Savvy Thinker » Crafts http://savvythinker.com thinking about life, playing with makeup Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:10:41 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 A funny thing happened when beading http://savvythinker.com/a-funny-thing-happened-when-beading/ http://savvythinker.com/a-funny-thing-happened-when-beading/#comments Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:53:01 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/2007/09/18/a-funny-thing-happened-when-beading/

Well, the best laid plans...and all that.

The quartz that I bought is drilled like briolettes, top drilled, not center drilled, so that changed the whole project. Therefore, what I started out to do is not what I ended up doing. I should have paid more attention when I bought them, or the store should have pointed it out, knowing how I intended to use them. OTOH, if they had, I wouldn't have done the project I did. So it's a toss up.

On the whole, I don't like briolettes. They are hard to work with, unless you want the only style they are pretty much used in, and that's not a style I generally wear. These fooled me because they are flatter, not so round. If they had been round, I would have known they were briolettes.

I ended up making a lariat with a briolette at each end. I can use the S clasp freely anywhere along the piece to make it any length I'd like, but the S is not attached. And I made earrings with a briolette on the end of each. With some left over beads I made a normal briolette necklace that when worn with the lariat looks as though it is part of the lariat, but it is not. And with the very most left over beads, I made a small piece with a briolette in the center, hung from thin leather cord. That's fun. And considering that I took apart a necklace that I hadn't worn in years to get to some of the beads, I will wear these, in some combination, a lot more often.

When beading, it is the beads that dictate the finished project. I have to wait until they speak to me. I might still try to make the original project, but only if I can get the right components. I'm not in a hurry. I'm surprised I beaded at all, it's been so long.

I'm really pleased with the way the lariat and earrings turned out. I'm not sorry I bought all the rutilated quartz pieces. That way I was sure to have enough, since the store is not convenient to get back to, if I had wanted a few more. I think I have 5 left. If I had had less, I would have made only the lariat and earrings.

I must be on a creative kick. I made a couple of knitted collars this past week. Knitting is more relaxing than beading, because there is less thought put into coming up with a pattern. Once I decide on a pattern for beading, it is relaxing too. Sort of, anyway! Either one I can do in the midst of family life.

Do you like to bead? or knit? Now's the time to knit up a few scarves. The weather will be turning cold for most of you.

Karin

Originally posted 2007-09-18 09:47:55.

Online Stores ]]> http://savvythinker.com/a-funny-thing-happened-when-beading/feed/ 0 Scarf using eyelash yarn in combo http://savvythinker.com/scarf-using-eyelash-yarn-in-combo/ http://savvythinker.com/scarf-using-eyelash-yarn-in-combo/#comments Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:53:14 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/?p=1481

Another combination that is nice is most any yarn carried with an eyelash yarn. Choose any two yarns that you like the combined look of. You can choose to be complementary or to contrast.

I knit a couple of rows to make sure I'm happy with it, before I knit any further. Occasionally, I don't like what I chose, so I take those rows apart and combine the yarns with other yarns.

Pick one of the patterns that I gave earlier, or knit 16 or 18 stitches, depending on the length of yarn you have and the width you want your scarf to be.

Your only limitation is the number of yards in your shorter skein, if you are striving to stay to one skein. If you find the yarns you chose are very bulky, you might need to use fewer stitches and a bigger needle. Experiment!

Here's a closeup of a navy eyelash with a varigated blue yarn.

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And here's how it looks completed.

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Originally posted 2009-03-08 23:52:35.

Online Stores ]]> http://savvythinker.com/scarf-using-eyelash-yarn-in-combo/feed/ 0 A fun craft thing with jeans http://savvythinker.com/a-fun-craft-thing-with-jeans/ http://savvythinker.com/a-fun-craft-thing-with-jeans/#comments Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:23:07 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/2007/01/27/a-fun-craft-thing-with-jeans/

A couple of the boutiques here have shown very expensive purses made out of jeans. They take the top, cut them off, add a base and lining, a beaded handle, and insert a fancy belt through the loops...somehow it is stiffened very, very stiff so it holds its shape...

My then 9 yo had a darling pair of denim shorts with tiny embroidered flowers. She'd worn them so much that the seat was pretty well gone in them, but I had hung onto them thinking I would iron on a patch, but then didn't think it would look right...so they sat in my mending area until she outgrew them. (Sound familiar?)

I decided to make a belt bag out of it or a shoulder bag. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I generally don't carry a purse, but wear a belt bag.

