tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13197593666602541852024-02-07T18:58:31.677-05:00The Kat's RevengeA mostly crafting blog with outbursts of observation on life, politics and cats.katsrevengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184424251040293799noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319759366660254185.post-11376359149476782522014-06-23T03:12:00.000-04:002014-06-23T03:12:06.148-04:00Thinking about a Bike Tour<iframe frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m25!1m12!1m3!1d23942.027713312375!2d-75.67435698132218!3d41.4011600921723!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m10!1i0!3e1!4m3!3m2!1d41.2420998!2d-75.89518919999999!4m3!3m2!1d41.4142657!2d-75.6666011!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1403507334561" style="border: 0;" width="600"></iframe><br />katsrevengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184424251040293799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319759366660254185.post-29123708771780224942013-04-25T18:37:00.001-04:002013-04-25T19:33:31.697-04:00Restoring a Leather Purse, Part One. I have a rather odd hobby. I like to find random old purses in thrift stores and restore them. I blame Coach bags. I love love love the old leather Coaches.. so I will scour the stores hunting them. Over the years I've found, rehabbed and released/kept over thirty older leather purses. Most were Coach. Some had no names but were just awesome. I've kept my eye out for rarer bags.. Maybe one day I'll luck onto a Hermes or a Channel. You never know what you might find. <br />
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<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWVUb4K_evyhZa34dfuxy_G1YUzDFUmR5gYZXyQrJHPEXMGppbJZ534ViciuBTlyuoBk6_hs0RKFLkuCatiEeZ74bunGwQxX4iaXfb6jTUYVvvne21t1bWb1urrtc3_aF-c1IdzTOTJVk/s1600/DSCN2036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWVUb4K_evyhZa34dfuxy_G1YUzDFUmR5gYZXyQrJHPEXMGppbJZ534ViciuBTlyuoBk6_hs0RKFLkuCatiEeZ74bunGwQxX4iaXfb6jTUYVvvne21t1bWb1urrtc3_aF-c1IdzTOTJVk/s400/DSCN2036.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the cleaned purse. At this point the leather is very dry, I will need to fix that. That bit of silk is what I will line it with.</td></tr>
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Yesterday I found my first real Dooney and Bourke. It was a mess. I actually passed it up at first, it was so dirty. The leather was almost all stained, the brass was dull and there was something hard and gunky on the keyhole latch and there was black grime all over the D rings and the strap was mildly sticky. But it was 75% off the tag price and that worked out to under 80 cents. <br />
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I won't mention the inside mankiness or the ink stains. Or the weird smell.<br />
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Actually, I will mention the smell. It was a mix of layered old body odor and too much perfume. And old food. It smelled like the last owner never bathed but instead preferred to cover herself in spray on stank. And she apparently ate with her bag in her lap. I didn't notice it till I got home (as it was covered by thrift store general smell)... but then I kept smelling another human. A dirty one. Yeah gods. I'd planned to clean it this weekend but some things couldn't WAIT. It was just that bad of a stench. YUCK.<br />
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<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9hLi7iUZtEmrywOe1sSzSqg3pKeyd_RrSKyvupiR5fFYk-xJ48vD8RfxjlZMvEJX0TsODataF510BmwYaVQ8rw-_1BBqAB7fqIpbF1Gz_0aTxT0IGVLQG0TDgQ_uTq-8_nLzCYweNbpb/s1600/DSCN2039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9hLi7iUZtEmrywOe1sSzSqg3pKeyd_RrSKyvupiR5fFYk-xJ48vD8RfxjlZMvEJX0TsODataF510BmwYaVQ8rw-_1BBqAB7fqIpbF1Gz_0aTxT0IGVLQG0TDgQ_uTq-8_nLzCYweNbpb/s320/DSCN2039.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tools of the Trade.</td></tr>
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I will take this time to note that while I have used these techniques to clean leather bags with little/no ill effects you can <b>IF YOU ARE NOT CAREFUL</b> really screw up the leather with my methods. <span class="st">Acetone</span> will remove <b>all the dye</b>. So will bleach. Brasso can discolor leather. You'll want to work in a well ventilated room and don't fucking smoke. Call it a disclaimer and a warning. Try it on a hidden spot or a scrap first.<span id="goog_194905793"></span><span id="goog_194905794"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>The things I use</u></span></h4>
<u><b>Brushes:</b></u><br />
I use a nail brush to scrub all the nooks and crannies and to really get into the leather grain. The paint brush end is for poking into those bits the nail brush won't go. The thread ripper and snips are to remove loose threads and the sharp chisel is to help pull up suede nap that's been grimed flat. It's also good for scraping gunk off smooth leather if you are careful. The boar bristle hair brush is to brush out the suede after it is clean and completely dry.<br />
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<u><b>Cleaners:</b></u><br />
<b>Dish soap</b>. Nothing removes oils and grease better. I used it first on this bag.<br />
<b>Bleach and acetone</b>. These.. be careful with. I used the acetone to remove most of the ink stains on the inside flap and outside body of the purse. The bleach faded out all the stains very nicely.<br />
<b>Saddle Soap.</b> If the leather isn't that dirty then this is all you need. Safe, gentle and moisturizing. Follow directions on the container.<br />
<b>Brasso</b>. This is for the metal bits of the bag. If you don't have brass be sure it is safe to use. <br />
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<u><span id="goog_194905808"></span><span id="goog_194905809"></span><b>Other</b></u><br />
<b>White Vinegar</b>. This is great for deodorizing. <br />
<b>Neat's Foot Oil</b>. After you clean you will need to replenish the oils in the leather. Or, if your leather is older you'll be simply replenishing what has been lost.<br />
<b>Mink Oil</b>. It waterproofs.<br />
<b>Polishes</b>. These can be colored or clear. They'll go a long way to creating a like-new surface.<br />
<b>Glues, needle and Thread.</b> Sometimes you just need to sew something back on or glue a bit back down. <br />
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Some people also use acrylic paints and leather resurface stuff and dyes. I don't. Mostly because once you do you can't undo it. <br />
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</h3>
<h3>
<u>How I Do It</u></h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> I take it apart. Remove the straps, unsnap any snaps, dust out the pockets and so on. Since I was removing the inner pocket I did that now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">I start with the brass. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PgXB1Uxb1DeB1b5hSopvsUfelXtBgFVOX9THC1GE2xj6B95N1eP0S73u3CjNItZXzKDJGW_k21Z9q34xRRAcOsenUo4D94szla3y-Hv2T-sp2pUZp5Dz_WjCWHefJYMfCupJc2Fqttj-/s1600/buckle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PgXB1Uxb1DeB1b5hSopvsUfelXtBgFVOX9THC1GE2xj6B95N1eP0S73u3CjNItZXzKDJGW_k21Z9q34xRRAcOsenUo4D94szla3y-Hv2T-sp2pUZp5Dz_WjCWHefJYMfCupJc2Fqttj-/s400/buckle.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IDing hardware on the D&B bag. It's all a heavy brass..but for the zipper. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">I carefully dab Brasso on a dry cloth and dab it on the brass only. If it gets on the leather wipe it with a damp rag.If you have black gunk let it set a minute and scrape it off. Wipe and scrub till it's nice and clean. <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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0X944KSjeZn67HU_riEAvO2G2ZzzaeA4XSLFE57ia0OjJRkWnzu93jr4qKpMomzEnLDHfZvPRyZ6R7sAksFFL0M0XxoSBF1XA6Yes7aEvIIuTuB2Gl_SCm_jzUWKxYXkaFkk6XVGwg75r/s1600/DSCN2032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0X944KSjeZn67HU_riEAvO2G2ZzzaeA4XSLFE57ia0OjJRkWnzu93jr4qKpMomzEnLDHfZvPRyZ6R7sAksFFL0M0XxoSBF1XA6Yes7aEvIIuTuB2Gl_SCm_jzUWKxYXkaFkk6XVGwg75r/s320/DSCN2032.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was black and dull yellow. The post was.. unspeakable.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Next, the ink. Use a clean dry cloth tip (fold a triangle) wet with acetone. Dab and rub gently at just the ink. Less is more. Be very careful. If you have a black bag.. I really wouldn't do it.</span><br />
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<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0amIlUbjfNl8b2FsXpJj3Nejrq3JkiqjqV1GPnkLHxkkpj2ry8Jh5NUd7AEoeP0grRkOwNfDX1DPMplrc3UpLMLRC90UeT30NIIwMdr-zWiNLaHL6wfvm61kaD5dzIYNQShwxG312rMf/s1600/DSCN2033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0amIlUbjfNl8b2FsXpJj3Nejrq3JkiqjqV1GPnkLHxkkpj2ry8Jh5NUd7AEoeP0grRkOwNfDX1DPMplrc3UpLMLRC90UeT30NIIwMdr-zWiNLaHL6wfvm61kaD5dzIYNQShwxG312rMf/s320/DSCN2033.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is after cleaning. My finger is where the worst of the inner ink was. Note the clean area covered by the pocket.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"> Now the dish soap. I used the nail brush and a wash cloth to scrub all the things. I was very careful to get into the stitches. I scrubbed inside and out.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SsRxmJHGh0Hp_TLmmKuvREtL4YWLpPFmuOUdzRFNXCOozio7L2Er4fF2PnqyKYMuq_z9mJ7ya_MSr6pJeeKEQoQe-HI3a6CFuVd45GLYupovCCejogZBU9FveBNwDTLMZ4pmbFUly2VR/s1600/DSCN2028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SsRxmJHGh0Hp_TLmmKuvREtL4YWLpPFmuOUdzRFNXCOozio7L2Er4fF2PnqyKYMuq_z9mJ7ya_MSr6pJeeKEQoQe-HI3a6CFuVd45GLYupovCCejogZBU9FveBNwDTLMZ4pmbFUly2VR/s320/DSCN2028.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The now-clean split leather side of the flap. It was brown and grey and ink stained.</td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Since this was a white stained bag I used a very weak bleach and water mix on the inside. And.. yeah.. the outside too. To do this I dropped maybe a 1/4 teaspoon of bleach into 1 1/2 cup water. I wiped it into the split leather side and used the nail brush to scrub there. And then I used a wrung dry washcloth to soak it out so it wasn't sitting in the leather too long. For the outside I wiped it with the bleach mix and let it set for 30 seconds. Then I wiped it off. And then I let it dry. I did repeat the bleach scrub. This baby was stained!</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">And now I used saddle soap. I did this mostly to remove any traces of crap I used to clean it earlier. </span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Lastly I soaked yet another clean cloth in white vinegar and mashed it all over the leather. I was extra careful with those straps. Nasty nasty straps. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06aCgvleLhVzO3UUM0-qZh1DdqMSx-GCdW2xwXN63UNwxFrWp2LvaD_65nuYBdj7QHMLKPQTpgz3ZVnvlo25Q99o_yKNKhDNxXRI62xVFAbE_4SJYshzRS8XvZinCkAjyT2EPqjScoeGK/s1600/DSCN2029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06aCgvleLhVzO3UUM0-qZh1DdqMSx-GCdW2xwXN63UNwxFrWp2LvaD_65nuYBdj7QHMLKPQTpgz3ZVnvlo25Q99o_yKNKhDNxXRI62xVFAbE_4SJYshzRS8XvZinCkAjyT2EPqjScoeGK/s320/DSCN2029.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final result. It's bone dry from the cleaning but looks pretty good!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"></span>It dried overnight. Today it smells of clean leather. No more nasty stank. Stains are minimal. I think it's a bone and English tan color combo. I'll need to locate a replacement duck fob.<br />
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This morning I glued the loose bits down with glue. This eve I'll oil the heck out of it with neats foot oil. And then line it.<br />
Part two shall be all about that. <br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"></span><br />
<h3>
</h3>
katsrevengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184424251040293799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319759366660254185.post-73459498863545267712013-03-01T18:28:00.002-05:002013-03-01T18:28:54.270-05:00HOW-TO: Line a Skirt with FlannelThis is for those of us who suffer from the cold who wear skirts or kilts or what have you. And that would be many people above or below the equator. <br />
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<i>And for those of you wondering just why I'm post-spamming now after being quiet so very long? I've had all sorts of ideas and have even made a few. I even took pictures for this blog. Sitting and typing in the cold room though? Not really a fan of it. The fleece skirt from last post is making it bearable. </i><br />
