tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216864067051368682024-03-05T22:41:39.269-08:00LACIE LYNNAE...Musings In CreativityLacie Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432335728277029212noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921686406705136868.post-11201113001480830372011-08-07T14:06:00.000-07:002011-08-07T14:47:23.818-07:00Fall please?Hello faithful readers! Sorry it has been such a long time since my last post! I am currently working on my new website and wanted to wait until it was finished to post a new blog. As you may have noticed, this is not a new website. I decided that instead of holding out another week or so I would continue posting my creative ramblings for your reading pleasure.<br /><br />With that said I will let you in on something I began at the beginning of June. It is called the "Christmas Morning Sweater", perfect for midsummer right? Wrong. Some people refuse to knit at all during the summer months because it is simply too hot outside. That wasn't the problem in this case. In fact, I choose the warmest, bulkiest yarn possible for my summer knitting because people keep the AC set to 47 degrees (well maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration but still it's far too cold inside for most of the summer) so it feels nice to have a cozy sweater in progress on my lap.<br /><br />The actual bummer part of knitting such a wonderful Christmas sweater in the summer is that now that it's finished I love it and can't wear it without dying of heat exhaustion!<br /><br />In my mind this would be an ideal situation for wearing this incredibly soft, warm, happy sweater:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/07/3740.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/07/s_3740.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='214' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Cozy right?<br /><br />This is the current situation:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/08/07/3743.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/08/07/s_3743.jpg' border='0' width='276' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Boo!<br /><br />Now, take note of this moment. If you know me at all you will realize that this is in fact a very rare occasion. Instead of basking in the glorious heat of summer I am counting down the days until we get a nice, chilly, rainy day so I can finally wear my grey, 100% alpaca, wonder sweater. <br /><br />I must give props to the designer Caddy Melville Ledbetter for an incredibly well written pattern! Way to be awesome! This pattern is from a book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307408736/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=nestada-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=0307408736">Warm Knits, Cool Gifts</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=0307408736&camp=217145&creative=399369" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><br />which has quite the selection of great pattern, I highly recommend it.<br /><br />This sweater is a gorgeous garment with a non-traditional sleeve and a removable cowl. It was named the "Christmas Morning" sweater because it is cozy enough to be worn in the early morning festivities on Christmas morning then can be transformed into a dressier looking piece (with the addition the cowl) for Christmas dinner. <br /><br />This project took from start to finish about 10 days.<br />Lacie Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432335728277029212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921686406705136868.post-6978088818834226222011-07-20T09:35:00.001-07:002011-08-07T14:48:11.245-07:00How to make a dress formA few weeks ago I ended up in a conversation with a budding young dress designer. She had accidentally sliced open her finger with a rotary cutter and was worried that she wouldn't be able to finish her newest dress design in time for fair. As we talked she mentioned that she had made her own dress form. WHAT?!? You can make dress forms?! How come I hadn't thought of that?<br />
<br />
The next available minute I googled methods to make my very own! I had had enough of attempting to alter my clothing by pinning it on myself then sewing a tiny bit and repeating the process a million times.<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5958395878/'><img src='http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6142/5958395878_176c474692_b.jpg' border='0' width='238' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
Materials:<br />
1 roll of duck tape<br />
3 cans of expanding insulation foam<br />
1 large trash bag<br />
Tape measure<br />
Scissors<br />
Ribbon<br />
Mod-podge for paper mâché <br />
Paper bags or pictures for paper mâché <br />
<br />
Begin the process by cutting a good amount of duck tape into strips of varying length.<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5957836145/'><img src='http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6143/5957836145_f0190b162a_z.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
Next cut a hole in the top of the trash bag for your head and in the sides for your arms. Slip it on. Work quickly so you don't die of heat exhaustion. This part is actually more suited for 2 people. Begin taping the body shape over the bag beginning at the lower edge and making sure it lies tightly against the body. Pay special attention to the chest and shoulder region, it will take more tape in shorter pieces. I did most of this part on my own then got Johnny to help me with the shoulders and neckline. I placed grocery bags where the trash bag didn't cover all my skin so the tape wouldn't stick. Cover the whole body 3 to 4 times with tape so it won't move around when you take it off.<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5958396476/'><img src='http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6138/5958396476_689a4335fb_b.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5957836573/'><img src='http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6020/5957836573_1ab7692471_b.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
Now comes the fun part. Have whoever is assisting you cut a line down the back so you can escape from the duck tape mold. When you're out, tape it back together again. During this part the shoulder on mine collapsed but I was able to push it back out to the correct spot.<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5958396944/'><img src='http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6148/5958396944_b5a952e645_b.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5957837011/'><img src='http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6128/5957837011_2ecafa0dd3_b.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
Now that you have a nice mold of your body head out to a well ventilated area for the stuffing process! Warning - the spray insulation is crazy sticky! So I recommend wearing gloves. Before filling with insulation foam I filled my form with some additional bags to keep it in the correct shape.<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5957837235/'><img src='http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6122/5957837235_4a9485e537_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
Fill in the whole form with foam including the center of the body. On a side note - make sure you have enough insulation to fill the whole thing, I originally only bought 1 can and had to run to Walmart in the middle of the process to get more. Keep your tape measure handy so you end up with the correct dimensions after filling.<br />
Wait until foam has completely hardened before proceeding.<br />
<br />
If there are any areas that could use more stuffing go ahead and fill them with crumpled newspaper. The goal here is just to make a solid form.<br />
<br />
When I was researching this process I found that some chose to remove the tape but that seemed pretty unlikely to work out in my case so I decided to leave the tape on and paper mâché over the top of it. I am a sucker for great pictures so I asked my dad if I could cut some out of his older photography magazines.<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5958397740/'><img src='http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6018/5958397740_69ebfbcb64_z.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5958398078/'><img src='http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6006/5958398078_f391c27078_b.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
I found some photos I was fond of then prepped the form for mâché by cutting off the insulation that had expanded out the arms and neck. Then I began attaching the first layer of paper (which was just strips of brown paper bag) using mod-<br />
podge.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5957838103/'><img src='http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6140/5957838103_b665713489_z.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
After the first layer is done, begin attaching photographs (or if you prefer just leave it brown)<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5957838315/'><img src='http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6132/5957838315_68dcf20086_z.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5957838537/'><img src='http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6017/5957838537_364b29645f_z.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<br />
Once the entire body is covered and looks like you want it to, cut a piece of ribbon and place it around the natural waistline as a reference when fitting.<br />
<br />
