Sunday, August 18, 2013

New Items at LynMorr Doll Fashions

Good Morning, Needless to say I have been absent for a couple of days. I have been busy photographing finished work and trying to get other projects finished in order to open the second shop. I thought I would share with you the latest at LynMorr Doll Fashions. There will be more to come. I would so appreciate your stopping by the store!


 


Friday, August 16, 2013

Sometimes we have to say to ourselves, is that me?

Sometimes we have to say to ourselves, is that me?:  Maybe. This is a post because I did a search re: original thought. Funny what happens when you do a search on the Internet. Please click then share your thoughts. Thank you for dropping in.



Fabulous Finds for Friday

In order to keep to creative juices flowing I do a bit of searching on the web, looking for new ideas, new tutorials, new patterns, etc. I spend time on PinterestTwitter and just general looking around.

I thought I would share a few of  my fabulous finds. Not all of them relate to what I do but thought you might like to see them. I don't have to aspire to complete the project to appreciate it. I found 8 this week. Here they are in no particular order of preference.

1.  Girlie Ghost Cute little tutorial on how to make this sweet ghost using scrapbook paper. Clever.


http://7layerstudio.typepad.com


2. 3 Seam Caftan Tutorial Sew easy to make and sew fun to wear.


http://www.simplesimonandco.com
3. My Colors Quiet Book What a great way to use up those scraps of fabric in your stash! I can't bear to throw them away either.
http://www.bloglovin.com
4. The Button Stop A wonderful little shop on etsy who specializes in handmade buttons. I am always looking for that special button that just finishes the project. They have awesome buttons, handpainted on recycled wood.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ButtonStop
5. Slouchy Scallop Lace Hat Lovely hat. I  may try this one. Free pattern with a free membership at Ravelry.
www.ravelry.com
6. Lace Doily Lamp Now you could use Grandma's doilies, buy some ready made or be really adventurous and make your own so the lamp reflects you! I don't crochet but this project makes me wish I did. How-to instructions are included.
dosfamily.com
I hope you enjoyed these Fabulous finds! If you click on the title of each, the link will take you to the website and instructions. If you have fabulous finds, please share them! Enjoy your weekend!

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Today is for Photography

Good Morning,

I have about 16 projects finished and so today will be devoted to photography, one of the most important part of your craft. In fact, I am going to re-photograph some of my other things. Have not been happy with how they look on line.  In the last couple of weeks I have learned so much by just browsing the net looking at how others have handled their craft. Also been reading.

If I don't have good luck today, I may try to make a lightbox. I found this great tutorial about doing just that at handmadeology.com. It is simply taking a box and lining it with white paper. I saw another that had you cut circular holes in 2 sides and the top, covering those with tissue paper and directing 3 light sources through those holes. When I can get the lamps, I will be in business.

So I am off to take pix. Have a good day!

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

New Yarns in the Hot Fall Colors

Good Morning,

Fashionising.com tells us that "greens feature heavily in the color for FALL 2013, from deep lichen green, a mossy, nature-inspired hue-to the more yellow-based Linden green. Not to mention Pantone's 'color of year": Emerald Green. Pantone also predicts Acai purple, Mykonos blue, Samba red and Vivacious pink."


www.fashionising.com
When we knit, crochet and sew our new projects, we want them to be stylish and new.  Vogue Knitting in particular has captured what will be just the thing for Fall. Short and sweet cropped tops in cream, pink shades and delicate lace, ethereal and fanciful neckwear in the top color, emerald green,and bold animal motifs headline. 

Trendsetter Yarns is offering cashmere, angora, mink and baby camel. Sounds expensive but what a projects they would make. The mink even comes in colors.Check out your favorite yarn company to see what's new. CaronLion Brand, or my particular favorite, Bernat all are showing great things for Fall.

I personally love the new colors, can't wait to get started.

And Pantone's Top Colors for Fall 2013 Are...: Dressed: glamour.com

And Pantone's Top Colors for Fall 2013 Are...: Dressed: glamour.com

Knitting Information, Tips, and How-Tos

Knitting Information, Tips, and How-Tos  Excellent website

Monday, August 12, 2013

My Fundraising Page, not mine, my daughter's

My Fundraising Page even a $1 is sew appreciated. Her first marathon . . goal B4 she is 40 which is 30 days after the event. Bless her heart she has been training like it's her job. 