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This is yet another way to warm up a nether region. Sure, I could just wear tights.. but that just gets old. And many of them don't breath or fit weirdly.<br />
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<u>How to line a skirt with flannel.</u><br />
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I started with a wool/acrylic blend from the thrift store. It was a very wide handmade circle skirt...and the fabric really did not suit the style or cut of the pattern they chose. I picked it because I wanted to have a loose house wear item and I thought I could save it. Meh. Pitfall of the dollar day sale. It happens.<br />
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You will also need flannel. I'm using a flannel top-sheet. <br />
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You may also want to use elastic and or a zipper, depending on your body shape and preferred waist band. As I have curvy hips I tend to use a short zipper at the side and two sections of elastic in the back, one over each bum-bump. This way there are no gaps and the fabric lays better.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEryfUZc4QM-0o0I7oJSodX8Qz2IcivrAMLEbwV0IIaL_KF3BRIY-F15GTLWrGLcSJUztsTSsZE0gJLKQeZrisYiHwUOKAAO1CGIbysxTCFb9s07huFECZokpp0WqbrJmk85o9NRzJj_p/s1600/DSCN1862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEryfUZc4QM-0o0I7oJSodX8Qz2IcivrAMLEbwV0IIaL_KF3BRIY-F15GTLWrGLcSJUztsTSsZE0gJLKQeZrisYiHwUOKAAO1CGIbysxTCFb9s07huFECZokpp0WqbrJmk85o9NRzJj_p/s320/DSCN1862.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Machiavelli here will be our overseer. </td></tr>
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Fold your sheet so that you've four layers at one corner. When you cut it, you should be able to come away with two half skirts that you simply sew up.<br />
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First I cut off the original waistband. It was elastic. I folded the skirt into fourths as it was a four panel skirt. I then laid it over the folded end edge of my flannel top-sheet.<br />
I then cut away at the long edge. Being all exact and everything, I folded up the bottom half of the skirt 4 or so inches and trimmed away the flannel. The liner should be shorter then the skirt.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwx5ttI0U2umCHps5mNb9IwFp9S16nx_-a4y5A8dFQmZ_Veap9gMca4yrKGHisGYI3Knny8GUSOUV_JnhbgoZd8ttdFfG4xs9hLe2cE62fQxCUK2U9Ii3iukUskUnCfLqvGkhasfXYjpdr/s1600/DSCN1863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwx5ttI0U2umCHps5mNb9IwFp9S16nx_-a4y5A8dFQmZ_Veap9gMca4yrKGHisGYI3Knny8GUSOUV_JnhbgoZd8ttdFfG4xs9hLe2cE62fQxCUK2U9Ii3iukUskUnCfLqvGkhasfXYjpdr/s320/DSCN1863.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unfold your two flannel half-skirts and pin together. The cat will help. Sew them together. Hem it too. I think I used 1/2 inch hems.</td></tr>
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I hope the picture helps make the end result clear.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRCqsodX7pmbczKOCFY5R8mhX4DbPx9OLP9YFVkNKEb4hJWsCfFX6hK6z8pKtwkAHKNh09LlZHbMNNeXOe0jQRkt1KmNi8XXynnE-FXcDJFyfBjHjR4wFvEDRuvjyc7O2OiQkKNQGzYlM/s1600/DSCN1864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRCqsodX7pmbczKOCFY5R8mhX4DbPx9OLP9YFVkNKEb4hJWsCfFX6hK6z8pKtwkAHKNh09LlZHbMNNeXOe0jQRkt1KmNi8XXynnE-FXcDJFyfBjHjR4wFvEDRuvjyc7O2OiQkKNQGzYlM/s320/DSCN1864.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinning the liner to the skirt. Please note I made an opening for a zipper. I like zippers. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Make sure to do this evenly all around. Also make sure it lays nice and smoothly everywhere. And be sure to put the nice looking side of the liner facing out, rough sewn edge to rough sewn edge!<br />
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You can either neatly fold the flannel over and turn the cut end under to make a waist band or.. if you are adding a zipper.. cut a strip of flannel for a waist band. Mine was maybe two inches wide before attaching. I followed standard waist band construction to attach it neatly. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEShmyJMIZsdg1jUEguu6hwAPx927_Tozc5RBD4mZpxOiL0k9mpIMD5F-1PNN0v34GzvmbPtZ9K4-BFQi4uAZda2kr1acROYrqVieWKOv7IhAUD812ZlM-STt3eQn-63_CcLOFF24oBki/s1600/DSCN1870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEShmyJMIZsdg1jUEguu6hwAPx927_Tozc5RBD4mZpxOiL0k9mpIMD5F-1PNN0v34GzvmbPtZ9K4-BFQi4uAZda2kr1acROYrqVieWKOv7IhAUD812ZlM-STt3eQn-63_CcLOFF24oBki/s320/DSCN1870.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elastic for the back. </td></tr>
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I kind of skipped a few steps. No worry. All I have done here is to attach the waist band with pins.. and made a pocket that shall hang inside the skirt from the waist from a few scraps.(Because pockets. They are awesome.) In this picture I am finding the best location for the elastic for the back. I'll pin it tight and sew it in after I've done the rest of the band.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4PF8larSDtqQ_Tz0U1-RUcbjH0quJLCDGpKBj-sBb72oiV2VFnUhpTlu_FegvIxq7ynytG3Aj-mcQJzj26JyJS0owkpJq4QQMCfuoXgHKTShp2eSzOglsWYcgqJnGlNG5EKG3qi9kDQw/s1600/DSCN1871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4PF8larSDtqQ_Tz0U1-RUcbjH0quJLCDGpKBj-sBb72oiV2VFnUhpTlu_FegvIxq7ynytG3Aj-mcQJzj26JyJS0owkpJq4QQMCfuoXgHKTShp2eSzOglsWYcgqJnGlNG5EKG3qi9kDQw/s320/DSCN1871.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It will look like this on the inside.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczYe2_nd3h8q6OUAIyZdjWtuEXLOwzL9PQIQWRpJJEWuQxXgFIDPecwHEjEi33aRg3YjOAvCHZLQTePfwKTJZ3eAprA5hPWrhf5pndD9m3yFiSepTPl72vWRjvqcC1kNl59plEGHr2OEq/s1600/DSCN1872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczYe2_nd3h8q6OUAIyZdjWtuEXLOwzL9PQIQWRpJJEWuQxXgFIDPecwHEjEi33aRg3YjOAvCHZLQTePfwKTJZ3eAprA5hPWrhf5pndD9m3yFiSepTPl72vWRjvqcC1kNl59plEGHr2OEq/s320/DSCN1872.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And from the outside. </td></tr>
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Almost done. Since I added a waistband and zipper slit.. I have to add something to close up that band.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixggXsFg877thVBodiCBHFLdQGrym2euHn6oBd1uWUNV_IP2jpu0zlwt_mXxZil1C6nZFlq-5PeR8EgkIGhpOKuqaxzM10GJ34j3e3xJyLPVUz67Qi2PARDb8c-a9SukQ7Cqkq-i5yhjiJ/s1600/DSCN1873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixggXsFg877thVBodiCBHFLdQGrym2euHn6oBd1uWUNV_IP2jpu0zlwt_mXxZil1C6nZFlq-5PeR8EgkIGhpOKuqaxzM10GJ34j3e3xJyLPVUz67Qi2PARDb8c-a9SukQ7Cqkq-i5yhjiJ/s320/DSCN1873.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ARRRR! A hook! </td></tr>
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A hook and eye closure. And, I must say that there are no pictures of me actually in this.<br />
This skirt isn't really that flattering... the cut and length are all wrong for my body shape. I have done this with a few more flatteringly shaped skirts.. but no record was made of them. This skirt, while very warm and comfy, will be decommissioned and recut into something awesome. I'm thinking a flannel slip and a short spring woollen cape.<br />
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After it's warmed up that is. Until then I hoard all the warm things no matter the look.<br />
<br />katsrevengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184424251040293799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319759366660254185.post-74666700798935743052013-03-01T17:38:00.001-05:002013-03-01T17:40:22.844-05:00Fleece Slips for Warmth! Whee!!!It was a really cold winter here. As in the cold came and the cold stayed. Hell, it's barely above freezing right now as I type. Cold. Blech. Time for spring. But first let me share just how I did not freeze my buns off.<br />
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Flannel and fleece slips and skirt linings. Really.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPvLPZHDXvWClHwT4QLWU-DZnjYgTMdfcgcYvWPWM1qWOldGP81kXYJN-pnsiNdtfPVEDJT_wKVw5-4VO0B9yFeuL5S23bWx5iWC5-QUuvSZI2Ug30vAoWGEXw4cKzC6M-nv09BX1wjJI/s1600/DSCN1910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPvLPZHDXvWClHwT4QLWU-DZnjYgTMdfcgcYvWPWM1qWOldGP81kXYJN-pnsiNdtfPVEDJT_wKVw5-4VO0B9yFeuL5S23bWx5iWC5-QUuvSZI2Ug30vAoWGEXw4cKzC6M-nv09BX1wjJI/s320/DSCN1910.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a fitted knee length fleece slip with back kick flap.</td></tr>
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You see, I generally wear skirts because I have the damnedest time finding jeans that fit comfortably. I was spoiled by all the lovely loose fitting jeans of my youth.. my bits will have nothing to do with these slim fit things of nowadays. And I'm hippy. In both ways. I smell of nag champa and have junk in the trunk. Skirts just work better for me.<br />
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But many are <b>COLD</b> and <b>DRAFTY</b>. So this was born of a 5 dollar for two fleece blankets deal I had wrapped up in the closet. I used Simplicity 2917, took the skirt and made it a bit on the smaller side and at the petite length. Instead of a zipper I sewed in a U shape opening with elastic to hold it up. I made all darts and trimmed the fabric close. The waist band is just a bit of blanket folded and sewn over the top edge to avoid too much bulk. I used the blankets own hem for the bottom. Under a loose fitting longer skirt or dress you cannot see this at all. And you shall have a warm butt. <br />
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I loved it so much that I even made a regular skirt of the stuff from another fleece blanket that is actually just a skirt for normal wear. Different pattern.. and a front slit.. and long.. but same idea. Nice soft warm fleece for the neather regions. I'm wearing it right now.. I like my butt warm, thank you. <br />
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And next post.. how to line a skirt with flannel! katsrevengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184424251040293799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319759366660254185.post-63123696451168848022012-05-11T22:14:00.001-04:002013-03-01T20:55:59.034-05:00A Successful Silk Skirt Project.I did it. I made a silk skirt.<br />
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It's a bit short.. but I'm still going to wear it.<br />
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A while ago I bought this for a bit of nothing at a thrift store.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So ugly as is..</td></tr>
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A fugly and overly 80s silk dress.<br />
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So I traced a skirt of mine.<br />
Made a sort of pattern.<br />
And....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made one extra to give more ease to the skirt.</td></tr>
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And then there was a lot of very careful stitching.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greek Key FTW.</td></tr>
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Sewing this kind of silk requires you to shorten stitch length and keep a sharp needle in the machine. I also used a smaller point needle. As I didn't want to do something like French seams I did a short stitch for the straight one.. and greek key for the zig zag.<br />
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Why Greek Key? No reason. I just liked the look..<br />
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And this is what I got:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have fat little legs and I do not care!!</td></tr>
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It feels like I'm wearing nothing. <br />
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To make your own you'll need either an over-sized silk dress from the 80s or at least a yard's worth of fabric. De-construct and prewash the matériel. Hang dry. <br />
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Your waist measurements. Your hip measurements. (My skirt fits well on my 55' hips and 43' waist.) Use the measurements below to draft your pattern.. but be sure to add at least 1/4 inch for the sewing seams. I was using silk so I had 1/2 inch seam allowances. <br />
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Half inch wide elastic for the rear waistband. I just put elastic in the back at the sides. <br />
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A zipper (if you have much bigger hips then waist like I do.) <br />
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Either a button or a closure for the waistband. <br />
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Basically you make as many panels as you need to squeak around the waist, plus an extra one.
