inspiration&realisation

just two coats of paint

2012-02-22T08:37:00.000-05:00

These two hearts:

well made, sturdy, cardboard boxes
that now didn't match any décor in my home.

......Think ~~outside~~ about the box!!

Acrylic paint, brush and a finish satin coat and they look like new and with a modern twist!

Before getting rid of things... think about the difference that two coats of paint can do!!

xox, d.

typography t-shirts

2012-02-20T09:48:00.001-05:00

Have your heard?

The Typography Challenge is up!

there is also a dedicated pinterest board,

really loaded with great ideas and inspirations ;)

If you know me a bit by now,

you know that I'm a t-shirt junkie and a dog nuts.

Put together these {great} qualities of mine,

and you now know why I had the need to have some dog-shirts.

I have other ideas in mind, but these "dog-t-shirts" that I made some time ago were ready and begging to be shown, totally ~~stealing the idea~~ inspired by the great t-shirts at cafepress.com.

Each of these t-shirts are available on the cafepress website, for as little as 25$ each. ... Mine turned out about $3.

These are very easy to make:

1* print on a piece of paper the quote you like, pick the font, the size, and check with your shirt if the size of the piece of paper is the right fit

2* stretch just a bit the shirt on a piece of cardboard covered with some saran wrap, and place the printed paper just under your shirt (eventually tape the corners to the shirt)

3* use the fabric paint and overwrite the quote onto your shirt

--> for the darker shirts: because overwrite is not a possibility, I used some chalk onto the back of the paper and with the back of a pen I passed over the quote onto my shirt, so I had a clear trace in chalk. Then I painted over the chalk with the fabric paint.

4* let dry and have fun!

xox, d.

DIY Doo Ri - La Garçonne: exaggerate cable sweater

2012-02-15T10:05:00.002-05:00

I believe I pinned this sweater back in June or July...

well: time flies when you're having ~~fun~~ to move and lots of remodeling around your home!

Since it's still very very cold here
(and I very much dislike it)
I figured wasn't too late to have another chunky knit!

image on the left: La Garçonne - collage by moi

My version has the wrapped cable rather less "exaggerated".
The yarn I used was already pretty thick and I figured the huge cable would make it too bulky.

To make up for that, I wrapped the cable one extra time around the décolleté.

Back to the how-to!

A basic raglan sleeves sweater, knitted in seed stitch with a thick 2:2 ribs at the wrists and base.

I used a cashmere - silk blend in a light gray/blue color. (from my stash, bought last year for about 50$)
My yarn is quite thick, so I used needles 5 mm for the ribs and 5-1/2 mm for the rest of the sweater.

Don't bind off the stitches at the end of each piece, you'll use these stitches for the collar!

Once you have all your knitted parts, sew together the side shoulders, and pick the open stitches, and cast on the rest on the sides of the front on your 5-1/2 mm circular needle, knit on 2:2 ribs for 4 rows and bind off.

The cable: cast on 20 stitches and knit in a 1:1 ribs, cabling every 22 rows. This will give you a cable that is exactly the same on the front and back, and won't roll on the sides.
The length of the cable really depends on the measurement of the sweater: mine is approximately 12 ft long.

How I did it:
I wore the plain sweater on, and I had my mom pinning with safety pins the cable, starting from the back of the neck.
This way, since I didn't have enough cable knitted, I could keep knitting without having to do this operation again.
Once it's all done, sew with small stitches on both sides of the cable and it will be ready to wear!

xox, d.

not just Valentine's day

2012-02-14T07:41:00.000-05:00

Hearts are one of my favorite shape ever since I can remember.

It's not about Valentine's day here...

in fact, I could say that every day is decorated with a Valentine's day flavor.

Hearts are in every single room of the house.

(yes, in the bathroom too!)

And since today is indeed Valentine's day...

♥♥♥ bring on the hearts! ♥♥♥

xox, d.

DIY Moschino Fair Isle safety pins

2012-01-30T08:16:00.002-05:00

Do you have 20 minutes, 2 $ and a plain sweater?

I would think so ;)

This is the perfect {recession-time} project that

will spruce up a plain sweater to a designer fancy-$chmancy look

with very little time and the least amount of money!

left pic: net-a-porter - collage by moi

SHOPPING LIST:

an old plain sweater

two packs of assorted sizes safety pins

chalk or water soluble marker & ruler

...what are you waiting for?? run to the nearest Dollar Store!!

Here's how I made mine: I liked the idea of the original, although was a bit too heavy for my taste, therefore I decided to do only part of the inspiration.

1* put your sweater around a box or a piece of cardboard, to stretch it just a bit
2* mark a middle line from the neck down
3* mark two lines about 2-1/2" from the center and two diagonal lines from the armpits to the center about 1" lower than the armpit.
4* start placing the safety pins following the desired designs
5* I started to do the zig-zag with the bigger safety-pins first, and then moved onto the details
6* detail on how to make the center design

and here some {safety} close-ups:

have fun making your own!

xox, d.

DIY Jason Wu pre-fall 2012 - the sweater

2012-01-27T07:34:00.000-05:00

As promised:
today I'll share the tutorial to reproduce the
Jason Wu pre-fall 2012 sweater

... that will be available in stores only in few months...
but it's already in my 'ready-to-wear' collection in my closet! ;)

I decided to go with the off white stripes instead than using the orange-coral-ish,
but you can play with different color and give it your own twist!

Check the SHOPPING LIST and hit the yarn store!

4 balls x 50 gr alpaca caramel (already in my stash!!)
2 balls x 50 gr alpaca navy blue
1 ball x 50 gr alpaca cream
3-1/2 mm knitting needles, one 4 mm knitting needle, 3-1/2 mm circular needle, 3.75 mm crochet hook and a wool sewing needle

Ready to knit and crochet? check the easy step-by-step tutorial!

1* knit 1:1 ribs with the 3½ mm needles for 2½" (odd number of stitches)
{for my sweater - I'm a size 2 - 105 stitches for front and back and 53 stitches for the sleeves}

2* bind off the stitches using the 4 mm needle (all knit)

3* leave the last stitch on and start using the crochet hook

4* & 5* 1st row: chain 3 - skip 1 st - 1 double crochet - chain 1 - skip one st - 1 double crochet - till the end of the row

6* 2nd row: chain 2 - 1 double crochet (not into the chain st, but into the 'bridge') - chain 1 - 1 double crochet - till the end of the row - the last double crochet will be onto the stitch of the previous row

3rd row: chain 3 - skip 1 st - 1 double crochet into the 'bridge' - chain 1 - skip one st - 1 double crochet into the 'bridge' - till the end of the row

4th row: repeat from 2nd row

ALTERNATING COLORS:
38 rows caramel
9 rows navy blue
3 rows cream
2 rows navy blue
3 rows cream
9 rows navy blue

DECREASE: I'm not sure I did it the correct way, but I slip stitched in position and then crocheted without finishing the whole row on the other side.

INCREASE: decide how wide need to be your sleeve, and divide evenly the number of increases needed - to increase: add an extra chain stitch in between double crochet stitches at the beginning and the end of even rows.

COLLAR: with the 3½ mm circular needle cast on 108 stitches and knit on 1:1 ribs for 1-1/4", then knit on stockinette for 3 rows with a contrast color (this contrast color will be unraveled after the collar will be sewn onto the sweater)

SEW TOGETHER THE PIECES:

this is the sequence I sew together the pieces:
shoulders first,
then the collar,
then the arm-holes
and finally the sides and the side of the sleeves.

Press with your steam iron and wear with pride!!!

xox, d.

DIY: Jason Wu pre-fall 2012 - the pants

2012-01-24T08:48:00.000-05:00

Color block pants are all over for the next spring, summer

and apparently for next {pre}fall, too!

Today's easy step-by-step tutorial will show you how to have a pair of these Jason Wu pre-fall 2012 color block pants without breaking the bank!

{Not-so-side-note: mine turned out completely free!!!

A pair of old dark grey wool pants and fabric color from my stash!}

left pic from Vogue.com - collage by moi

Because my pants are a very deep dark grey, I decided to go with a metallic blue color accent: I mixed a bit of leftover silver, navy blue and some black to obtain the desired color.

