Easter for Two Special Girls

I have two of the most adorable nieces known to mankind.  It seems like every other Easter I get the chance to buy them their dresses. This year it was my turn and instead of buying them dresses I asked them for their color requests.  The older one, L, requested a dress EXACTLY like the one I made V when I tested the Saffron Twirl dress.  Red and brown sash.  The younger one, E, didn't really put in a color request so I picked something I thought would look nice on her; I found the prettiest ombre purple and paired it with a turquoise sash.

So the nitty gritty details on the dresses.  This is Saffron number 3 and 4 for me.  I started with the ombre purple dress because I was dying to see it all made up.  Now a word to the wise, if you are using ombre fabric take note of how the colors are set up.  The purple I bought was light towards the selvedge and dark at the middle of the fabric.  Now I knew I wanted this dress to go from light to dark from top to bottom but I didn't think this through when I bought the fabric.  So I cut the bodice from the lighter colors and then got to the skirt.... crap-ola I could get one side of the skirt out of the dark middle fabric I was wanting but then the other side would have to be cut from the lighter fabric opposite of side I cut the bodice from.  So it was back to the store for me.  Bright side?  I now have enough fabric to make V another Saffron in the opposite ombre effect to her cousin's dress.  The turquoise ties I cut as the longer ties so E could have the choice of having the wrap around effect or one nice big bow in the back.

PROJECT RUN & PLAY SEASON 9 SEW ALONG: WEEK 4

Run Program: Find Signature Style

Computing.....

BLEEP BLOP BLOOP BLEEP BLOOP

SIGNATURE STYLE FOUND

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“Crystal’s Favorite Things”

So glad I have my robot to figure these things out for me.  I really hate thinking.  Anyway here’s my “Favorite Things” Signature Style look.

The Coat of Blue

In July 2012, I started knitting "The Coat of Many Colors" from the book Knit Swirl.  When I had originally got this book (for the birthday or Christmas prior), I thought I was going to make "Winter Waves" but upon reading all the detailed information about shapes and sizing I went with the "Coat of Many Colors" for it's slim/tapered arms and a more fitted body.

So with my pattern and yarn (Malabrigo Rios' in Azul Profundo) in hand I cast on those several hundred stitches.  That's right several hundred as this sweater is knit from the outer edge in as a HUGE circle and then binding off stitches for where the neck line will attach and then building the arms on up to the neck.  Sound confusing, well in type it is but in action it makes sense.  Plus the book has some awesome photographs to help you through the "huh?!" part of it.

Project Run & Play Season 9 Sew Along: Week 3

Its week 3 and I’m jumping right in.  This week’s theme is “Design your own fabric” and I just KNEW from the moment I saw the themes posted, I was going to have a rough time with this one.  Some of the other SHEs were so excited about this week- more excited than any other.  I wanted to poop on this theme. It’s a great idea and I have to admit that I can’t wait to see what the real contestants come up with. But, I, however :::SIGH:::  Anyway- CUE INTRO!

Small FRY-day Pie Pie Designs

It's Small FRY-day and today we are featuring Lisa from Pie Pie Designs! 

Lisa is amazing with her photography and makes some of the most adorable outfits for her girls! 

I'm so excited for her to start her designing career with making patterns!

I got to test her Pie Pie Apron and she did such a fantastic job on it. 

Later on in the month we'll have our "Apron off" and all show you our creations from her pattern, but for now, check out her blog and get the pattern for yourself! 

It's FREE!!!!

Project Run & Play Season 9 Sew-Along: Week 2

Crystal here!  I’ve sewn up a look to link up for Project Run & Play Week 2.  This week’s theme is Spring Break.  The competitors and sew-alongers were challenged to sew up a look based on their favorite vacation spot.  Since “Chocolate Island” only exists in my wildest PMS dreams, I had to choose something else.  My absolute FAVORITE vacation ever was a trip I took to Maui.  I went on my first date with my now husband and really just spent some time relaxing and enjoying Mother Nature.  The sunsets are the best time of day hands-down.  The color of the sky is just gorgeous.  It’s almost like the Day is going out with a bang- the most amazingly beautiful and tranquil light show you’ll ever see. It’s just like the things you’ve seen on  a post card.  So I call this look “Postcard Sunset”.

Upcycle Tutorial: The Birdie Brazier Bistro and Bra Bar

It's Crystal and its Upcycle time!  Who loves nature?  I love nature!  Today’s upcycle gives nature some love by both reusing something instead of throwing it away AND feeding some of its creatures.  Here’s the best way to show your “support” for Mother Nature.

The Birdie Brazier Bistro and Bra Bar

Here’s the tutorial!

For cup sizes A through C- you will be making a bistro

Cup sizes D and up- it’s a buffet

Supplies: Peanut butter, bird seed, a bra
*optional: Small dish, water