A Finished Cross Stitch

A few weeks ago I told my readers about a very special project I was asked to finish.  A wonderful and supportive woman had started a "Footprints In The Sand" cross stitch for her nephew.  Unfortunately she did not have the chance to finish the piece.

While I had no experience with cross stitch I was honored that I was asked to finish such a meaningful craft. I began right away, and learned as I went.  Thank you to any of my readers who left comments and private messaged me with tips on how to make the cross stitch come out right.  After many nights adding (and sometimes removing) stitches, the cross stitch is finished. 

I am proud that the piece is complete, but it is also bitter sweet in a way.  Ending that last stitch in a way was like letting go of another little piece of Donna.  She will always hold a special place in my heart and I hope that when her family looks at this cross stitch they are reminded of all the happy memories.  It may have been my hands that finished the project, but it was her heart behind this beautiful gift.  Her sister told me Donna was so determined to give this gift that she wore three pairs of magnifying glasses so she could see the stitches she placed on the tree tops.  While she could have easily bought a finished product it was a labor of love.

Once I finished stitching the canvas, I looked it over once more, making sure I did not miss any stitches.  Then I ironed it, back side up, on my iron's linen setting. It didn't take much, just enough to get rid of any of the wrinkles cause by the tension loop.  After, it was ready to be placed in a frame.  Take a look below at the finished cross stitch hanging in the home of Donna's loved ones.

My First Knitting Class

For those of you who have been following recently, you know that I was asked by a friend to go to a knitting class at a local craft store.  Well Sunday was the first class and I now know the basics.  I caught on to casting on pretty quick.  I wish I could say the same about the rest. Our instructor moved kind of fast so it took me a while and some extra practice but I think I finally have knit and purl down. We learned how to increase and decrease as well. 

My initial practice piece was a mess.  As soon as I got home I took it all apart and began from scratch.  I figured out a mistake I was making on my purl rows.  I was placing the needle correctly but I was yarning over from behind my work.  Once I corrected this problem my practice piece finally looks like the beginning of a knit scarf. 

So far I am finding knitting to be harder than crochet.  I am also pretty frustrated that the in the time it would take me to crochet an entire scarf I barely have a square.  I’m hoping with time I will gain so speed.  I have one more class this Sunday and I am looking forward to learning more.  I've been doing some research on my own as well (internet, other knitters, etc) and I will post soon with some tips for beginners.

As for my class, we can bring a pattern we want to try this weekend and our teacher will help guide us through it.  Any suggestions for a cute knit scarf pattern? 

Can I Knit?

I love crafting and I enjoy adding new projects to my ever growing to do list.  A few months ago when I was asked to complete a cross stitch I was nervous.  After completing the cross stitch I fell in love with it.  I have already bought a new one I hope to start soon (This time it is a counted cross stitch).  Recently one of my good friends asked me if I would like to join her for a two-part knitting class.  I love to crochet and have always wanted to expand my needlework to including knitting but I am also a little nervous.  Years of hearing about the difficulty in maintaining even tension and the horrors of dropped stitches is slightly intimidating.  Well I decided I am going to take the classes starting this weekend and give it my all.  I may very well only be cut out to crochet but at the very least I will have enjoyed two Sundays with great company.  

Hobby Lobby!

About a year ago I heard about Hobby Lobby on a TV show dedicated to highlighting quality companies.  Not only is Hobby Lobby a large craft/hobby chain store, as I learned they are also a value based company. The Christian founders of the company still close stores on Sunday and have a large array of religious items in stock.  While not all of my readers may agree with their Christian values, I find something admirable in the fact that they keep their beliefs as a core part of their business.  As a crafter who gets many requests for unique religious gifts and decor I also appreciated the religious items that can be hard to find when crafting.  

Anyway, after hearing about Hobby Lobby on TV I asked my craft buddy from work if she had ever been to a Hobby Lobby.  While we have Michael's and AC Moore in NYC we unfortunately do not have a nearby Hobby Lobby.  I kept saying I would make my way to a Hobby Lobby eventually but it wasn't until this past weekend that I finally got to explore.  There was one not far from the route I was driving and the ten minute detour was well worth it.

As soon as I walked in I was greeted by this beautiful fall foliage tree.  While I am enjoying every last minute of summer, I also love the fall season so it was nice to see this decorative touch.  It may not be important to everyone whether their craft store decorates, but to me it is more than just looks.  Sure a pretty store can lift my mood, but it also shows that the owners/ staff of that store have an appreciation for creativity.  Like the crafters who frequent their stores they can take parts and envision a greater whole.  It is a connection to the store and materials I just don't feel looking down an aisle of bins and racks.

The effort put into Hobby Lobby was evident in more ways than one.   I was immediately struck by the size and neat layout of the store.  While I do enjoy exploring through chaotic craft stores, it is nice to walk into a store sometimes and to know exactly where to find what you are looking for.  Even the clearance section was organized and   When everything is neatly displayed you will be surprised what new things you may come across.  I don't know about you, but my mind is always looking for new ways to create and it can be the least expected thing that will trigger a new project idea.

Along with the aisles upon aisles of crafts there is also a large selection of home decor items.  Creativity can be expressed in so many ways and this is one of the few stores that give you the tools to turn your home into a work of art.  Neatly organized are decor items for firefighters, cowboys, police officers, car lovers, and musicians just to name a few.  I had one of my best guy friends with me and he HATES craft stores.  I usually have to beg him to stop in with me when we are hanging out and pass a craft store.  Since I was driving this time he had no choice but to come along.  I was sure that I would hear complaints about stopping the rest of the drive but boy was I wrong.  While he still was not amused by the typical craft store items he was like a kid in a candy store when it came to all the unique decor sections.  He even asked as we were leaving if Id let him know the next time I was heading to a Hobby Lobby!