Sew together, wide ends with wide ends, thin ends with thin ends. (If
you are sticking in a zipper leave a space for it at the side.) You are
making a trumpet skirt after all. Waistband the same length as the top. (or waist plus two..which is what I think I did.)</div>
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Sew on the waist band. Attach elastic. fold over and sew it up, raw edges into the insides of course. Insert zipper. Place button above it. Hem and wear. </div>
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(I would like to thank the peoples at the LSG for all the tips and help they gave me!)katsrevengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184424251040293799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319759366660254185.post-1969823961848063382012-04-20T21:46:00.001-04:002012-04-20T21:46:59.434-04:00This is my cat. He is helpful.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is Zarathustra. He's..... very helpful.<br />
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So I put stuff on him.<br />
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Any questions?katsrevengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184424251040293799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319759366660254185.post-3889081102788463522012-04-20T21:13:00.000-04:002012-04-20T21:13:58.744-04:00What I found and what I did to it.Whilst out thrifting (looking for the fabled fake satin nightgowns they don't make anymore for my gram) I found a treasure trove of silk.<br />
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This was one of the things.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit old fashioned, no?</td></tr>
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It's a large heavy silk scarf. Because of where I am it is most likely someone's old hijab scarf. It's hand rolled, in great new shape...but a bit 'old' for me.<br />
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So I made it purple. Two packs of cherry koolaide and two packs of grape and a slow boil in a glass pot. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmm smells yummy.</td></tr>
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The new color makes it much more acceptable print-wise.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The color suits me.</td></tr>
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Cream with print is old lady. But purple with print is retro and is thus good. I am much pleased. Not bad for two bucks, eh? <br />
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<br />katsrevengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184424251040293799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319759366660254185.post-7045114472264315262012-03-15T02:36:00.000-04:002012-03-15T02:36:55.053-04:00Awesome Recent Thrift Store Finds!I scored these within the last two weeks. This much awesome in such a short time frame needs to be shared.<br />
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First, a brand new with the tags fancy shmancy dress.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/427676_751507770825_58404036_34734345_668111354_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/427676_751507770825_58404036_34734345_668111354_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the faux diamond and silver shoulder clasps. In person it's a deep plum.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It's some sort of stretchy knit with a gauzy over layer. It is a tiny bit loose (I've put it on twice now and only noted the zipper in the back after the last time I took it off.) but not loose enough to fiddle with. Fun story with this one? It was a bit pricey for a thrift store find.. even as a new dress. I hid it for two weeks and came back on a half off day. I look damned sexy in it too. (Modesty, I have it.)<br />
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Next, found the same day as the slinky purple dress.. Gothy lace over dress!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So goffy. It looks like something the lead singer of the Smashing Pumpkins once wore. The color is a dusty grape-purple.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This laces up the back, corset style and is gored to give an almost circular effect. It's also see through. The cashier said that she had one very similar as a wedding dress (only difference was hers was white) and hers was $250 to my $3. I will need some sort of liner unless I intend on showing off my bra set. I intend to cut off the sleeves and either make straps or more Victorian period-ish sleeves. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These will be comfy! Black with pink stitching.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Torrid cotton capris. They gap at the bum.. but all pants do that. Easy fix in this material. They were half off too. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's nice lavender in cotton.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Semi-sheer too-big boxy shirt. It will make a nice summer top after I hack at it.<br />
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<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="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/425328_751507785795_58404036_34734346_1677708576_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/425328_751507785795_58404036_34734346_1677708576_n.jpg" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a Chico.. and heavy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Couldn't get this to focus. It's 100% rough/smooth silk with slubs and all the shinies. LOVE the material. Full sleeves means I will be able to refit. I found it online.. retails for 100 bucks. I paid three. I'm thinking tunic-ish shirt..?<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="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/423203_751507810745_58404036_34734347_1484044016_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/423203_751507810745_58404036_34734347_1484044016_n.jpg" width="201" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So 80s!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And lastly. What I hope will make a nice shorter dress. This is an uber 80s think-I-saw-it-on-the-Golden-Girls silk dress. It's not my size.. but has full floppy sleeves (WITH HUGE SHOULDER PADS!) and so much pleating that there is a lot of fabric here. The print is retro but in person it's pretty and not unlike what you see today.katsrevengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184424251040293799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319759366660254185.post-48418749983430683152012-01-27T22:48:00.000-05:002012-01-27T22:48:56.025-05:00A Silken Sewn Scarf. Also. Cats. Where they do not belong.<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="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/430616_725900637725_58404036_34649324_1614527425_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/430616_725900637725_58404036_34649324_1614527425_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It lies.. looking so simple..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I have managed my first project with silky silk that I actually cared what it really looked it.<br />
<br />
Before most of my projects (with silk) were small or the seams were easy to hide. Or, the kind of silk was rougher AKA simpler to work with.<br />
<br />
Not this gal! After carefully reclaiming the silk from an older and way too large shirt I set to make myself a nice scarf for summer. I wanted to be able to tie it around my head to keep the sun off. And.. the seams would have to show. Since it is a scarf, you see.<br />
<br />
At first I was going to just roll the edges. My machine has a roller foot. But then.. there was no roller foot to be found. I lost my roller foot!??! (I found it halfway through this project. Gah.)<br />
<br />
OK. Internet tells me I can 'wrap' the seams for a nice smooth look with silk. OK. The instructions called for a steaming clothes iron. I don't even have a regular clothes iron!!! I hate irons so I don't have one. It was a running joke with my mother that sometime this would haunt me. <br />
<br />
But I am going to do this. Hell or high water. I'm not a beginning seamstress.. more like a skilled amateur. This is JUST a big square! With little rectangles sewn on! Easy! Super easy! I mean.. I can make actual clothes! <br />
<br />
And 4 hours later I had a scarf. It took me that long to sew up all those seams.. holding them carefully make sure nothing was bunched, everything was flat and the finished piece would look nice.. and seeing as silk migrates even if you pin that shiesse down.. it was even more fun. <i>Fun I say</i>.<br />
<br />
BAH. I have enough silk from other too big shirts for a few more scarves... guess who is getting an iron. Any iron. My mom is probably laughing at me from somewhere.<br />
<br />
And this didn't make sewing any easier either. Cats!<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="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/407729_720324437475_58404036_34632653_641514521_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/407729_720324437475_58404036_34632653_641514521_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Mac kept trying to steal the pile of fabric I was sorting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> At least he was sleepy though.<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="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/417107_725972513685_58404036_34649688_1444245408_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/417107_725972513685_58404036_34649688_1444245408_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And then the other one, Zar just had to supervise up close and personal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Cats. Gotta love them. Or make them into cute furry hats.. one or the other.katsrevengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184424251040293799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319759366660254185.post-73777859754132155262012-01-20T02:06:00.000-05:002012-01-20T02:06:39.163-05:00Sewing Stuff for FunI was digging through clothes the other day. Just sorting out stuff to take out to the good will. And I found a shirt of my late mothers. It was pink and had a lovely flower print on it. And even though pink is very not my color I kept it..because my mum liked it. <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://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/396780_721016390795_58404036_34634780_792265540_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="393" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/396780_721016390795_58404036_34634780_792265540_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sewing Machine! With sewing! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>But I haven't worn it in a year... and I am trying to downsize. But I didn't want to get rid of it! So. I am making it into something else. I am making...a kerchief..a headband.. and maybe scrunchies.<br />
<br />
I'm not too sure about this color by my face..but if I don't like it I can find someone who will.katsrevengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184424251040293799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319759366660254185.post-9270935647056722322012-01-13T22:52:00.000-05:002012-01-13T22:52:46.653-05:00A Friday the 13th Good Luck CharmMy sister has been feeling a mite haunted lately. Her son (and another small boy) have had seriously bad nightmares or perhaps.. are actually sensing something.<br />
<br />
Weather or not you believe it is ghosts, the products of our own psyche, the devil in red tights, a demon from beyond or any other thing is immaterial. Something is bothering them. And so, like any big sister I set out to help a little if I could. <br />
<br />
And, I like runes. So I made her this:<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://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/393553_717410746535_58404036_34621725_202828058_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/393553_717410746535_58404036_34621725_202828058_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Algiz, the Rune of Protection. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Now you may be thinking.. but that is not KNITTING!!!! Well of course it isn't, you cute twit. It is loom woven beadwork. I have this 8 dollar kid's bead loom and my adult butt has been loving the crap out of it. I haven't quite figured out how to attach the beaded lovelies to say.. leather yet.. without it looking a bit weird. But, these are pretty on their own and can make nice pieces on their own merits. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Take for example, this little elephant book mark.<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://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/405896_717410801425_58404036_34621726_1371911382_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/405896_717410801425_58404036_34621726_1371911382_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little guy is based off a freely available cross stitch pattern. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>He's a book mark for my other sister. He was originally going to be a bit longer with her soon to be born kid's name at the end. But.. then she kept changing the kids name... so I finished the piece as is.<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://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/382934_717410876275_58404036_34621727_811301683_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/382934_717410876275_58404036_34621727_811301683_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The loom string is 100% cotton tatting thread or very fine crochet thread. It's not regular sewing thread. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>And, since it is a Friday the 13th my chart themes have to do with protection and good luck. Lucky you, right?<br />
<br />
The great thing about charts is that they are craft blind. For the most part you can use them in the craft of your choice... being it knitting, beadwork, cross stitch, paint by dots...<br />
<br />
I used a knit program to chart these guys. So, you will note the auto-created key makes that clear. I used red on white as traditionally rune work done as charm was done in blood...or at least red ink. The best online source for rune knowledge is probably <a href="http://www.sunnyway.com/runes/index.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>...just don't let him/her know I still keep the blank rune in my bag. ;)<br />