I did not line or stiffen it.

Here's the finished purse:

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When I thread the back of the shorts onto my belt, it is a belt bag. I still use a shoulder strap to keep it from opening, as I haven't decided what to do with the opening yet. It works fine like this. I use the strap through two of the front loops. There is no weight on my shoulder this way.

Or, if I wear it as a shoulder bag, I do the strap through a back loop and a front loop, and it hangs right.

So far, I'm getting some compliments on it and people ask me if I've seen the other bags.

There was basically zero cost to me, but a little time. I stitched across the middle seam to make the shorts lay like a skirt, cut the excess, and stitched the leg openings just above the hem so that the vent would still show. This morning, I patched the back on the inside as I felt I would continue to wear this area out. Much of it was already hidden in the seam.

Here's the back:
You can better see how I seamed it and how it was worn out, then patched, but since this is to my body side, no one sees it. It is still nicely embroidered!

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I put into the purse one of those purse inserts that you can buy at Bed Bath and Beyond. I already had one. It sort of conforms to the inside dimensions and adds just enough shape. (It is not inside the purse in these pictures.) What a waste to have thrown out the shorts with so much pretty embroidery.

What do you think?
You could go on a hunt at Goodwill for pretty shorts to do the same thing with.

Karin

Originally posted 2009-04-15 09:40:09.

Online Stores ]]> http://savvythinker.com/a-fun-craft-thing-with-jeans/feed/ 2 Scarf with cables and open work (YOs) with pattern http://savvythinker.com/scarf-with-cables-and-open-work-yos-with-pattern/ http://savvythinker.com/scarf-with-cables-and-open-work-yos-with-pattern/#comments Fri, 23 Dec 2011 22:18:15 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/?p=8095

I had only one skein of Ritratto, 198 yards, and had to figure out what to do with it. It is very pretty worked up. The other dye lots had more gold in them, so I couldn't use them. Color 14

As you can see, it is a work in progress, and I changed the pattern part way (and like it better) so I will either shirr the early part or embroider it or just fold it under. I didn't feel like ripping it out.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Size 10 needles, cast on 25 stitches. [If you are using worsted weight yarn, switch to bigger needles and likely 7 rows between cables.]

Every row: Slip first stitch as if to knit. K1. [2 stitches] end with K2. This keeps the edges from curling.

Row 1 K2, P2, K4, P2, K5, P2, K4, P2, K2.
Row 2 K entire row.

Row 3 K2, P2, K4, P2, K5, P2, K4, P2, K2.
Row 4 K4, P4, K9, P4, K4.

Begin pattern for openwork. Over 4 rows, alternate the openwork to stagger the holes.
Row 5, K2, P2, K4, P2, [openwork K1, YO, K2 Tog, YO K2 tog], P2, K4, P2, K2.
Row 6 (and all even rows) K4, P4, K9, P4, K4.
Row 7 (cable row) and openwork
K2, P2, [over next 4 stitches: skip 1st two, knit next 2 but don't take off needle; K first two, slip all 4 off needles] [do this for all cables][next openwork which staggers the holes: YO, K2 Tog; YO, K2 Tog; K1] P2, [do cable on cable rows or K4 when not a cable row], P2, K2.
Row 8 repeat row 6.

Either every 5th or every 7th row, do cables, depending on how close you want the cables together, and the weight of the yarn you are using.

Be sure to check the count of your stitches often, so you don't either gain or lose a stitch.

Following pattern of first two rows, end last two rows and bind off loosely in pattern.

Make it as long as you like. Block when finished.

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

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Online Stores ]]> http://savvythinker.com/scarf-with-cables-and-open-work-yos-with-pattern/feed/ 0 Red ruffled scarf (and gray) out of Lion Brand Homespun yarn http://savvythinker.com/red-ruffled-scarf-and-gray-out-of-lion-brand-homespun-yarn/ http://savvythinker.com/red-ruffled-scarf-and-gray-out-of-lion-brand-homespun-yarn/#comments Fri, 23 Dec 2011 21:35:17 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/?p=8090

I made this for the first time with 1 skein of Lion Brand Homespun yarn (185 yards). I used size 10 needles, and I slip stitched the first stitch of every outside row, but otherwise followed the pattern. I believe it is a little heavier weight than worsted, so it is a bit bulkier. It measured approx 36 inch and is perfect in size. I wear it folded in half around my neck (which makes a sort of double collar look) and then the rest of the ruffles hang down the front of my jacket. I'm debating making it again, with fewer stitches. [I tried it, but didn't like it so increased to 20 stitches and made the same] OTOH, this looks perfect. I started with a tail and ended with a tail and used these to sew up the funny forked beginning and end, so it lays right.