SHOPPING LIST:

* a pair of pants

* saran wrap

* cardboard

* masking tape

* pins

* ruler

* water soluble marker (or chalk)

* fabric paint

* brush

PAINT YOUR {JASON WU} COLOR-BLOCK PANTS:

THE TUTORIAL

1* take two pieces of cardboard and trace the shape of your pants' legs, at the knee's area

2* cut the cardboard where you traced the lines

3* wrap the cardboard with saran wrap and tape it to the back of the cardboard

4* place the cardboard pieces inside your pants' legs, making sure the fabric is tight and flat and pin in place

5* tape the top and the bottom of the pants on a prep surface, and trace an horizontal line on both legs at the point where you'll want the tip of the triangle

6* trace a triangle on the first leg (my diagonal lines are 3" on each side of the horizontal line)

7* ... repeat on the other leg

8* now apply the masking tape over the diagonal lines (I trusted myself enough to not tape the side, since I painted just one the side seam. in case... tape also the side)

9* start to apply the fabric paint with vertical strokes

10* until you covered the designated area

11* let dry and repeat for the second coat

12* let dry {overnight} and remove the tape

13* remove the cardboard

14* iron on reverse... and wear with pride!

xox, d.

DIY: Jason Wu pre-fall 2012

2012-01-23T07:22:00.002-05:00

web - media - magazines:

Their job (in fashion) is (mostly) to give us cravings.

DIYers have the chance, the ability and the {infinite} pleasure

of making something happen

long before those coveted beauties will hit the stores.

left pic: Vogue.com - collage by moi

The cravings started when Jason Wu

introduced the pre-fall 2012 collection.

I loved the whole look, and had to figure out my way!

Few bucks and a little work

and you can have your own pre-fall... ready-to-wear!

All you need is :

yarn, crochet, knitting needles and a little fabric color.

check the tutorials:

DIY Jason Wu sweater

DIY Jason Wu color block pants

xox, d.

participation and winning

2012-01-22T08:08:00.000-05:00

I love a challenging competition,

and I love even more if turns out ...

I'm {one of} the winner!!

remember the crochet contest over at Elisabeth Andrée ?

yup... the crocheted chain-link scarf made it to the podium!!

I'm pretty thrilled.

And happy.

... and I love that scarf!

...and if you want to check out what the other contestants made...

you can see all the projects

clicking right here

thanks Andrée for hosting this fun contest!

xox, d.

DIY leather corsage necklace

2012-01-15T06:07:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I took just a couple of hours for myself

to make my DIY version of this Sportmax

val leather corsage necklace that has been in my "inspiration folder" for almost a year.

I must say...

I'm pretty pleased with the result!

... see for yourself!

picture on the left: my-wardrobe.com ; collage by moi

...and this is how I made it.

(I split the tutorials in several steps, with lots of pictures,

I hope it's clear!)

SHOPPING LIST

You need:
* 4 or 5 inches of thick chain (mine is a piece of bracelet that broke), one O ring and one slide (the slide needs to be the same size of your grosgrain's width)
* 2 big beads and a smaller one
* about 1-1/2 yr of 5/8" grosgrain in cream color, matching thread, needle and scissors
* three pieces of soft & thin leather in cream and one in a darker shade (about 2-1/4" x 6-1/2")
* masking tape and exacto knife
* clear glue and fray check

MAKING THE BASE GROSGRAIN AND CHAIN NECKLACE

1* cut three pieces of grosgrain: 19" - 12" and 14"(this last one, with 45 degrees angles cut at the ends) and fray check all the ends
2* take the 12" piece and slip one end into the slide
3* fold it and sew few stitches
4* pass it onto the O ring
5* now pass it onto the slide
6* loop it around one side of the chain
7* sew few stitches
8* pass the 19" piece around the other side of the chain
9* all the way to the middle part
10* pin it in place and slide the other side all the way next to the O ring
(now, put it on and make sure it goes over your head)
11* take the exact measurement, cut off the extra and sew few stitches next to the O ring
12* done! time to make the bow!

NOW: ADD THE BOW

1* take the 14" long piece of grosgrain
2* fold the left part
3* go over with the right part
4* slip it inside the loop
5* tie and adjust
6* place it on the left side of the necklace
7* sew it with few stitches without sewing the top part of the knot
8* cut off the extra sides, and apply some more fray check! done!!

MAKING LEATHER CORSAGE FLOWERS

1* cut 4 pieces of very thin leather into 6-1/2" x 2-1/4" (three in one color and one in a different tone)
2* tape the pieces straight onto your board
3* using your exacto knife, make cuts every 1/8" leaving the tape parts un-cut
4* it will look like this once done
5* take off the tape
6* apply some clear glue onto the edge of the wrong side of the leather
7* fold the leather in half
8* apply some glue onto the edge
9* start rolling slowly
10* keep rolling
11* it's a flower!
12* sew it a couple of times back and forth to secure it
(don't cut the thread! you'll need it in the next step!)

SEW THE LEATHER CORSAGE FLOWERS AND THE STONES

1* sew the flower around one link of the chain
2* add the bead
3* and the other one
... keep sewing until it's done!!

xox, d.

DIY: pets in a jar

2012-01-11T10:06:00.002-05:00

Don't get scared!

I'm not going to do anything bad to my pets, I promise you!!

I had two bookcases that needed to be moved out of the office:
I believe they got an identity crisis since I turned them
into an open pantry.

This means: more room in the kitchen.
Which also means that all the empty jars that I was saving for ages will be finally in use!

...and the use is...
PICTURE FRAMES!
(I saw this idea ages ago on Apartment Therapy , finally on my shelves!!)

In my life I have been fortunate enough to have many pets.
May I introduce you to their pictures:

Most of them are now on the rainbow bridge, but they will be always in my heart and memories.
...And now also closed to my eyes,
since they are looking at me from the jars in my kitchen.

My take: I wanted to give these jars a "finished look",
so I wrapped the "mouth" of the jar with sisal and glue.
Once dry, just place your pictures in the jars and you're done!!

It's easy-peasy, but here's a quick step-by-step tutorial for you!

FIRST: THE SHOPPING LIST

You {only} need:

empty & clean jars in different sizes and shapes

white glue and sisal

NOW: LET'S GET DIRTY!

1* place a nice amount of white glue on the opening of your jar

2* spread the glue evenly with your finger

3* wrap the sisal around several times, covering well the glass screw

4* at the end, it will look like this

5* and your hands like this

6* clean with a damp cloth and allow to dry

(white glue will turn clear when dry)

7* wrap your picture in a tube

8* place it inside your jar

(and eventually use a wooden spoon to place it correctly into the tall bottle like ones)

xox, d.

two zero one two

2012-01-01T05:49:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

HELLO TWO-ZERO-ONE-TWO!

I wish you all the very best, and more.

(and a lot of sweet things, too)

I'll be busy for another week or so getting all my stuff in the right place, but after that... get ready because my "to-DIY list" is growing longer and longer!

I have some few new projects that I have to get my hands on...

- sewing
- felt
- knitting
- old clothes to revamp
- home décor
- another pet's bed

and more.

And last, but not least, I want to thank you for reading this blog, for your comments, for your "likes" on my Facebook page, and for following my boards on Pinterest.

I couldn't imagine that blogging could be so much fun.

YOU made it fun!

THANKS FOR JOINING THE RIDE WITH ME!!

xox, d.

and you can vote :)

2011-12-29T04:31:00.000-05:00

UGG Art&Sole 2011 is open!!

click on this link if you want to vote for moi!!!

thank you!!!

xox, d.

inside-out houndstooth

2011-12-28T08:13:00.000-05:00

While running last-minute errands

and going nuts while moving...

I couldn't help but stopping in for a "quickie" at Daffy.

It was sort of a good-bye thing, I wasn't looking for anything, just a "Hi and Good-bye" to the store that always made me happy finding clothing gems.

And I saw something that got my attention, it looked pretty much like this.

I mean... I couldn't just ignore it. (I know you're with me on this one!)
There it was the perfect houndstooth little black&white soft thing.

One second later: big disappointment!
What is this, Ms. Juicy Couture, to put the houndstooth inside and leave the outside with the "wrong side" of the houndstooth, with just a little "right side" on the pockets?

Nope: so wrong. (In picture doesn't look nearly as bad as it is in real life)

But this sweater came home with me.

The original idea was to work my eyes off with my seam-ripper and sew it back with the houndstooth on the front as it is supposed to be.
But: reality check...

Pockets came off right away (and I'm not sewing them back on the right side, I believe could be used on something else, maybe to hide a hole??), and when I started to open the seams on the side, it took me about 20 minute for less than one inch.

You know what this mean?

I will wear it with the exposed seams.

At the end, I just stitched the buttons on the right side of the houndstooth.
Note to the designers:
it is called RIGHT side and WRONG side for a reason.
if you do something, do it RIGHT.
Got it??