Overall I have to say Hobby Lobby met my expectations and surpassed them.  My little detour turned into just the fun I needed on a rainy summer day.  I will definitely be heading back in the near future.  I'm thinking a pre-Halloween trip will be a necessity after seeing their adorable Halloween displays.  Halloween happens to be my second favorite holiday, running a close second to Christmas, and Hobby Lobby has plenty of unique items for both.

         

If you have a Hobby Lobby in your area (or are willing to go a little out of your way for a good craft store) dont forget to download their SmartPhone App.  The app provides coupons and the more you save the more crafts you can get! So whats your favorite part of Hobby Lobby, or is there another craft store you think out shines the others?

Marshall's Farm Market

This past weekend I had the pleasure of selling some of my crafts at a yard sale in East Stroudsburg, PA.  Even though it was incredibly hot, the time flew by and I met some very interesting people.  I had so much fun at the PA sale that I can't wait for my next one in the Catskills this weekend.  Anyway, after a long weekend my family and I began our trip back from PA to NYC.  The traffic on I-80 was bumper to bumper so we decided to take Route 46.  It has been years since we have taken this back route home and we were pleasantly surprised when we came across Marshall's Farm Market.  

There is something special about out fashion farm markets and stands, a magic that is lost in the big city.  We pulled over at first to take a look at some of the beautiful wood yard decorations and furniture but once we saw the wide selection of fresh produce, we had to explore further.  The fresh harvest colors welcome guests to the farm stand.  Everything was ripe and it is clear that these farmers know their produce.  While the outside is  quaint the smell of just picked fruits, vegetables, and herb mixed with the homemade pies and baked goods draw you into the traditional market.

Inside the market, customers are taken back to a time when homemade, made by hand was valued.  The wood floors, shelves and barrels at a cozy feel.  It is easy to forget that you are so close to a modern interstate filled with trucks delivering mass produced goods.  If even for just a moment it is nice to feel a connection with your roots.  I loved the large selection of canned goods dips, jams, jellies, vegetables etc.  Not only was there a nice selection but there was a table filled with free samples, encouraging guests to be a little adventurous.

While exploring the store I came across a few shelves filled with items from the Irondale "Whistle Stop" Cafe.  For those of you that are unfamiliar, this cafe inspired a book which later was translated in the movie "Fried Green Tomatoes."  This movie about friendship and the families we make has been a favorite of mine since I was a teenager.  I thrilled to see that I could now take home the Whistle Stop's famous fried green tomato recipe and taste the signature dish.  I grabbed a box right away and headed back out for tomatoes (buying green tomatoes from my local supermarket just wasn't going to cut it if I wanted that true country taste).  My family had never had green tomatoes before and we had no idea how to pick them.  After debating back and forth for a while one of the employees explained to us what we were looking for a why.  (For those who are as clueless as I was: firm with an even green color- no spotting of white or pink because this means they are beginning to ripe and the colors represent growing sugars in the tomatoes.  Green tomatoes are not suppose to be sweet).

In case you bought as much as we did and needed some help carrying all of our farm market treats home there is a lovely room to the side filled with baskets of all shapes and sizes.  Along with the baskets is a selection of some other country favorites (soaps etc).  And don't forget before you leave to wave goodbye to the adorable puppy that "guards" the back door.  While I was not happy about the traffic on I-80 and the resulting added time to my travel time home, I am happy that I found this family owned farm market.  If you are ever in the area, stop by and get yourself a taste of the country. And yes, we made the fried green tomatoes last night and they were perfect, every bit as delicious as the book/movie says they are :)

For more information about the Marshall's Farm Market visit their website at:

http://marshallsfarmmarket.com/

A Single Thread: Book Review

I think I have made it pretty clear that I have a passion for crafts.  I am also a reading/writing addict. I have always found a connection between the creativity required for crafting object with your hands and the creativity required for crafting a story with your mind.  It is because of this connection that I cant help but to be drawn to reading books that bring these two creative worlds together.  When A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick popped up on my recommended books list I just had to read it.  

A Single Thread takes place in a lovable old fashioned New England town.  The reader is given a pass into this tight knit community and asked to come along for the emotional ups and downs of four special women.  The main character, Evelyn Dixon, finds that the cure for her heart ache may be to finally follow her dream of opening a quilt shop.  Her first big event at Cobbled Court Quilting, a Breast Cancer Awareness Quilting Day, establishes a connection with three strangers, soon turned family. It is through tragedy and challenge that these women learn together to grow and conquer.    

While A Single Thread is set in a quaint town, has a cast of likable characters, and a plot that will have you routing for these incredible women, it is so much more.  Bostwick was able to put into words so much of what I love about crafting.  She highlighted the tradition, the sense of community, and the love and care that is behind every handmade treasure.  It is a great read for anyone interested in reading about how friendship, love, and community help us through the obstacles in life (not to forget the quilting aspect which makes it a great read for my crafty side).  Oh and did I mention the best part?  This is just the first book in a series so we have the chance to follow the characters we have grown to love through a few more books.  I cant wait to get book two.

Aside from being an inspiring read A Simple Thread has renewed a dream of mine from many years ago.  As a little girl I received a Furby as a birthday gift and I absolutely treasured it.  I treated the adorable electric toy as if it was a real pet.  Of course every pet needs a bed of its own, right?  Well my nine year old self was determined to create the best bed ever for my Furby.  While some of my friend's parents had purchased doll beds etc for their Furby counterparts, we were going through a bit of a rough patch and ordering a doll bed was out of the question.  My grandmother had the perfect solution for our dilemma; Furby could sleep in her box and we would make her a pillow and quilt to keep her warm.  

