12/16/2012

popular posts

12/16/2012
Popular Posts -Holiday Review 2012
I will be taking a break during the holidays and will be back ready to post all kinds of creativity after New Year's Day.

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12/12/2012

DIY

12/12/2012
DIY - Restyle - Embellishing with Safety Pins
You can never get away from safety pins, big or small. Who can't remember a broken bra strap, a falling hem, and worse, a broken zipper. In some cases, you carefully hid the pin or pins so that only a smidgen would show, if you really looked.
That all changed when Elizabeth Hurley showed up in a Gianni Versace dress, held together with big, showy safety pins. Then they were part punk, a bit dangerous and very sexy, not at all utilitarian.
Safety pin embellishment takes an outfit from safe to edgy, whether it's on the collar, holding a sweater together or in a full-blown design.
Have fun looking at the inspirational images and tutorials, then pin one down!

12/10/2012

Needlecrafts

12/10/2012
Needlecrafts - Knit Guernsey Patterns
Image | Pinterest
What is a guernsey design?
A guernsey, or gansey, is a seaman's knitted woollen sweater, similar to a jersey, which originated in the Channel Island of the same name. Guernseys are found all along the English and Scottish seacoast, incorporating more complex patterns the further North you go.
Why were they important?
The guernsey was traditionally knit by the fishermen's wives and the family pattern was passed down from mother to daughter through the generations. This practice still exists today.
Guernsey Styles
Two styles of guernsey were knit - a plain "working" guernsey for fishing and a "finer" garment, generally saved for special occasions. The "working" guernsey design was kept simple using knit and purl stitch patterns in order to reduce the amount of time and materials needed to knit the garment. The "finer" garment had more complex designs showing off a wife's knitting and design skills.

Read further about the stitches used and how to create your own unique guernsey using a free pattern as a base for the design.

12/07/2012

Living

12/07/2012
Living - Good Eats - Tomatoes in Spicy Yogurt Sauce
  • TOMATOES IN SPICY YOGURT SAUCE
    Recipe from: My Recipes


  • INGREDIENTS

  • 8 ripe but firm tomatoes (about 2 lbs)
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon brown mustard seeds
  • 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 serrano chiles, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup plain whole milk yogurt
  • Cilantro sprigs (optional)


  • TO MAKE

  • ■ Bring a large pot of water to boil. Meanwhile, fill a large bowl with cold water and a few ice cubes and set near the pot. Put tomatoes in boiling water for 10 seconds each, then use a slotted spoon to transfer them to ice water. Drain tomatoes and pat dry. Core and peel tomatoes (leave them whole). Set aside.
  • ■ In a large frying pan, heat oil over high heat. When hot, add cumin seeds and mustard seeds and reduce heat to medium-high. Cover and cook until seeds start to pop, about 2 minutes.
  • ■ Remove cover and add butter. When butter is melted, add turmeric and cayenne and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add garlic, chiles, and salt. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to low.
  • ■ Add yogurt and stir in one direction until smooth. Add tomatoes. Gently stir to coat with sauce. Cook until tomatoes are just warm, about 5 minutes.
  • ■ Garnish with cilantro if you like and serve warm, with plenty of sauce.


Have a great weekend!

12/06/2012

Design Files

12/06/2012
Design Files - Designer Profile - Isabel Marant
All Images | Style Bistro and Pinterest
I first came across Marant's designs about three years ago as I was exploring upcycling used clothing with a vintage edge.
Marant's designs were totally in sync with what I wanted to do, an obsession with vintage detail which has exploded in popularity.
There is something very real about her designs, of the moment yet if you go back and look at her earlier pieces, they are still relevant and modern.
The vintage and ethnic vibe in each collection has certainly captured many fashionistas' hearts, but we're not talking casual grunge. The pieces themselves are special, each piece is unique in detail whether through fabrication, ornamentation or garment style.
If I won the lottery, I do believe I would be outfitted in several Isabel Marant designs.

12/05/2012

In Fashion

12/05/2012
StyleNotes - Infinity Scarf
My favourite accessory has to be a scarf and I have many of them. Very rarely have I given them away (some are vintage) and have regretted some that got away. Whether you prefer wearing unpatterned solids or some pattern, a scarf adds colour, texture and pattern to what can be a bland outfit.
Infinity, eternity, circle or whatever name you are familiar with when describing a continuous scarf with no ends,we either already have one or have thought about purchasing one. This simple scarf has evolved - either with embellished edges or colour blocked with different textures.
This holiday season, nothing could be easier than to make yourself a lovely sequinned wrap to wear over a simple dress or blouse and pants. You'll wear it throughout the season.

12/04/2012

DIY

12/04/2012
DIY - Home Decor - SnowGlobes
A really creative way of recordkeeping your family's life is through scrapbooking.
But just as as much fun is creating snow globes. Not only is this fun for the whole family but inspires each person to create a personal scene in their bottle using keepsakes or mementos they have collected.
These are truly personal holiday decorations. They can be arranged as a table centrepiece during the holidays, displayed on windowsills or hung on a tree. Each bottle tells a story and will be a visual reminder for years to come.
There are many kinds of snow globes shown as examples, from the simplest to more detailed versions.
Make one this holiday and see how much fun they are.
Image | Pinterest

12/03/2012

Needlecrafts

12/03/2012
Needlecrafts - Knit Turban Wrap Patterns
Vintage Images | Pinterest
You think of grannies in housecoats that wear scarf turbans but now young women have come to think of this look as sophisticated, exuding old Hollywood glamour. Wearing a turban demands confidence. You have to believe, truly believe, in your look.
Wearing a turban-style headband is still chic but has a younger and fresher look. The headband made of yarn is slightly more casual, can be wide, narrow, knotted, crossed or just wrapped at the front. Add glamourous touches by pinning a brooch to the front or wrapping pearls around the knot.
Quick and easy to make as gifts and ideal headwear in cold weather during the holiday season.