Long story short: this was a very small project.
A shorter hem, adding a small trim, changing buttons, ... wearing inside-out: these are all very small projects that can bring a new life to something that would not be appealing otherwise.

xox, d.

inspiration from the past

2011-12-26T05:39:00.000-05:00

A whole day at the British Museum,

being fascinated about how darn good

these ancient civilization were.

these are some of my favorite pieces of jewelry

...made with passion with only rudimentary tools.

...because pictures are worth a thousand words...

xox, d.

london in pills

2011-12-23T15:18:00.000-05:00

Despite the fact that I'm a summer creature,

London is probably my favorite city of all times.

But nothing is perfect... one thing I would like to object:
If the British would drive on the RIGHT side of the street, by now they would have probably saved enough money in gallons of paint to save their budgets.
...just saying!!

I hope you enjoy my video attempt at the Westminster Abbey,

and some random pictures!

xox, d.

power of making

2011-12-22T14:50:00.000-05:00

Today: at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London:

my kind of exhibition:

It's a standing ovation to everything handmade, DIY, craft, and to the fine minds who "have figured it out".

Exhibition will be open until January, 2nd 2012

More info: http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/power-of-making/

Loved every single piece there.

I snapped few pictures, told by security that I should not do that, bought the book (which, of course doesn't have pretty pictures of everything.)

Note to the exhibition organizers: if you don't allow visitors to take pictures:... fine.

But do make a book that has high quality pictures of every-single-piece.

Otherwise it's like CHEATING.

Got the message?

Anyway, here's the introduction museum's video:

Power of Making from Victoria and Albert Museum on Vimeo.

Being a knitter, my eyes immediately got fascinated by Sandra Backlund's "knitted dress".

... next on my wish list: a 3D printer!

pictures from V&A

xox, d.

UGG Art & Sole 2011

2011-12-21T05:42:00.000-05:00

By now you all have heard of

UGG Art & Sole 2011 contest

and yes, I'm in!

UGG Australia is giving fans a chance to design their own boots (to be sold in store) all for a good cause.
The winning design will be produced and sold online and in stores across America in 2012. A portion of the proceeds donated to "The Boys and Girls Clubs of America".

Finally, after struggling with paint programs and applications. I made it.
I don't know if I submitted it right or what.
(You know I'm not that geeky.)
But I think I came up with something fashionable, and pretty.

This is a brief explanation of my design:

I picked a neutral sand color and added a contrast dark teal cap toe and heel which gives a rather Oxford look to the boots.
Also, around the cap toe line, the heel and the side seams, I added round aluminum color flat studs.
The studs around the cap toe and the heel are 3 mm diameter, while the studs on the side seams are 5 mm diameter.

Do you like it?

Voting will start on Dec 26th.
I'll let you know where and how to vote for me!!! :)

xox, d.

crochet: a chain-link scarf

2011-12-15T12:25:00.001-05:00

Do you know what happens when

a {mostly} knitter meets a crochet extraordinaire?

... she gets hooked,

indeed!

This is what I crocheted:

a shade of greens chain-link scarf.

Crochet extraordinaire, A.K.A. Andrée,

came up with a crochet contest.

Three stitches to pick from, and something to make that could be:

a pillow, a pair of fingerless gloves, or a shawl or scarf.

... pillow I don't need;

fingerless gloves I don't wear (only "finger-with");

... but I love, wear and crave many scarves: deal!

The stitch I picked from the available choices is the first one:

{chain multiples of 15 + 2:

row 1. 1 ch.sc in the 3rd ch from hook, 1 ch, *sk 1 ch, 1 ch.sc in the next ch, 1 ch*, repeat between * * till end of row, end with 1 ch.sc in the last ch, make 2 ch, turn

row 2. 1 ch.sc into the first 1 ch space, 1 ch, *1 ch.sc in the next 1 ch space, 1 ch*, repeat between * * till end of row, end with 1 ch.sc into the top of turning ch, 2 ch, turn

row 3 and further. repeat row 2 }

I like the way the interchanging of colors make it looks always different, depending of how many rows you crochet with a different color.

All these combinations came up using 4 different yarn in different shades of green.

I used a maximum of two colors in each link.

... And connected in random order.

CROCHET : 5mm

WOOL: {The yarn I had were all pretty much the same size}

* olive green is alpaca (used doubled)

* dark green is sport wool

* mélange light green is merino wool

* other mélange is a chunky hand-spoon wool

(all of these were leftovers of previous project and also used to knit my Frank Tell inspired sweater)

THE LINKS:

chain 45 stitches, and join with a slip stitch

proceed with the above specified stitch for 10 rows

leave enough yarn for the seam around the link

Crochet the next link attaching it to the previous one, and keep crocheting for 20 links... don't forget that the last one need to be linked to both sides ;)

Once done, your chain-link scarf will look more like a paper garland... but once you'll fold and sew each link, it will look JUST-PERFECT!!

right picture: The Yokoo - collage by moi

I was craving a chain-link scarf every since I saw it on Etsy... but for one reason or another, the idea was left in the "to-do-list"...

Thanks to Andrée, finally:

a- I have my chain-link scarf

b- three out of four green yarn are no longer in my stash

c- practicing with crochet made me like crochet {even} more!

xox, d.

repurposed Christmas ornaments

2011-12-11T06:44:00.000-05:00

... Christmas can be:

Merry

Happy

White

... and Repurposed
... and Scented too!!

I made these two small topiary Christmas trees for the powder-room.

... because I needed something that would be "powder-room-appropriate".

When I was a kid I used to collect samples perfume bottles...

(Yes, I still have these.

No, I NEVER even think of throw them away.

You see? They came out just right for this project,

that should be renamed "VINTAGE perfume bottles Christmas trees"... whatever.)

And because I use a lot of yarn that comes from a sort of a wholesale outlet, I have a lot of cardboard cones.

(Next time I'll go there I promise you, I'm taking pictures. It's a wool/ cotton/ fiber/ yarn paradise.)

The cone you can easily make using a piece of cardboard.

But with my cones ready to go, my powder room Christmas edition was ready in few minutes.

I cut a piece of white fabric, wrapped and glued around the cones, and had some "quality time" with my glue gun!!!

One blob of glue and one bottle after the next, my ornaments for the powder-room were ready in 5 minutes!

Killed two birds with one stone:

repurposed my cones

and my sample perfume bottles in once!

Have a wonderful and scented Christmas (and green, too) !!!

xox, d.

DIY leather scales

2011-12-08T08:38:00.002-05:00

Repetition, repetition, repetition

If you want the bold look...

... repeat.

Over and over again.

left picture from Outsapop - collage by moi

Inspiration comes from a Jose Castro dress FW 2009.

I don't wear dresses, but I could handle a cardigan!

This is probably the project that was dragged the longest into the HDPP (Half Done Project Pile).
It seriously killed me.

Back to the How-to:

I found at Goodwill a pair of butter soft leather pants brand new, with tag for 15$.

Got them, open all the seams, and draw and cut endless circles in three different sizes.
(approx sequins diameters: large: 2-1/2", medium 1-1/2", small 1-1/16")
And punch a hole in each one.

I also cut two rectangular pieces and sliced every 1/8" until 1/4" to the top to be rolled over the wool-ties and make them into tassels.

Next, get needle and thread and start to sew the circles onto my cardigan.

I started from the bottom going on my way up.

FOR-FREAKING-EVER
(I covered in leather scales the front and the back, BTW)

...Only to find out that one pair of pants wasn't enough.
Find another pair of soft pants (Ebay, this time), wait for the box to show up at home, and do it all over again.

In case you're curious, yes, you DO get blisters on your hands.
I used a pair of tiny sharp manicure curved scissors to do the cutting, and these are T-I-N-Y!
And they kill your fingers.

And keep sewing: until you can.
Then drop it and let few days go by, because you can't stand that stupid sewing anymore.
And then go back and keep marching, because it's coming out really cool and you can't wait to wear that freaking tie up cardi!!!

End of the story.

It's really finished and I'm going to wear it until it's falling apart.

REALLY!!!!!

xox, d.

{mini} Christmas mantel

2011-12-05T09:34:00.001-05:00

This tutorial is so fast and easy,

if you have a dollhouse you {have} to make it!!!

--> ALL YOU NEED (not very much)

- a longer craft wood stick (mine is just a bit shorter than the mantel)
- few inches of lace
- few inches of ribbon
- scissors
- glue
- sew-on hooks

easy peasy!!!

1* glue the lace onto the edge of the popsicle stick,
leaving about 1/4" off the edge
2* glue the ribbon on top of the popsicle stick and the lace
3* mark on the wrong side, where you want your hooks
4* glue the hooks to the lace (or sew it... I used glue)
5* hang your {mini} stockings!!!!