Ta-da! And there you have it, a homemade dress form!<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5958399054/'><img src='http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6132/5958399054_39c087ae77_b.jpg' border='0' width='238' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center>Lacie Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432335728277029212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921686406705136868.post-30116943429346237032011-07-04T21:47:00.001-07:002011-08-07T14:49:23.124-07:00Knitting for necessity...."Naomi" pirouette socksSometimes I design for fun, sometimes to make something I can't find at a store and sometimes I design because I just really need something.<br />
<br />
This week it was the later. When I visited The Studio a couple weeks ago I was invited to drop into classes over the summer. I decided to attend the last day of the summer intensive they were putting on. Unfortunately none of my dance attire or shoes are here in CO. I had some yoga pants and a tank top I could use but was still severely lacking in the shoe department.<br />
<br />
Certain types of dance don't require shoes but since I didn't know what they would be teaching on the day I dropped in I figured I should probably bring some just in case we were doing ballet or anything that involved turning. I hadn't danced for about 2 years so I figured I'd have enough trouble and didn't need to add the problem of my feet sticking and not being able to turn.<br />
<br />
I decided to make myself some pirouette socks. A pirouette sock is a little sock that just covers the toes and ball of the foot. As the name suggest, they exist to assist with turning and any motion that requires sliding your foot across the ground. <br />
<br />
I didn't have a pattern so I had to come up with one. I checked out my stash and found about 3/4 of a ball of sock yarn, that'd work. I then experimented with a couple different styles and after a couple tries found one that would work. I needed something that was tight enough to stay on while turning and wide enough to accommodate my toes when they are spread apart (usually while turning or balancing). This is the pattern I came up with. It is essentially just a cuff and a toe so it works up very quickly. This would be a great gift for any dancers in your life! Enjoy!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5904038714/"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6032/5904038714_c9cff6d898_z.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a><br />
<br />
<u><b>'Naomi' Pirouette Socks Pattern</b></u><br />
<br />
One size- adjust size by casting on in multiples of two<br />
<br />
<b>Materials </b><br />
50 yards superwash sock yarn approx. (I just used some leftovers I had in my stash)<br />
<br />
(5) Size US 1 dpns or size to obtain gauge<br />
three stitch markers<br />
Darning needle<br />
20in of 1/4 in elastic <br />
<br />
<b>Gauge:</b><br />
9sts and 12 rows equals 1" in stockinette <br />
<br />
<b>Abbreviations</b><br />
k- knit<br />
P- purl<br />
CO- cast on<br />
K2tog- knit two stitches together<br />
Ssk- slip, slip, knit<br />
Sts- stitches<br />
PM- place marker<br />
<br />
<u><b>Instructions</b></u><br />
<br />
CO 64 sts, divide sts evenly among 4 dpns. Join for working in the round being careful not to twist the sts. PM for beginning of round.<br />
<br />
*K 1, P 1; repeat from star until knitting measures 3/4in<br />
<br />
Next row begin working in stockinette (since we are in the round that means you'll need to knit all rows). Continue until sock measures 3 3/4in.<br />
<br />
K 16, PM, k 32, PM, K 16<br />
<br />
<b>Decrease round:</b><br />
K to three sts before marker, k2tog, k1, slip marker, k1, ssk, k to three sts before marker, k2tog, k1, slip marker, k1, ssk, k to end<br />
<br />
Repeat decrease round until 16 sts remain.<br />
<br />
Remove markers and close toe with kitchner stitch.<br />
<br />
the measure the correct length stretch the elastic around your foot so it is a little tight, this will help keep the sock on during the action. Let it overlap about a quarter of an inch and cut. Sew the elastic where it overlaps and then into the ribbed section of the sock, make sure to sew it down in multiple locations around the cuff so it wont slip out.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5903526953/"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6028/5903526953_580db42468_z.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5904085788/"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6051/5904085788_f6057fbf7a_z.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br />
<br />
I chose to call this pattern the 'Naomi' Pirouette Sock because for a few years I danced with a wonderful young lady and beautiful dancer named Naomi. Naomi and I lived near each other so we rode to and from classes together for a few years. Needless to say we had all sorts of adventures in that time. Now whenever I remember the time I spent dancing for Mary Constantine- Nelson I <i>always</i> think of Naomi. Special thanks to Naomi for being my model!Lacie Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432335728277029212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921686406705136868.post-67957549098635027322011-07-03T14:29:00.001-07:002011-08-07T14:48:11.245-07:00My new favorite pants!These past few months I have been seriously contemplating what I want to include in my wardrobe and the specific reasons for including each piece. I decided that each piece should have a purpose yet also be flexible enough to dress up or down and also be worn with any other piece in my wardrobe. So that meant I needed a color scheme to use and also a climate range.<br /><br />After I figured out what I'd ideally include, I went online to all of my favorite stores to find pictures of each piece to work from.<br /><br />Next I headed to the fabric district in LA. If you've never been there you really should check it out! It is a little chunk of town that is cram packed full of fabric stores that sell just about any type of fabric, notions and other fun stuff imaginable. The kicker is this, it's all at wholesale prices. I made sure I was getting a good deal by checking out the prices per yard for the fabrics I wanted at a regular fabric store before I hit up the garment district. The difference was significant.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5898319129/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5034/5898319129_df5c577251.jpg' border='0' width='275' height='183' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Now, I decided that for a number of reasons I didn't want to include jeans in my garment selection. They don't travel well and I just don't prefer them in general. Pant selection number one: I wanted something similar to this linen pant from J. Crew except I didn't want to pay $80 for them and I didn't want a drawstring.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5898885230/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5074/5898885230_9215c48947.jpg' border='0' width='209' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I think linen is incredible stuff! It's breathable, drapes nicely, cool in the summer and packs up fairly small. Bummer thing is that it also wrinkles easily. I checked out a normal price for linen and it ranges from $12-$18 per yard and I would need about 2 1/2 yards for pants like this. Gross. When we got to the fabric district I immediately started searching for a mid weight linen, preferably in slate grey or olive green. Unfortunately, I couldn't find either color and had to settle for a dark charcoal instead. Guess how much I spent? $22 for 5 yards!! Amazing!!<br /><br />Since I got the linen for such a great price I was also able to get a semi sheer silk print ($7 for 5 yards...seriously love this place). More about that fabric later.<br /><br />After we had spent a few hours in the fabric district and feasted on street food we headed home. As soon as we arrived I began cutting out the pattern pieces I would need. When I finished that I laid out my fabric in the hallway (only place long enough to fit it) and cut out the fabric pieces. The pattern i had was actually for capri pants so i just added about 7 inches in length to the leg pieces. There was supposed to be interfacing as well for the pockets and waistband but I didn't have any so I figured it would be fine to do without.<br /><br />I began sewing the pants according to the instructions but after I had gotten about two thirds of the way through and tried them on I decided that they looked too formal. I then backtracked and took out the zipper, sewed up the spot it occupied and instead of making a regular waistband I opted for a very lightly gathered elastic waistband. After a couple little alterations they ended up how I wanted them. The pockets and darts make them not look like lounge pants but I didn't have the regular waistband or zipper to make them dress pants either. Perfect! Somehow because I didn't follow the directions I ended with a little pile of extra pieces. Oh well.<br /><br />**note: hair straightening iron works great for ironing darts! In fact if you're traveling and there isn't an iron you can use your straightener to iron your pants or touch up your shirts. **<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5898885650/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5191/5898885650_19451214cf_b.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Next I had to deal with the hemline. I hadn't pre washed the fabric (dumb idea) so I would need to add a few extra inches in length to allow for shrinking. I put on the pants which were SUPER long and had my mom pin them evenly for me. Then I sewed the hem but didn't cut off the extra fabric just in case I should need to let them out after washing. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5898320055/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5898320055_9c2a753983_b.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />As soon as I finished the hem I threw them in the wash and prayed that I would still fit them when they got out. Thankfully they shrank the perfect amount so I didn't have to change the hem at all! Now they are my favorite pants and I am contemplating making a couple more pairs :)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5898320349/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5311/5898320349_fb87583764.jpg' border='0' width='320' height='320' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Happy Independence Day week!<br />Lacie Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432335728277029212noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921686406705136868.post-67377401421984783572011-06-28T09:17:00.001-07:002011-08-07T14:47:23.819-07:00High Fashion and Knitwear?First - go to this blog and read the post from Tuesday, June 28 "<a href="http://www.michaelaknits.com/2011/06/mens-fashion-shows.html">Men's Fashion Knits</a>"<br />