We went through the closet and found a few pieces of clothing my baby sister had outgrown.  Carefully we cut the material for the pillow and my grandmother began to teach me to sew the seam by hand.  We even make a ruffle to make the pillow look more like a decorative sham.  Next we cut a bunch of little squares and she showed me how to join them together in a pretty quilt.  We used the scraps from cutting our squares to stuff the pillow and a larger piece of a shirt to make a back for the quilt.  

When we were all done with Furby's set I knew it was better than any of my friend's Furby bedrooms.  I might not have had a canopy or a bed with drawers but I had something better.  I was able to reuse something, and with my own two hands (and a lot of help from Grandma's) make a quilt that was all my own.  Even the mistakes were special because I was able to see how far I'd come and how much I learned about sewing by hand.  Sixteen years later though the reason I remember that quilt was not because of the Furby, but instead because of the time Grandma and I spent together working on it.  That little Furby quilt was not very big but it was special and I dreamed of  one day making a quilt of my own.  One that would represent little pieces of important moments in my life and one big enough to wrap myself in.  I know now that hand stitching a full sized quilt is no where near as easy as Furby's so I forgot about my dream for a long time.  This book has reminded me of how special the quilting experience can be and I am once again determined to make a hand stitched quilt.  It might take me a while with the holiday season (AKA crafting crazy season) so close but look forward to some quilting experimentation in the near future :)

Crafting Away- More Cross Stitch Tips

I am still working on the footprints cross stitch.  Thankfully I am stabbing myself less, undoing tangles and knots less, and accomplishing more (with fewer mistakes)... I guess I am learning by trial and error.  While it doesn't seem like I have accomplished all that much I am happy to report I have completed five colors on the pattern so far.  I have been busy with some craft orders as well so the progress hasn't been as fast as I would like.  I love that the little blue Xs are becoming a beautiful nature scene and I can't wait to see the finished piece.  In addition to the cross stitch tips and tricks I recently posted, I've also learned:

• As you stitch the thread becomes twisted.  Stopping every once and a while to let the thread and needle hang will help prevent tangles and knots.  The weight of the needle will allow the hanging thread to unwind making it less likely the thread will cause you trouble.  
• While some crafters I spoke with disagree, I find it easiest to work with one thread color at a time.  While more experienced cross stitchers may prefer to have multiple threads going at once, I find it easier to follow a pattern and keep the cross stitch neat by working one color start to finish before beginning the next color.
•  The patterns for cross stitch can be hard to follow.  There are a lot of tiny symbols each representing a color and stitch and many of them can look a like.  One way to keep track of what you have done and what remains is to highlight the stitches that are complete.  



Bobbins

• A system to keep track of your threads is very important.  Who knew there were so many thread options?  It may seem easy to remember which thread is which now but your best bet it so start a storage system.  I have seen some people just wrap the thread in the wrapper and staple it so it stays snug. While this might work well for larger amounts of thread, small scraps that may come in handy later need a better system.  I found a pack of cheap pieces of cardboard (also come in plastic) called bobbins.  These little helpers keep threads organized, tangle free, and you can write on them to easily identify a thread number.  These bobbins can then be stored loosely in a bag, on a ring, or they even sell special cases fits just for this purpose. 

Cross Stitch Tips: Beginner Lessons Learned

In my last post I wrote about my latest project, a very special special cross stitch project.  This is the first time I have experimented with cross stitch.  A few pin pricks and mistakes later I have learned a few things that would make cross stitch easier for a beginner.

• There are two main forms of cross stitch, the first is stamped cross stitch.  This is the type of project i am currently working on.  It is much easier for beginners as there is a print on the canvas to guide your stitches.  The other form counted cross stitch gives you more deign freedom but takes more skill.
• Separate the thread (typically comprised of 6 strands).  Depending on the tightness of the canvas weave you should divide the wider thread and make either 2 or 3 strand sets.  Straighten and unwind the threads before using.  If you leave them even slightly curly/kinky it is more likely a tangle will form when working.
• Buy a needle threader!  I can not emphasize this enough.  I try my best to conserve my resources when crafting so I tend to avoid some of the "make it easier" accessories.  On more than one occasion I have passed over a needle threader in craft stores.  Why spend even a few dollars on something I can do without. right? WRONG! It is easy to loose your sanity trying to thread a needle with the multiple strands cross stitch thread.  There was a needle threader in the bag with Donna's cross stitch and I never want to work without one again.
•  If a tangle begins to form, do not pull the thread taunt.  Use the needle to separate the threads and determine how to undo the tangle without pulling it into a knot. One way to limit tangles is to cut your thread to a reasonable length.  I have found that it is much easier to work with thread pieces 1 8inches or less.
• Use a hoop (also referred to as a fabric stretcher).  While some experienced cross stitchers can create a masterpiece without placing it in a loop, I think it is an important tool.  These loops are designed to pull the fabric taunt and allow for even well placed stitches.  Be careful not to pull the fabric so taunt that it tears or damages the threads, but it should be tight enough to bounce a penny on.
• When you are done working for the day remove the loop.  Leaving the work in the loop for too long can damage the stitches, fabric, and even warp the loops themselves.
• Make sure you can see... this seems like common sense but one of the first obstacles I came up against was poor lighting.  The patterns may seem easy to follow at first but as your eyes get tired low light can easily lead to a mistake.  Some people also find it helpful to purchase a lighted magnifying accessory in order to aid in completing these tiny stitches and patterns. 
• Our final tip was brought to us by our reader Bobbie: "Make sure all of your Xs are going in the same direction. That the top stitch is always tilted in the same direction. This is what makes a huge difference in the end result of your piece." (Thanks Bobbie for the advice).

I hope to share some more insight as I learn this new craft.  Please feel free to share any other tips and tricks you find helpful while cross stitching.  Here is a picture of my progress so far... I'm excited all those little blue Xs are starting to come to life.