I made the stockings few years ago, just used some red and white flannel (I cut off two dust bags), then I sew around with a mini-mattress stitch, and hand stitched a snowflake on the red ones and a mini-tree on the white ones!!

xox, d.

hubby's sweater #1

2011-12-04T07:27:00.000-05:00

Need an idea for a man's present?
Every now and then,

I knit something for my husband.

Sounds pretty normal, I know.

But he is the ultimate picky when it comes to knits.

Doesn't have to be too heavy nor chunky: A.K.A. moi has to knit with small needles.

When it's about hand knits, the collar can't be round

nor V... and he's not crazy about turtle neck either...

Uh, and polo collars are good only on summer polo shirts.

What the..???

Result: the hybrid.

not-so-chunky

not-so-polo

not-so-fisherman

Here's hubby playing
American next top model - men edition!

Bottom line: he loves it!

...Mission accomplished! ;)

xox, d.

shopping spree

2011-12-02T06:35:00.000-05:00

Going back to Italy

(although will be only temporary)

gave me the ~~alibi~~ chance to have a

craft-blast-shopping-spree!!!

Last week I indulged myself in a bit of a cyber-shopping between Amazon and Ebay for craft supplies...

This is what I got:

A rhinestone and stud hot setter ...

a pack of rhinestones

round studs in silver, gunmetal, turquoise and aqua

and last but certainly not least:

Sharpie stained fabric markers...

In other words, be prepared to see these beauties in full action once I'll get to the other side of the Atlantic!!!

xox, d.

in the mail!

2011-12-01T08:40:00.001-05:00

I got a nice surprise in the mail!

My partner Julie@simplyimpressed sent me

her present for the handmade gift party!!

Needless to say, I dropped moving boxes and tape to open it right away ;)

Wanna see what is it??

...the box and the note (both hand made and hand stamped!!)

Sorry, pictures are missing some parts... hem...

I did eat the chocolates and the candy cane immediately.

(a girl need her sugar intake!!!)

and inside... a pretty sun-necklace!!

I believe she made some kind of treatment for the metal washer, but I have no idea how to get that cool look!

check list:
my favorite colors: orange and aqua... check
stars, moon and sun... check
coral and ocean theme? ...check check
jewelry... duh ... check
...and the candies... of course check

thanks Julie!!! I love it!

xox, d.

it's starting to look a lot like {mini} Christmas

2011-11-30T07:56:00.001-05:00

Well it's that time of the year

when the little people

decide to put up their Christmas tree and the ornaments...

Unfortunately, the dollhouse is getting wrapped and crated and will be unveiled again... at some point.

But wanted to look "pretty in red" for the last time ;)

The front yard is an explosion of red, white and gold.

Do you like the mini-Nativity? I love it!

And the indoor tree is up as well.

... and the snowman with the big candy cane.

I made the snowman few years ago, with crayola clay and toothpicks and dress him up with a red scarf and a pom-pom hat ;)

To give the "snow" effect to the clay, once dried, I used some tacky glue and rolled "Frosty" into some sand.

And then painted ... I used a Dollar Store nail polish in pearl white!!

Do you like the mantel with the mini-stockings ?

... I have a mini-tutorial coming up for you!

xox, d.

it's a keeper

2011-11-28T07:48:00.000-05:00

I'm not a hoarder (but it's a closed call)

but I have hard time getting rid of old clothes.

That's correct: there is a FULL BOX

of clothes in need of a remake.

I've seen numbers of episodes of "mission organization" and I know that the basic rule of the thumb to get rid of something is:

"IF YOU HAVEN'T WEAR IT FOR THE PAST YEAR,
IT HAS TO GO"

Well, now I'm about to explain the many reasons why this rule doesn't work for me...
(call it: ALIBI)

1- if the fabric is a good quality, it's a KEEPER
2- if it doesn't fit anymore, but has refashioning potentials, it's a KEEPER
3- if it has sentimental value, it's a KEEPER (maybe with a refashion, too)

Reality is, there is a full box of potential here!

As soon as the container will arrive into port, I'll have my sewing machine plugged and ready to purr on these clothes!

Stay tuned!!!

xox, d.

DIY packing tips: ties

2011-11-27T09:01:00.001-05:00

Husband loves his ties.

He loves his ties A LOT.

And he owns A LOT of them.

I'll show you how to pack ties in a way that:

a - ties won't get ruined during the move
b - you won't have so much trouble having to press all of these once you open that box.

Follow this step-by-step tutee!!

By folding one bag into the other, you won't have any hard crease on the ties and they will be ready to wear without any further care!

xox, d.

DIY packing tips: jewelry

2011-11-26T08:18:00.001-05:00

Jewelry is coming with me in my carry on,

therefore I want to have it packed in an easy,

secure and as less bulky as possible way.

Do you want to see what's inside?

I found the quintessential jewelry organizer.

It's actually a Dollar Store weekly pill organizer.

I used it several times stuffed with few different pills in each slot.

I took the labels off and erased the prints with nail polish remover.

It's unbelievable the amount of rings, earrings, cufflinks, thin chains, pendants

that you can stuff into a such a little box!

Really, you need to try it to believe it!

(I pat myself on the shoulder for having such a cool idea!)

For the bulkiest pieces, I used some tie up bags and a jewelry roll.

All of this will be able to fit in a ziplock bag, and best of all,

once in Italy, I won't have to open a magillion baggies.

xox, d.

DIY packing tips: beads and findings

2011-11-24T12:07:00.001-05:00

Since I'm packing, might as well share with you some of my

"packing tricks".

My s-kids call me "the packing pro".

This move will go overseas, and I know I will be in pain until

the moment I'll see my stuff on my door-steps in Italy.

Being the control freak that I am, I would love to maneuver the boat with my container on.

(ahah! can you picture that in your mind????!!! LOL!)

Because the above isn't an option, the only thing I can do is:

... pack carefully.

This is how I'm packing my beads and findings.

I hope this is helpful
in case you have a move in your future,

or if you want to take with you some crafting supplies for a vacation...

See you in Italy, pretty beads!!

xox, d.

DIY Missoni neck-warmer

2011-11-23T09:09:00.001-05:00

After the DIY Missoni sweater was finished,
I still had few yards of each color,

so I knitted a neck-warmer

I can wear it on top of my DIY Missoni sweater,

which will make my sweater look like a turtle neck,

or I can wear it on top of any other sweater. ....

yes! versatility!!!

I casted on 135 stitches and knit the zig-zag pattern until I had 12 inches in length.
Bind off.
Sew the sides to obtain a "tube".
(I could had knit with a circular needle, but I'm so slow with the circular knitting, AND I didn't bother the seam in the back!)

xox, d.

will party here

DIY Missoni sweater

2011-11-21T07:22:00.004-05:00

I've been knitting on and off,

and finally sew the last stitch on my Missoni piece.

The tutorial for the pattern is

on the zig-zag stashbuster post.
Yes, it's a sweater made out of leftover yarn!

The idea to do vertical zig-zag came from the Missoni for Target line, an because I'm "vertically challenged" (A.K.A. I'm a shortie), vertical is always better :)

The basic construction of this sweater is really easy, since I didn't want to cut the knit, I made two rectangular and sew the zig-zag on the sides, leaving a boat neck opening.

xox, d.

will party here

a big table

2011-11-17T12:34:00.002-05:00

We have a truly BIG table.

Which got moved few times, since we are wondering people...

... and now we are moving... again.

The big table needs to be wrapped, and taken out.

only issue: it's a 600 lbs 13 ft long table.

December 7, 2009

Two years ago when we moved to NYC came in through the window with a crane.

November 17, 2011

And through the window with a crane went out this morning...

Did you know that there is such a thing called "crane embargo"?
Yeah, neither did I.
Well such embargo is real and it's starting tomorrow and ends end of January 2012.
Since we have to move by Dec 1st... the table had to leave the apartment today :(

(That will make Thanksgiving dinner a little challenging...)

I got a bit sentimental last night, gave the table an extra coat of natural wax, polished it, light the candles and take pictures.

Do you get sentimental with "things" or it's just me???

Things do have a heart... right??

xox, d.

DIY Rock-Stud clutch

2011-11-16T08:52:00.001-05:00

I needed a wristlet that could hold the essentials.

phone-lispstick-chapstick-card+id+money-keys-sunnies

...that's it!