Anyways, here ya go.<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Wq9mmNkfYUtypeLjg7uxwdtn4xGaSajDEuoC-qffHBIOpIMwPItOkWirqQMtWzJtMGyo8BrwA8QGLGJN3sZ1Sy_AiWck_X4PdC8oWde_JwU6MQlxKC4pGoEqKgfa8IogEzXLwmo7nlgC/s1600/algiz.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Wq9mmNkfYUtypeLjg7uxwdtn4xGaSajDEuoC-qffHBIOpIMwPItOkWirqQMtWzJtMGyo8BrwA8QGLGJN3sZ1Sy_AiWck_X4PdC8oWde_JwU6MQlxKC4pGoEqKgfa8IogEzXLwmo7nlgC/s320/algiz.jpeg" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The complete charted Algiz rune. This is exactly what I made for my sister.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINnb2Qgv7YP9ykU2uef9wgnSY17oxZFZVz5H9RRgcm_IiMJV7zpntzB9DSe3dx2lygOpa8_5QXZIKyPdLtPs19OM4xUtm4IsjJH-y9DRlqxrgpwEyR6TXSfb9MYFHA1GulD1-HHUAGCT2/s1600/good+luck+rune.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINnb2Qgv7YP9ykU2uef9wgnSY17oxZFZVz5H9RRgcm_IiMJV7zpntzB9DSe3dx2lygOpa8_5QXZIKyPdLtPs19OM4xUtm4IsjJH-y9DRlqxrgpwEyR6TXSfb9MYFHA1GulD1-HHUAGCT2/s320/good+luck+rune.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A traditional version of a good luck bindrune. It looks to contain Gebo and Fehu. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And lastly. The Grand Daddy of the Good Luck/Drive away the Bad Stuff Bindrune. It charts as sizable.. I think it would make a nice peice to frame for the home in any craft.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-l0iMBW4uqKkljmLP2c43Qc7VwMibsEX6q0Fx_E7I3fxoAmhnyrA05gzYpmAWii27FNrWwjTpSJ7MTc63v-OsORXyte0SSPOrSWiXX9BSszQCE7d9yaRis73yJglzfAxUlHsTws19d2hj/s1600/helm+of+awe.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-l0iMBW4uqKkljmLP2c43Qc7VwMibsEX6q0Fx_E7I3fxoAmhnyrA05gzYpmAWii27FNrWwjTpSJ7MTc63v-OsORXyte0SSPOrSWiXX9BSszQCE7d9yaRis73yJglzfAxUlHsTws19d2hj/s320/helm+of+awe.jpeg" width="285" /></a></div>katsrevengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184424251040293799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319759366660254185.post-36090570435548891772011-12-21T00:46:00.000-05:002011-12-21T00:46:03.744-05:00HOW TO: Sew up some Square Pads! (Part 2)Still with me? Good! Part Two!<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://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/391036_684685737715_58404036_34487113_590198041_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/391036_684685737715_58404036_34487113_590198041_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halloween snow!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I made two other kinds of pads to go with my six square pads. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
First. The light days pads. These are very simply two pieces of fabric cut out from a pattern and then neatly sewn together. You will want to make a pattern.<br />
<br />
Get some paper..and a straight edge.. OK? Measure a rectangle 7 inches long by two inches wide. Find the center of the two inch spot. Do you see how I basically drew lines out from those points to make the flaps? I made sure each flap would be two inches at its widest point from the center piece. Then, I added a 1/4 inch seam allowance. You can add a wider one if you wish.<br />
<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://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/399595_704044248105_58404036_34560980_954753652_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/399595_704044248105_58404036_34560980_954753652_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make two of these for each light pad.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Then you just pin and sew up. Use the same straight stitch and zig zag/serge to secure the edges. Trim. Stitch up and down the pad and add snaps.<br />
<br />
The stuffers... These are inserts for the squares. YES, I hate inserts. But these are OK. They are optional.. and you only have to use them when you need some extra protection.<br />
This is where those socks come in. Mine were cotton. Cotton is probably the best kind of sock to use! Snip socks in half like so:<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://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/402904_704116428455_58404036_34561466_225153581_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/402904_704116428455_58404036_34561466_225153581_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of these had a hole in it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And then wrap said sock toe like this:<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://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/399851_704044322955_58404036_34560981_2075396336_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/399851_704044322955_58404036_34560981_2075396336_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Night, night socky!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And then stitch the thing shut. Be sure to sew the middle closed too. <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://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/388967_704044342915_58404036_34560982_1814820687_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/388967_704044342915_58404036_34560982_1814820687_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was fancy and sewed on the round. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>The big fat Mondo Pad was made in much the same way.. but with the legs of the socks. So, it was FATTER! It also is slower to dry. The rest of this stuff air dries after washing in no time.As for the 'rough' edges. They really don't fray. The combo of zig zag over straight seams gives you a good solid edge. <br />
<br />
As for Mr. Sack. It's just a simple bag. If you wish to embroider a moon on yours do so before you sew it shut. My machine has a fancy setting for this.. but I just adjusted the stitch setting to make the stitches really close.. and went slow. I then flipped the top edge (for a cord) and pinned in my lining. I used a fancy stitch to attach it and close the top for a cord. Then, while it was inside out, I sewed it shut. I wasn't too worried about making the inside too nice. The fabric I use gave me a bag that's roughly 10-11 inches wide by 13 inches long. Everything fits nicely inside.<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://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/404247_704044647305_58404036_34560987_607203974_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/404247_704044647305_58404036_34560987_607203974_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And room left over for a few pairs of granny-panties! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>And that's all folks!katsrevengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184424251040293799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319759366660254185.post-71191790478529673512011-12-21T00:14:00.001-05:002011-12-21T00:46:55.925-05:00HOW TO: Sew up some Square Pads! (Part 1)Several months ago I made me a stack o' pads. Yes, ladies THOSE pads. Gentlemen.. this may not be a post for you.<br />
<br />
I made all different shapes and a few sizes. I followed quite a few tutorials.. but none of them pleased me. Most were too fiddly.. or used non-breathing fabric.. or something.<br />
<br />
I found the circle pads tended to bunch up..but that may have been my thighs. I'm thick. <br />
<br />
The ones shaped like commercial pads took forever to dry.<br />
<br />
"Inserts" SUCK. <br />
<br />
My favorite ones to wear ended up being folded squares and for light days.. a sort of winged rectangle. I then tested them for months. I likey. And, there aren't too bad to make either! <br />
<br />
This is a very visual post. Easier that way. <br />
<br />
You will need:<br />
<br />
Roughly 3 yards of a cotton flannel.<br />
About a half yard of some sort of silky fabric. I used a scrap of fake silk. <br />
Pair of athletic socks. <br />
Sewing Machine (this could be a hand sewn project if you are into that.)<br />
A packet of metal snaps.<br />
Thread. One dark, one light.<br />
Sewing needle.<br />
Ruler.<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://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/378964_704044567465_58404036_34560986_537248206_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/378964_704044567465_58404036_34560986_537248206_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moon pads in a basket! </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<br />
I made three BIG pads, three "medium''pads, and three 'light' pads. I also made one super duper mondo overnight pad and two 'stuffers'. For me, this was what I needed. I tend to have one really heavy night, one heavy day.. and then a sharp taper. As these are YOUR pads.. customize! <br />
<br />
I also made one storage bag. I lined it with silky fabric and used the light thread to put a moon on the bag. <br />
<br />
To start: Lay your fabric out and start near the end (you want to be as thrifty with the fabric as you can be. Yes, you will have some left over.. but that's what the bag is made of.)<br />
Each square pad requires 3 thin front rectangles, two tabs, and one flat back piece.<br />
Each light day pad requires two cutouts, see the picture on this!<br />
Each stuffer requires one sock foot and one piece of flannel to wrap. The mondo pad requires two sock legs and flannel to wrap. <br />
<br />
Start cutting out the following pieces:<br />
Tabs (all tabs are the same.) 3 by 6 inches<br />
Front bits: Larges are 12x4.5 inches. Smalls are 11x3.5.<br />
Backs: Large is 12x12. Smalls are 11x11.<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://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/s720x720/166922_704043604395_58404036_34560955_343393362_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/s720x720/166922_704043604395_58404036_34560955_343393362_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large sized bits here. The denim was the pattern piece. </td></tr>
</tbody></table> There is about an inch lee-way on these gals. The finished sizes are 11x11 and 10x10. If you are a smaller lady you may wish to make smaller pads. I'm large framed.. so mine are larger sized!<br />
<br />
<br />
Start putting them together. <br />
First, fold the tabs in half and then sew the buggers like that. Make little tiny 'pockets'. Flip them rough sides in. Pin like this:<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://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/393249_704043679245_58404036_34560959_836002643_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/393249_704043679245_58404036_34560959_836002643_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tabs placed in center of middle piece. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Now, pin each side piece so that it is on top of the tabs, ends neatly matched to ends. Sew up each long side... sewing tabs in place and attaching each side panel at the same time. It's roughly a half inch distance from edge to seam. Like this:<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://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/398420_704078489485_58404036_34561098_943348256_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/398420_704078489485_58404036_34561098_943348256_n.jpg" width="355" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right is already sewn on/in. Left is pinned and ready to sew.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Remove pins, and trim the seam up fairly close to the thread. Open the front. Lay it onto and pin it to the back. Be sure to flatten the seams towards the center.. it just lays better.<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://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/376153_704043943715_58404036_34560970_1734366022_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/376153_704043943715_58404036_34560970_1734366022_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smush.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Stitch once all around the edges in regular stitch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/395443_704043868865_58404036_34560966_1674254261_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/395443_704043868865_58404036_34560966_1674254261_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About a half inch margin here.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Then switch to the zig-zag (or use a serger.. I lack one) stitch and go back around those seams, just to the outside of the straight seam. <br />
<br />
<br />
Next you take your pad and stitch up and around the whole thing. You are making 'channels', decoration, and firmly stitching the front to the back at the same time. Cut the edges off close to the zigzag.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/395191_704047741105_58404036_34560999_1893268679_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/395191_704047741105_58404036_34560999_1893268679_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Finally, attach the snaps in such a way to the tabs you can use them.<br />
<br />
Finished, it will look like this:<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://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/381696_704044018565_58404036_34560973_214574799_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/381696_704044018565_58404036_34560973_214574799_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big one under the smaller sized one. Note the stitch-work.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And, folded. Big one is folded for storage/travel. Little one is folded as if to use!<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://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/377020_704044123355_58404036_34560975_83478085_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/377020_704044123355_58404036_34560975_83478085_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stitching did help them keep their shape very well. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And in part two I'll cover the other two styles.<br />
<br />
Part Two is <a href="http://katsrevenge.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-sew-up-some-square-pads-part-2.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>!!katsrevengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184424251040293799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319759366660254185.post-34061204572065324752011-09-23T15:39:00.001-04:002011-09-23T15:42:49.763-04:00A Mabon Crocheted White Oak Leaf (Pattern)<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhift0ITRiBupeUasIhj1Mv8verZV000QlBDHCxyz9DVsrRndkfyzijI5UClPjvD5cP4usT4EiBHB7IWr3rRGhk4H2t05K4PmeHxYI5EZWB2342KnbIw9FHglJ59MZ8rahULO_H2XKAadOs/s1600/CIMG0760blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhift0ITRiBupeUasIhj1Mv8verZV000QlBDHCxyz9DVsrRndkfyzijI5UClPjvD5cP4usT4EiBHB7IWr3rRGhk4H2t05K4PmeHxYI5EZWB2342KnbIw9FHglJ59MZ8rahULO_H2XKAadOs/s400/CIMG0760blog.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mini-alter for Mabon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It's Fall! Autumn! The time of the second harvest, when the Earth has born her leafy children of summer and they have set fruit, nut and gourd, and now the last of that harvest is gleaned from the ground. Those who walk upon her have fatted up, living well and easy in the heat. Now is when we begin to nest up for the coming cold, to store up a few supplies, drag out the heavy clothes and get ready to stay warm and well when the snow begins to fly. <br />