A Cherished Cross-stitch

I would first like to start by apologizing for not posting recently.  A lot has been going on in my personal life, good and bad, some of which I will update you on in future posts. One of the more difficult parts of the past few weeks has been the loss of three incredible women.  Each taught me something about life: to live every day as its your last, to find pleasures in the small things, and to believe in yourself and your dreams no matter how bad the situation may seem.  


Dealing with these loses has not been easy, but as always I have found comfort in crafts.  Working with my hands and that simple piece of string gives me the chance to be alone with my thoughts and feelings.  While looking for a new project to fulfill this need I was asked to take on a very meaningful craft. 


One of the women I lost, Donna, was incredibly supportive of my crafts.  When I doubted anyone would want something I made, she helped give me the courage and confidence to pursue my passion.  This is what Donna did best, she saw the good in each person and nurtured it.  Donna's last few years were troubled with health problems but she put her own challenges aside to better the life of others.  In the days after she passed I was struck by how a woman, who could often times not even leave her bed, was able to reach out and touch so many lives in such a unforgettable way.  It was clear the Donna's faith in God was the driving force behind her strength, compassion, and understanding. She shared this faith with her family in a special way, especially with her nieces and nephews.  


For all these reasons and more, when her family asked me to complete a project Donna had started I couldn't say no.  Donna had begun a Footprints in the Sand cross-stitch.  For those of you who don't know Footprints in the Sand is a beautiful prayer showing how God is always by our side, especially during tough times.  Donna believed in the words of the prayer and was working on the cross-stitch for her nephew.

While I have worked on many crafts in my life I have never attempted a cross-stitch.  Despite my lack of experience the meaning behind this project has me ready to give cross-stitch my best shot.  I guess Donna is still pushing me to tap into my creative potential.  Donna started the tree tops and I have started to complete her unfinished work.  Wish me luck as I stitch this cherished craft.  

Veslo: Croatian Restaurant Review

When I started this blog I decided that I was going to focus on crafts, family, and my life in New York City. I know I have been lacking a bit on the New York City part, seeing as how I've enjoyed my country getaways quite a bit lately.  It is about time that I start sharing a little piece of my amazing city.  New York is known for so many different things and one of the most important things to me is diversity.  Cultures from around the world are all living together.  While New York is often referred to as a melting pot, I can not agree with this reference.  Yes people from around the world are all here in one place but they are not melded together.  Instead they find a way to hold onto their culture and traditions while sharing in the cultures and traditions of those around them.  I like to think on New York as a mosaic.  Each tile is beautiful in its own right, but when put together they form something even more special.

One of my favorite ways to get to know another culture is through their food.  (Yes, I know this may just be my Italian family food=love philosophy shining through, but I think there is more to it than that)  The food a culture serves can teach you about their location, their industry, and their traditions.  Living in Queens, the most ethnically diverse urban area in the world, I have been blessed with easy access to so many amazing cultures.  Recently, I had the chance to eat at a Croatian Restaurant in Queens.  If any of my readers are anything like I was you may be asking what is Croatian? Until a few years ago when I became good friends with a Croatian I didn't even know a country called Croatia existed. The geographic area has been under the control of other countries and cultures for a long time.  It is not until recently that Croatia has begun to show the world all that it has to offer.  And as I recently discovered, I was missing out on Croatian food!

Veslo is a little Croatian restaurant in Astoria Queens.  The second I walked in the door I was taken by the decor.  There is a modern bar in the front (with plenty of TVs to show the soccer games on), yet the rest of the restaurant speaks to rustic Croatian culture.  The world Veslo means ore in Croatian.  This is a fitting tribute to a culture strongly based on their relation with the sea.  The ceiling of the back dining room is lined with ores brought from Croatia.  The wooden tables, shelves lined with actual Croatian tributes to the past, and back patio all make it easy to imagine you are sitting in a foreign land away from the modern New York hustle and bustle.

The menu has a wide array of options, sure to please even the fussiest eater.  For a quick bite to eat you can sit at the bar and order classics like fish and chip, mini pizzas, and chicken wings, or you can be a little more experimental and Ćevapčići (a personal Croatian favorite) or truffle fries.  If you are looking for a sit down meal with friends there is an extensive lunch and dinner menu.  There is a large selection of seafood (once again referencing the nautical presence in Croatian culture) as well as many other meat, poultry, and pasta options.

Thanks to my friends sharing a little from their plates I was able to try a number of things from their menu.  While everything was good there were a few things that stuck out as a must try for any new comer.  Growing up in an Italian family pasta fagioli soup has always been one of my favorites.  Croatian food in many ways mirrors Italian cuisine (Croatia is in close proximity and was at one point under the Roman Empire).  Though pasta fagioli soup is often thought of as an Italian dish this restaurant served it with the tasty Croatian addition of barley along with the pasta (I was told Croatian's peasant roots mean nothing is wasted so it is not uncommon to find a wide array of ingredients in Croatia dishes).  Along with the soup, the stuffed cabbage was the best I have ever tried ( and I am not a big cabbage fan).  And for those of you who are fans of Goulask (also a peasant dish) you must try Veslo's.  It comes over homemade gnocchi and it is out of this world.  We were lucky enough to met the woman who was making each and every piece by hand, adding to the authentic feel of the meal.  My phone died so unfortunately I do not have pictures of the food, but I hope you enjoy the pictures of the decor.

I had a great time at Veslo, enjoying the decor, the staff, the food, and the company.  I would recommend if you ever find yourself in Astoria, Queens that you stop in (32-11 Broadway Astoria, NY 11106) and enjoy a taste of Croatia.

Gel Color Manicure

Being an avid crafter is not always easy on my hands.  My nails seem to suffer quite a bit.  I use to pay for manicures but got frustrated when they would scratch or chip a few days in.  Then I started painting my nails on my own... same problem.  While acrylic or silk tips lasted a little longer I don't like the damage they do to your natural nail. I know total girl problem right?!? Honestly while I am not super girly I do like to have my nails done.