The Valentino Rock-stud oversized clutch

was the idea, but smaller-er-er...

this is what I used:

(the leather comes from an old skirt,

previously cut to make this wrapped watch band )

first, cut the leather with these measurements:

then, sew the pieces together

last, but not least: the wrist-band

xox, d.

will party here

DIY Marni necklace

2011-11-14T13:31:00.005-05:00

This is the necklace that I made for my assigned partner in the winter edition of the handmade gift exchange @ Craftaholics Anonymous.
She received it yesterday, so I can show it now!
She wrote me that she likes it very much and her daughter named it "the mermaid necklace"!

I exchanged few emails with my partner Julie,

and she told me that two of her favorite colors are

blue and green

I'm the kind of person that can make/give a present only of something I like, therefore I found with these key colors an easy path since blue and green are two of my favorite, too.

I started to think, and did some browsing in my "to-do folder", where I found this Marni necklace that I've been wanting to make for quite some time.
At 420$ the Marni one might be "green" but my bank account will be "red"!!

I had the fleece and the ribbon, but if you need these,

your necklace will end up about ... let's say 5$?

...about 1/90 of the Marni one!!

left picture from net-a-porter, collage by moi

Since the original necklace is made out of plastic bottles, I thought... seriously?
I have a green, blue and clear bottle, and I can make my own version with the colors I want!

Enough words: let's get to work!

First, I printed out the picture of the necklace

from the net-a-porter site, enlarging the picture to a 145%.

Cut out the printout and you'll get the pattern for your bib.

Mark the pattern on the fleece or felt, and cut it.

Attach 1 yard of ribbon on each side of the bib.

And you've done for the base part.

To make the sequins, follow this step-by-step photo tutorial:

(15 plastic circles x 3 colors = 45 total)

First, wash, dry and cut the bottom and the top of the bottles.

Then cut it open to obtain a rectangular sheet of plastic.

Once you have all your sequins

it's like sewing overlapping buttons.

Note: ... to make this necklace

took me about 4 hours.

...plus some planning in my head ;)

xox, d.

will party here

...we have a {shabby} winner!

2011-11-13T08:38:00.000-05:00

We have a winner!

I would say:

we have a SHABBY winner!

This gorgeous necklace

will arrive in the mail to lucky number...

which happens to belong to lucky ...

Thanks to all of you who participated,

keep hanging around here

there will be more giveaways!

Jen the winner:
please send me your phone number
and and mailing address :)

xox, d.

DIY AMcQ distressed silk trim

2011-11-11T11:15:00.000-05:00

This is project that will

"save" an old and torn sweater,

by "destroying" it even more.

Ready?

In love with this Alexander McQueen sweater from last year, all you need is an old sweater (and if it has holes, really doesn't matter), and less than a yard of white/cream silk - which I had (I actually used an old and torn blouse).

Here the side-by-side final result... not bad, uh?

Just saved 1500 $

picture on the right: stile hive, collage by moi

picture on the right I believe was from Nordstrom, collage by moi

... and this is how I made it:

xox, d.

handmade gift exchange

2011-11-10T14:56:00.002-05:00

I made something for the winter edition of the handmade gift exchange @ Craftaholics Anonymous.

I can't' share the details, yet, since I just mailed it and need to wait until my partner will get it... I don't want to spoil the surprise!

but I can show how she's going to get it, right?

(oh, my... I hope she likes it.

I made something I like and I would want.

In fact, I'm probably going to make another one for myself!)

xox, d.

evolu-tee-on

2011-11-09T08:20:00.004-05:00

Y'all know by now that I'm a tee junkie,

therefore I felt obliged to post about

probably one of the most iconic t-shirts ever.

That one tee that so many of us have in our closets

(I know that! and I have one too, duh!)

original logo created from Milton Glaser in 1973

Milton Glaser updated the logo in the aftermath of 9/11/2011

Besides the original versions,
this t-shirt has had its own form of evolution,

which in its honor, I would rather call:

"evolu-tee-on"

We can find all kind of related

I {xyz} NY

T-shirts, really,

for every kind of feeling and situation.

FACT: most people love NY.

...but does NY reciprocate?

somebody feels "just about right"

somebody couldn't care less.
a.k.a.: "meh"

strong haters,
they shout out loud.

no such a thing as scan barcodes,
Facebook,
nor code texting
in 1973 when Mr. Glaser made the logo.
hello NY: it's 2011 (almost 2012)

the city that it's so darn expensive

and you might have to leave

...and making somebody happy

but these creatures,
{for sure}
will be in NYC for quite longer.

endless possibilities.

If I had the chance, I would ask Mr. Glaser if he had any idea of the huge success of his logo.

When he was asked "what is the best moment of the day?"
He replied: "when the new idea emerges from deep of the back of my brain to the front of my brain. It happens any time."

... A genius, period.

xox, d.

photo credits: here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here

shabby shabby giveaway {closed}

2011-11-08T08:34:00.004-05:00

Giveaway time!

Have you heard of Shabby Apple?

...Duh, right?

The pretty online store where you can find all sorts of dresses, skirts, blouses, girls dresses, shoes and more (keep browsing!!!)

Did you know that they have also a

gorgeous selection of vintage jewelry?

I mean: g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s

Well, I feel like I'm part of the cool kids now,

since I've been offered the chance to host a giveaway, and I picked something for you that is awesome, and look closely... it's AWESOME!!

Ladies, may I introduce you to:

Through the Looking Glass Necklace

This glass bauble pendant opens like a locket.

The glass has a fish-eye magnifying effect.

The interior accommodates objects up to 4mm thick.

In other words it's a DIY-pendant!
Change its look with a photo, a sheet of few notes of your favorite song, that pretty dry flower, a feather, make it sweet with pretty lace, make it rock with sequins, make it memorable with your dog's and/or cat's hair... JK !(if you don't have enough of the large amount on your clothes!!!)

And, to make it even prettier, it hangs on a pretty sterling silver chain.

Here's your chance to win this beauty:

- vote #1: follow me on GFC and say so in a comment on this post

- vote #2: like Shabby Apple on Facebook and say so in a comment on this post

- vote #3: like my page on Facebook and leave a comment on this post

KEEP READING!!! THERE'S MORE!

Shabby Apple is giving

inspiration&realisation's readers a 10% off coupon

for the next 30 days

How?

Enter "inspiration10off" at checkout!

Fine lines:

Giveaway is open until Friday, November 11th @ midnight NYC time

and winner will be announced on Saturday, November 12th at 9 am NYC time

Winner will be selected with random.org

Winner must have a US address

There will be no exchange for the winning piece of jewelry

Ready? Steady? ... OPEN!!!

xox, d.

zig-zag stashbuster

2011-11-07T08:29:00.005-05:00

When I posted about

multiple stripes & color block

as a stashbuster projects,

I didn't mention zig-zag.

I'm old fashion, and chevron is still "zig-zag" for me :)

This knitting pattern, mastered by Missoni for long time, is another great way to use a lot of leftover yarn and getting a great look "virtually free".

You can obtain the zig-zag look with different patterns, both knitting and crocheting.

I'm knitting mine (guess what will it be?) following this pattern:

cast stitches multiple of 12 + 3

Right Side:

K1- K2TOG *K4 - DOUBLE INC - K4 - DOUBLE DEC* K4 - SSK - K1

(repeat the pattern between * until the last 7 stitches)

Wrong Side:

PURL

xox, d.

will party here

everybody loves houndstooth

2011-11-04T09:11:00.000-04:00

Is houndstooth the new black?

well, I'm not sure about that,

since in my closet...

black is always the new black.

But, one thing for sure ....

I always loved black & white houndstooth.

I bought these things about... (blushing) #@%@# years ago.

Does this mean that now these accessories are "vintage"?

I have been sporting my houndstooth rain hat every since I bought it, with the matching gloves.

The pashmina has a slightly bigger pattern which I wouldn't mind to wear with the hat & gloves if it wasn't for the fact that the white is more of an off-white and they don't look too good together.

But hey... I wouldn't mind to play matchy matchy

with these stunning pumps!

photo of the pumps from luisaviaroma.com

I have to admit,

the sole with the smaller pattern make me love these pumps even more

{if that could be possible}

In my wish-list :)

xox, d.

DIY wrapped watch

2011-11-03T04:38:00.010-04:00

I've seen it now around and in every single board on Pinterest...

The most coveted fun wrapped watches
by La Mer.
I {HAD} to make my DIY version.

Here the side-by-side pictures:

wrapped...

photo of the original watch: La Mer

...and unleashed

photo of the original watch: La Mer

what you need and the tutorial:

Seemed pretty DIYable to me since it's nothing like a regular watch with longer straps and chains.
Good enough to me, since (are you tired of hear this?) I had everything from previous projects, and the watch too - an old one that needs a new battery, now!