<br />
Seriously this is what gets me inspired. The mixture or all the high fashion and runways with knitwear! I dont usually send people to other blogs but this one was so great I just had to pass it on. Thanks Michaela!Lacie Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432335728277029212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921686406705136868.post-13083221405931135972011-06-22T19:30:00.001-07:002011-08-07T14:48:51.026-07:00Ballet and Chopin always inspire me to paintThis week we made it to Colorado! Upon waking up Monday morning I found myself with an incredible amount of time to do whatever I pleased. At first I was at a loss. What on earth was I going to do with all of this time?<br /><br />Over my morning coffee I decided to check out what was going on at the dance studio I danced at while in high school. I was hoping to check out their recently remodeled studios and perhaps find some old friends there. I hopped in the truck and drove down to Loveland only to find a locked studio. Humph. It was still pretty early so I sat down at the coffee shop across the street to see if anyone would show up. It was there that it dawned on me that all of the summer sessions might be taking place at the Fort Collins studio. I called and confirmed my suspicion.<br /><br />Around one thirty that afternoon I showed up at the Fort Collins studio and was given the grand tour by the wonderful owner Jennissa. I then asked if perhaps I could stick around long enough to sketch the pointe class. She was only too happy to oblige. Here are a couple sketches I came up with. I focused mostly on the legs and feet.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5862199832/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5120/5862199832_acede3e702_z.jpg' border='0' width='232' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5861649051/'><img src='http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3090/5861649051_79f5992afe_z.jpg' border='0' width='213' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5861649403/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5276/5861649403_d9dc6de1dc_z.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='242' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I left the class feeling inspired and after returning home decided that I needed to paint. I browsed around the internet to find a picture to work from and finally found one of a dancer in Alonzo King's LINES Ballet.<br /><br />Conveniently my mom is an artist so even though I left my painting supplies in CA I managed to find a blank canvas, brushes and some paint.<br /><br />I decided to only use a portion of the canvas so the very first thing I did was cover the unused parts with gaffers tape so I wouldn't smudge the white of the canvas. Then I painted in most of the background except a general area where I ultimately wanted the dancer to be.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5862200960/'><img src='http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2726/5862200960_1a115e3958_z.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Next I sketched in a rough outline of the dancer and painted a more exact background.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5862201354/'><img src='http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/5862201354_0a101113c5_z.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Then I turned on Chopin (my very most favorite composer) and began the more precise shading and shaping. I love black and white art so it seemed natural to choose to paint in black and white for this piece. However, I always find it a bit more challenging to paint in mostly black because all of the different shades of grey require you to mix a different blend of water and paint. But with as difficult as it was at times I must admit that I loved every minute of it!<br /><br />After I had finished the detail work I pulled off my gaffers tape outline to find some of the grey from the stage in the painting had seeped under the tape. This is what I call an artistic accident because I loved the effect it had on the look of the piece! At that point I was almost finished. I added some white paint over the white areas on the canvas just to add a bit of dimension and a subtle texture.<br /><br />And here she is!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5862201712/'><img src='http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3136/5862201712_aee8affb21_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Earlier today I went in search of the perfect frame and decided upon a very feminine white one that cradles this piece so well! Unfortunately I neglected to take a picture of it in the frame before I gave it to Jennissa so you'll just have to use your imagination :) <br /><br />With all this time for creativity, I have a lot to write about so there are more blogs coming soon!<br />Lacie Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432335728277029212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921686406705136868.post-53816453515674382132011-06-03T17:37:00.001-07:002011-06-03T17:37:54.040-07:00Well hellllloooo there summer!As of this afternoon we are officially done with all Camfel shows until August! After our show today for about 200 first graders we started on the 48 hour drive from Scranton, PA to Los Angeles, CA.<br />We are so excited to get home after ten months on the road!<br /><br />The exciting thing is that we'll spend about six weeks of our summer housesitting in Wyoming. That means I will have a ton of time to experiment with creating all sorts of cool things! <br /><br />I am just finishing up my summer pattern for a lace tunic for which a blog post and pattern should be coming shortly.<br /><br />Also Johnny and I are planning on launching a new podcast soon called "Yarn Tripper"! It is a podcast all about traveling for fiber enthusiasts. It'll include things like where to eat, what to see, where to stay and a great fiber find! We have already recorded one episode that should be available after we get back and settled a bit. <br /><br />I can't wait to blog about all the fun stuff that's in the works! Happy summer to you all!<br /><br />Lacie Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432335728277029212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921686406705136868.post-52854715053994051472011-05-29T14:46:00.000-07:002011-08-07T14:48:11.246-07:00Pleats, pants and my iPad2It was a beautiful day in Nashville and I found myself sitting in Ugly Muggs coffee shop working on my most recent knitting project. Then inspiration struck and I decided that something needed to be sewn. I immediately went out to the van and looked through my (very small) collection of fabrics and scraps.<br />
<br />
I came across about a quarter of a yard of chartreuse satin and a pair of base layer pants that Johnny had worn a fairly sizable hole through.<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5773560006/'><img src='http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2215/5773560006_fdf374beaa_z.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='262' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5773022035/'><img src='http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3026/5773022035_bd2b8da610.jpg' border='0' width='212' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
I grabbed the chartreuse and my ever present box of strait pins and returned to our table in the coffee shop for some serious brainstorming. Almost immediately I started playing around with the idea of pleats. <br />
<br />
Ever since I was little I've had an attraction to pleats. It started with a sewing competition called Make It Yourself With Wool. If you entered you automatically received a few yards of lovely Pendleton wool and the year before I had chosen a plaid with reds, beige and blues. As a nine year old the only thing I could think of to sew with plaid wool was a kilt. So a kilt it would be. I remember sewing a panel of pleats into the front of my kilt and tearing it out a number of times until I got all of the plaids to line up perfectly. It took forever! But In the end I had a spectacular pleat panel! I was beyond elated and later nearly cried when the judge asked incredulously how much my mom had sewn, not believing that a person my age could sew such perfectly matched pleats. Humph....<br />
<br />
As I started the pleats for this project I didn't have anything fancy like a measuring table or a pleating board so I used my mini membership cards on my key chain to make even folds. Haha hey, you've got to use what you have.<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5773022299/'><img src='http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2649/5773022299_d3eb9dc2cb.jpg' border='0' width='212' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
