One thing I don't do very often is knit the same thing more than once. I'm not sure why, perhaps a little boredom (although most knitting projects have some aspect that keep them interesting, like cabling or colour-work), but I think the real issue is that I'm always too eager to start something new. When I'm halfway through knitting one thing, I'm always thinking about what I'm going to cast on next, and possible ideas for other things I want to knit. However, recently I knit up the same hat a few times, and learnt quite a lot from the process.
As a somewhat seasonal knitter, socks are something that I've been working my way up to this winter - I mean, what could be more practical to wear with ankle boots or with pyjamas? I've always been intimidated by a few things - the use of double pointed needles, the shaping for the heel and toes, and the fact that sock yarn is usually very delicate has put me off for so long. However, a quiet few days over Christmas and New Year have been just what I needed to dedicate a bit of time into working it out, so I thought I'd collect a few of my early thoughts on sock knitting here...
Whilst there are plenty of options with updo's for those with longer hair, I have to admit that out of sheer laziness and ease, when the temperatures soar, I just tend to stick my hair in a plain old ponytail. Sometimes even a topknot, if I'm feeling like putting a little extra effort in. So, this is why I've come to love the ribbon hair tie that I picked up in H&M lately, even though it was something that I could very easily have made myself. In order to give myself a little more choice, I decided to whip up one of my own, and here's how I did it...
Yes, I know that ear cuffs are old, old news by now. In fact, I've been sat on the fence about them for so long that I've only recently decided that I actually quite like them (all the blingy styles at the Grammy's persuaded me, I guess). I wanted one that was a little more understated, and far more wearable on a day to day basis - so, what better than to make my own? If you want to make one of your own, read on for the instructions...
At the moment, all my sewing plans are decidedly season inappropriate (boo, hiss winter), which is why it's been a while since I've been sat behind the pedal of my sewing machine. The main contributing factor to this is that I lack the sewing confidence to make more complicated things like coats, jackets, and items involving bulkier fabric. It's something I definitely want to work on, but right now my main concern is warmth, which I'm definitely not going to get from making day dresses or summer tops. So, when I came across this navy blue faux fur, I knew it would be making its way towards my sewing machine pronto (so soft! so warm!).
Okay, confession time - in my three to four years of knitting, I've only ever knit cables once. It was in my early days of knitting, and whilst I thoroughly enjoyed it (I still wear my finished cable beanie), at the time I didn't like the fact that I didn't really fully understand the mechanics behind it. I suppose I'm finickity like that. But I've recently had the desire to become reacquainted with cables for some reason, and I've been loving it. The chunkiness means that they work up really quickly, and once you know the pattern, you get into a rhythm.
Okay, okay. So here I am talking about scarves again. In my defence though, it is winter, and there is nothing better than wrapping oneself up in a scarf on a cold, gloomy morning. I bought this new to me scarf recently (I love me a check pattern), a little doubtful as to how I would wear it as the previous owner had seriously shrank it in the wash. Never one to shy away from a little work, I bought it anyway and knew I would use it somehow...
If there is one piece of jewellery that has stood the test of time, and will continue to do so, it has to be the charm bracelet. A truly timeless classic, wearing charms can be dated back to the early days of mankind (see, this blog is educational too!), but the charm bracelet as we know it today emerged in the reign of Queen Victoria. Well, if it's good enough for her...
This time of the year is the time when I'm most likely to make dubious buying decisions. I like to call it 'Summer Shopping Fever' - maybe the sun gets to me, or I get caught up in the holiday spirit, but I definitely buy things that I will not use (mainly crazy clothes). It has not happened yet this year, so hopefully I've learnt from my Summer shopping mistakes. So, this is what I've been buying, instead of buying a ridiculous pair of flatforms.
Beading was something that I always aspired to you when I was young. The delicate beads, the glittery end result - it's a ten year old's dream. When I tried it though, I was too impatient to see the project through to the end, mainly because the fiddly nature didn't suit me. I still don't fancy trying it now. But where there's a will, there's a way, and I have recently discovered an incredibly quick and easy way to create your own beaded jewellery. Don't believe me?
