I'm making a dress to wear to a vintage show

There is a vintage show coming to Sydney, called the Love Vintage show. It was here in Sydney back in March but I missed it because I simply could not find the time amidst the hectic uni workload. This time, I will not miss it for the world.

And, I'm making a dress to wear to the show. This is the pattern and the fabric that I am using. Ahhhh!! Summer!!

I've sewn up a muslin for the bodice and it seems that I have to alter the rather poofy back a little. But that should not be a huge issue since the zipper is at the back of the bodice. I can always take more in as I insert the zipper.

Wish me luck! x

P.S.: Oh, and a reader commented on one of the previous posts and asked me about the camera I use and what I do with my photos. I am using a Canon Digital IXUS 80 IS which I have been using for 4 years. My recent photos have been edited using the Photoscape, a program that can be downloaded for FREEEE!! I highly recommend it to everyone!!

DIY Inspiration: Neon Knitwear

Neon green yarn

I have to say that this is the brightest idea ever. Literally. 


Actually, the idea to make a knitted neon jumper came to me when I saw a local shop selling (cheap) neon green yarn. I don't think I've ever come across neon yarn before! Since I've been looking for a neon jumper, why not knit one myself? 

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This knitted jumper from Topshop is the ideal shape and design that I want for my jumper. I shall start sourcing for a good pattern for knitting my neon jumper.


And yes, I use cheap yarn. 


x

DIY INSPIRATION: House of Holland's Granny Square Scarf

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I have never tried making a granny square because I was never able to decide on what I want to create with those granny squares. I thought of making a bag, a vest, a placemat... but oh boy, I never realised how good granny squares look as a scarf. I hate how runway shows and fashion designers make simple and possibly overlooked crochet items/knitwear look so chic.


I did a quick search for patterns to make granny square scarves on Ravelry and found this and this to be highly similar in terms of design. If you have never made a granny square and are not quite sure how to, there's a comprehensive tutorial with videos here.


Now I am itching to make a granny square scarf... What about you?


To view the complete collection by House of Holland, visit their website here.

DIY INSPIRATION: Dolce & Gabbana's Crochet Bag with Gold Charms

DIY INSPIRATION: Dolce & Gabbana's Crochet Bag with Gold Charms by gwenstella

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I saw a picture of this Dolce & Gabbana bag on my Tumblr dashboard a while ago and I have never been able to get it out of my head. I want it so badly, I will make one myself. But that's only AFTER I have made a hat for my friend's very belated birthday present and a cowl for another friend who is going away to Germany for a study exchange. On an additional note, I am moving out of my current place this month and I will be busy with packing. I will probably sound crazy for saying this, but I like it when I get busy. :)

Oh, and I made the collage above (i.e. the first picture) using my Polyvore account. I'm beginning to enjoy using Polyvore to make collages to document my DIY ideas. I guess that's the next best thing since I don't have a good program like Photoshop. Also, that saves me the hassle of linking all the sources to the pictures (because all the sources are listed at the side of the page when you view the collage on Polyvore). 

I hope I will be able start making/ finish this bag by the end of the year! All right, that's all for now. I have to prepare my uni classes for tomorrow now! x

I almost bought this today

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That 1/2 price tag made it really tempting. But I guess I could always knit one myself.


P.S.: Did I mention that it was also in kid's size?

To Do: Weave

Guess what I found at the local op shop a few weeks ago? A toy weaving loom!!! WOW, this is the next best thing to a seed bead loom that I wanted to get last year. And the best thing is, it was only 3AUD! Sweet.

This is how the things inside looked when I first took it out. Then I turned the box upside down, waiting for the instruction booklet to drop out of the box. But oh horrors! There was no instruction booklet to be found! Woe is me. 

Fortunately, mankind has invented something called the internet and I have already found a couple of good websites here and here that give instructions on weaving on a loom. There was no comb in the box either. But that is fine because I think I can simply get another plastic comb (as in the one used on hair) quite easily.


I can't wait to start weaving. Perhaps I should bring this back home for my summer holidays instead of my sewing machine...

One very compelling reason to make a crochet vest

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The way Janis Joplin rocks a crochet vest makes me want to have one too! And when you can crochet, why not try making one instead of buying one?


But I just need to source for a nice (and free) crochet vest pattern. These are what I have found so far:

Top left: White Mesh Vest (via)

Top right: Rosario Vest (via)

Bottom left: Lylara Crochet Vest (via)

Bottom right: Flower Square Vest (via)

I feel a lot more inclined to make the White Mest Vest because... well, it's a vintage pattern! The Flower Square Vest is a groovy vintage too. But I definitely wouldn't be making it in those funky colours. I want something just like Janis Joplin's. Something between beige and sandy brown...


I must make one crochet vest during my summer break this year. Crochet is SO HOT in fashion right now. Check out the some of the 16 Chic Crochet Clothes and Accessories on Refinery29:

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United Colors of Benetton Chain Scarf

All images from nitrolicious

I know this Chain Scarf was out a long time ago. It has been on my to-do list for an awfully long time too. And I still want it. I'm not too sure how much it is. I'm not even sure if they are still selling it! But it doesn't matter, because it's definitely more than $20 and I can make it myself in my own favourite colour for less than $10!


So, do you want it as well? Can you knit? my day-to-day adventures has a great tutorial on how to knit one of these scarves yourself. LOVE!


Can't knit but can crochet? Cornflower Blue has a tutorial on how to make similar chains using the crochet method. But it's going to look slightly different because the original Benetton scarves were knitted.


I should seriously start a real, tangible to-do list instead of thinking about it in my head. 

From the streets of Bangkok - 5

She was not just any other street peddler. There she was, sitting cross-legged along the narrow pavements of the sidewalk, quietly making her craft. The sun was blazing hot and you can see her forehead glistening under the sunlight with its sweat. The streets was as busy as ever on the Sunday morning, yet she sat there quietly, seemingly unaffected by the surroundings.

She was making cute little amigurumi keychains. The speed at which she crochet was amazing, considering that she was using a tiny crochet hook (which I would guess to be size 1mm or smaller). It almost seemed like she was crocheting out of instinct. Either that or she has really good eyesight.

Impressed by her fine skill, I asked if she could help me smile for a photo. She looked up at me and gave a meek smile, all these while with the fingers still working with the hook and the yarn. Ah, her tanned skin and the wrinkles around the eyes when she smiles, I wonder how many years has she been peddling her craft.

As my friends and I walked away, she returned to her work, her nimble fingers playing around with the crochet hook and the yarn, oblivious of all the praises that the tourists have for her.

Click on the picture to enlarge and take a look at the amigurumis!

Link: Crochet a covered headband!

I am so gonna make this! Imagine making a headband with all the wonderful colours of your choice! AHHH!

Link