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Crafty Humor for Sunday

http://mrsbobbins.blogspot.com/


My Favorite Designer, Laurel Burch

I have long been an admirer of Laurel Burch. If you are unfamiliar with her work, please check out her website. Her story is amazing! Be sure to watch the video. She is no longer with us, having died of a bone disease, osteopetrosis, at the age of 61. But her work will go on. Not only is her work beautiful but her philosophy of her craft is inspiring.

You will find her designs on just about anything from coffee cups to handbags. I am especially fond of her line of wonderful fabric with themes like the jungle, the ocean, of course, her Fantastic Felines. 




Right now I am working on a set of towels and pillowcases, using a special set of Christmas embroideries by Laurel Burch. 

The most recognizable theme is her Felines, but she also uses Mythical Horses, Blossoms, Butterflies Dogs and People.

These are just 2 pieces of my well-worn and well loved pieces.



Saving My Favorite Sweater

Happy Sunday! Trust you are having a great weekend! 

Knowing how to sew can sometimes be a lifesaver, or in this case, a sweater saver. Last Christmas season I bought some of those wooden ornaments for my granddaughter, Sydney, and I to paint. On the appointed day I don't know what I was thinking~NOT, and put on one of my favorite sweaters. Naturally I got paint on the front of the sweater. Again, what was I thinking? I took acrylic paints with me for the project. I guess I forgot how messy 5 year olds can be. I don't know. Anyway, the sweater was ruined BUT I didn't throw it away. Couldn't bear to. A few months later, an idea popped into my head that maybe I could save the sweater by machine embroidering over the spots of paint. I had never embroidered on sweater knit before but what did I have to lose? 

I used a cut-away stabilizer on the back and a water soluble stabilizer on the front so the pattern wouldn't sink into the knit. I found the largest embroidery I could fit into my hoop and took a chance. Result? My sweater is back in the closet!


Would love to hear about your "Saves".

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Crafty Humor for Sat.


www.pickledish.com

Don't have the yarn your pattern needs?

When starting a knitting project, I decide what is to be the next project and start browsing through my books, notebooks, etc. I keep a 3-ring binder of patterns I have downloaded or written. I also keep a notebook of patterns that I have changed in some way. The most common change is the needle size and the yarn I use. When I change those things, changes are usually necessary in the pattern as well. It seems I want to knit a pattern that calls for yarn I never seem to have, and goodness knows, I certainly don't need to buy more yarn. I have bookmarked this chart from The Fiber Gypsy compiled by Esther Bozak. It gives you yarn requirements. Do a sample, check your gauge and you should be able to adapt most patterns if you don't vary by too many levels; i.e. a fine yarn project won't look right in a bulky yarn but it probably will do just fine in a sport weight if you make the proper adjustments.

Yarn Type
Typical Gauge
Wraps/Inch
Yards/Pound*
Recommended
Needle Size
Ultrafine
(Lace or Baby Weight)
8+/inch
32+/10cm
18
or more
2600
00 - 2
2 - 3mm
Fine
(Fingering Weight)
6-8/inch
24-32/10cm
16
1900-2400
2 - 4
3 - 3.75mm
Medium
(Sport Weight)
5-6/inch
20-24/10cm
14
1200-1800
4 - 6
3.75 - 4.5 mm
Heavy
(Worsted Weight)
4-5/inch
16-20/10cm
12
900-1200
7 - 9
5 - 6mm
Bulky
3-4/inch
12-16/10cm
10
600-800
10 - 10 1/2
6.5 - 7.5mm
Very Bulky
2-3/inch
8-12/10cm
8 or
fewer
400-500
13 - 15
9 - 10mm

To Embellish or Not?

Really a no brainer question. I wrote earlier a bit about trim and the difference it can make in a sewing project. After looking at my projects closely, I took these before and after pictures: 



I think the eyelet trim took a nice project and made it special. I spent all day yesterday examining what I think of now as my unfinished projects, then comparing those with material, ribbon, beads and trim I have on hand. It doesn't take much to make a difference. I am excited to get started!

Knitting with Beads

Good Morning, One of the things I have always wanted to try was knitting with beads. Until recently I didn't know there were 2 ways of doing it~~stringing the beads ahead of time and using a crochet hook, one bead at a time. If you would like to learn how to do this check out these two videos from YouTube


I am definitely going to try it. I have soo many beads on hand. Definitely add sparkle to your knitting projects. Enjoy!