When we got to our hotel later I sewed the pleats into place and started playing with garment construction ideas. I had the option of using a nice floral linen or the pants with the holes and opted for the pants, they are super soft and the fabric drapes nicely!<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5773022521/'><img src='http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2410/5773022521_d2ffafcca9.jpg' border='0' width='212' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
I put the satin aside for a minute and cut the pants apart into usable pieces.<br />
<br />
Next I sewed a long triangular panel into the back of the shirt sandwiched between two pieces of black fabric. I had seen a girl riding her bike once with a similar panel in her shirt and had been waiting to try it out. I also cut out a deep armhole and high neckline into the back.<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5773560904/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/5773560904_c31c660421.jpg' border='0' width='212' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
After I finished the back I sewed the front in a kind of strange order. First I sewed on a black panel to make up the lower front of the shirt. Then I attached the pleated panel to the top of that piece unto which I then added straps. Finally I cut out and attatched two triangular pieces to attach the top of the sides to the back<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5773023025/'><img src='http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3476/5773023025_1b3b5c1f3c.jpg' border='0' width='212' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
The next day I was taking my sewing machine and a pile of other things out to the van. It was pouring rain and I was trying not to get drenched but in the rush my pin box fell in the parking lot and pins flew everywhere. Fail! I proceeded to put my stuff in the car, dreading picking up all of the pins in the rain. Suddenly a rare flash of brilliance hit me. I grabbed my iPad 2, pulled off the case and ran back to the pins. I used the magnetic sides of the iPad and the case to sweep over the area where the pins fell and watched in happy amazement as all the pins attached themselves the the magnet! Success! Bummer part was Johnny wasn't even around to witness my superior problem solving skills, however I took great joy in smugly relating the story to him a few minutes later. <br />
<br />
I finished the tank off by turning under the edges and neckline to create a finished look.<br />
<br />
I ended up with an entirely unique, slightly dressy tank to be worn alone or layered.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5773561572/'><img src='http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2746/5773561572_6292007dce_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5773562188/'><img src='http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3081/5773562188_b6b926889a_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
Happy Memorial Day!Lacie Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432335728277029212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921686406705136868.post-86684460297775592972011-05-21T15:27:00.001-07:002011-08-07T14:47:23.820-07:00Dreary weather inspires thoughts of ChristmasIt seems that it has been a while since I have posted anything. I hope you didn't think I had quit altogether. On the contrary, The truth is I had started so many new and exciting projects that I just didn't finish anything for a while. But finally yesterday I finished a little something called "endpaper mitts"!<br />
<br />
We are back on the East coast and after lots of rain in April I expected lots of sunny days filled with May flowers! I started altering my wardrobe for summer and designing all manner of knit lace projects suited for warmer weather. However, the weather has been slightly less than obliging.<br />
<br />
For the past few weeks it has felt much more like we're heading into fall than into summer. It has been raining, cold and all I've really wanted to eat is nice hot soup. I'm sure it hasn't helped that we are near the coast in some of the Northernmost states. Nothing like spring in New England to ruin my summer planning. The nice thing is since it feels like fall I've been in the mood to start making this year's Christmas presents! I am under the opinion that if its cold outside it should be almost Christmastime and it should most definitely be Christmas when there is snow on the ground! I know you're thinking "Seriously Lacie, Christmas presents in May?" but alas, I may or may not have started on some exciting Christmas goodies! <br />
<br />
As I mentioned earlier the April showers only brought more rain instead of flowers this May so I thought it fitting to make something cozy but still a bit dainty. With this in mind I found a pattern by Eunny Jang called Endpaper Mitts. I had been wanting to make them for quite a while and thought the cooler weather afforded a wonderful opportunity to do so! They were my first color work project (knitting with two or more colors at once) so I ended up pulling the first one out a number of times before I figured it out. As you'll notice there are a series of little blue and black diamonds. After I figured out how I was supposed to read the color chart in the pattern they were actually quite simple! What a rewarding little set!<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5743937541/'><img src='http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3371/5743937541_5576478bd6_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<br />
Sitting inside, reading a good book while it rains outside will only be made better with my hands snuggled inside these comfy little mitts, thank you God for a little taste of fall before we jump into summer!<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5743937709/'><img src='http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3426/5743937709_03aa670bf9_b.jpg' border='0' width='212' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center>Lacie Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432335728277029212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921686406705136868.post-63130998109831163112011-05-07T21:05:00.001-07:002011-08-07T14:48:51.027-07:00A year in picturesThe school year is starting to wind down so I figured I'd celebrate with a year in pictures! Over the past year we have taken a LOT of pictures. Somewhere in the realm of 6,800. Yeah. Wow.<br /><br />Part of the reason for the crazy amount of pictures is because we regularly take pictures of our food. However, we have also been to 33 states so we've had a ton of interesting things to take pictures of!<br /><br />Thanks to the awesome deals at snapfish.com I scored one hundred free prints! The problem is choosing which hundred to print and consequently to put in my scrapbook. I managed to pick some of my favorites to help tell the story of our year on the road. <br /><br />Being on the road hasn't really deterred my scrapbooking efforts. Sooo I figured I'd share a few of my latest pages for you to see! Enjoy!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5697843999/'><img src='http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/5697843999_0875ba30f3_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5697844277/'><img src='http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2031/5697844277_20a7e7c32a_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5697844887/'><img src='http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2369/5697844887_97803c9b69_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5697845121/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5697845121_eaf94673cf_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5698419596/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5149/5698419596_643777fa76_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5698419796/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5069/5698419796_ce8fabf9c9_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5697845975/'><img src='http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2089/5697845975_aaf5aeb43b_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5697846231/'><img src='http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/5697846231_82a264dde3_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Lacie Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432335728277029212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921686406705136868.post-38128553799996070892011-04-30T14:42:00.001-07:002011-08-07T14:47:23.820-07:00Fire socks!After my Chicago sock fiasco I decided that I actually really enjoy knitting socks! They are small enough to try difficult stitch patterns on without totally stressing yourself out.<br /><br />When we were in Lexington (super chill city btw) we visited a yarn store called Magpie Yarn. It turns out that we had celebrated St Patricks Day just a few doors down at a local eatery. I loved it as soon as we walked in because the yarn is arranged by color, so I was greeted with a wonderful rainbow of yarn. <br /><br />I checked out the sale bin and found nothing of interest so I moved on to the nearest section, it happened to be the reds and oranges. I picked up a skein of Shi Bui 100% merino wool in a very slightly variegated rust/orange color. This was the official yarn of my next project.<br /><br />I am in general very drawn to pretty pictures. This ever so scientific method was how I chose the pattern for my fire socks (as I decided to call them because the color reminds me of fire). It is a pattern by SockPixie called Go With The Flow Socks. Funny part was that the pattern had a very poor flow, the instructions were all out of order and if you hadn't made a sock before you'd probably go nuts....or end up with a very odd looking blob of knitting.