Red Ruffle Scarf

Gray Ruffle Scarf (work in process) (same yarn)

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

You can find other pictures, the pattern, and some discussion here. http://savvythinker.com/category/arts/crafts/knitting/ruffled-scarf/


Online Stores ]]> http://savvythinker.com/red-ruffled-scarf-and-gray-out-of-lion-brand-homespun-yarn/feed/ 0 Ruffled scarf with railroad and eyelash http://savvythinker.com/ruffled-scarf-with-railroad-and-eyelash/ http://savvythinker.com/ruffled-scarf-with-railroad-and-eyelash/#comments Fri, 23 Dec 2011 21:29:02 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/?p=8085

I thought you might like to see the latest scarf I finished.

I had to use two skeins of the eyelash (Flutter, I think it is) to one of the railroad. The color combination is very pretty in RL.

I used size 10 needles.

You can find the pattern, other pictures and some discussion here. http://savvythinker.com/category/arts/crafts/knitting/ruffled-scarf/

Karin
www.savvythinker.com




Online Stores ]]> http://savvythinker.com/ruffled-scarf-with-railroad-and-eyelash/feed/ 0 Dune Mini Poncho http://savvythinker.com/dune-mini-poncho/ http://savvythinker.com/dune-mini-poncho/#comments Thu, 15 Dec 2011 23:50:31 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/?p=2258

Trendsetter Dune is a gorgeous yarn. It is a multicolor mohair blend with slight metallic sheen. I have made several colors in this style. Each color is as beautiful as the next.

If you are sensitive to wool, this might irritate your fingers a little as you work on it. Just alternate what you are working on.

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You can see how it drapes at the neck. It can be worn inside a coat, giving a flash of color if you choose a bright or deep color, at the neckline. Or it can be worn alone. It drapes on the bias, like the Waikiki poncho. Wearing the fringe at the shoulder brings the point approximately mid-center. It hangs just below your waist, so it isn't long and bulky. Alternatively you can wear the fringe at the mid front or at the mid back. Then it looks more like a shawl.

It is warm, but not too warm. There is some wool in the yarn.

Dune Mini Poncho Easy. Easy to finish.
I love the fact that to finish there is little to do.
3 skeins of Dune, used to the last inch. Approx $15/skein.
35 stitches on size 13 needles.

Knit every row. Slip the first stitch of every row, except the first. Bind off very loosely. if there is any yarn left, cut additional pieces as follows. From the last skein, cut 12 pieces of yarn, winding around the short edge of a DVD case.

To finish: Like the Waikiki Poncho, fold the knitted fabric in half. Starting at the outside edge of what will be the shoulder, use 3 pieces of yarn each to make fringe equal-distant up the shoulder. Pull the strands through to the midpoint, then use a single knot, so the shoulder holds together. Of course, you are leaving room for the neck.

Wear and enjoy!

Karin
www.savvythinker.com


Originally posted 2009-03-25 10:04:12.

Online Stores ]]> http://savvythinker.com/dune-mini-poncho/feed/ 0 Directions:Making a Troll Bead type bracelet from a leather lariat or cord http://savvythinker.com/directions-making-a-troll-bead-typea-type-bracelet-from-a-leather-lariat-or-cord/ http://savvythinker.com/directions-making-a-troll-bead-typea-type-bracelet-from-a-leather-lariat-or-cord/#comments Sat, 05 Nov 2011 09:10:43 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/?p=3568

See more at http:www.addicted2beads.ning.com

I've updated this pattern with pictures.

Closed:
Photobucket

I enjoy beading so I thought I could figure out how to bead a bracelet from a leather lariat. I have one of the early Pandora leather lariats. Mine is quite short, maybe 18-20 inch. Now they make it 36 inches, which is what they should have done in the first place.

Anyway, consequently I didn't wear it much because I generally like my necklaces to fall longer. I have on occasion worn two lariats together to get the length.

I noticed in one of the Pandora brochures, they showed the lariat as a bracelet, doubled, but they only had one bead on it. Consequently they didn't need to worry about a number of beads sliding together.