I had pretty much given up on pretty nails until my mom suggested I try the color gel manicures.  She also works with her hands as a professional decorator.  If her manicure could stand up to the wear and tear of the wire in artificial trees and wreaths then this just might be the solution I was looking for.  I got my first gel color manicure three weeks ago.  The manicure consists of a clear gel layer, and then 2-3 layers of the colored gel polish, followed by a final top coat.  Between each layer you place your hand in a dryer.  While this may take a little more time than a regular manicure but when you leave it is dried and ready to go.

It is three weeks since I got the manicure and it still looks amazing (minus where my nail has grown out).  While the recommended time is a new polish every two weeks, I wanted to really put this manicure to the test before blogging about it.  It has withstood crochet needles, sandpaper and paint from the lawn ornament project, and even dishes.

Countdown to Family Road Trip

As my mother always says, "The family that plays together, stays together."  She takes our family time very seriously and has instilled in us the importance of spending time with family.  Whether it be dinners together, movie nights, or family vacations I would say we are closer than the average family.  Perhaps the "secret" to our success is the many road trips we have taken over the years.

When we were younger my mom would wake us up, often before sunrise, and pack us into the car, pjs and all.  We would fall back asleep pretty quickly and when we awoke we were in some distant place.  Day trips to Providence Rhode Island, Mystic Connecticut, the Poconos, and the Catskills were not uncommon.  We would stop at a rest stop, change and begin our adventure.  While these day trips were packed with memories all their own, the road trips to places like Virginia, Florida, and Texas make or break a family.  Hours jammed in the same car can lead to pointless bickering over who is on whose side, what radio station to play, and what temperature is appropriate.  Those hours can also lead to shared memories, unforgettable laughs, and new understandings.

While there are an incredible number of stories I can share about our road trips, I think I will save those for another day.  Today is about our family's latest vacation.  We began planning a few months ago to go to Florida for my sister Stephanie's 21st Birthday (Yes, while most 21 year olds would choose Vegas, Atlantic City, or some other party town, my forever-child-at-heart sister wants Disney).  We rented a large house and planned for our July getaway.  Initially we were flying down to Florida, but what fun would that be.  It was decided that we will instead once again be packing into the family Suburban and driving all the way down the East Coast.  Stay tuned for details of our crazy road trip!    

Refinishing Lawn Ornaments

On my last trip to the country I was upset to see my aunt's familiar lawn ornament had taken quite a beating over the past few years.  For as long as I can remember the happy little boy had stood guard a the corner of my aunt's house, right below the humming bird feeder.  When I asked my aunt she said the cement boy was passed down to her and had been in the family for around 100 years.  With his chipping paint and cracked cement he was beginning to show his age.  I decided it was my turn, like my aunts before me, to give our little boy a makeover.  I'm sure man of you have family heirlooms that need a little work, but the history they bring is well worth the effort.

I went the next day to Home Depot and bought my make over kit.  First things first I needed sand paper.  I was also going to need something to repair the deep cracks and missing pieces of cements.  Last but not least I was going to need paint and brushed to complete the refurbishing of our cement lawn ornament.  Once I got everything I needed I set to work.

I had chosen a fine grained sand paper to remove all of the paint chips fro years of layered repairs.  The paper could not be too course or it might remove some of the details of the statue.  After sanding away the chips I took the outdoor cork I had purchased at Home Depot and began to fill in the deep crack around his neck, as well as using it to resculpt the missing cement pieces.  It is important that the cork you use says it is paintable.  Once applied it will need a few hours to dry well before you can begin to paint over the cork.  While the finish will not be as perfect as actual cement it will diminish the look of wear and it is easy to use.

A few hours later I was ready to begin the repainting portion of the project.  I had purchased the Baer indoor-outdoor paint samples with paint and primer in one.  They were inexpensive, provided for great coverage, and left plenty of paint for future touch ups.  I started with the larger portions first and then returned with a smaller detailing brush to finish the fine lines and details.

A few hours of painting later and our little boy was ready to retake his rightful place on my aunt's country lawn.  I'm happy a little money and a little hard work has helped preserve this little guys for years to come.  Helping keep a family treasure alive is priceless :) 

Starry Night Blanket

A few weeks ago I wrote about my first country escape of the summer.  While I was there I was touched by the beauty of all the blue ripples created by the light of the moon and stars reflecting off the clouds.  It inspired a new baby blanket idea and on my most recent trip to the country last weekend I took advantage of the beautiful nights to start and complete my project.  We were lucky enough to have beautiful weather the entire weekend so sitting in my rocking chair on the porch until all hours of the morning crocheting this blanket was the perfect way to pass the evenings.

I had found a soft variegated blue yarn that captured all the hues of blue from the night of the picture (I apologize again since this picture does not do the sight justice).  Once I had the yarn the next thing I had to decide on was a stick.  I tried a few samples and found a shell stitch was best at mimicking the puffs of different blues.  As a finishing touch I added two bright white stars to highlight my favorite part of the country sky.

  Take a look at the blanket in my etsy shop:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/HandcraftedHolidays

Prom (or Wedding) Accessories

Well as promised in Girls Day in the Garment District I wanted to share the accessories we made for my cousin Alexis' prom.  It was this past Friday and she looked stunning.  Now that she made her debut, I can publicly share what a little trim can do to accessorize an outfit.

When it comes to picking the right trim to make your accessories pop, it is important to bring a sample of the actual dress.  Many people forget this important step and end up unhappy with the trim they purchased. While you may think you know the color in your head, you might be surprised by how many options are just a slight shade off from your outfit.  Even a black dress may be hard to accessorize without a sample to match (yes even black has shades).