{TUTORIAL}

1* Add one split ring to one side of the watch and get one side of the chains on another split ring

2* Cut two strips of thin leather size 1" x 13", glue the center on the wrong side, and fold 1/4" on both sides for the length, leaving about 1" un-glued at one side.

3 & 4 * Pass the un-glued leather under the side of the watch and fold the sides to overlap the folded part of the strap.

5* Repeat on the other side and put a drop of glue to keep it in place.

6* Punch the holes: one on both sides of the quadrant of the watch, and three at the bottom of one of the straps, where you want your buckle.

7* Hammer the rivets with the tool that comes with the rivets.

8* Connect the split ring next to the watch with the one where the chains are, lay the chains flat next to the straps and cut the chains slightly longer. - see picture -

9* Try the watch on and decide where to cut the strap.

10* Punch a hole next to the edge of the strap and place another rivet.

11* Punch 3 or 4 holes on the strap and...

12* You're done!

- Optional -

Un-leash your imagination and add charms, beads, studs & more!

and... WEAR often!!!

xox, d.

will party here

P.S.: Do you believe that bright {crafty} & {knockoffy} minds think alike??

Check what jewelry knockoff celebrity, A.K.A. Bev @ Flamingo Toes made.
We were probably playing with the same tools in the same day on opposite sides of the globe! LOL!!

DIY halloween costume - the night

2011-10-31T09:28:00.002-04:00

Between unpacking and reorganizing, these days, I don't have much time for anything else.

...But it's HALLOWEEN!

For the party I made a quick costume with what I had and what I could find in a single trip to the local supermarket (while buying groceries).

Many years ago I bought in Venice this gorgeous Half Moon mask,

made of papier maché and covered in gold foil.

Having this mask as a start,

I decided to make "the night" as a costume.

What I already had:

In my mom's stash ... blue tulle (about 3yards) and blue ribbon (about 2 yards)
From a previous costume I had a pair of goldish gloves.

What I bought:

Local supermarket sells these gold and blue glow in the dark stickers with stars and moons (in the toys section).

--> Make a night costume in few steps:

I doubled the tulle and ruffled at the top, and sew on the ruffled edge some blue satin ribbon.

Then I placed the stars all over the outer layer of the tulle, and hand stitch a single stitch on the star, to make it stay.

With some leftover tulle, I wrapped my head and made a bow in the back.

Ring and bracelet are two hair elastic bands with two stars and two moons sticked on both side of the elastic to make it stay.

A blue dress and a blue pair of shoes... these are real clothes.

Done.

Ready to party!

Happy Halloween ☆★☆NIGHT☆★☆ to you!!

xox, d.

will party here

inspired by: jet-lag activity

2011-10-29T03:09:00.003-04:00

Good {early} morning, world!

When I'm jet-lag... I am pretty much in:

can't sleep - have to do something - right now - state of mind

Therefore, loaded with a good amount of caffeine...

I started to play with blogger, and one thing lead to another

I prepared

this totally-awesome-page

where there are all the links of the DIY and tutorials organized

BY DESIGNER
(in alphabetical order, too)

I thought that rather than add more and more tags on my sidebar,

which looks already crowded enough,

having a page (which I have to remember to keep updated, but I will)

would be a better option.

By clicking on the picture of the inspiration DIY or tutorial, you'll be directed to the original post...

(That implies that this morning at 4:00 am I was also learning some HTML tricks!!!)

If you want to know how, this is where I found the tutorial:

http://www.betatemplates.com/2011/02/creating-picture-link-in-blogger-posts.html

It's really easy to follow (if I could make it, you can too: FOR SURE)

Let me know what you think of this page and if you like it!!

xox, d.

i've got m@il

2011-10-28T13:43:00.000-04:00

A bit of Amazon splurge!

They were all on sale,

...I couldn't resist.

... look what's inside...

it's like yoga for seamstress!!

I'm not sure if I will ever be able to make anything like this,

but I'll never know until I'll try!

Can't wait to learn.

...It will take a while,

since I'm moving in a month,

and things are getting hectic over here,

but... hey, a girl can dream!

xox, d.

got fishtail?

2011-10-26T07:35:00.003-04:00

Got tail?

a DIY one, indeed.

Phillip Lim you inspired me, again.

This sweater refashion is in my 'DIY' folder since last year, and for one thing or another, I didn't get around to do it until today.

left picture from net-a-porter, collage by moi

and... the B side

left picture from net-a-porter, collage by moi

I started from a cashmere twin set: the short sleeves shell was perfectly fine, while the cardigan was getting a bit worn out in the front.

First, I ripped off the sleeves on both, then sew the long sleeves onto the shell.

--> The Tutorial

I tried to get pictures of the process, but working with dark colors doesn't help my clueless as a photographer.

Plus, I don't have much time to try to learn, since, heck, I'm also packing!
Therefore: my shortcut is my notebook!

Once you have your panel, pin it starting from the center, onto the top part of the cut, and work until you get to the end of both sides.
I hand sew it using some yarn that I unraveled from one of the sleeves.
Don't pull the knit, and work slowly.

Note that this kind of alteration will work only with a light knit, if the knit is chunky, the result would be clumsy.

It's really not worth it to destroy a twin set if you can avoid it, but you can still MAKE IT WORK (gotta love Tim Gunn!!) with a similar weight knit in a different color or with a lighter / darker shade of the same top you're working with.

xox, d.

will party here

doilies galore

2011-10-24T11:19:00.003-04:00

Stash busting project alert!

I made this:

It was inspired from this:

photos from Vogue.com

Because I wanted to use all of these:

Therefore I crocheted these:

...and if you think that life in New York City

is all about drinking Cosmos with girlfriends,

watch this:

And after several changes,

I rearranged all the doilies galore like this:

...And crocheted all together like this:

watcha think? Me like it!!

xox, d.

will party here

hunted dollhouse

2011-10-21T10:08:00.001-04:00

It's well known here

that the little people

like to decorate their home.

...A LOT.

The little people are ready to go trick or treating

...with their costumes

(and looks like the little kids will have a stomachache tomorrow)

There is a whole a lot going on here. Little-Lucky dog on the side is freaked out and wants to go away :)

...And this is a full view of the Hunted Dollhouse!

Trick or treat?

All the decor was made by moi last year:

Pumpkins are made with crayola clay.

The ghosts are square of light fabric with a stand made of wire

The skull and the bones again, crayola clay.

The candy are pieces of candy wrapper with a little bead inside.

The candy corn are crayola clay cut in triangles and painted.

The costumes are scraps piece of fabric, lace and leatherette.

The wreath on the front door is made with some leftover purple yarn and tissue paper.

The bats are made with leatherette and fishing line.

The treats bags are just like real paper bags, but much smaller!

I couldn't put together tutorials - no time!

xox, d.

will party here

oh là là. links à la mode

2011-10-20T13:22:00.000-04:00

Last week I joined the Independent Fashion Blogger network, which every week, host the Links à la Mode roundup.
I've been reading the Links à la Mode for... forever!

Can you imagine

how surprised I was when I found out that me,

the new girl on the block, made it this week?!?!

well, actually my pants made into the list,

and, for your convenience,

I enlarged the font and made it red...

you know, just in case you missed ;)

Not only that... I'm quoting what the article says: (which I'm also highlighting for extra bragging)
"For instance, my favorite links this week all happen to be DIY projects! These bloggers made tutorials for their colorblock hair accessories, faux Phillip Lim slacks and my favorite, DIY sparkle glitter boots!"

Well, needless to say: my week is complete!
Check out also the other bloggers who made into the list, ok??

xox, d.

When Style Bloggers Turn Haute DIY Designers….

By Jessie Thorpe, Denimology

As fashion bloggers, we look for great fashion at affordable prices. Unfortunately, most times high fashion comes at a substantial price tag. Some of us get emphatically crafty to achieve the cultivated couture look we seek. By making adroit changes to items (sometimes slightly pass their prime) they become stylishly spectacular! For instance, my favorite links this week all happen to be DIY projects! These bloggers made tutorials for their colorblock hair accessories, faux Phillip Lim slacks and my favorite, DIY sparkle glitter boots!