<br />
While not one of the 'big' pagan holidays, and coming soon after Lughnasadh (the first harvest) it is a nice way to mark the equinox and the true change of seasons.<br />
<br />
This is the time of the Dark Mother, the Crone, and when we begin to see the earth dieing into a deep sleep, when the plants go brown and dormant..or dead... and the wild animals find snug dens for the coming hardship. The Harvest Moon has come and gone and now it is truly autumn and the nights grow chill as we contemplate what comes afterward. <br />
<br />
But it isn't that cold yet. First comes the turning and falling of the leaves! And so I made some leaves for my alter! (and my hair too!) Please note that these are made to not lie flat. True, <i>real</i> fallen oak leaves are not flat things and neither did I feel that my Mabon decor should be flat things.<br />
<br />
And why white oak in particular instead of generic 'leaf'?<br />
<br />
My grandparents yard has two huge white oaks. There used to be 4 huge old oaks but the two nearest the house worried them... and so now there are 2. I like these tress. Big, messy with acorns and twigs and leaves.. but I like them. They are friendly trees. They also have oddly shaped, randomly pointed leaves.. so does my pattern!<br />
<br />
<u><b>Big White Oak Leaf.</b></u><br />
Needed:<br />
<br />
Roughly 60 yards of WW in an earthy/leafy color and a crochet hook that is properly sized. I used Peaches and Cream in 'Good Earth' and a 4.5 mm hook.<br />
<br />
Beads, if you want to randomly bead your leaves. (<a href="http://katsrevenge.blogspot.com/2011/09/avoiding-gorramed-pre-beading-session.html">This is done much like beading a knit project with a tiny crochet hook and drawing the bead over the stitch.</a>) Size 2/0 in Ruby mix is what I have used here.<br />
<br />
hdc - half double crochet<br />
dc - double crochet<br />
sc- single crochet<br />
dr - decrease <br />
in - increase<br />
st - stitch<br />
sls - slip stitch, generally worked straight into lower row to begin a chain<br />
<br />
(All are American crochet terms!)<br />
<br />
1. Chain 28+2, work hdc into third loop from hook.<br />
<br />
2. 17 dc, leaving a 'stem' chain. Slip st into 18th st. Chain 20. <br />
<br />
3. Work hdc into third loop from hook, hdc 2x. DC 29, slip st into 30th loop. Chain 5. <br />
<br />
4. hdc into third loop from hook. hdc 2x. dc 10, dr 1, dc 10, dr 1, dc 7, sls and chain 5. <br />
<br />
5. Work hdc into third loop from hook, hdc 1, dc 4, dr 1, dc 3, dr 1, dc 7, dr 1, dc 7, sls and chain 4.<br />
<br />
6. Work hdc into third loop from hook, hdc 1, sc 5, dr 1, sc 1, hdc 1, dc 6, dr 1, dc 5, sls and chain 4.<br />
<br />
7. Work hdc into third loop from hook, hdc 1, sc 7, hdc 1, dc 5, hdc 1, chain 9.<br />
<br />
8. Work hdc into third loop from hook, hdc 1, in 1 (use dc), dc 3. Skip next loop and stitch into next loop, pulling yarn tight (creates a 'tuck' in the fabric). Dc 7, hdc 1, ch 12.<br />
<br />
9. Work hdc into third loop from hook, hdc 1, dc 3, in 1, dc 4. Skip next loop and stitch into next loop, pulling yarn tight. dc 12, hdc 1, ch 3<br />
<br />
10. Work hdc into third loop from hook, dc 12, dr 1, dc 4 hdc 1, sc 1, chain 5.<br />
<br />
11. Work hdc into third loop from hook, dc 2, sls into second dc after chain, pulling the yarn tight (creates a little weird angle), hdc 3, dc 9, hdc 6, sc 1, ch 1.<br />
<br />
12. Sc into second loop from hook, sc 1, hdc 2, dc 10, hdc 2, sc 2, chain 4.<br />
<br />
13. Work sc into 2nd loop from hook, sc 1, hdc 2, sc 2, chain 4<br />
<br />
14. Work hdc into third loop from hook, hdc 1, dc 3, hdc 1, dc 9, chain 8.<br />
<br />
15. Work hdc into third loop from hook, dc 12, hdc 1 chain 7<br />
<br />
16. Work hdc into third loop from hook, hdc 2, dc 12, hdc 2, sc 1, chain 4<br />
<br />
17. Work hdc into third loop from hook, dc 3, dr 1, dc 4, dr 1, sc 1, hdc 1, sc 2, ch 5.<br />
<br />
18. Work hdc into third loop from hook, hdc 1, dc 11, hdc 1, sc 1, chain 3.<br />
<br />
19. Work hdc into third loop from hook, dc 2, dr 1 dc 5, dr 1, hdc 1, ch 1<br />
<br />
20. Sc into second loop from hook, hdc 1, dc 5, hdc 1, sc 1, chain 1<br />
<br />
21. sls 2, hdc 1, dc 1, hdc 1, sc1 ch 1.<br />
<br />
22. sls 1, hdc 1, dc 1.<br />
<br />
Finishing!<br />
<br />
SC around edges till you reach the 'stem'. HDC down stem front, sc up back of stem. SC back to top of leaf.<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OaYS1rB_nDr27c17D1vGSyYep4qZiGw_yl_R-b0hF6Y1fSYHmbBUVRLI4Ymp4rAk8QfCA33qS4tcVgIuXiO9D2_zHVVMLVfPpTEihRx1TiVXDEg3L97TFdMjYuMPfJ3qTgIlG5hZBHY0/s1600/CIMG0765blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OaYS1rB_nDr27c17D1vGSyYep4qZiGw_yl_R-b0hF6Y1fSYHmbBUVRLI4Ymp4rAk8QfCA33qS4tcVgIuXiO9D2_zHVVMLVfPpTEihRx1TiVXDEg3L97TFdMjYuMPfJ3qTgIlG5hZBHY0/s400/CIMG0765blog.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My three beasties surround my Mabon alter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
A loop may be placed somewhere to hang this leaf. I just laid it somewhere harvest-y (my table alter) as a cloth.<br />
<br />
<i>I'm working on a headband version for Samhain. I'll be sure to add that as well when it is done.</i>katsrevengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184424251040293799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319759366660254185.post-1113547920576659982011-09-21T03:49:00.003-04:002011-09-21T03:58:46.626-04:00Avoiding the Gorram'ed Pre-Beading Session for Hookers too!<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://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/katsrevenge/75098387/CIMG0711_medium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/katsrevenge/75098387/CIMG0711_medium2.JPG" width="342" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For a Spiderweb Samhain thing! </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
There are times when I want the fun bling of beads in crochet without the pain of pre-beading or the wallet umph of buying pre beaded yarn.<br />
<br />
Take my little lovely friend up there.The yarn is a cheap Red Heart crochet cotton, #3.. around 2 dollars. The beads I believe were a buck fifty. Stringing all the beads, distributing them along the yarn (because anal me HATES the rat tail of beads!!) was around 3 hours work..making that a pricey ball of beaded yarn.<br />
<br />
Granted, I was watching movies (Amistad and Pulp Fiction).. but still it was tedious and ate into actual knit/crochet time. Now, I was able to very easily take my little ball o beaded yarn and work on it elsewhere.. but if I were to be staying home with it, well, gorram it, three hours is half the time it takes to MAKE the actual damned doily-thing! <br />
<br />
So I kept thinking that some other smart person has to have come up with a way to bead crochet like knitters do. No pre-beaded waste of time... and if they have, google has hidden them from me. Even so, I'm probably not the first to come up with it. After fiddling with beads and yarns.. this is how I got the best look.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Avoiding the Gorram'ed Pre-Beading for Hookers </b></u><br />
<br />
Needed supplies:<br />
<br />
- One project tha<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="color: black;">t</span> <u>needs the beads.</u></span><br />
<br />
- Beads that will fit over said yarn. Worsted uses size 2 or ponys, sock/sport/size 10 to 3 thread stuff uses size 6 beads. I'd assume smaller thread would be ok with smaller beads... but the hook would be itty bitty! For more go read my beading for knitters, I think I made a nice table or links or something.<br />
<br />
-One itty bitty hook.<br />
<br />
Pictured is an US 11/12 or a 1.00mm hook to use to bead. The hook in thread (working hook) is a 1.65 mm (US 7). The thread is Red Heart Classic Crochet in size 10. Excuse the pictures I was having nasty lighting issues. <br />
<br />
<u> What ya need to do.</u><br />
First decide where you want to set the bead. On half double and single crochet the bead tends to look best when sat as close to the lower row as possible. In double and longer (triple and so on) the bead looks best when you put it more towards the center of the stitch. <br />
This is a half done double crochet stitch. I am placing the bead in the center of the stitch, or as close to it as I can anyways.<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMl92V-qpGu5wxa_5q_pbNvZH86mZ-2FnLZve6SYrJf1FDznNSvZSBmgj5Qd6Ga1TPmAiUPxA1WQKwnvv13ltV8x-0lyrxKuiiIv5Tv32hlQ17AQPrfYZ1uqqGKavVUbMkZB5DqVQPaMuz/s1600/CIMG0739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMl92V-qpGu5wxa_5q_pbNvZH86mZ-2FnLZve6SYrJf1FDznNSvZSBmgj5Qd6Ga1TPmAiUPxA1WQKwnvv13ltV8x-0lyrxKuiiIv5Tv32hlQ17AQPrfYZ1uqqGKavVUbMkZB5DqVQPaMuz/s320/CIMG0739.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A double stitch ready for center beading.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
To add a bead to the second level of a double crochet: First, work half the stitch as normal. Look at the above picture.Like that. Now move to the next picture.<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnuSL-UQwQWrKxHGLjtdngTFEJVJPf1xAhq93UIhH5sGVdwo_0JFIdZlr70EXeGX-qiGRxM-EwxCOwQSIsRq0CmRS88g9rIsve-Wh-43b62oFZ-ird4RnwH4LYULM51eDnXh706Lk_Ook/s1600/CIMG0742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnuSL-UQwQWrKxHGLjtdngTFEJVJPf1xAhq93UIhH5sGVdwo_0JFIdZlr70EXeGX-qiGRxM-EwxCOwQSIsRq0CmRS88g9rIsve-Wh-43b62oFZ-ird4RnwH4LYULM51eDnXh706Lk_Ook/s320/CIMG0742.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stick bead on tiny hook and prepare to slide it onto the yarn.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Really easy right? It stays easy! Slide that bead onto that thread/yarn so it looks like this:<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj899yMRpTlKzo3ZktDvsOV3r6DNqB11aWimkp2nd-XTdaxUP5I15cfprlBfrJZqMsO9cxNvN-5cuCJq9OgC034SJEIyFUh1WS7zP2ByQTGzlWSmgepmt1zkiIe6gm38ABspvbOrPxBUXKJ/s1600/CIMG0744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj899yMRpTlKzo3ZktDvsOV3r6DNqB11aWimkp2nd-XTdaxUP5I15cfprlBfrJZqMsO9cxNvN-5cuCJq9OgC034SJEIyFUh1WS7zP2ByQTGzlWSmgepmt1zkiIe6gm38ABspvbOrPxBUXKJ/s320/CIMG0744.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Urpin' easy! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Good, good.. Next step is to..<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7sViEd2AegcQsEqb1ptO4Aw_BodmOJfOheZMYpczUD4hTgTLk5C3sOBr26WH4J-bfJ_QPOYGqXakZHmDP1s1OqaOx_hHHhsg_k1NXDOdt0lb8tnPx9rC_xRkkXN0jiOu4Gk9onrngGmB/s1600/CIMG0745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7sViEd2AegcQsEqb1ptO4Aw_BodmOJfOheZMYpczUD4hTgTLk5C3sOBr26WH4J-bfJ_QPOYGqXakZHmDP1s1OqaOx_hHHhsg_k1NXDOdt0lb8tnPx9rC_xRkkXN0jiOu4Gk9onrngGmB/s320/CIMG0745.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stick that yarn/thread back on the working hook. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>This is the only tiny tricky bit. You place the yarn back on the working hook. Then you draw that yarn tight so you can use that loop to finish the stitch. The tricky bit is deciding which side you want the bead to stick out the most on.<br />
The next step looks like this:<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00FaCldXMxkHd4l7nKXCk2cDNupebJYIFRsSjto9wt6l1llG3aHVT1u3bE_1ysaQItaDC7nE7-OHXuGPJ0255zrEp3FV2X4UmeJ8DkFBW4ODnHc8m-CdHvMbUd-pJSWMb42Y9eSzrDo4i/s1600/CIMG0746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00FaCldXMxkHd4l7nKXCk2cDNupebJYIFRsSjto9wt6l1llG3aHVT1u3bE_1ysaQItaDC7nE7-OHXuGPJ0255zrEp3FV2X4UmeJ8DkFBW4ODnHc8m-CdHvMbUd-pJSWMb42Y9eSzrDo4i/s320/CIMG0746.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easy and done! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>As you have already decided where that bead will sit you simply flip it more to that side when you work the next stitch to 'fix' it in proper. <br />
Done!<br />
<br />
<u>A variation, or beading right on the lowest loop.</u><br />
<br />
If you like the beads lower down, then your setup would look more like this in step one/two/three:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-rin_X4gLx_17l6sRRZvx8pcINLAOAs5RTufc1LJ5td_BWY5dvandFg7Y5-YumG9H-h99mj4bXEF76pTwBpvKxNX9D-N0CNUYzOylsUTGhII8rAh6KfKnUh_8rvYiRrsKFnmnHBHP4rz/s1600/CIMG0750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-rin_X4gLx_17l6sRRZvx8pcINLAOAs5RTufc1LJ5td_BWY5dvandFg7Y5-YumG9H-h99mj4bXEF76pTwBpvKxNX9D-N0CNUYzOylsUTGhII8rAh6KfKnUh_8rvYiRrsKFnmnHBHP4rz/s320/CIMG0750.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the three loops on the hook? The bead is always added to the loop you pull through.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And then your next step would be more like this:<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCD1ThlHEvBcSBaWqaB1W2wPPVKRf9ck6A2x9Ui2ui2MzVAvdsGxDB_y1ykrYGVyUm_WYn0d4NmP5C3x18cvowlv8uU5X7kRnCMFQGYVe9BYCTKmt1kremS4PHDEdN4_zfcCc8Po7HRjr/s1600/CIMG0752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCD1ThlHEvBcSBaWqaB1W2wPPVKRf9ck6A2x9Ui2ui2MzVAvdsGxDB_y1ykrYGVyUm_WYn0d4NmP5C3x18cvowlv8uU5X7kRnCMFQGYVe9BYCTKmt1kremS4PHDEdN4_zfcCc8Po7HRjr/s320/CIMG0752.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A double crochet, half worked, with bead placed by lower row. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Then you'd just finish up the stitch and work the next 'fixing' the bead in the right place. <br />
<br />
__________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Now, when you are looking at all those lovely beaded projects out there and you see the designer gently trying to chide you into believing the pre-beading is not<i> that</i> bad... or any of the other nasty and un-fun bits that go with pre-beading ...like cutting your yarn to add more beads, thus knotting up your work. UGH!<br />
<br />
You can now smirk with arcane and gleeful knowledge and use that extra three hours of your life on something meaningful, useful or more fun. Like picking lint off old sweaters or watching cacti grow because you just don't have to do that crap anymore!katsrevengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184424251040293799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319759366660254185.post-83255982417775286462011-08-28T07:46:00.000-04:002011-08-28T07:46:00.661-04:00The HurricaneMy car is stuck in a puddle. I'm soaked to the bone from wading home in driving rain. The wind is screaming around my building.<br />
