knit for the summer baby! Sewing has the opposite problem. Put 'em together and you have YEAR-ROUND enjoyment!! 

~Cost-Benefit Analysis - Cost of materials is directly proportional to time spent enjoying the activity. Though no peer-reviewed studies exist, I would venture a guess that the hourly cost of knitting as compared to sewing is equivalent (factoring in the time spent in misery unclogging bobbins, rewinding balls, weaving in ends, and pressing seams). 

So, in a beautiful ceremony last week, Knitting and I married Sewing as our second wife. (Photography, yoga, and scrapbooking are just close friends of ours - our "posse", if you will)

I predict a long and happy life together! (Until I lose interest and move on to something else.) 

My Crafty Weekend

I was visiting my *second family*, the L's. I used to babysit for them when Baby Girl was little - she's 7 now! And JB and Tay were 10 and 11. So it's been a long time. Now, I live with them on occasion and watch their dogs when they go away (like right now). Perfect example of a bad thing turning out awesome, btw -- I started babysitting for them because I got fired from Olive Garden -- yeah, go ahead and laugh -- for the record, it was because I missed TWO FREAKING WINE MEETINGS, not a reflection of my (admittedly sub-par) waitressing skillz.

Anyway, whenever they want to do something crafty, they call me, and whenever I want to do something fun for kids, I call them. This weekend, we had it all. First, I wanted to do mini cupcakes, as seen on The Pioneer Woman guest starring Bakerella! I know, my taste in blogs is so fresh and unusual, right? 41 pages of comments can't be wrong!

I had my doubts about a big ol' bowl of cake and a whole can of frosting, covered in MORE CHOCOLATE. I am not a huge sweets eater - 2 cookies is about enough for me. (lest you be blinded by the glare of my halo, I need to tell you I can eat an entire pound of bacon/large order of cheese fries/ bag of sour cream and onion potato chips in one sitting). But these things???? Oh. My. French. Toast! They were delicious. Not as pretty as the ones made by professionals, of course, but we liked them.

Oh, and for the record - you CAN dye white candy melts with regular food coloring as long as you use a teeny tiny bit and stir very well! 

The pre-baked cakes - doesn't matter what size or shape they are!

Baby Girl mashing the cake and frosting for the *cake balls*

Her front teeth fell out just from the sugar fumes of this recipe.

Dipped and decorated -- we also got creative with some pretzels! And Oreos.

My favorite - sweet and simple.

I must have eaten 10 of these in a 24 hour period, that's how good they were. (By my sweets standards, that's the equivalent of about 14 boxes of Girl Scout cookies).

She also wanted me to re-teach her how to knit. Now, I don't understand why anyone, upon learning to knit, would EVER want to do anything else with their time (except read books, which she does do), but this girl picks it up and puts it back down on a regular basis. This weekend, she was so into it she snuck into my room to wake me up just to knit more! Unfortunately, it hasn't stuck, so in 6 months I'll probably be teaching her again.

She's working on a scarf out of Malabrigo in Natural... at this rate she should be done sometime after the polar ice caps melt and no one needs scarves anymore. 

Stay tuned for Part 2, in which I re-learn how to sew.