Craft wire is often a DIY supply that can be easily overlooked, probably because it is not as exciting as a new set of charms or quirky one off pendants. However, craft wire can be so useful in making numerous items, and is also easy to use once you get use to manipulating the wire with pliers. Instead of craft wire, I often buy fuse wire - it's basically the same thing, except it can be easier to source and comes in a pack of various thicknesses, which can be very versatile.
If you're a little stumped on things to do with craft or fuse wire, then here are three mini projects that can be whipped up in a couple of minutes flat. Perfect for when you need a crafting fix really fast.
Technology nowadays is pretty mandatory, and you wonder how we actually did stuff without all the modern day help we have. My one problem with this is that designers of technology rarely set out to make it look pretty, and technology usually falls into one of two camps: 1. Basic looking or 2. Plain fugly. Sure I love my technology, but why can't it be as cute as the rest of my wardrobe? These fabric covered headphones are part of my solution.
Now that all the blooms are in full swing, I've only just realised how much I've missed flowers and plants during the winter. This year, daisies are threatening to take over our lawn, which is actually fine by me, as I absolutely love daisies. They look so fresh, and remind me of my school days spent making daisy chains. I am a daisy chain ninja. I'm planning on pressing some daisies to use in an upcoming project, before they get chopped away by the lawn mower.
If you're a fan of all things floral, why not get creative with your blooms? I've gathered together five tutorials using real flowers, which I am desperate to try out.
I'm in a bit of an embroidery fix at the moment, which is odd, considering that embroidery is really not my thing. I find it tedious, repetitive, and more often than not have absolutely no idea of what to do with the end result. However, I've started thinking more outside the box. Sure, I might not enjoy embroidering a piece of canvas or fabric, but what about embroidery on other items? This thought process led me to try some simple embroidery onto a watch strap - an easy and quick project that led to a really pleasing result.
This is one of those projects that I did ages ago, and completely forgot about until recently. I rediscovered my extensive collection of jigsaw bracelets and knew that I would have to post a tutorial here. These jigsaw bracelets are really fun and kooky, and I think are perfect for spring/summer.
I thought I would start a new series where I talk about my favourite crafting books. I'm a self taught crafter, so books have played a big part in learning new skills. Stay tuned for more of my favourite crafting books.
I have been a long time admirer of Tatty Devine for a long time now. If you haven't heard of them, or seen any of their amazing jewellery before (where have you been?), then get yourself over to their online store and prepare to drool over pretty much everything. Unfortunately, I don't own any pieces of their lovely jewellery, largely due to £££, but still, a girl can dream...
So, when I heard about Harriet and Rosie of Tatty Devine writing a craft book, I knew I would have to have it. When I got this book, it was probably my first step into the world of crafting. Sure, I'd tried a little knitting and sewing at school, but I never really stuck at anything. I have to admit that the thought of making jewellery used to ring alarm bells in my head, as I always thought it involved beading. This looked fiddly, and the end results were simply not 'me'. This book started me thinking that crafting could be fashionable, mainly due to all the lovely projects inside (and no beading in sight!).
This book is great for beginners - I found the section at the beginning explaining all the tools and jewellery fittings very helpful, from the basic (pliers, lobster clasps) to the more advanced (drill bits, specialised glue). Even if you're an advanced jewellery maker, you're sure to find some inspiration, whether it's from a necklace made from an old pair of glasses or crisp packet jewellery.
Each project is very easy to follow, with photos for all the steps and simple instructions. There is even a list of stockists included at the very back of the book to make it easy for you to source all that you could need. Although what I particularly love about this book, is that Harriet and Rosie actively encourage you to go out to a car boot sale or a second hand shop and find your own unique items to make jewellery with. Which is great, because you end up with really special and unique results.