<br /><br />The cool thing about is pattern is it is essentially just ribbing that is offset so once you get started the actual knitting of it is very simple. This is great for knitting in the dark during our shows! Overall the stitch pattern and slight variation in color of the yarn makes for a great look of depth and complexity when it is in fact quite simple.<br /><br />Anyhow, here's the finished project! I love it!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5673862128/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5309/5673862128_fe65f768b9_b.jpg' border='0' width='212' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5673862318/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5673862318_b879866e8a_z.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='208' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5673862486/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5308/5673862486_3f7c32c306_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='212' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We took the pictures outside our hotel on some old picnic tables they had there. I think we confused everyone going in and out. I was standing on the table trying to take pictures of my feet then Johnny came out with his tripod to take pictures in an otherwise fairly non picturesque area, haha oh the lives we live :)<br />Lacie Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432335728277029212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921686406705136868.post-73693827274217559992011-04-22T18:19:00.001-07:002011-08-07T14:49:23.125-07:00Beauty In AshesSpring is here and summer is fast approaching so I thought I'd work on something a little lighter than the thickest, warmest stuff I could possibly find (which is everything I've worked on this past 6 months or so. Let's face it, the East coast is FREEZING!)<br /><br />I had one ball of Patons Lace yarn in my stash so I decided to try and come up with something to make out of it. The color is called "patina" and fades from charcoal to white and back to charcoal. With such variation in color I wanted the stitches to be very simple so the color and stitch work wouldn't be fighting to get your attention.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5644529963/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5644529963_1e18fe990f_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5645095020/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5108/5645095020_301a12c48e_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />After searching about on ravelry.com and finding nothing particularly suited to my purposes I came up with this, the simplest lace pattern ever! Lace is just knitting where you purposely make holes so I decided to make a series of offset holes with a basic border and some garter stitch in between. This would be a great pattern for someone who is just beginning with lace knitting!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5645095172/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5267/5645095172_a95fc572ef_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Here's the pattern I wrote if you'd like to give it a try!<br /><br />Beauty In Ashes Shawl<br /><br />Needle: size 11<br />Yarn: Patons Lace (patina), 1 skein<br />Gauge: not imperative to pattern<br /><br />Abbreviations:<br />CO- cast on<br />k- knit <br />k2tog - knit two stitches together<br />p- purl<br />BO- bind off<br /><br /><br />CO 56 sts<br />Knit all stitches for 4 rows<br /><br />Section 1:<br />Row 1- k 4, *yo, k2tog, k 2* repeat between *s until four sts remain, k 4<br />Row 2- k 4, p to last four sts, k 4<br />Row 3- k 4, *k2tog, k 2, yo* repeat between *s until four sts remain, k 4<br />Row 4 - repeat row 2<br /><br />Repeat rows 1-4 three times (12 rows total)<br /><br />Section 2:<br />knit 12 rows in garter stitch (knitting every row)<br /><br />alternate sections 1 and 2 until you reach desired length (mine is 59in.), ending with section 1<br /><br />knit 4 rows in garter stitch then BO all sts.<br /><br />weave in ends.<br /><br />To block:<br />I know blocking acrylic isn't necessary but I think it makes the piece look finished. DO NOT IRON! It will melt! I've found that if you wet the finished project and lightly press out the extra water with your hands then lay it out flat to dry in front of a fan you can achieve the desired result.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5645095350/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5645095350_b2b6242cec_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5645095558/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5150/5645095558_61ca7ee16b_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Have a fantastic Easter weekend everyone!<br /><br />Lacie Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432335728277029212noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921686406705136868.post-60357902002100037932011-04-15T18:16:00.001-07:002011-08-07T14:48:11.246-07:00Altered Couture attempt 1I really should check labels more carefully before buying clothing. I have this nasty habit of finding things that fit perfectly when I buy them and after one wash appear to have been made for a small child.<br /><br />Here is an example of one such item of clothing I purchased this past fall and have been carrying with me since. Perhaps the pattern was just so alluring that I couldn't force myself to part with it and perhaps I kept it with the hopes that it would eventually just grow back to it's original size; either way I still had it and it was entirely useless to me in it's shrunken form. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5623393324/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5061/5623393324_654f20365f_z.jpg' border='0' width='212' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I decided to try turning it into something entirely different. And if it didn't work, oh well, I couldn't use it in it's current state anyway. So on came the inspiration and out came the scissors!<br /><br />I decided that I liked the pin tucks so I would try and keep that part.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5623393412/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5221/5623393412_1376234915.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='266' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I also liked the lace edges (no huge surprise, since my name is Lacie) so those would need to stay too.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5622806583/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5622806583_7ba6738109_z.jpg' border='0' width='200' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I began by removing the sleeves and collar...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5622806719/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5622806719_9144a8aabd_b.jpg' border='0' width='212' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Then I cut the whole thing in half and turned the bottom half around (so the back was now in front). Then I reattached it, so now it buttons up in the back.<br /><br />Next I turned under the edges of the collar to make a wide V neckline and attached straps made from the fabric of the sleeves.<br /><br />For the back, I used one of the sleeve cuffs to make a finished edge at the top and to add a couple more buttons for a better fit.<br /><br />To finish it off I added a small a piece to connect the back to the side under the arm and connected the straps to the back out the garment.<br /><br />Here it is! It's a bit wrinkled from wearing it all day but you get the idea...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5623393816/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/5623393816_7080d1ea38_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br />And the back...(it's not crooked, my shoulders were)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5623393968/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5189/5623393968_2410fc1077_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Because I primarily used pieces with finished edges and with buttons already attached I didn't really have much finishing work at all!<br /><br />I was inspired to attempt this alteration by a blog called www.newdressaday.com.....you should definitely check it out!<br />Lacie Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432335728277029212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921686406705136868.post-54144542388223197682011-04-09T07:14:00.000-07:002011-08-07T14:47:23.820-07:00Oh the irony...A couple posts ago I mentioned I was in Chicago for a hair show. A couple days after getting back on the road I received a picture text message from one of the friends I had stayed with...it was a beautiful blue and white, really warm looking sock. In fact it was my sock that I had left in Chicago. Sad day.<br />
<br />
To most people losing a sock is no big deal. But I had exactly 7 pairs of socks, one for each day. This message meant that I would in fact need to get another pair of socks. Ok, so what's the big deal!?<br />
<br />
As a part of my year long challenge I am not buying any clothing, including socks. That left me with a couple options, sew some (hmmm not likely)or knit some. Because I had less than a week before I would run out of socks and because I definitely didn't want to have to do extra laundry I became very determined to make some socks. Nothing like necessity to push you forward!<br />
<br />
As long as I was going to be making socks I decided to design a little<br />