With that said, my Aunt Teresa (another incredibly crafty member of my family) asked us to find trim for Alexis' prom.  She was wearing a blue dress accented with feathers and sequins.  With our mission set and sample in hand we set out to find the perfect trim items to make a matching hair accessory.  The first thing we needed was to find matching feathers for the dress. It took a while but we eventually found the right color match. They came in a bundle attached at the end to a ribbon.  While lose feathers might have worked as well, they are much more difficult to work with.

Once we found the right feather match the next thing we needed was something sparkly to attach the feathers too.  The trim shop we were in had a large selection of rhinestone buttons, beads, ribbon, and pins.  Ultimately we decided a pin would be best since the feathers could easily be attached. The pin also made for an easier attachment of the finished accessory to her hair.  We looked at a number of pin options and decided a large open rhinestone pin would work best.

We delivered the trim to my cousin and Aunt when we saw them at the Autism Awareness Fundraiser.  With less than a week before Alexis' prom my Aunt Teresa set out to make the perfect hair piece.  The end result was simple yet stunning. Alexis wore her hair to the side and the hair clip was an attention grabbing accessory that looked like it was a perfect match for her dress.  The clip brought a small burst of color up by her face and added that little bit of glamour every girl wants to feel on their prom night.

Not only were the feathers a great addition to Alexis' hair, there were enough feathers left over for the florist to add them into Alexis' corsage.  One of the finishing touches of every girls prom look, this corsage was not only a lovely gesture from her boyfriend, but also a unique and notable accent to her dress.  While in the past a plain rose or carnation was customary for wrist corsages, it is becoming more common for these floral pieces to now be a matching accessory.  Glitter, spray paint/dye, rhinestones, and additions such as butterflies are now popular corsage accents.

Even without all of the glitter and glam my baby cousin would have looked beautiful but there is nothing like a great dress, and stunning matching accessories to make a girl feel like a princess for the night.  Take a look below at the complete look.

 

Reader Input

I am lucky enough to have a long weekend this week and I have decided after work to head back to my aunt's country home for the weekend.  As you read in my post A Weekend to Recharge, last time I was there I was inspired to start a new crochet project.  I found the perfect yarn for my idea and it is already packed and ready for the trip into the mountains.  I'm looking forward to relaxing for a few days.  Not to mention it will be nice to work on the crochet project in the place that inspired the idea.

Since I will most likely be disconnected from phones/internet I will not be posting for the next few days.  I have received the most interest so far regarding my "how to" and explanation blogs.  I figured we can still make this a productive blogging weekend.  Please leave a comment below with any questions, how to topics, or helpful tip areas you would like me to discuss in the future.  I will take these comments into consideration when choosing future blog posts.

How To: Yarn Pom Poms

When I was a kid I think every winter hat I owned was topped with a pom pom.  I stopped wearing them when it was no longer "cool" to have that adorable fuzzy ball on the top of your head.  Well wouldn't you know that pom poms are back in style and they are no longer just for children's accessories.    

While pom poms can be a fun addition to a crochet or knit project, they are also a great way to use scrap pieces of yarn. I wanted to try creating a pom pom but I wasn't sure which of the many "pom pom tools" to purchase.  There are many options out there and I didn't know what was best.  Most of my craft friends recommend  the Susan Bates Easy Wrap Pom Pom Maker.  While I had used a friend's kit and found it easy to make, I am always trying to find ways to save money.  Though these kits are not expensive, if I could make pom poms with what I already have at home then I could put that money to use for new yarn :)  

Again after much searching I came across a homemade method that would create the cute pom poms I desired without me having to dig into my pocket.  I came across this pattern from helloknitty.com.  The Pom Pom Pattern called for cutting cardboard into shapes that mimic the plastic tools found in most pom pom kits.  While I found this method to be easy enough, one of my craft challenged friends felt this was too many steps and a little too complicated for a beginner.  

I set out again to find an alternative to allow even the most inexperienced crafters to create the pom poms they desired.  I decided to play with some scraps and see if I could find an easier method.  After a few failed attempts I found another homemade, cost efficient way to craft a pom pom.  

All that is required is a piece of cardboard, yarn, and scissors.  Follow the directions below. 

1. Cut a piece of card board to approximately twice the width of the final pom pom size your want to create. (Tip: I try to recycle whatever I can, and I have found that the cardboard toilet paper rolls we usually throw out make great pom pom boards.)
2. Wrap the yarn (use scraps to make a multi color pom pom).  The more yarn you wind around the cardboard the fuller your pom pom will be.  
3. Once you have achieved the thickness you want, fold the cardboard and slide the cardboard out from inside the yarn loops.
4. Take a long piece of yarn and place it under the center of the bundle of yarn (If I plan to attach the pom pom to a hat etc, I will make this piece long enough for me to attach the pom pom).  
5. Tie the string around the center tight and knot it twice.
6. Use the scissor to cut the loops both above and below the tie you just created.
7. Fluff the pom pom to you liking and trim as necessary.

I hope this helps with creating your own handmade pom poms.  They make a great accessory to top off a hat.  I have also used them to create children's toys by adding eyes and making them little critters.  And for the animal lovers reading, I have yet to meet a cat who does not love to bounce on of these pom poms around the house.  

Mother's Day Celebration Part II

I had every intent of making it online yesterday to post, but I didn't, so I want to start by wishing all the moms reading a Happy Belated Mother's Day.  The unconditional love and support you provide truly makes the world a better place.

Mommy, Me and Stephanie

In keeping with the Mother's Day theme, I finally got the pictures from my sister so I can share Part II of our early Mother's Day celebration.  In Girls Day in the Garment District you got to read about the earlier part of the day.  After exploring some of our favorite shops we stopped for lunch and then began our walk over to one of ABC's studios (of course stopping in a few more stores along the way).  My mother is a fan of the show The Revolution so when the chance to see a taping came up, I jumped at it. 