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: OCTOBER 20TH

Beautifully Invisible - 10 Popular Blogging Myths Debunked
Be Fabulous Daily - How To Sell Clothes on Ebay
Cadence and Clementine - Black In Fashion
CosmoLAWlitan - “What’s In a [Celebrity’s] Name?”
Denimology - How To Wear Flared Jeans Properly
Dress Code: High Fashion - Investigating Alexander McQueen`s Eshu collection and it's Yoruban inspiration
Fashion Ice - DIY/Collar Accessory
His Girl Friday - The Blogging Cycle of Guilt
Inspiration & Realisation - DIY Foldover Trousers
Joyful Outfits - How To Wear Denim Shorts For Fall
Made To Travel - I Made It!: Snake Print Tee
My Favourite Fashion - Vintage Vision
Oranges & Apples - Outfit inspiration: Narrative or Functional?
Parfait Doll - Pink Hair Couture
Practically Spoiled - Colorblocked Bobby Pins: A Super Simple DIY
Pretty Innovative - Shedding Some Light on Wearable Electronics
Sanity Notebook - Personal Wardrobe No 34
Sprinkles in Springs - DIY Sparkle Glitter Boots
Statements in Fashion - 2 Simple Ways To Increase Blog Traffic
Style Abuse - How To Wear Layers For Fall to Winter
Style Bizarre - Winter Must Have: Wool
Sugar and Spice - Making Denim Work for AW11
The Red Dot - Lessons from Paris Fashion Week

SPONSOR:
New Denim at Shopbop: DL1961, Blank Denim, William Rast, MiH Jeans, Hudson, Paige Denim, Rich & Skinny, James Jeans, Goldsign, Dallin Chase, Citizens of Humanity, Ksubi, & J Brand.

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE
If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine

quick knit: infinity scarf

2011-10-19T08:58:00.003-04:00

Challenging myself to use my stash

it's really getting me into the mood.

The first few days felt like "being on a diet", but now I am enjoying the process and the end results:
#1 - having less leftover yarn and less clothes in my "to-re-do" pile
#2 - I have few more pieces of clothing that are actually "new"

First: pick the yarn.
Because I wanted a fast knit, I joined together several leftovers until I've got it right to be knitted with 6 mm needles.

Time to knit:
* cast on 59 stitches
* and keep knitting, following the pattern on the picture above, for about 21"
* join the two ends on the wrong side

... voilà!

xox, d.

will party here

words to live by

2011-10-18T09:27:00.000-04:00

You don't realize how much stuff

your house can home

until you have to pack and move.

And I should have learned the lesson, since this will be move #5 in the last few years.

Considering that I have a hard time getting rid of stuff, but I already forced myself to purge a lot of stuff in every each of the moves, I'm still in high water.

Do you want to know how I spent my weekend?

There.
Packing and coursing at myself.

xox, d.

contrast sleeves

2011-10-17T08:55:00.000-04:00

Today's story is, again,

about two pieces of clothing in my "to re-do list"

for as much as I can remember.

(Another "killed two birds with one stone!)

A short sleeves cashmere sweater, boxy, and almost never worn because of the short sleeves.

A jacket that never really fit me, but like the fabric and the detail on the shoulders.

The tutorial is nothing but:

RIP THE SEAMS OF THE SLEEVES

PIN, MEASURE, SEW

LOTS OF FABRIC LEFT = POCKETS!

xox, d.

packing

2011-10-15T13:21:00.000-04:00

If I'm not answering every single comment lately...

I have a good excuse.

Yep, I'm packing.

Not quite 100% sure yet,

and don't know 100% where yet,

but I'm getting some stuff packed in any case...

Let's say that in the

worst case scenario,

at least I'm organizing and de-cluttering.

Anyway, these space bags are pretty darn cool!

If you need extra space in your closets...

absolutely a way to go!

...And nope, this is not a sponsored post, all opinions are 100% mine (as all the content in this blog), I bought those bags, paid with real money and I just felt it was fair to share.

GTG... back to more bagging, vacuuming and boxing!

xox, d.

neutrals and texture

2011-10-14T09:18:00.001-04:00

Last week I saw a sweater in a window
that triggered my imagination.

...And it was a potential stash busting, too!

Got home, and explored my stash,
where I found all I needed
(why am I not surprised?!!?).

I love the two neutral tones mixed together, the texture, the idea of super warm in a cold winter day.

left photo from Christopher Fisher collage by moi

Best thing of DIY: you can change things up to suit your preferences! I LOVE high turtle necks, and this sweater is so heavy and warm (and not itchy) that a turtle neck was very much needed!

This is what I used: (all leftovers!)

I used:
* needles 3.5 mm for the 2:2 ribs on the wrist, waist and collar
* needles 4 mm for the stockinette on the back and sleeves
* needles 10 mm for the seed stitch on the front

And, in case you want to make one for yourself, here's the pattern for the raglan sleeve sweater:
I didn't put the number of stitches because need to be adjusted with whatever yarn you'll be using.
The measurement in the pattern would be for a size 2.

click on image for bigger size

happy knitting!!
xox, d.

will party here

diy foldover trousers

2011-10-13T08:50:00.004-04:00

(and how I'm killing two birds with one stone)

One very large amount of my stash consists in clothes that,

for one reason or another,

are in need of a makeover.

With the great inspiration from Phillip Lim (yes, him, again) I'm going to kill two birds with one stone by using my stash and create a pair of pants that fits out of these these two unusable pairs.
... Mission accomplished!

pictures from shopbop , collage by moi

Here we have exhibit # 1 & #2, which are two fine pairs of pants that have issues (in fabric of similar weight)

#1 doesn't fit anymore (let's say that it shrunk...)

#2 has a rip on the back of one leg.

-->Here's how I made it:

1 & 2 * Dissection the two pay of pants, by ripping off the seams. On the camel one, need to rip off only the external one.
3* find the middle line on the legs and overlap the black one onto the camel one, giving that little extra room on the hips (so it will fit again)

1* make sure that everything is symmetrical, measure again and again, then sew a straight line onto the middle line
2* now, fold the black pants and sew the black side with the back of the camel side
3* there will be a lot of fabric on the inside, but try them on and make sure they fit right, then you can cut the extra fabric on the inside

With the extra fabric in the camel color, I'm cutting a replacement part for the front belt of the pants, and three belt loops (this is all I could do with the scrap fabric).
Since I'm giving my pants about an extra inch, the belt is now too short.
The right side still fits because had the under button (which I'm not using anymore), but the left side is now too short.

Now, I'm putting together the belt, the belt loops, and making the slits at the bottom,

and I'm finally done.

... and happy!

xox, d.

will party here

knit & crochet stash busting

2011-10-12T09:04:00.000-04:00

I am 100% committed to lower my stash.

(see my "stash pledge" here)

While I do have plenty of this and that (and that, and that, and that...), my real focus at this moment is the huge amount of yarn that takes about 1/3 of my craft space.

I am surfing the web for great ideas (as usual).

I do have few colors that I can knit a whole sweater with, but I have plenty of leftovers that I want to focus on: these have been there for way too long, and I need to find a way to use these first .

Stripes and color block could be my way out of this blind spot, and I put together some boards for inspiration and focus.

{all the pictures from polyvore, collages by moi}

Stripes:

it's probably the easy way to combine two or more colors.

thick, thin, alternate colors, random.

get your inspiration and start knitting!

1.DKNY 2.Alice+Olivia 3.Tory Burch
4.Jason Wu 5.Maison Martin Margiela 6.Vionnet
7.Marc by Marc Jacobs 8.Sonia by Sonia Rykiel 9.Topshop

Color blocking:

it you want to do a single block, just change the yarn you're using.

if it has a pattern with interlocking blocks, you need to learn the intarsia.

It's easy... there are plenty of tutorials and video on the web.

1.See by Chloe 2.Carven 3.Chinti and Parker
4.Viktor&Rolf 5.Tsumori Chisato 6.Moschino
7.J.W.Anderson 8.Jil Sander 9.Rag&Bone

Granny squares:

if you like to crochet, this is your land.

Granny squares don't have to be on a blanket anymore!

1.Christopher Kane 2.House of Holland 3.Christopher Kane

Fair Isle:

although I like the finish products, I'm not a big fan of this technique;

you have to carry around three or four balls of yarn, and they get tangled,

and you have to knit without pulling too much, or too little.

But these Rodarte and Burberry take on the Fair Isle are giving me the itch to giving it a try! ;)

1.Rodarte for Opening Ceremony 2.Eugenia Kim 3.Burberry Brit

I hope this was inspirational for you as well!

xox, d.

how to: fake embroidery

2011-10-11T08:11:00.002-04:00

This project here

is for the audience out there

that doesn't know how to embroider!

There are a lot of things you can do refashion-wise if you know how to embroider.