I especially like how personal the book is. Throughout the book, there are little anecdotes from the early days of Tatty Devine, the stories behind their iconic pieces of jewellery, and items that have been picked up from some of their adventures. It is very inspiring to hear Harriet and Rosie's story, and it certainly encouraged me to give jewellery making a go. Here I am, a couple of years down the line and still rummaging through second hand shops for crazy items to make jewellery from. And I haven't looked back since.
It is no secret that I have a love of all things porcelain related. Possibly because it reminds me of drinking tea? I made this porcelain necklace last year, and it became a summer staple for me; I was hardly seen without it. So when I came across even more pieces of random porcelain in the garden, I knew I would be making something similar.
I used exactly the same technique as last time, except that because my pieces of porcelain were smaller this time around, I simply used more of them on one necklace. I like the kind of relaxed, boho vibe of this necklace, and can't wait to wear it with all my summer clothes.
I wouldn't be telling the truth if I said that all of these pieces of porcelain are equal. Let's face it, the one with the blue and white square pattern takes centre stage here, hands down. Keep an eye out for old, cheap second hand porcelain with a nice pattern on, as I think it is these pieces of porcelain that look the best.
As before, I used a strong glue to stick a large jump ring to the back of each piece of porcelain. It's worth using a good glue for this, as porcelain is not a glue friendly zone.
When the glue dried, I used smaller jump rings to attach the porcelain shards to a necklace chain. Play about with the arrangement of your porcelain until you come up with something that you really like.
This is such a simples project, but every time I do it I always love the results. Of course, the same technique could be used to make a bracelet, or simply glue your porcelain to a ring base to make yourself a really unique, eye catching ring. Now all I need to do is make myself a tea cup bangle and my life will be complete.
I'm off to drink tea whilst wearing my new necklace to celebrate. Cheers!
Sometimes, a DIY will sneak up on me quite unexpected. This Roman layered necklace was one of those serendipitous moments, when inspiration and means strike both at the same time. I love it when a DIY comes together!
I'm such a nerd when it comes to anything history/art related, that I jumped at the chance to buy the below keyring. It was a mere 10p from one of my favourite second hand haunts.
Like any child of the 90s, I had an extensive collection of keyrings (I had some incredibly Harry Potter ones). Sadly, I rarely succumb to buying keyrings now, as I only ever need one. This one was destined to come home with me though, as when I saw the gorgeous Roman charms, I knew I would use them somehow.
It wasn't until after my purchase that I remembered the Dolce & Gabbana Roman influenced Spring/Summer 2014 show, and I smiled smugly as I realised how on trend I was. Quite a happy accident, I assure you.
I decided to make a two layered necklace using the charms, as I thought it would be more wearable on a day to day basis than some of the more eccentric items from the show. This is quite a simple tutorial, and you can adapt it to include more than two chains, and to use any charms you want.
You Will Need:
Charms of your choice
2 necklace chains (one longer than the other)
Pliers
5 Jump Rings
A fastener
I decided to use the coin charm and the fresco charm - I found the dog charm to be a bit creepy (and I'm more of a cat person anyway). I simply used pliers to take them off the keyring.
If you want to make a necklace like mine, you can find some coin charms pretty easily all over the internet, like these ones. Funnily enough, Roman fresco charms are a lot harder to find, so I recommend using this technique to make your own (you could use any painting you like). The fresco on my charm is known as "Portrait of the Baker", a painting of Terentius Neo and his wife, and was discovered in Pompeii. See, this blog is educational too!
First up, attach one charm to each of your necklace chains using jump rings. Think about which charm you want to be on the shorter chain, and which one on the longer chain. Personally, I think bigger charms work better on longer chains, but it's up to you.
Add a fastener to the end of one necklace, and a jump ring (or loop) to the other end. You are now going to attach the other necklace chain to this necklace.
Using a jump ring, attach one end of your loose chain to the top of your necklace chain. Repeat this to the other ends of the necklace, so that your four chain ends have become two.
Now, you're finished!