I WANTED THE BEADS TO STAY IN PLACE, not float into each other.
FIRST ATTEMPT
In my first attempt, I knotted between stations and only went around once. This works good too.

SECOND ATTEMPT
I thought I'd see what I could come up with using some of the ideas I've seen elsewhere.

DIRECTIONS:
Take your leather cord and double it. (It can be just cord you buy, not a finished necklace as I had to work with.)

Knot the end where the silver ends are (or where your cord has the cut ends.)

Pass the doubled end through your beads.

THIS IS WHAT I FIGURED OUT BY DEFAULT.
You will be passing the doubled end through the beads a second time. Some of mine didn't have a big enough hole. When I figured that out, I staggered my beads so that the ones that wouldn't pass through twice were in stations by themselves, so that the cords passes through 3 or so a single time, then passes through 3 or so doubled, then 3 or so singled, etc.

THE BEADS STAY IN STATIONS
The result is that the beads stay in stations and do not fall into each other when you wear it.

THE CLASP:
After you have gone around the bracelet twice (with some only once) make a knot about 1/2 inch down from the doubled end. This becomes your clasp that you pass over the knot at the other end (which is now at the same place on your bracelet.)

To take it off, take the loop off the knot, and loosen the bracelet enough to get it off your wrist.

Open
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To put it on, put the bracelet on your wrist, tighten it, pass the loop over the knot, spread out the stations and they stay all day.

ALTERNATIVE CLASP:
Attach the two ends with a Troll Clasp or other similar clasp -- or one you make yourself, which I have also done.

Here's what it looks like on:
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Let me know if you try it.

Enjoy!

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

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Originally posted 2009-05-29 13:03:01.

Online Stores ]]> http://savvythinker.com/directions-making-a-troll-bead-typea-type-bracelet-from-a-leather-lariat-or-cord/feed/ 2 Organizing http://savvythinker.com/organizing/ http://savvythinker.com/organizing/#comments Sun, 30 Oct 2011 06:13:23 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/2007/02/06/organizing/

I wish someone could tell me why it is that whenever I make a concerted effort to get more organized, I can't find what I'm looking for.

I've said more than once, that if I would just nail it to the wall, I would save a lot of time looking for things.

The trouble is, I'm not a minimalist. I wish I were. I admire folks who are. (Likely I've told you.)

Instead, I'm creative, like to do various crafts...and stuff multiplies, ya know. And I have three daughters who are creative, one of whom is majoring in college in art...so I have plenty of artwork around, which I dearly love, and the stuff that artwork is made from. (And that might be why she is interested in it, outside of native talent -- because it has always been valued.)

About the time I toss something or give it away, I find I need it.

Just because I highly doubt I'll ever do cross stitch again, that's no reason to give away my floss. One of my girls is making good use of it in friendship bracelets.

I gave away a lot of yarn recently, and I feel lighter because of it. (Up until about a year ago, I thought I'd likely never knit again either. Then I found some beautiful yarns and patterns to go with it...and before you know it, I'm back in the game.) The same daughter who makes the bracelets also likes to knit when she feels like it. She's about the same age I was, when I learned.

And just because I'm not wearing a scent at the moment, it doesn't mean I won't wear it in spring or next year...and if I move them around, I have to look for what I'm looking for.

But, if I ever come back, I'm going to learn to be a minimalist. Except for perfumes... and...and... and... LOL! No, honest, I mean it!

Plus it doesn't help that we haven't moved in years, so there has been no culling.

But that might just be an excuse.

Karin

Originally posted 2007-02-06 19:19:07.

Online Stores ]]> http://savvythinker.com/organizing/feed/ 2 A little crochet story from Italy’s earthquake http://savvythinker.com/a-little-crochet-story-from-italys-earthquake/ http://savvythinker.com/a-little-crochet-story-from-italys-earthquake/#comments Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:24:23 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/?p=2897

Have you read the story of the 98 year old woman rescued under the rubble of her house after Italy's recent terrible earthquake?

When asked what she did alone in the dark for 30 hours? She crocheted! What a gal! I'd love to see what she crocheted.

I don't think it is possible to keep a woman like this down.

My dear grandmother was quite a crocheter but she stopped long before age 98. She made one beautiful bedspread out of the equivalent of string, the thread was so tiny.

Do you crochet?

I like to crochet, but lately I've been knitting.

Karin

Originally posted 2009-04-10 00:31:23.

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