A friend from High School was able to get us VIP tickets which added to the excitement.  It was the first time my sister or I had been to a TV show tapping and being "VIP" made it extra cool.  Once we were let inside we were met by an incredible staff.  We took an old fashioned freight elevator up to the studio floor and were lead to our front row seats.  When you watch a show on TV it is easy to forget all that goes into making each segment.  Aside from the massive amount of planning, writing etc, the actual tapping requires an amazing level of coordination and skill.  For those of you who have never seen a tapping, if you get the chance you should go.  It will give you a new appreciation for your favorite show.

The Revolution Set

We were able to be a part of the tapping of two different episode segments.  They have not aired yet, but keep your eyes open for my mom, sister and I on May 24th and June 12th.  I would have to say my favorite part of the day was seeing the hosts in person.  Not so much because I was star struck but because it reminds you they are regular people just like us... regular people who were able to see their dream come true.  All of the hosts made it a point to say hello to the audience and make us feel like we really were an important part of the show.

Tim Gunn

Since the episodes have not aired yet, I cant share details of the segments but I can tell you that we did receive a copy of a new book.  I have added it on to my "To-Read" List and I will post a review once I'm done.  And for those of you who treasure fashion design as your craft, here is a picture of Tim Gunn right after the tapping.  While I haven't ventured into fashion deign (beyond accessories) I do love to watch Project Runway.

Anyway, our Pre-Mother's Day celebration ended in true New York style, with a trip to Penn Station.  Since it was rush hour and we didn't want to have to squeeze into a packed subway car we decided instead to have a family dinner in Penn.  Over all we had a great day, especially my Mom, and that was the most important part.

   

Autism Awareness Fundraiser

Today is a very important day for my family; it is our annual Autism Awareness fundraiser.  This is a cause very close to my heart.  My Uncle Patrick, my father's brother, struggled most of his life with being different.  Growing up in a time before general awareness, he was classified as "retarded" and was treated as if he was somehow a lesser human being.  While so much of the world saw Uncle Pat this way, to his nieces and nephew he was fun, intelligent and loving.  It was not until his mid fifties, a year before his death, that a doctor looked beyond the "retarded" classification and realized Uncle Patrick was Autistic.

Uncle Pat and I- My Sr. Prom

Watching the way Uncle Pat was treated by outsiders hurt.  They were too caught up on the fact that he was different to see  how special he really was.  They didn't care to take notice of how he was always reading and probably knew more about World War II than anyone else I know.  They never noticed his appreciation for music, or understood his talent with numbers.  Uncle Pat could memorize war and weather statistics with a memory far superior to mine.  Our fondest memories were of Christmas time, Uncle Pat's favorite time of the year.  He was happiest when decorating, listening to Christmas music, watching Holiday movies (cartoons were his favorite) and counting how many homes had Christmas lights (a yearly statistic he could recite back to you from decade prior).  Uncle Pat truly was special and I wish more people would have left their prejudices behind and taken the time to see it.

Mikey after last yrs. walk

While spending time with Uncle Pat taught me a lot about living with an adult with Autism, our family would soon be faced with the challenges of an Autistic child.  My cousin Jennifer was the first in my mother's side of the family to get pregnant.  Everyone was thrilled when she gave birth to a handsome baby boy.  As Mikey grew it became clear that he showed signs of Autism.  My cousin and her husband immediately began to get Mikey the best treatment available.  It has not been an easy road, communication was especially difficult when he was younger, but he has come such a long way.  Every time I here about how great he is doing in school, or watch him with his little brother I appreciate how amazing he is.  It was watching the struggles of this amazing little boy that made us decide as a family to do more.

One of the first things we realized was Autism Awareness hadn't come very far despite the large number of people affected.  The same confused, and at times nasty looks my Uncle received, were thrown at Mikey.  I think so much of this comes from a lack of understanding.  Looking for a way to spread awareness and understanding we came across the organization Autism Speaks.  This organization provides valuable information, services, and fundraising for the Autism cause.  My cousin Jessica organized our family and we participated in our first Autism Speaks Walk in Manhattan.  In order to raise money for Team Mikey, and the millions of people also affected by Autism, we also hosted a Team Mikey Fundraiser night.

This fun night out has become a tradition, and every year we host a night out with music, food, drinks and fun.  Tonight will be our third annual Team Mikey Fundraiser and it promises to be a great night filled with memories.  We have collected donations for months and there will be a wide assortment of raffle prizes.  For one of our raffle prizes this year we created a needlepoint patriotic place mat and napkin ring set.  We chose the patriotic theme because we felt it represented Mikey and his family.  His mother Jennifer was in the Army and his father Michael is still an active member of our military.  Even with all the personal struggles they face, as a family they continue to be devoted to America.  My mother, sister Stephanie, and I all worked on making this set extra special and filled with love.


With the Autism Speaks Walk in Manhattan only a few weeks away, on June 3rd, we still have a lot of money to raise to meet our team's goal.  Hopefully tonight will make our fundraising goal a reality.  I will post pictures soon of tonight's fundraiser.  In the mean time, you can follow my fundraising efforts, and our teams by clicking here.     

Decoding Yarn Labels

My first project was a scarf made from a spare skein of yarn lying around my house.  After I finally completed my first crochet item, I instantly wanted to begin a new project.  I walked to my local craft store and confidently walked to the yarn section.  What could be so difficult about picking out a new yarn for a scarf.  Well lets start with who knew there were so many options?  I mean I should have after years of watching my Nannie but seriously who knew?!?  All of the sudden my head was filled with questions... what yarn type, how thick, can I use the needles I have at home, what color/colors, how much would I need, and why does the "same" yarn look different skein to skein?  My simple desire to create a second scarf suddenly felt a little overwhelming.  I wished my Nannie was there to answer all of these questions.  I eventually figured it all out but I know of some new crafters who have been discouraged from creating the project they have in mind due to yarn confusion.  So here is a quick summary to help decode the world of yarn.