<br />
It's good to be home. It's where I keep my stuff; my guy and my critters. <br />
<br />
Wherever you are, give your loved humans and furrballs a squeeze.katsrevengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184424251040293799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319759366660254185.post-52678453761170427112011-08-22T03:34:00.000-04:002011-08-22T03:34:09.436-04:00I Need more Fuchsia in my Life.You read right. More fuchsia. More of that<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuchsia_%28color%29"> bright and annoying color</a> that takes it's name from a rather fussy and hard to keep alive flowering plant. I used to have one. Darn thing dropped dead flowers everywhere, demanded a cool but sunny spot and threw fits if I forgot to water it regularly.<br />
<br />
But, the flowers. Each was a little reminded that all in life is not dull, death and loss. They were so bright that I was asked from time to time if the plant was fake. I loved that little plant. I unfortunately lost it when my basement warmed up a bit too much and the little guy came out of hibernation and died from lack of light and water before I realized what had happened. Now have several years pass, and now you have today. I had forgotten my little plant of happy, fussy flowers.<br />
<br />
Then I went thrifting. I was kind of looking for a new summer dress or two; it's been hot here (very hot!!) and when It's hot I favor loose, flowy cotton/silk/good rayon dresses simply because a single item of clothing is just more comfy and more cool.<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3AEGmuUpy4WAAGk2fPgTqfQwsILrBV1_1Zj8V_2n38ZWQO0LqnMbP1rRKU5rKYqwA-dExY5st-cNltXPPONoAv4JkCANpO2OMJxecuvHlrmMjA3GQ48IWqZmdtlQ0yMPEO2ulmdfzSF1/s1600/CIMG0483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3AEGmuUpy4WAAGk2fPgTqfQwsILrBV1_1Zj8V_2n38ZWQO0LqnMbP1rRKU5rKYqwA-dExY5st-cNltXPPONoAv4JkCANpO2OMJxecuvHlrmMjA3GQ48IWqZmdtlQ0yMPEO2ulmdfzSF1/s400/CIMG0483.JPG" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dress of color!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And this dress is all of that. Bright, cheerful, and cool and comfy. The colors made me very happy. But, can't wear it outside of the warmest part of the year.<br />
<br />
So I made this:<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdX52Zgn-oqGRzNU_XCVsOSwaZngo8nZZwTUDGXWfQrFjyOMNKg3bO6L6Rj_YfuDYjKQ9ovY4E3vAHipzXcZ_mV8t7UivsqN4WtwItyZfV6qVJexgFTvyeI9Z0Nh5V-9p8ZjjDlhTiO4eK/s1600/CIMG0479_medium.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdX52Zgn-oqGRzNU_XCVsOSwaZngo8nZZwTUDGXWfQrFjyOMNKg3bO6L6Rj_YfuDYjKQ9ovY4E3vAHipzXcZ_mV8t7UivsqN4WtwItyZfV6qVJexgFTvyeI9Z0Nh5V-9p8ZjjDlhTiO4eK/s320/CIMG0479_medium.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wee little dice bag of Fuchsia!!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
There really is no pattern to speak of, if you wish a bright bag of your own. It's just half double crocheting into a chain to create a little pocket (like my simple nook sack) and then working your way up. And I really didn't take any notes... it is that easy.<br />
<br />
The recipe for A Fuchsia Bright Bag.<br />
<br />
<i>Three basic stitches. (American)</i><br />
Double Crochet<br />
Half-Double Crochet<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hE3V4uvkGp0">3 stitch Picot Crochet Edg</a>e<br />
<i>Supplies</i><br />
Plymoth Yarn Sockotta in plum, about 100 yards. <br />
<br />
The hook was an E.<br />
One bead with a big enough hole for a few strands of the yarn. <br />
<br />
<br />
I did an even number of stitches around, I believe it was 24.<br />
I did do one row of <a href="http://crochet.about.com/library/blbackfrontloop.htm">crochet into back loop for two stitches</a>, crochet into front loop for two stitches, work two rows plain hdc. Do a second row of back/front fun. It gives a bit of texture to a very plain stitched bag.<br />
The cord row is worked as: double crochet one, next stitch worked as a chain one, repeat.<br />
The cord is real crochet I-cord. This is the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjXsRkr1oWo">easiest way to make the stuff</a>.I used 3 stitch, as in video.<br />
Work a row or two more of hdc. Get to a corner of the bag (I prefer the slightly lower edge) and begin to work 3 st picot. <br />
Run your icord through the holes in such a way as the tails end up both on the outside.<br />
I rammed the ends of the cord into a camel bone bead and knotted it. <br />
Fill with dice or other little fun thingies.<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZUH6oauRIV9XK9ecv9bjPpLg1vqlJChJtbN9f04uxvpCokk1G_qoK4YFgIw1vYZlhzLCFxMPL0kqTkvj9TzpoIeW7ht-ITl5haqsJPo4Y3lSNnblva81Ml9e_EWB5J3i4TZ_5fb4guTw/s1600/CIMG0474_medium.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZUH6oauRIV9XK9ecv9bjPpLg1vqlJChJtbN9f04uxvpCokk1G_qoK4YFgIw1vYZlhzLCFxMPL0kqTkvj9TzpoIeW7ht-ITl5haqsJPo4Y3lSNnblva81Ml9e_EWB5J3i4TZ_5fb4guTw/s400/CIMG0474_medium.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the detail the front/back post rows add to the little bag. In a quieter yarn they'd be nice worked all through the body.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I decided I needed still more fuchsia fun in my life... so I picked up some fuchsia (and yellow for the base) nail polish. That may be too much fuchsia for sane people though. It may be too much for me... but I won't decide that till February when everything is dead and grey and covered in ice. katsrevengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184424251040293799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319759366660254185.post-13162709210928808342011-08-10T15:20:00.002-04:002011-08-10T15:41:15.269-04:00Henna!I'm a new convert. I admit it. I love the goop. It is only the second day mind you... but OMG, my hair.<br />
<br />
- It is baby-soft.<br />
- I'm still curly.<br />
- The reds are so pretty.<br />
- It just feels and looks amazing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?albumid=8457&pictureid=110055" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?albumid=8457&pictureid=110055" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
I used <br />
<ul><li>300 g of Jamila super sift summer crop 2011 from AyurNatural Beauty. (It ended up being a bit too much.)</li>
</ul><ul><li>1/4 cup-ish Paprika (cap fell off while shaking so lots went in)</li>
</ul><ul><li>3ish cups of dark brewed chamomile tea</li>
</ul><ul><li>juice of one lemon, with pulp</li>
</ul><ul><li>dash of ginger powder</li>
</ul><ul><li>1ish cup of apple cider vinegar</li>
</ul>I have absolutely no patience so I stuck the bowl into the oven that was still warm from cooking stuffed bell peppers. It was around a 100F in there when started (but it was not on and so was cooling off) and I had a thin red film in the stuff in less then an hours time. I let it sit another twenty to be sure and applied it at around 10PM. <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://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?albumid=8457&pictureid=110058" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?albumid=8457&pictureid=110058" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just like warm, brown baby doo. The sites I read said that the stuff under the top layer would still be greenish... mine wasn't it, was all brown, like thick dark chocolate frosting. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
A Towel wrapped over plastic is how I kept it warm. My head was hot. The test hairball was quite reddish at three hours and I just left the plate on the stove.. so... I left it in my hair bit longer then that. <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://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?albumid=8457&pictureid=110059" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?albumid=8457&pictureid=110059" width="289" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mud Monster on my head!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Ended up rinsing it out in two steps.<br />
<br />
First, I stuck my head under the tub facet and just massaged my hair. It turned the tub into a swamp but got most of the goop out. Since my hair was very tangled I then loaded it down with the Suave coconut conditioner I use when CWC or CO washing. (Cheap, no cones and really works well!) I then went and played on the interwebs for about a half hour.<br />
<br />
THEN, I took a shower, and conditioner only washed (since more then a few sites recommend letting the henna cure before using shampoo) till the water was clear. <br />
<br />
I went from this:<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://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?albumid=8457&pictureid=110057" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?albumid=8457&pictureid=110057" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rather blah brownish with grey</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
To This!<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://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?albumid=8457&pictureid=110066" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?albumid=8457&pictureid=110066" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day one after henna. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
I'm happy with it. I think I may have not gotten the henna into a few parts as heavy as I should have but I am going to let it cure a bit before I do anything else.<br />
<br />
Things I will do different next time?<br />
<ol><li>Do it over damp hair. My hair really sucked in the henna juice. Made it harder to manipulate. </li>
<li>Leave out the lemon pulp. It was a pain.</li>
<li><u><b>GET HELP!!!</b></u> Seriously. I managed to get the goop all over me, my bathroom, an unlucky cat, a towel, the toilet, the walls... I ruined the bathroom rugs (still gonna use them but they aren't as pretty). This stuff is not like chemical hair dye. If you have shorter or thinner hair then I do.. go for it yourself. If you have longer, thick hair.. get a friend!</li>
<li>Do a better job sectioning off my hair. When I went to the store they were out of those cheapo clips you use for this. Next time, I will get them ahead of time. <i>Hair ties just do not do the trick.</i></li>
</ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?albumid=8457&pictureid=110066" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>katsrevengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184424251040293799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319759366660254185.post-78357609181141651872011-07-31T04:22:00.002-04:002011-07-31T04:23:43.676-04:00This Summer's Heat....is cooking me. First it was over 90 for a week straight outside.. my apartment averaged 96 to 98. Now, the humidity is hovering around 100%. I'm guessing the earth has decided that simply baking us to death is not good enough. We must be steamed to release the proper flavour.<br />
<br />
Anyways, I have barely been able to stand touching any crafty thing almost all month. No drawing, no painting, very little sewing and almost no knitting or crocheting. I'll start and then the heat just wears me out or the idea of touching heat trapping yarn or cloth or smudgy messy things that will then require me to clean atop of making the artz.. just no. Dog and I have spent so much time outside swimming and hiking slowly around that this whitest of white girls has a tan. In my search to keep my cats from cooking in their fur they have grown used to cool water dunks. Funny how weird things like that can happen. <br />
<br />
So, enjoy this lovely sunset. Two angles, same sunset, 15 minutes apart. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYS9plYf6vAsdPVszOU3P2qL_FZ7_eBfg3JrypXY-i0jCMQwem2VwNzeBBJ8PHAb6YXfASVab3r66szLDA0ffDTa_ViXWbrMi9hqOdyloL6aNhm8Yyz2bEZ8iYvkQnPprMZr9Xj2Ha1FDh/s1600/CIMG0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYS9plYf6vAsdPVszOU3P2qL_FZ7_eBfg3JrypXY-i0jCMQwem2VwNzeBBJ8PHAb6YXfASVab3r66szLDA0ffDTa_ViXWbrMi9hqOdyloL6aNhm8Yyz2bEZ8iYvkQnPprMZr9Xj2Ha1FDh/s400/CIMG0170.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiH97sNmy59vmRCZF5-PTGFUQcIaGf9jMcMpDgsiASVCSAsaM6MArzR9K26aEnw7wEE5AXqm2bcFJLeR2A5uSt2akKGtP6ECQ54vg3reQQZCAp0o1NrSWoVhLFMnA9x6OXLlVhm8ppwSs/s1600/CIMG0167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiH97sNmy59vmRCZF5-PTGFUQcIaGf9jMcMpDgsiASVCSAsaM6MArzR9K26aEnw7wEE5AXqm2bcFJLeR2A5uSt2akKGtP6ECQ54vg3reQQZCAp0o1NrSWoVhLFMnA9x6OXLlVhm8ppwSs/s640/CIMG0167.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>katsrevengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184424251040293799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319759366660254185.post-54055685838992990892011-06-29T04:21:00.000-04:002011-06-29T04:21:33.306-04:00I Made Hair-Toys! And did girly things with hair..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
Those few of you who may read this who know me in RL will be surprised at this. I've got hair most of the way down my back these days. I don't plan on cutting it any time soon either. All this really means is I need fun ways to keep it off my neck in this heat that aren't ponytails. I've been braiding my hair a lot...and playing with buns.<br />
<br />
I have very thick hair. While not 100% accurate, my ponytail is nearing 6 inches (this is not accurate to the nnth degree because I used string to measure this) in circumference. It is also curly and on the finer end of textures. All of these things mean it is a bitch to do anything with. It's thick, so lots of hairstyles need it to be longer to look right. Curly means brushes just rip it out. It not being coarser means it will slip out of do's faster.<br />
<br />
But, I can do hairstick stuffs. <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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeByIrU3Xg2pMYgDoodSmMU4_9ye_28opCYtNQE4GlIYFCMWF-nlniYWgUw5wprF4vsX39okjoHjufyLlddv72E3WdrVWQjAXRPEj7A0dh_PJGegZsIaN7zzNZOUzZBsLBs6IEflOF9pbl/s1600/CIMG0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeByIrU3Xg2pMYgDoodSmMU4_9ye_28opCYtNQE4GlIYFCMWF-nlniYWgUw5wprF4vsX39okjoHjufyLlddv72E3WdrVWQjAXRPEj7A0dh_PJGegZsIaN7zzNZOUzZBsLBs6IEflOF9pbl/s400/CIMG0054.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freshly Created Hair Sticks!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I will say that there is very little original about how I made these. But it was a lot of fun! I took Chinese take out bamboo chopsticks and first cut them to the length I wanted, used a pencil sharpener to make a point on the rough cut end (and both ends in the case of the longest set), then took a new nail file (I had no sand paper) and filed them smooth. They rather look like knitting needles at this point. (And indeed people do use knitting needles for this purpose!) Then, I started to paint them. Here, I took pictures and stuff...<br />