All that remains is to wear your new layered necklace, preferably with a toga and a laurel crown. Alternatively, I think layered necklaces always look amazing when worn with a floaty summery dress, or a t-shirt and shorts. They have a very laid-back, boho feel.
Let me know if you try this, and what themes you choose for your necklaces. Have you ever had inspiration from a second hand find?
Let me fill you in on a little secret; I am a wannabe Bohemian. In my dreams I have effortlessly long, wavy hair that flows down to my waist (or is sometimes in a fishtail plait), and I wear maxi dresses in trippy tribal patterns with a contrasting kimono thrown over top.
This isn't how I dress in real life, because: a) I don't live in LA and b) I am a naturally preppy person. Which is why, in the heat of summer, you'll find me wearing long, flippy, flower power skirts with a pair of loafers or brogues peeping out from underneath. Kind of like if Miss Marple attended Glastonbury (she'd dig Shangri-La, right?).
When I found this piece of broken branch in the garden after the windy weather of late, it somehow struck me that it would be nice to make some jewellery which incorporated some natural elements into it. It's the kind of thing that the secret boho part of me would love. This particular piece of branch just seemed to be very tactile and aesthetically pleasing. You could try other techniques, but I thought I'd share how I made this bracelet with you.
I screwed a jump screw into both sides of my branch piece. If you find this hard to do with pliers, you might need to drill a small hole into your branch to help you.
Use jump rings and pliers to attach a small length of chain to each jump screw. Check that it is the right size to fit comfortably around your wrist (or how about a necklace?).
All that remains is to then attach the fastenings of the bracelet (a clasp and an extra jump ring), and then you are finished. Easy peasy, squeeze the lemon.
You could take it further, by varnishing your branch piece to protect it, or by painting a small area of your branch piece in a bright colour (a turquoise would look especially nice).
It would look great worn on it's own for a simple statement look, or as part of a fabulous arm party. FYI, all my arm parties involve a watch of some kind, because, you know, telling the time is important to us stuffy prepsters.
Do you have conflicting fashion tastes? I'd love to hear if you try something similar!
Come the brighter skies and warmer weather, my inner bohemian is released. I long to wear kimonos, long flowing skirts and anything with some folky embroidery on. When I found this gorgeous teal pompom trimming, my inner bohemian rejoiced, and I bought it, although I had no idea how I would use it at the time. After seeing lots of ethnic statement necklaces about, and especially after a little inspirational trip to Monsoon, I knew exactly what I was going to use this trim for - a pompom trimmed necklace.
You Will Need:
An already made up necklace
Trimming of your choice (fringing would look fab too)
A needle and thread.
This is the necklace I started with - it was a lovely necklace to begin with, and I think had something of the byzantine about it already. It is an old one from Dorothy Perkins (about 2 years ago), but keep your eyes peeled for any necklace that appeals to you. To make things easier, choose a necklace that has large holes for you to stitch through, otherwise it can become quite fiddly. The main issue with this necklace was that it wouldn't lie flat when being worn, and often got twisted. Adding my pompom trim has weighed it down enough to solve this problem, and of course it now looks fabulous too. Two birds, one stone, eh?
All you need to do is stitch your trimming in place along the bottom of your necklace - keeping the trimming base behind your necklace. Make sure your trimming is evenly spaced among the segments of your necklace, and make sure your necklace still has some movement in it - this way it will still curve around your neck.
Continue stitching until all of your necklace has a trim (or you could just choose to embellish part of your necklace - it's up to you). When you are sure that your trimming is nice and secure, you can cut off your thread, and enjoy wearing your ethnic inspired necklace.
I wore mine over a plain t-shirt to give it extra pizzazz, but I am also going to wear this with my boho embroidered jacket, or a tribal print dress. For me, ethnic influenced clothes and accessories are things that you can wear a lot of at once, and mix up your colours and prints to maximise the look.
So whether you're channeling Cleopatra, a Byzantine priestess or maybe just Olivia Palermo, this DIY is a great way to add a boho kick to your summer wardrobe.
I'd love to see photos if anybody tries anything similar :)