As for what type of yarn, looking at the fiber content will be extremely important for some projects, while not as important for others.  Some of the common fibers are wool, fleece, cotton, and synthetics.  

• Wool is a natural fiber made from a sheep's coat.  It is commonly used in knitting and can suit almost any project.
• Fleece comes from the coats of various animals.  Some types of fleece that may seem familiar are cashmere, mohair, and angora.  These fibers are less common, often more expensive, and are not usually used for everyday projects.
• Cotton is another natural option which comes from a plant. It is soft and gentle on skin but also incredibly durable.  I recently discovered 100% cotton yarn is a great housewares fiber for projects such as washcloths.  My vegan friends and customers are fond of this fiber.  
• Synthetics are probably the most common fiber you will find in your local craft store.  Nylon, polyester, and acrylic are often found in some combination.  The yarns can vary greatly in texture and look even when they are comprised of the same material.  These fibers are often your least expensive yarns and are great for everyday projects.  

You may also come across yarns created for a special look such as variegated yarn which is different shades of the same color within a skein or tweed yarn which has color specks of a different color scattered throughout. Novelty yarns are also growing in popularity and variation.  These yarns may include: faux fur, ribbon, alternating thickness, and chenille fibers.  These yarns may be more difficult to work with so they are not the best option for new crafters.

Once you find the fiber you wish to use for your project the next thing to look at is the weight of the yarn. This will help answer a number of questions.  You can find the below symbols on the yarn label to help guide you in your decisions.  Most patterns will specify which yarn works best.      

As you can see from the above chart, the the yarn weight will help you decide the thickness, the hook you should use, as well as an idea of how much you will need.   While this is a good guide it is important to remember these guideline are not absolute. The thickness will also be affected by the stitch you choose.  The hook size for a project may also be affected by how tight you complete your stitches.  In order to better determine the ideal hook for a project you should stitch with different hooks until you match the projects gauge.  

The gauge is how many stitches and rows per a set inch, or square.  Above is a sample of a gauge square on a yarn label.  The hook size in the middle is a good start but once again you final choice will be based on your own personal stitching.  Yarn weight is also very important when you want to create a project with multiple yarns.  While you don't have to use the same yarn type, or even brand it is important that the weighs are the same.  If they are different there will be noticeable differences in thickness, and maintaining the gauge will not be possible. 

As for how much yarn you should purchase this is often the hardest part to determine.  Many patterns make a recommendation for how much to purchase. If you are using a different yarn than the recommended skein then it might be a good idea to use a yarn calculator to ensure you have enough.  When it comes to crochet or knit projects more is almost always better.  This is especially true for yarns that have dye lots, are limited editions, or are being discontinued.  Not all yarns have a dye lot, but be sure to read the label carefully to ensure if there is a lot that you purchase enough skeins from the same lot to complete the entire project.  While it might only be a slight difference, when you begin to work the second dye lot into a project, there will be a notable difference.

I hope this helped decode the yarn label mystery.  Don't be afraid to try new yarns, just make sure you take the time to ensure you have the right yarn and tools for the project you have in mind.  I know I haven't posted part II of our early Mother's Day outing but I am hoping to get the pictures from my sister's camera soon.  

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Girls Day in the Garment District

Yesterday my sister and I planned a day in the city with my Mom as an early Mother's Day gift.  A high school friend was amazing enough to get us afternoon tickets for a tapping of the ABC show The Revolution.  Since we didn't have to be there until the afternoon we thought a morning in one of our favorite Manhattan neighborhoods would be a great start to our girls day.  

As I explained in my post Picking Up the Pieces my Nannie was seamstress.  It is only natural that the Garment District feels like home for my family.  While we have made many trips just for the fun of creating new projects, we had a mission (or two) yesterday that made our morning in the Garment District even more fun.  Two of my family members have there prom within the next few weeks and there is nothing we love more than unique accessories (Nannie spoiled us).  We arrived in the city early and began our plan of attack to accomplish our mission.  We needed to find trim materials to make a custom headband as well as trim for a custom shawl/pocketbook.   

It just occurred to me that some of you may not know about the Garment District (it is a must for crafters and fashionistas alike).  The Garment District, which is sometimes referred to as the Fashion District, is a concentration of material and trim stores paired with fashion show rooms.  Located between 5th and 9th Avenue from 34th to 42nd Street, this is the place to go to find the tools to create anything fashion related.  For generations this little slice of Manhattan has been a fashion epi-center.  I love walking into these stores and finding myself shopping along side of big time designers.  If you have never been, it is a must see on your next trip to New York City.  Visit the NYC website for some more information by clicking here. 

  

We focused our attention on trim shops and began the search for the perfect finishing touches. There are so many shops, each with their own specialties. Two of my favorites that never let me down are Hai's Trimming Inc. (website offers limited selection of items for those of you too far away to visit) and B & Q Trimming. These shops seems to have the largest selection for the most reasonable price when it comes to trims and appliques.

After a little bit of searching we found the perfect pieces to create the custom hair piece, as well as a beautiful trim for the shawl and pocketbook... Mission accomplished!!! I don't want to ruin either of the girl's big Prom night reveal so you will have to wait until after their special days to see the finished products.  

Happy with our Prom accent finds (as well as a few items here and there for our own personal craft fun) we continued our Pre-Mother's Day Girls Day.  I have to run but keep an eye out for a post about the rest of our fun day in the city (The Revolution tapping etc), as well as pictures of the outcomes from our Garment District excursion.

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