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<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeQjdwSPCffOzE9qkKYCi8Xm10sV9fNbJ28eYRgC442jptyyldk1ImtSnUIwzAi4dodfTD9HuHz5ElDBd1ynEcCtPn4N_zpNjYb_DWp7s3cYNQtcIBeKDtCZqI0p52O3TIoV6vIJNuUZf/s1600/CIMG0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeQjdwSPCffOzE9qkKYCi8Xm10sV9fNbJ28eYRgC442jptyyldk1ImtSnUIwzAi4dodfTD9HuHz5ElDBd1ynEcCtPn4N_zpNjYb_DWp7s3cYNQtcIBeKDtCZqI0p52O3TIoV6vIJNuUZf/s400/CIMG0012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The basic supplies! A tape measure, fun nail polish, new nail file, pencil sharpener and a cup of dry rice or a clamp. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>OK, I used mostly cheapo polishes. The thinner polishes did spread nicer on the wood. To re-create any of these you will need polish-wise:<br />
<i>(For all of them)</i><br />
1 clear sealant (I used colorstay Revlon 2 Always On, it is nice and rubbery. And has an AWESOME grippy/no chip feel!) <br />
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Black set:<br />
Maybeline Express Finish "Black Out" (It's thick, I'd use a thinner cheaper polish next time)<br />
1 Purple glitter (I had O.P.I. something)<br />
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Green DPN Set<br />
Wet n Wild SaGreena the Teenage Witch<br />
WnW The Gold that the Beautiful<br />
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Purple and Blue Long DPN style singles<br />
WnW Sapphire Blue (Thick, get a runnier blue)<br />
The one in the pic! (Sally Hansen Orchid I think.. it's walked off..)<br />
Sally Hanson Diamonds<br />
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Red-Gold set<br />
Sally Hansen Amber Ruby<br />
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I have a sneaky suspicion that enamel paints and wood sealant will work too if ya got them! <br />
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<u><b>Step 1. Prep Work!</b></u><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQwOJj7sZ3WR4ouKgYMyIMG80kzqOhHwjJR4hJQZEZz0e6kLBtHkWWUJ4h0i0Td9xsaeZbAfkq8TiuciIRojXaDSO52jgrKC4khnexWO2tPeQmTegBAsA_VnRwsKEsDhi8QICSlC8_vG3/s1600/CIMG0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQwOJj7sZ3WR4ouKgYMyIMG80kzqOhHwjJR4hJQZEZz0e6kLBtHkWWUJ4h0i0Td9xsaeZbAfkq8TiuciIRojXaDSO52jgrKC4khnexWO2tPeQmTegBAsA_VnRwsKEsDhi8QICSlC8_vG3/s400/CIMG0014.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cut and file to right length. The long DPNs are 6 inches, the short DPNs are 3 and 3/4 tip to tip. Black set is 6 and a half and red/gold set is 4 and a half.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Be sure to carefully smooth down the entire shaft and tip. Blunt ended sticks look nice if you round that end off too. Nail files have a smooth side and a rough side. Rough to start off, smooth to finish.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DAe3FEol_uUFA5tU33KAkZd7lMFAP4XO_Df-3DmMuZxU_APCd3Ap_IxJQhv64PqRdzMEgRImpTCrrVzgVmS8ZLR4qEm5MVoy9VPWWO1dxxmcaum452LRJpoJKZTvXoaBnotjjZUpDZUD/s1600/CIMG0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DAe3FEol_uUFA5tU33KAkZd7lMFAP4XO_Df-3DmMuZxU_APCd3Ap_IxJQhv64PqRdzMEgRImpTCrrVzgVmS8ZLR4qEm5MVoy9VPWWO1dxxmcaum452LRJpoJKZTvXoaBnotjjZUpDZUD/s320/CIMG0015.JPG" width="314" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stick stick in rice, paint the part sticking out. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><u>Step 2. Paint!</u></b><br />
Coat thick. Start at the tip and work down. Leave stick to dry for at least a few hours...maybe overnight... might need a fan. These dried slow for me! After the stick is fully dry, pull out, flip around and paint the other side. Might need a few coats to fully coat the stick.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcE83Yls6WpaxkESaeIxb7eRAz0a9-sGiFPTIr_gg4-Ki-8Bb2p5At86XVAuRiPl8H3P_ZVFvq8v2KfF_qhGoUnVEIC4UjYItTNq61RvDNDswifMEz-6Wjv8IowLpMxlWB1KmYDtdsn-4/s1600/CIMG0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcE83Yls6WpaxkESaeIxb7eRAz0a9-sGiFPTIr_gg4-Ki-8Bb2p5At86XVAuRiPl8H3P_ZVFvq8v2KfF_qhGoUnVEIC4UjYItTNq61RvDNDswifMEz-6Wjv8IowLpMxlWB1KmYDtdsn-4/s400/CIMG0016.JPG" width="367" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half done...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<b><u>Now. Glitter! (AKA Step 3)</u></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisM0VAvtO9V2r5aQuNX89pj3N-5XDaTQsBst_Y1FLq94CJy__4OPnnsWBIaqFdVzgc0kFbPE4Yphdr1N8n-98pehbyQBfhrYCq0FTU5dcwEgxZLwLzVwRLzRAlIfIS8EIq8d9U8Xk-bVci/s1600/CIMG0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisM0VAvtO9V2r5aQuNX89pj3N-5XDaTQsBst_Y1FLq94CJy__4OPnnsWBIaqFdVzgc0kFbPE4Yphdr1N8n-98pehbyQBfhrYCq0FTU5dcwEgxZLwLzVwRLzRAlIfIS8EIq8d9U8Xk-bVci/s400/CIMG0052.JPG" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shiny.....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Glitter looks best if not applied evenly. On the black set I globbed it on the very end as thick as I could. Then I dragged the brush down the sides to try and make a drippy gradient on the stick. After the top 2 inches or so there is no glitter. It tapers away. On the DPN sets I took gold glitter on the green and silver on the long ones and swirled it randomly along the stick. I tried to get some at the tips to taper along the whole stick to the other end. (You will only be able to paint a half at a time) The golden set is color shifting..so no glitter! After I had each stick done to my taste and it has dried, I coated it in the clear coat. I THICKLY coated the glitter to keep it from ripping the hair up. <br />
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<u><b>Step 3. Model!</b></u><br />
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<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlybR46Snzzlu03ZNMuX23ZRcsDheG_GiYCOIc7wzMy4lw2vOE9Ajwx_aNBvENbt46PM1QdQzzYofkR90ZDitarXdIYCRZ_HduOub3GeXjuIPezhsHV2Ha6dJS03mgXsQeRD3Kkev6ybm/s1600/CIMG0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlybR46Snzzlu03ZNMuX23ZRcsDheG_GiYCOIc7wzMy4lw2vOE9Ajwx_aNBvENbt46PM1QdQzzYofkR90ZDitarXdIYCRZ_HduOub3GeXjuIPezhsHV2Ha6dJS03mgXsQeRD3Kkev6ybm/s400/CIMG0003.JPG" width="348" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Single Stick? Yup!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This is modded from this little video:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/hRV1VzxdiXU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
My hair is a bit thicker and shorter then hers. I did have to twist the hairtail a bit and tuck the end under before fiddling with the stick. It stayed great.<br />
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There are lots more ways to do hairsticks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/qLoRI4CPh6k?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>This lady shows you 3 random ways to do it. And there are a million other ways too. Hair sticks are very versatile!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJSeesy39Zg/TgrJ1pZd4RI/AAAAAAAAAOo/ewqbd68Hby4/s1600/CIMG0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>If you are wondering what is wrong with just a ponytail all the time I'm happy to tell you. Hair that is tied in the same place with elastic all the time shows wear at that spot. If you intend to grow long hair.. that is an issue because your hair will break and fray at the elastic point. Hair sticks don't fray the hair shaft like elastic does. And you can put glitter on them. Win-Win.<br />
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<i>..in all non-glitter seriousness.. I do have the stuff around to make a few copper wrapped wood and stone with chiseled details... but I wanted to do these easy ones first. And, I wanted glitter. </i><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"></div>katsrevengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184424251040293799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319759366660254185.post-29962983564517811102011-06-28T04:34:00.000-04:002011-06-28T04:34:02.344-04:00My Applogees, People.I did not realize I had so many damned ads on this thing. I *thought* I had one small one on the side and one way at the bottom buried below everything. Both are supposed to be text only and blended in to not be obnoxious. I turned off a few security things for a minute and all of a sudden I had all of these new little boxes popping up on the blog control panel. Opened a preview and... yeah. I'm sorry. <br />
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I fixed it. I was adding a pattern link box and updating other stuff to make this thing better.. and those ads were just too much. I did add a music widget from Amazon but my quick check tells me it won't start blaring at you all of a sudden. And, I like music. I like clicking on music widgets. That one can stay.katsrevengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184424251040293799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319759366660254185.post-22341292896121115762011-06-28T01:07:00.002-04:002011-06-28T01:15:42.447-04:00Awesome Thing found in a Thift Store! And SPARKLIES!I'm not sure what exactly it is but it is indeed awesome. It is a Thing from the Thrift Store! <br />
This is what happened.<br />
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After the Great Burn of Last Month, I am really keen on not getting crispy again. I now have fresh new unholy strength sunblock (safe even from Hell's flames!), an actual tan..I'm really not sure how that happened.... and a desire to somehow protect my head skin and hair too. Did some reading. Turns out that one of the best things one can use to protect both your hair and your scalp from a burn is dark smooth silk. So, I need at least one silk scarf. But, Jesus on a pogo stick, those things are so not cheap. I mean, 40 dollars for a chunk of fabric with hems on? Argh! No thanks. <br />
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So on to the thrift store I go.. in search of silk shirts.. After a search I find what I seek. Two silk shirts of silky silk. Mmmmmmm. One is blue and one is a faded jade green. I will dye them with pretty dyes in tye dye or batik and fashion as I need. Haven't decided yet the final shape. But those are not what this post is about. They are only what drove me to the thrift store. I may post them later after I've sniped and dyed and made them into scarves. <br />
<br />
This is what it is about! <br />
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<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8LUZ4_uN6GUaDdWSECJfH1bMTEmyySvDDHSeVx7X-QontWmtStkwY8M6slkXGrsdubflpUcdO4dYtsCalltrokQVkkDL5IjaRXVTpmZlxWL2XWUYE5qCRzcy_-s_622ZpXdPzfxbujC1/s1600/CIMG0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8LUZ4_uN6GUaDdWSECJfH1bMTEmyySvDDHSeVx7X-QontWmtStkwY8M6slkXGrsdubflpUcdO4dYtsCalltrokQVkkDL5IjaRXVTpmZlxWL2XWUYE5qCRzcy_-s_622ZpXdPzfxbujC1/s640/CIMG0031.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome thing is AWESOME!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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I really wish I knew what it was supposed to be used for. Or, if it is like the blue and white <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willow_pattern">Willow Pattern</a> plates with meaning and stories behind it. Or maybe it's just a simple design. It is a lovely Indian lady in a Gagra choli or shalwar kameez (my google fu is unclear here) with a 3 leaved pot atop her head walking through a field. The pot is steaming or on fire..or?? <br />
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On a side note, googling her dress gave me serious outfit envy. I really need to stitch up a white fat girl friendly version of one of these. First, must finish what I have already started.That is, I must finish my skirt retcon (adding batik fabric to a black mini) and finishing the <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=104111.0">top I have all charted out from craftste</a>r (the backless black one, but done reversible in black paisley and blue pseudo-batik and with a bit more coverage/ties instead of single fit) and do a bit of drawing.<br />
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Any way it is, it will look lovely on the brickwork wall in my apartment. I will probably shine it up a bit with brasso first.<br />
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And... I must share these!<br />
Nail polish this summer is just full of the sparkles. Last week I picked up a deep sparkly green and a gold glitter. I like them together, with the green nice and dark and the golden glitter lightly brushed over the tips. It's very summer goddess. On a whim I went by the polishes on my way to craft supplies and had to get these:<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuTyhPrKY1sEXcxdbGu1ahSmE1mkIqfChQJt0ZefiDACadntptOgrFKRbJtdLETByslcPvz0WN8O5v1GHf6Pc7h7N9uNn9NCpGnbqWjgjB_FOXV4zGQEhPBWoBTwRrkgtYXXbJe-Go5hk/s1600/CIMG0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuTyhPrKY1sEXcxdbGu1ahSmE1mkIqfChQJt0ZefiDACadntptOgrFKRbJtdLETByslcPvz0WN8O5v1GHf6Pc7h7N9uNn9NCpGnbqWjgjB_FOXV4zGQEhPBWoBTwRrkgtYXXbJe-Go5hk/s400/CIMG0033.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shiny. Oh, so very shiny.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>That is a chrome, five colors of sparkle in one polish, purple glitter and silver glitter. The shiny, I'm blinded by the shiny and the sparklie. I need more hands so that I can wear all these faster. <br />
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Now, time to do my nails!katsrevengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184424251040293799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319759366660254185.post-39563083708922970082011-06-21T22:41:00.001-04:002011-06-28T05:29:46.066-04:00Random Foodie Post: Seared Tomatoes!!!I made something awesome today for dinner. I, like many veggie aficionados,often buy a few too many veggies that can be consumed willingly in say, the week before they rot. This time it was tomatoes. The store had a sale on vine ripe red tomatoes... and even though they are no where as good as farmer's market 'matoes I bought two pounds of them thinking something vague about giant tossed salads and Greek Pizza/ white pizza (For those who DON'T KNOW -sad for you!- a Greek pizza uses a white sauce or olive oil with herbs and feta cheese with sliced tomatoes... and white pizza is just Greek pizza without the feta. Yummy!). <br />
<br />