something of my own. I wanted something a bit girly at the top but utilitarian at the base (inside the shoe where no one sees). I had on hand some dark grey merino/bamboo in the proper weight that I fancied would be super soft on the feet. <br />
<br />
Because we had a ton of shows that week and not very much driving I found myself with a wonderful new pair of socks a mere 3 days later!<br />
<br />
Here's what they look like,<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5603255926/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5027/5603255926_d909b2494c_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<br />
I have decided to call the pattern "Shiloh"<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5602671043/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5105/5602671043_02419fe676_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5603256184/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/5603256184_0b2ebd5160_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<br />
I know you can't see the socks that well in this picture but I needed a reason to take a picture of this awesome wall!<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5602671293/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5065/5602671293_023f928bb7_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<br />
And this was the super picturesque rope bridge we found for our little sock shoot! It is located at Camp Nathaniel where I met a very sweet girl named Shiloh, after whom I named this pattern<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5602671495/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5186/5602671495_43971a60fe_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<br />
Ironically enough, this weekend we find ourselves in none other than Chicago! Which also means I got the original blue and white socks back. Haha c'est la vie!<br />
<br />
Bon week-end mes Ami!Lacie Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432335728277029212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921686406705136868.post-39020147021382660912011-04-06T12:35:00.000-07:002011-08-07T14:48:51.027-07:00A peek inside my visual journalFor the last few years whenever I see a postcard, advertisement, graphic design of any sort including pieces of paper flying around on the street that I think look interesting I pick it up and put it in my collection. As an artist I am an incredibly visual person and looking at the bright colors and inspiring designs makes my soul happy. Until last May I would use the pieces I collected for various projects and as background pieces in my scrapbook. But one day as I was perusing the craft section at Barnes and Noble I picked up a book on art journals.<br />
<br />
I fell in love! Finally something to do with my found pieces! Now I will admit that my visual journal is not nearly as gorgeous as the ones in that book but I figured I'd give you a peek at the contents anyway. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Here's what the outside looks like<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5596160358/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5266/5596160358_881e038244_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<br />
And here's a few pages of the inside!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5595576479/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5229/5595576479_11e0aba2ee_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5596160728/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5027/5596160728_50bc6797e2_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5595576883/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5183/5595576883_ae18ddd27a_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5595577039/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5226/5595577039_be640a4b68_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5596161242/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5024/5596161242_d648025ba5_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5595577559/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5178/5595577559_2893422c16_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5596161678/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5103/5596161678_77604a0849_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/61460037@N05/5596161932/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5186/5596161932_8b8fe66911_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<br />
If you want to try something like this I would highly recommend it! Essentially you just throw in things that you think look cool. You can add as many layers as you like of whatever you want. And it can either include writing or be entirely wordless. I would love to see what you come up with!Lacie Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432335728277029212noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921686406705136868.post-26475288365816295252011-03-24T18:34:00.000-07:002011-08-07T14:50:08.583-07:00Chicago bound!Shortly after deciding to rip out my sweater failure (see previous post) I found myself on a train to Chicago. I had been called last minute by Vidal Sassoon to model for them at ABS and since I was just across the lake from Chi-town I decided to do it!<br />
<br />
Generally as a model at one of these events one has a TON of time to spend just sitting around waiting. Some choose to read or socialize but I saw it as a perfect time to work on my new sweater design! I also decided to make a little something for my friends who let me borrow their couch for 5 days :)<br />
<br />
Similar the the last sweater attempt I wanted something simple and loose fitting, comfy and warm with sleeves and torso that were long enough to fit me perfectly. I also decided to include a simple cable detail which begins at the top of the raglan sleeve and is worked all of the way from the neckline to the cuff.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEk0Sg_5sczUvm9unyHSC67Edxyv3ErJunX5et37pqix7iXakl-6Gi4PTrV8tUbuTqu-NfIAcu2RXY3QMkfRqjtNaBa66bZtrOhgNs7JvuOQetew4j7cDKxanqDerI25T6C6ixm2_ZUvY/s1600/IMG_6159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEk0Sg_5sczUvm9unyHSC67Edxyv3ErJunX5et37pqix7iXakl-6Gi4PTrV8tUbuTqu-NfIAcu2RXY3QMkfRqjtNaBa66bZtrOhgNs7JvuOQetew4j7cDKxanqDerI25T6C6ixm2_ZUvY/s320/IMG_6159.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I thought it interesting how many conversations happened simply because I was knitting in public. People who would otherwise not say anything to you stop and ask what you're making or end up telling you all about their grandmother who knit them something once upon a time. Many expressed a desire to learn someday. I have to admit I enjoyed the attention and was only too happy to teach another model to knit one morning after she came up to me and said sheepishly " I saw you knitting and so I went and bought these (knitting needles and yarn)last night. Will you teach me?" <br />
<br />
After a bit of deliberation about what make for the girls I decided a French press cozy would be the perfect thank you present! I am not a huge fan of tea cozies, they just aren't that practical in my opinion but a french press cozy is useful for keeping the extra coffee in the press warm as you drink the first cup. I found a simple pattern for one called the Lazy Weekend French Press Cozy. It knit up rather quickly and turned out super cute! I kinda want to go buy a French press just so I can make the same cozy for myself. The picture isn't fantastic but you can get the idea of what it looked like, it is made in lime green.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WYKQamIJ54qcYLMJMOSEDsUrlcv_slzH_JnZNAOq4At1gwMNEHpO0DnTWO-lYaL4GPJEMa6doxfK6-yZ5r5bEeEZ0j5EpyKqsE0iTRJYLua-_W8hOlxQ6L47yBW31hPrb4m0wxFnHW0/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WYKQamIJ54qcYLMJMOSEDsUrlcv_slzH_JnZNAOq4At1gwMNEHpO0DnTWO-lYaL4GPJEMa6doxfK6-yZ5r5bEeEZ0j5EpyKqsE0iTRJYLua-_W8hOlxQ6L47yBW31hPrb4m0wxFnHW0/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Now as for that sweater... I was super determined to finish in time to wear it on the last day of the show but I hadn't finished the second sleeve. It crossed my mind the just wear it with one sleeve...the people at Sassoon are eccentric enough to think it cool. Alas, I decided to just be patient and wait one more day until I could finish it. And here it is! I have decided to call the pattern "Emmalena".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXNQa5_8zSjk_p5WDldE6AmAq19MCdbYH33fscjQ15kJipwYBT3wnQgdQDa55f618v9a46T4kxUhSUVQ1cdLzuw676bn-xav9hLJgwv5ldphNiCIzkvuHTTz5ctaiLqFVuvFfpKTXuoM/s1600/IMG_6160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXNQa5_8zSjk_p5WDldE6AmAq19MCdbYH33fscjQ15kJipwYBT3wnQgdQDa55f618v9a46T4kxUhSUVQ1cdLzuw676bn-xav9hLJgwv5ldphNiCIzkvuHTTz5ctaiLqFVuvFfpKTXuoM/s320/IMG_6160.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMacfkkQXyT5hoBl7Em-2tchGRFSEWsw8QyvVc7BVYUaasFgWhN4peCEVGz4WT9kSFx-KSSmiImLeBOX-ROwQD8DBV0tNMr7QkbY5i9rZniql8jEaHK_RsZHwWb5JdibmXOPIBwLkkG6M/s1600/IMG_6164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMacfkkQXyT5hoBl7Em-2tchGRFSEWsw8QyvVc7BVYUaasFgWhN4peCEVGz4WT9kSFx-KSSmiImLeBOX-ROwQD8DBV0tNMr7QkbY5i9rZniql8jEaHK_RsZHwWb5JdibmXOPIBwLkkG6M/s320/IMG_6164.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I had originally planned to add a detail along the neckline but I actually really like it as is. Perhaps eventually I will add a finished edge there. If you are interested I will have the pattern available on ravelry.com within the next week. Happy weekend everyone!Lacie Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432335728277029212noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921686406705136868.post-38219821637541499522011-03-07T19:34:00.000-08:002011-08-07T14:47:23.821-07:00Sweater death inspires new designs!