Knitting Needles Case

    I still have not found time to ding into knitting. So my needles rest a lot, and that's exactly why they needed a case to live in! Actually that and the fact that I desperately want things to be organised and in order!

    I searched the web for some inspiration and that's what I ended up with.

and a closer look

I sew the middle part, which has 11 pockets and is really bulky, with satin stitch.

It was the only way I could think of and this was the first time I used satin stitch!

I even made my own stitch markers, with what ever spare parts I had.

I know they look weird, but they will do what they are supposed to!

So now my needles can sleep tight and I can go out for drinks!

See you around 

Maria

How to add a zip closure to a purse

   Do you like my new purse?

I got it from Zara a few weeks ago.
I just loves it's shape and colour combination, which matches almost any outfit and is suitable for both winter and summer.
The only default is that it's only closure is this magnetic snap.

This is not enough to keep my things safe, either from stealing or from ending up on the middle of the street, should I drop the purse! I have to think of any possible scenario! Anyway I have a thing with purses and closures. I need them to close neatly to feel secure.

So here's what I made to solve this problem... because not buying the bag was not an option!

1. This is pretty easy. Measure the opening of the purse and divide the width by 2.

So for example my purse is 36 X 9. The opening I will make has to be 36 cm at length and 9 cm width. It will be split in two by a zip, so 9/2 = 4.5 cm. Right?

2. Now cut 2 pieces of fabric, matching the colour of the purse lining or purse it's self. Each one should measure 36cm length and 9cm width, because it will be folded in two. Add seam allowances. Mine is just one cm.

3. Sew each fabric piece on the zip, folded in half and enclosing the raw edges in the pieces. This would be easier if you press the seam allowances in. It doesn't have to be perfect. No one will see it, but you.

4. Now all that's left to do is sew your closure to the purse.

This can only be done by hand. 

Determine a straight line in the purse lining. There may already be some kind of line to follow, if not just draw one with tailors chalk.

Here's how mine looks from the inside and outside.

Unfortunately I forgot to divide and my closure and it ended up having double the width it should have... 

Even so, I don't mind, because I can use that extra space it creates to place a bottle of water!

See? It creates just the right shape and it fits perfectly! Ha ha

That's how the purse looks all secured!

See you around 

Maria

I just fell in love

... with this dress from the new Summer 2012 collection over at Simplicity.

Isn't it lovely?
Of course Cynthia Rowley. Oh I love her perspective.
Light, summery, flowy, classy but shashy at the same moment. Would look great with a cropped jacket or cardigan. For a simple walk, but also for work and why not a special occasion. The right fabric will get the best out of this pattern.
I mostly like the sleeveless version the model is wearing.
Look at the contrasting lines. Back and front has the same shape.
Combination of curves and geometric shapes.
Lovely, just lovely.
I'm going to spent the rest of the day daydreaming about it!

See you around

Maria

Burda 4/2012 preview

    I'm not really sure what to say about this issue. There are a couple of patterns that will make me buy it, but apart from those, it's really food for thought. I don't like looking or dressing like everyone else does and this month there are some really interesting patterns to give you a unique look. Let' see.

So very 60's.

Not my first choice, but I do have fabric I could use ...and if I do get that six pack until summer (!) it will be a great choice for an elegant appearance after the beach, don't you think? As you can see the design is very very easy and depending on the fabric of course, you can wear it as a bolero, over your shirt.

 

The classic pencil skirt!

So classic, so classy! It doesn't flatter every figure though. You may adjust it to fit you of course. Lower the waist or expand the hem, I know it won't be pencil then, but straight, but you will get the effect!

Nice accessory idea, you can make with almost any material

Another great dress. By now you would know I have a thing about dresses and lace. So this one is the perfect combination! Actually you don't need a pattern to do this. I mean you can replace fabric pattern pieces with lace in any design, as long as it makes sence to you!

I would wear this if I was to dance tango again! Fire!

It looks it's cut on the bias. So bring on those curves!

Interesting darts in front.

Ι looove this one! I'm curious how you do that think on the sleeve head...

Maybe this could be the cropped jacket - bolero style that actually fits good on me.

Did you miss these? I didn't! Ha ha! Well, the more I see them in fashion magazines the more I'm thinking about making one. Last summer I tried on a couple and I looked ridiculous...like many of those girls I see on the street wearing them! Sorry... But, if I was to make one, I would make it to flatter me and look good on me, as I know my bodytype. Anyway you know I probably won't, because my list of projects to be made is too long, and this is right at the bottom of it!

Notice the balloon hem.

This is my second favorite pattern of this issue. I'll show you my first in a while.

I absolutely love it. Simple with a touch!

What do you think about this?

Interesting right? Drapped and flowing. Kind like ancient greek.

This one could be considered as it's plus size version... almost!

Now this is my absolutely favourite pattern.

Unfortunately (for me) it's a plus size pattern... you lucky girls! What's so special about it you would say. Well a straight or pencil skirt is just a skirt. You may look good in it or not. Either way it's just a skirt, especially if it's in one colour. What makes the difference is that fabric texture manipulation. I love it on every skirt. Since I can't sew this for my self, I'll keep it for inspiration. I bet the instructions will be helpfull.

In this issue you will also learn how to make this bracelet from a crocheted doily.

Hmmm...

See you around

Maria

Mom's Christmas present

   Yes I know it's too late talking about Christmas, but better late than never, right? I made this scarf for my mother this Christmas. She loves green and I thought it would be a good idea. That yarn was supper easy to knit with. Simply stockinette stitch. You only have to start from the right edge of the yarn, so that you 'll be lifting these fibres up, while knitting. My skeins said to start from the end that was in the middle of the skein. The scarf, which is really warm by the way, turned out looking like grass. Of course you might say... anyway she loves it!

See you around

Maria

Wilma Flintstone costume

    I just love carnival! Not only for the parties, happy atmosphere and the fact that you can go out on the street looking like crazy and no one will stare at you, but also for the crafting possibilities. It's limitless!

   This year I decided to be Wilma Flintstone! I came up with the idea just a day before the party I would go to. It was a speed race and I was lucky enough to remember that Burda had a pattern about this exact costume a couple of months ago. I'm saying lucky because memory and me are two very separate ideas! 

   I had so much fun making this dress and it was really quick. Of course I didn't really care about couture details and a spotless inside of the clothe. As long as it fitted me right and I looked like Wilma I was happy.

Sorry about the wrinkles.

When I came from the party I just throw it on a chair and then I got too lazy...

I had a hard time styling the wig.

I couldn't find anything better in orange than a long hair wig.

I made the updos my self and it took too long and too many bobby pins!

See you around

Maria

PS. I also made Fred Flintstone, but I'm afraid I can't show that costume for the moment. I need to get it back in my hands first or get some proper pictures.