And today, I opened the fridge to figure out what to make for dinner I saw the last of these poor things. Still OK but with that slight skin dimple of impending doom. I had to use them but I was fresh out of dough, and another salad would turn me into a bunny.<br />
<br />
Now, all praises to the mighty internet gods because it came to my rescue. And that of my poor wilty tomatoes.<br />
Meet <a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/skillet_seared_tomatoes_with_melted_gruyere.html">Skillet Seared Tomatoes</a>. Ah.. the answer to my prayers. <br />
<br />
But I did not have all the things. Some of these things are a bit outside the family's shopping comfort level because they go bad before we can use them. So, I subbed. And, our salt has the iodine in. Everything else was the same.. their directions were followed to a T.<br />
So..these are thier ingredients: <br />
<ul><li itemprop="ingredients">2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">4 large ripe plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1 medium clove garlic</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1/2 teaspoon sugar</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1/2 teaspoon kosher salt</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">Freshly ground pepper, to taste</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">3/4 cup shredded Gruyere, Comte, fontina or mozzarella cheese</li>
</ul>Remove:<br />
<ul><li itemprop="ingredients">2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1 medium clove garlic, minced</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1/2 teaspoon sugar, (optional)</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1/2 teaspoon kosher salt</li>
</ul>Instead use:<br />
<ul><li itemprop="ingredients">2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">4 large ripe tomatoes, halved lengthwise </li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">teaspoonish of oregano </li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">2 teaspoons of garlic and parsley seasoning (it is dried garlic and parsley, NO SALT!!) </li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1/2 teaspoon sugar</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">1/2 teaspoon salt</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">regular pepper, to taste.</li>
<li itemprop="ingredients">3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar</li>
</ul>And I ended up with these.<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivh5AjNvKtcZRV8J-GrL5cL7mINiUyjTRZtz_W38bWv17-TSqguxYspAOHvtzw1Sg16JyltATqQhK2Yxf2nipmvmtUpKzw_FNHLtd3yC4ixsFIqv2BH9Xd9EILjsAIsBQ9-_GCkVkDsPDG/s1600/CIMG0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivh5AjNvKtcZRV8J-GrL5cL7mINiUyjTRZtz_W38bWv17-TSqguxYspAOHvtzw1Sg16JyltATqQhK2Yxf2nipmvmtUpKzw_FNHLtd3yC4ixsFIqv2BH9Xd9EILjsAIsBQ9-_GCkVkDsPDG/s400/CIMG0069.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pan seared tomatoes. So tasty!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We had them with barbecued beef sandwiches. Very fresh and tasty. Were I to make them again I'd add more garlic (it cooked up a bit too sweet in the oil)... and a bit more sugar since these were not heirloom style tomatoes. The sharpness of the cheddar played very nicely with the sweet garlic and zing of the tomato though. I'd also probably leave them on high heat a bit longer to brown them a bit more.katsrevengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184424251040293799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319759366660254185.post-21856571116615223902011-06-13T16:41:00.002-04:002011-06-13T16:51:08.585-04:00My Nook Gets a Case!I has an awesome BF!<br />
<br />
He got me a Nook for my birthday. I hacked it into a tablet... then made it a little Nook Sack.<br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>(And then started to write this post.. got horribly distracted.. and then felt guilty. And, then put it off because I felt guilty.And put it off some more. But... it was eating at my soul, this post. It was so close to being finished, so close to being done. All I had to do was go back and edit a bit.. and then hit Publish.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Argh. I just couldn't deal with the nagging feeling of guilt that comes from a completed post unpublished. So here you have it, a crocheted NookSack, the really easy easy way. And, since this item has been in my rather hard-wearing use since early May I can now say that the thing holds up great. It hasn't warped out of shape, the thick stitches really pad the piece and my Nook looks great. I do plan for a hard case if we ever did any serious traveling.. but this crocheted thing is great for pursing the Nook. Also, as my man so delicately put it, "It looks like a little girls purse that her mommy made for her so no one will be tempted to steal it." Ain't he sweet.)</i><br />
<br />
The Crocheted NookSack.<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0CsDDowoGN2uzbC1VzeIGdFhNMo1d9INVbrZ84qRwswejTYXyZP_llQEl7UpcbwLfHCNCtLZX1jotvBUiVt0iMh961KY7ay6QAmB_qL3RRYBOmxZF9lppMtkBINsQ3u2pALrWwsgxM7j/s1600/CIMG0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0CsDDowoGN2uzbC1VzeIGdFhNMo1d9INVbrZ84qRwswejTYXyZP_llQEl7UpcbwLfHCNCtLZX1jotvBUiVt0iMh961KY7ay6QAmB_qL3RRYBOmxZF9lppMtkBINsQ3u2pALrWwsgxM7j/s320/CIMG0002.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My haxxor skills. FEAR THEM! All kidding aside, this was easy as installing a program on a Windows device. (Now I have CM7 on it but whatever.) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>I used crochet to make a squishy thicker fabric...and because it's faster for me. All it is is a worked in the round single piece with a fastened down (at each end) flap in purple as a lid. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuAJLDmrpicL16T08xFpia147WeXtZvUw8DIhNkuUKvSQe3qItbwh-gSI0L28_9MqI7zXJ3OZtre0vB4fUtqtu9oVjZQvnRRvUXRyaQg0GosjWFduCLo28L6SgHqURndKRQfCiJ_QJz0L/s1600/CIMG0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuAJLDmrpicL16T08xFpia147WeXtZvUw8DIhNkuUKvSQe3qItbwh-gSI0L28_9MqI7zXJ3OZtre0vB4fUtqtu9oVjZQvnRRvUXRyaQg0GosjWFduCLo28L6SgHqURndKRQfCiJ_QJz0L/s320/CIMG0022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The way the colors lined up pleased me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Supplies:</b><br />
5.00 mm hook<br />
4.25 mm hook<br />
yarn needle <br />
1 skein Pisgah Yarn & Dyeing Co., Inc Peaches & Creme Ombres. I used winterberry.<br />
At least 40 yards of a pleasantly complementary color. I used purple.<br />
<br />
<br />
This thing is SUPER EASY! <u>All sts are American half double crochet.</u><br />
<br />
First, using the 5mm hook, chain 27. (Note: This will make a fairly snug pocket. As it is cotton it will stretch as you use it.) Chain two and turn and work back to end of chain. Now you will work the same chain sts to create a pocket. First, work a second half double st into the last chain st. Then, work a third half double into that same st. You will have three total in that last st.<br />
<br />
Now work back along that chain, putting a half double in each chain again. (This is why we used a bigger needle for the base chain... it needed to be a bit loose!) It will look like this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5N4ZWHCUmGf7uw_s6TmagftEMlRnG4pY3fF73qtd2oFvGSl1e_znpfLR5vmwgaufJM4Bg0jepf1GpyPv975ZPXgD21Y8QZZ65XS3gtOTQ6R1H8WCzgIKIzPuoY1GLO6-bkKVkyexhzKYW/s1600/CIMG0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5N4ZWHCUmGf7uw_s6TmagftEMlRnG4pY3fF73qtd2oFvGSl1e_znpfLR5vmwgaufJM4Bg0jepf1GpyPv975ZPXgD21Y8QZZ65XS3gtOTQ6R1H8WCzgIKIzPuoY1GLO6-bkKVkyexhzKYW/s320/CIMG0003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">..kinda like a little boat..</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Work another half double st into the end chain st (again) to have three total.. again. Now, work a single chain and begin the next round, spiraling up the piece of work. I worked around 15 rows till Nook top is reached. Chain once and attach to row after nook top is reached.<br />
<br />
Work back and forth along slightly higher pocket side in second color. I did 6 rows. Using yarn needle very carefully stitch each flap edge to the pocket's edge.<br />
<br />
I was going to stitch an Irish rose and leaves onto the front of the cover... but then I started to worry about the extra fabric pressing into the screen when it was in my bag. So no rose.I already had the rose made so no I'm working on giving it a new home. <br />
<br />
And there you have it. World's easiest crocheted NookSack.katsrevengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184424251040293799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1319759366660254185.post-76025384025355937702011-06-02T02:28:00.001-04:002011-06-28T04:49:42.909-04:00I Went Hiking! A Pictorial Post.<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZim_aAhgwXM_x_XBPeBRwHUwoEIH_UFSIBqw_4bb8o22tK7BlwTsxhCaxLDLBQReqc_Hw7woZMMLWzpucBNFVwYJNCzbQUr5weReDmtZL5w4Ro1hOUPdetIbw7k1n5u3W9Ks98w3nFaRX/s1600/CIMG0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZim_aAhgwXM_x_XBPeBRwHUwoEIH_UFSIBqw_4bb8o22tK7BlwTsxhCaxLDLBQReqc_Hw7woZMMLWzpucBNFVwYJNCzbQUr5weReDmtZL5w4Ro1hOUPdetIbw7k1n5u3W9Ks98w3nFaRX/s400/CIMG0113.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francis Slocum PA State Park, pile of boulders. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRT9I0oeLQtou4KFPmz_yLktTf47nChmciN9yvT9k1GP4rVy05wtnSSrTLiO4wYHGh1mMm7pr-qxsEiRI1AA4nTeXOvUN5OubZ6yh5LHypjyZOEuwO5RLJOHc9wNGmSCTiCtn3NbmxtMI/s1600/CIMG0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRT9I0oeLQtou4KFPmz_yLktTf47nChmciN9yvT9k1GP4rVy05wtnSSrTLiO4wYHGh1mMm7pr-qxsEiRI1AA4nTeXOvUN5OubZ6yh5LHypjyZOEuwO5RLJOHc9wNGmSCTiCtn3NbmxtMI/s400/CIMG0105.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francis Slocum PA State Park, marked trail.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaedMYFhTCdVUJXTGMkM-tQzTzNfnoHXs7mq1x1iu2b3Z4qj-LKQHPHVWwM6elWrwUB64wkacrkTsikBoAPJc2CEH_rw5zaWT1c8MS-NFD0KDIoc1lrWDX-mD_YOsAhGmWYHmQykkUSte/s1600/CIMG0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaedMYFhTCdVUJXTGMkM-tQzTzNfnoHXs7mq1x1iu2b3Z4qj-LKQHPHVWwM6elWrwUB64wkacrkTsikBoAPJc2CEH_rw5zaWT1c8MS-NFD0KDIoc1lrWDX-mD_YOsAhGmWYHmQykkUSte/s400/CIMG0120.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francis Slocum PA State Park at rock shelter. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO129BMNuER5hBTTy60jX3hOmJq3ERB3EoV02R0-Llq-nkc0wsm5oGgTBlxP2BJzJHgqOMWs0T-IfEtMfpP7eQj13IERb86QYBoWm-9HmTU-CCO4XmVYHk7UankE2ap-iXD2Y8nNX9OWWQ/s1600/CIMG0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO129BMNuER5hBTTy60jX3hOmJq3ERB3EoV02R0-Llq-nkc0wsm5oGgTBlxP2BJzJHgqOMWs0T-IfEtMfpP7eQj13IERb86QYBoWm-9HmTU-CCO4XmVYHk7UankE2ap-iXD2Y8nNX9OWWQ/s400/CIMG0118.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francis Slocum PA State Park, A view from the foot of a hill on the trail.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkjf1RBHNl-ih3lwFmAQegp_20lJA29Hi3V2wlP16ybNyX9PiA2_59MOhr9tlgno8Yal-6fLe12Vgasxt3xZaYL1tXvxHFWzIQUUJ4bGaI_a_gKYADSNjIp98VGuItl9tpwyXcBfA9MxW/s1600/CIMG0122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkjf1RBHNl-ih3lwFmAQegp_20lJA29Hi3V2wlP16ybNyX9PiA2_59MOhr9tlgno8Yal-6fLe12Vgasxt3xZaYL1tXvxHFWzIQUUJ4bGaI_a_gKYADSNjIp98VGuItl9tpwyXcBfA9MxW/s400/CIMG0122.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francis Slocum PA State Park, the shelter site.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Jn8vG9lVH612bpnl10boljSHPY8TRzJ0ezZyZ3nrNMS010CnpShdkXE39V5S8c8Mie5VV_KRkA4jZi1d3Lg1e3PLBIjqtcgzr-ZLbomhheEYoOlOE261_Sc_fQbhg38MXwNR52IOFYh6/s1600/CIMG0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Jn8vG9lVH612bpnl10boljSHPY8TRzJ0ezZyZ3nrNMS010CnpShdkXE39V5S8c8Mie5VV_KRkA4jZi1d3Lg1e3PLBIjqtcgzr-ZLbomhheEYoOlOE261_Sc_fQbhg38MXwNR52IOFYh6/s400/CIMG0127.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francis Slocum PA State Park, the lake. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmO5iO2261dvYsuHkaFq84cH6knw0wKfSpKBOq3GJ5rtvq53cJUd9S_s9mdNYfKY0tAVCzWZQkAQf3VkqRWGJaDZ-dnVlH3UecTRXY8JAWPLCuJ8bc50JZUm0fPGwFdDoD0wmDDo2fDMh/s1600/CIMG0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmO5iO2261dvYsuHkaFq84cH6knw0wKfSpKBOq3GJ5rtvq53cJUd9S_s9mdNYfKY0tAVCzWZQkAQf3VkqRWGJaDZ-dnVlH3UecTRXY8JAWPLCuJ8bc50JZUm0fPGwFdDoD0wmDDo2fDMh/s400/CIMG0099.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francis Slocum PA State Park, some kind of swampy iris? Found it along the lakes' edge.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francis Slocum PA State Park, uphill from the rocks.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZvB8Ov5OJNrskSMR95b5sB6bv9KK7hHy2zMbrvsqC3JYGEPvXyrcKUD7J0NqpJry1AL4YCG-TVzgnvlGpOLAY649m851l0mvjZkR22B379Is4IyLtxq7SPP1MyOF99EdQaQ88omT3u-R/s1600/CIMG0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZvB8Ov5OJNrskSMR95b5sB6bv9KK7hHy2zMbrvsqC3JYGEPvXyrcKUD7J0NqpJry1AL4YCG-TVzgnvlGpOLAY649m851l0mvjZkR22B379Is4IyLtxq7SPP1MyOF99EdQaQ88omT3u-R/s400/CIMG0104.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chihuahua loved it. </td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> All in all a good easy and enjoyable hike for all of us. The bugs there were nasty though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rickets's Glen State Park, off the Falls Trail. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248231_631189679245_58404036_33966515_7533472_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248231_631189679245_58404036_33966515_7533472_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rickets's Glen State Park, the Falls Trail.This is why it is not always an easy hike.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/251549_631189754095_58404036_33966521_2623868_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/251549_631189754095_58404036_33966521_2623868_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the reason we turned around early. It was raining by the time we made the car.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248110_631189519565_58404036_33966503_4818214_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248110_631189519565_58404036_33966503_4818214_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swamps are lovely, yes?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/247069_631189729145_58404036_33966519_6327861_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/247069_631189729145_58404036_33966519_6327861_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The man and the tiny dog. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Times! </td></tr>
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There you have it. Selected shots from two days of hiking in NE PA.katsrevengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184424251040293799noreply@blogger.com0