<div style="text-align: center;">After last week's post I was super pumped up to start creating a new handmade wardrobe so I found a pattern and cast on for a new sweater. It is a long sleeved, loose fitting, Henley style sweater made from Fisherman's wool to be extra warm! The lanolin in the wool works as insulation and keeps the garment warm even in cold, damp conditions.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiw2m0UqLnMFzqP1DO5nh5LLRZSvSbM2PsxnqkPTsGpXD1IeLCnVuvW76we4A0ZtoqN0ffF97HGMRqRviIpqSB3fQJwuBX_6XsIg5cYNbGV-wJZsPK7z_cdICrooJex8GbfLNsXrke2Y4/s1600/photo%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiw2m0UqLnMFzqP1DO5nh5LLRZSvSbM2PsxnqkPTsGpXD1IeLCnVuvW76we4A0ZtoqN0ffF97HGMRqRviIpqSB3fQJwuBX_6XsIg5cYNbGV-wJZsPK7z_cdICrooJex8GbfLNsXrke2Y4/s320/photo%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Not too far into the pattern I noticed some annoying mistakes the writer had made near the shaping for the sleeve and spot for the buttons. Not to be a jerk but it was seriously the most asinine way to put things together (grr). I trudged through and finished the front and back pieces. As I was blocking them I noticed that the space left for the button placket was way of center! Noooo! Instead of ripping out the whole thing and remaking it in the center I decided to sew it up and put a faux button placket where the real one should've been. Boom bam! Problem solved! Well so I thought...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wlJNfN2f3t0C539X5QRs_WeMJinlQVo01ILZCzcwx6MKiuWPYZvXPBxYV-xkXRxYvm5aKbE8X6Qg2pYb-kw4rfREdfA6SldD-If3_64NRy253xwvt4NJpgDS4ZNpcEVEC5ev3VyhjbA/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wlJNfN2f3t0C539X5QRs_WeMJinlQVo01ILZCzcwx6MKiuWPYZvXPBxYV-xkXRxYvm5aKbE8X6Qg2pYb-kw4rfREdfA6SldD-If3_64NRy253xwvt4NJpgDS4ZNpcEVEC5ev3VyhjbA/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I continued on and created the first sleeve and blocked it into shape. Part of the way through making the second sleeve I got impatient and decided to work on the seams for a while. I sewed the shoulder and side seams (during this process I discovered a deep love for seaming and finish work). I worked on the sleeve some more and a few inches later set it aside to sew in the first sleeve. This is when I realized that the sleeve and the hole that it was supposed to fit in didn't happen to be the same size. FAIL!!! After much lamenting on my part I decided that one annoying pattern mistake would be forgivable but adding one or two more makes for an ill fitting, awkward looking garment. I decided to pull it all out and make something new. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And then I spent the rest of the evening sulking.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I woke up the next morning determined. I would find a new pattern, a better one! I looked in all the usual places and found nothing appealing so I decided to design my own! A few calculations later and with renewed vigor I cast on for a completely new something...hopefully It'll be up next week!</div>Lacie Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432335728277029212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921686406705136868.post-50099057543382592192011-02-27T13:31:00.000-08:002011-02-27T13:31:33.745-08:00"I quit"....a year long challengeBuying clothing that is, at least for now.<br />
<br />
Here's why;<br />
Like most people in the western world I have too much clothes that I care too little about. How? All of the clothing I own fits into a duffle bag(very snugly but I can still zip it with a little muscle). Which I think is a great accomplishment for myself but still, I care very little about the clothing I have. I find myself searching all the time for something newer and more interesting. <br />
<br />
I was reading an old book not too long ago called The Secret Of Distinctive Dress, it was written in 1915 but still hold some valuable truths. I highly recommend reading it! Anyway, it discusses the idea that even though fashions are constantly changing, you don't need to go buy an entirely new wardrobe every other month. If you choose a few simple pieces that are easily and simply updated you can always be dressed in style without spending a small fortune.<br />
<br />
The challenge is this:<br />
1. I will not buy new clothing for a year, I will occasionally buy used clothing to remake<br />
2. I will work on remaking clothing I already own and create new pieces that are classic and timeless while also wearable and functional.<br />
3. Research styles that are flattering to my body type.<br />
4. Improve garment making technique by studying and participating in The Knitting Guild Association's hand knitting masters program, textile design courses and textile technique classes online and elsewhere.<br />
<br />
<br />
What I hope to achieve:<br />
1. An increased connection with and appreciation for my clothing.<br />
2. Improved technique and design skills<br />
3. A creative outlet and challenge artistically and creatively.<br />
4. A wardrobe that is well made and fits correctly.<br />
<br />
<br />
I will be posting about my progress here! If you'd like to join me for part of or all of this challenge let me know!Lacie Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432335728277029212noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921686406705136868.post-72218433665398451242011-02-21T18:21:00.000-08:002011-02-21T18:21:00.516-08:00Why I have trouble finishing thi...<div style="text-align: center;">I think that because I enjoy the process of creating so much I find myself getting very near the end of projects and then stopping, putting them aside and starting something new. I don't ever want it to be over. Sometimes I just get bored or better yet I come up with some other incredibly brilliant idea that has to be started NOW! It's just that fantastic! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Upon realizing this annoying tendency in myself I decided a few weeks ago to go through all of my unfinished projects and finish them. How did I manage that you ask? I decided to make myself finish at least two projects before starting a new one.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This week the project to be finished was a sock I had started for Johnny just before Christmas. I started it in hopes of finishing it by Christmas but ended up getting caught finishing all the other presents first, it didn't get finished and found it's way to the bottom of my pile of unfinished things. Until this week. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I thought myself clever for choosing to finish this project because it's just a little sock and it was already half finished. How long could it possibly take me? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just as I had suspected it took only a day or so. But then as I gleefully reached for my next project Johnny stopped me and moaned something to the effect of, you're not finished yet! I was. I had finished the sock. Finally he convinced me that I had to make the other sock before I was truly done.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So I cast on a new sock just as the week started and finished it today. And now I'm done! Really! So I have officially created two pairs of socks, neither pair for my self, we'll have to remedy that sometime soon. Here is the work in progress </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEVO7kyRP8x-q6HaKNLNepVy0-xNbw1dkJZjMaVQDiaoc7Rgx6ZeG9VNN81nyMOTJgBN5ybeCgp1cT_8il3jPBi_U4VlrkSM3CHQHJAq3TdCh5FX9t7BlL6UQgJqKSbGxAzgFXVQ5Yss/s1600/inprogress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEVO7kyRP8x-q6HaKNLNepVy0-xNbw1dkJZjMaVQDiaoc7Rgx6ZeG9VNN81nyMOTJgBN5ybeCgp1cT_8il3jPBi_U4VlrkSM3CHQHJAq3TdCh5FX9t7BlL6UQgJqKSbGxAzgFXVQ5Yss/s320/inprogress.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">and the finished pieces!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCi9-tFzvk4T528toTwZVI0CIPL8l00-LgwSeHycy3-f04k0caLcp77jKywqPqPY4Ckys16fZ48BaNrpDs5jNXlQfdYi-17F41vXmnuN6yv-TzIb6LCgbxi4Vufq5OG8l0K2JXAryPSw/s1600/johnnysocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCi9-tFzvk4T528toTwZVI0CIPL8l00-LgwSeHycy3-f04k0caLcp77jKywqPqPY4Ckys16fZ48BaNrpDs5jNXlQfdYi-17F41vXmnuN6yv-TzIb6LCgbxi4Vufq5OG8l0K2JXAryPSw/s320/johnnysocks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFQR4qEROsn-ntT9qlIc_MvCTTflapbEu2B_eXmk21sqJNmoHxFlT2HgDP7y-GR-iaXwpJVrE-_uczLRG0moQ2V6HS9m2rYBPyRlBNzBMdDbIq87U_HrqJQY1bncN0j4eiAtPh6KZIMM/s1600/upclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFQR4qEROsn-ntT9qlIc_MvCTTflapbEu2B_eXmk21sqJNmoHxFlT2HgDP7y-GR-iaXwpJVrE-_uczLRG0moQ2V6HS9m2rYBPyRlBNzBMdDbIq87U_HrqJQY1bncN0j4eiAtPh6KZIMM/s320/upclose.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Note: I realize this is a very simple somewhat boring pattern. But hey I'd rather make boring socks he'll wear instead of fantastically interesting socks he'd never think of wearing :)</div>Lacie Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432335728277029212noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921686406705136868.post-16850180419910311942011-02-12T20:30:00.000-08:002011-08-07T14:47:23.821-07:00Chanel inspired evening bag<div style="text-align: center;">Since I created an Etsy profile I have become semi-obsessed with designing and making purses to post. This week's project was inspired by the classic Coco Chanel clutch that has been mimicked countless times through the years. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For the body of the bag I decided to use a lattice stitch pattern which looks absolutely lovely but ended up being incredibly tedious. The yarn I chose is a peaches and cream color mercerized cotton that I received from a woman who had gotten it in Turkey years ago. After knitting the main piece I reinforced it with none other than a sheet of plastic canvas cut into the shape I wanted the bag to end up. Then I managed to design a triangle shaped end piece to make opening and closing the bag smoother. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">After I had sewn the sides and attached the shaping pieces I set out to find the perfect lining. When we were in NYC this past December I had found a wonderful piece of delicately striped, light green silk and decided it would be a nice lining. The muted peach and green colors play very well together I think.</div><div style="text-align: center;">When sewing the lining I contemplated including pockets for credit cards but ended up opting for an open interior because it was to be an evening bag not a wallet. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Finishing the bag presented quite the dilemma. Did I want to add a button? A strap? A wrist loop? A clasp? Finally I decided to create a magnetic closure and no strap. I was looking through my buttons to find the perfect fit and found the perfect one! Actually it isn't a button at all. It was an old clip on earing. I was examining the back trying to figure out how to attach it and noticed that engraved in the metal it had the Chanel logo and " made in france". Doesn't get better than that!! Here is the finished product;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsj-vaS9zZjxG2O59stS3zeNbe3sAi8MevTmyXz8E3_g-knz_71UYE3eDktn-qScRvV-Zbhj4J_ci87sevK_ZqeA1HA-inukddY8yoeUfPaCIyqSSpd29dfoR0PDuSeXgIXu5Ny7oVus/s1600/chanelclutch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsj-vaS9zZjxG2O59stS3zeNbe3sAi8MevTmyXz8E3_g-knz_71UYE3eDktn-qScRvV-Zbhj4J_ci87sevK_ZqeA1HA-inukddY8yoeUfPaCIyqSSpd29dfoR0PDuSeXgIXu5Ny7oVus/s1600/chanelclutch.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-0Q0G_SwB9ZWqPZFnw9xF972YXn9ge7Xg5umLZSL7PZl8DvO9a6Rx5fXiHA9iYA1tuS30GccSCEW348Flsa1h6A6HTPfSQzTNtNwnFOQvYA4tpUInQZ4Dw33AB3gQOgPQln_lcQPw-s/s1600/chanelbaginsidebw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-0Q0G_SwB9ZWqPZFnw9xF972YXn9ge7Xg5umLZSL7PZl8DvO9a6Rx5fXiHA9iYA1tuS30GccSCEW348Flsa1h6A6HTPfSQzTNtNwnFOQvYA4tpUInQZ4Dw33AB3gQOgPQln_lcQPw-s/s320/chanelbaginsidebw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
If you'd like to make it your own, click <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lacielynnae">here</a> to buy it at my Etsy shop!<br />
</div>Lacie Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432335728277029212noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921686406705136868.post-59839508029878834762011-02-06T13:21:00.000-08:002011-08-07T14:50:46.046-07:00I finally made it!! I am officially a "real" knitter! And by that I mean I have just finished my first sweater!<br />
Well technically it's not my first sweater attempt. The real #1 ended up being for short torsoed people...a category which I do not fall into. So I took it apart and this last week tried again.<br />
<br />
I have been very busy recently making different styles of bags and purses but when we were in Manalapan, NJ last week I stumbled upon a nice little shop called Knit One Purl Two. I looked around inside and soon found myself siting at the table flipping through a copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ANF8RE?ie=UTF8&tag=lacie09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003ANF8RE">KNITSCENE Spring 2007</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lacie09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003ANF8RE" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. It didn't take me long to come across a lovely short sleeve sweater called Butterfly. It called for 8 (50oz) skeins of bamboo yarn so I decided to check the sale rack to see if by any slim chance she had bamboo on sale. Much to my delight the owner of the shop puts all yarns that have been discontinued by the manufacturer directly on the sale rack, no matter how much of it she has left. I was able to purchase an unopened bag of ten skeins of bamboo yarn for the AMAZING price of $19!!!<br />
<br />
Butterfly is a very simple, short sleeved sweater that is knit half in the round and half flat. The only shaping work is that for the button placket in the front. Something new that I had never tried before was crocheting the edges so make a it lay a bit nicer and at a subdued border.<br />
<br />
Now, I was at that time working on three other projects so I decided to wait to start the sweater. But excitement and impatience got a hold of me and I ended up starting the next day! I started knitting on Wednesday and finished everything including weaving in the ends The following Friday(9 days). Not bad if I do say! <br />
<br />
The best part is that bamboo is incredibly soft and antimicrobial so it'll be perfect for hot summer days and works great for layering now! Here is a picture of the completed project :<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69MtalDbuZo9FawfI7ZVRSSRzU6KsTENhASHSzEIEKtsREZk5imPHEYYuANRAcvkcpXYZH05xuf6DskC5x_AXvBqU1k4F2DeLjmJYWICpJvt67azv_5-o6q4Nvm2L21E7FE7imnDvVqU/s1600/sweater.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69MtalDbuZo9FawfI7ZVRSSRzU6KsTENhASHSzEIEKtsREZk5imPHEYYuANRAcvkcpXYZH05xuf6DskC5x_AXvBqU1k4F2DeLjmJYWICpJvt67azv_5-o6q4Nvm2L21E7FE7imnDvVqU/s200/sweater.png" width="171" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy February everyone! </div>Lacie Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432335728277029212noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921686406705136868.post-46983338387904720442011-01-28T12:00:00.000-08:002011-08-07T14:51:04.523-07:00Half-felted airport encounter This past fall as Johnny and I headed out on the road with Camfel Productions. We were in and out of knitting stores as we drove all over the country. I kept seeing a book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1596680733?ie=UTF8&tag=lacie09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1596680733">Boutique Knits</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=lacie09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1596680733" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> by Laura Irwin. It is a wonderful pattern book full of adorable accessories! Eventually one of my friends bought the book and let me borrow it (thanks Minda!). I am picky with the patterns I like and Boutique Knits was the first book I had found which I wanted to make almost everything in it. I have since bought the book for myself and love it!<br />
<br />
I checked out my ever growing yarn collection to see what I could make from the book and ended up deciding on a uniquely shaped, half-felted bag. I knit it up lime green and made a couple simple changes along the way (I didn't have the hardware called for in the pattern and it didn't felt as well as could be hoped). Because I couldn't find the correct hardware at fabric stores and craft stores I ended up searching through a thrift shop. Well actually multiple thrift shops. In the second thrift shop I found a lovely old necklace to use for the handle and some antique looking buttons to detail the bag.<br />
<br />
The bag was a hit! I got so many nice comments from people wherever I went. This leads to the part of the story pertaining to the title of this post. On the morning of Christmas eve we were waiting for the shuttle at our hotel to take us to the airport. A lovely woman commented on my bag and was very impressed that I had made it myself. After I got in the shuttle she offered Johnny a hefty sum of money if she could buy it off my shoulder (I didn't find this out until afterward). Because she seemed so interested I asked for her email and offered to make her one in whatever color she wanted. She chose magenta and at that point I officially had a project for the Christmas break.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
I worked hard on her purse and even made a few improvements over the last one finishing it in record time! I included a vintage leaf pin detail and added a small pocket inside. When I had a moment I created a selling profile on Etsy and posted it as my first item. That evening I emailed the nice women to tell her I had finished it and it was online for her to buy. I never heard from her. Bummer.<br />
<br />
As disappointing as that was, the good thing is that you can now get you hands on it! Check it out <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LacieLynnae">here.</a> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5DBG5NvuT1T6ckCGwiAhp4Z1_qiA1IeEB1gK0H2dnKh80m9br41-oFSf476bM-emdTMMaEAOQWdtZ40F-tN4TC2dcMapMWWicCRdU2kTXmdDaa97-1YI9st68MZrU3duCUlLtO2YuoA/s1600/fp-shoulder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5DBG5NvuT1T6ckCGwiAhp4Z1_qiA1IeEB1gK0H2dnKh80m9br41-oFSf476bM-emdTMMaEAOQWdtZ40F-tN4TC2dcMapMWWicCRdU2kTXmdDaa97-1YI9st68MZrU3duCUlLtO2YuoA/s400/fp-shoulder.jpg" width="297" /></a></div> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The moral of the story is this, if someone offers to buy your purse off your arm, sell it.</div>Lacie Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432335728277029212noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-921686406705136868.post-25675839136260430792011-01-27T12:10:00.000-08:002011-01-27T13:37:50.077-08:00Giving it another goIf anyone has been privy to any of my previous attempts at blogging you will have noticed that they generally last about three posts. However, I am determined this time. My husband does a video blog at <a href="http://www.newstitchaday.com/">www.newstitchaday.com</a> and manages to post a new knit/crochet video and blog five days a week. So if he can do that then I can manage to post a blog at least once a week. The first real post will be up tomorrow at noon. Wish me luck!Lacie Lynnaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02432335728277029212noreply@blogger.com0