But embroidery is no joke, it's a real art, and I'm for sure in the large part of people that know nothing about it. (beside a little cross stitch and needle point, yeah, right)

That's why I managed to cheat! ah!!

{all from my stash!!}

All you need is:

* plain sweater (or twin set)

* water soluble marker

* ruffle yarn

* thin yarn for sewing

* wool needle

* scissors

Follow the easy-peasy step-by-step photo-tutorial !

photo from: Anthropologie

Once finished with the fake embroidery, rinse your sweater and lay flat to dry.

I've got the idea from one of last year's Anthropologie sweater, which was pretty... pretty ugly in its ensemble, but I did like few bits and pieces of it!

xox, d.

will party here

matchy matchy

2011-10-10T08:22:00.000-04:00

Okay, I admit it, I am a matchy-matchy kind of person.

It almost sounds like a sin these days, but hey... I do like having matching things.

Like... a bracelet that matches a necklace... you know...

Well, these leather beads are way too fast to make, (see tutorial here) and love so much my necklace I had to make the matching bracelet... Aren't they nice together?!?

Another project from the Brook&Lyn Spring/Summer 2012 collection....

xox, d.

will party here

inspiration home diy

2011-10-09T10:11:00.000-04:00

...maybe for the kid's room?

Get all your patience, a nice movie, and start wrapping and knotting.

I would use these light long balloons that clowns make animals out of them (you'll need about 500 balloons).

... and if you want to make your own, my hunch is that is going to be much cheaper than 210$!

This picture is from the window of a design store, and this is the Umbra Balloona Stool - designed by Natalie Kruch. (see more info on the Umbra website )

xox, d.

multitasking

2011-10-08T09:49:00.001-04:00

Currently working on...

and this is only on my couch!

There are two sweaters in process to be refashioned on my table (dinner table, yes), plus a pair of pants that need (badly) to be updated.

For now.

Tomorrow there might be even more stuff!

It's a total mess!

... but I like it ;)

Sometimes I'm in the mood for knitting, then I get sore and move to the ~~craft~~ dinner table and start sewing or doing something else.

Things don't always go the way you expect while crafting, so if I get frustrated on a project that is not coming along, might as well I switch onto something else and un-frustrate myself.

...And usually if I sleep on it, the next morning with a fresh start, I can finish whatever I was stuck on the day before.

Do you have any "crafting strategies"?

xox, d.

leather beads necklace

2011-10-07T08:48:00.002-04:00

The more I dig into the Brook&Lyn
lookbook for next spring/summer 2012,
...and...

Had

Make

This

Necklace

The fact that I had everything on hand and didn't have to spend a penny made it even more (if possible) irresistible...

--> What you need:

* two round "templates" one of about 2", the other about 1-1/8" diameter
* thick leather
* vinyl glue and an old brush
* clips
* scissors
* a rope or yarn to make your own
* a clasp
* needle and thread

--> And here's how you can make the leather star beads:

* cut 5 round pieces of leather both for the 2" and the 1" diameter
* apply some glue on slightly less than half part of the circle
* place the other circle on top and clip it
* keep doing this until you get the shape of a 5 point star with a hole in the middle
* repeat for the other bead

Now, thread a cord or a rope through the leather beads.
I made an icord and twisted it to make it slightly thicker and use that, but everything works.

Added a clasp, and made loops wrapped in leather to give it the 'pull together' look!

Perfect. And didn't take long at all to make!!

xox, d.

will party here

ciao, Steve

2011-10-06T09:57:00.000-04:00

We lost a genius.

photo: apple collage by me

ciao, Steve

xox, d.

chain tassel

2011-10-06T08:21:00.001-04:00

Have you noticed at one end

of the cardi refashion from yesterday there is a tassel?

... it's a metal one!

--> #1 * You need {all from my stash yayy}

* thin chain - one foot

* one end cup

* pliers

* 2" wire

Follow the step-by-step photo tutorial

and make one (or many) for yourself :)

#2 * Cut 11 pieces of about 1" long
#3 * Thread the first ring of each chain into the wire
#4 * Make a loop and twist the ends of the wire
#5 * Pass the wire into the end cup
#6 * Make a loop and twist it
#7 * Cut the extra ends of the wire and TASSEL ON !

xox, d.

will party here

pearls and chains will do the trick

2011-10-05T08:43:00.005-04:00

That grey plain cardi...

we all have one in the closet!

...Let's make it less plain :)
Pearls and chains will do the trick!

photo on the left: twin-set

I saw the ads for this embellished cardigan from Twin-Set by Simona Barbieri

(it's an italian brand, pretty sure is almost unknown here in the U.S.)

and thought... I have {almost} everything I need!!

Obeying the pledge, I had all in my stash except for the velvet ribbon.

3 yards - 3$

Follow the easy step-by step pictures for the tutorial!

Just make sure to sew with very small stitches and secure the edges of the chains nicely tight, don't pull the edges of the cardigan while you're sewing or it will look all wobbly.

Don't rush it!

It took more time that I would thought.

Yes, a good two hours.

xox, d.

will party here

stash pledge

2011-10-04T08:18:00.000-04:00

When it's the right time to say:

Enough is Enough?

... probably long time ago ;) !!

Anyway, this is for real: from now on I'm fully committed on making things using my ginormous stash.

This will include:

* fabric

* yarn

* trims

* leather

* metal

* beads

and whatever crap there is in that closet!!

I might go to the store to buy few thing here and there, BUT ONLY IF the purpose of the buy is relevant to the large usage of THE STASH.

I'm totally serious, I swear.

xox, d.

the mask

2011-10-02T10:05:00.004-04:00

What do Louis Vuitton and Chanel have in common these days?

(beside the price tags, I mean...)

image: Chanel

images: Louis Vuitton

The Mask!

Well, they aren't actually the "mask pioneers": last year, Yamamoto was styling a Zorro looking mask in the Y3 fall collection.

images:
left: real beauty - center: babylon cartel - right: Mercedes-Benz fashion week

Because I don't take life too seriously,

I thought that a little mask was perfect for me!

It's probably one of the easiest DIY possible.

I made my own... with a cat-eye shape,

just for the fun of it!

--> How to:

* Cut the pattern on leather, or felt, or even make it with polymer clay
(mine is two pieces of leather glued together)

* String it
* Tie it on your hat

* Wear it

xox, d.

will party here

i {knit} frank tell

2011-10-01T08:23:00.002-04:00

Last February

while I was craving for the spring to finally make an appearance,

I saw Frank Tell's ready to wear collection

Fall/Winter 2011/12.

...and...
I started to knit a chunky boxy sweater

left picture: Vogue.it - right picture: Zimbio.com

... and despite the fact that I really don't do well with cold weather, I (guilty!!) hoped that the cooler days could be around just a little longer to let me finish this sweater and wear it at least a couple of times.

...Be careful what you wish for, since the cold lasted for much longer than I needed!

My version is simpler,

with sleeves that actually fit.

I wanted to be able to wear it under a coat, and in fact... I did.

More than once ...

This knit is a great stash buster!

can you see all the different yarns and textures?

This is my second attempt in re-creating a Frank Tell sweater (see previous one here ).
I had most of the yarns as leftovers from previous projects (a new sweater for close to 0$?? sign me in!!). I double and even triple some of the yarns not only to make it thicker, but also to have a wide variety of mélange colors.
...And I started to knit, without a pattern, just randomly switching yarns and stitches.
I made a "square" shaped, with a deep scoop neck.
There are no decreases for the armholes, just a boxy chunky knit.

I know it looks a little on the "crazy" side, but what can I say?
Sometimes I am in a twin set and look like I could have jumped out of a JCrew ads, but most of the time I like things a bit "not-so-preppy".
This is definitely a "preppy-me-not" sweater!!

xox, d.

will party here

say it with flowers

2011-09-30T08:21:00.001-04:00

A 5 petals flower, with beads in the middle.

I spotted this wire flower at the MoMA Store few years ago.

I don't remember the designer, and couldn't find it online.

If you happen to recognize it, please let me know who designed it, so I can give credit.

Anyway...

--> What you need:

This is a good "beads buster", since you can use beads of different size, colors and materials :)

* About 20 beads (depends how big you want the inside of your flower)

* 13" of sterling silver 18 gauge Half Hard

* 15" of sterling silver 24 gauge Hard

* round nose pliers

* a big marker, or something round (to coil the wire onto)

--> Tutorial:

* coil the 18 gauge HH wire around the marker

* with your hands, split open the circles to create a 5 petals flower

* with the pliers, loop the two ends of the wire and cut the excess

* take the 24 gauge H silver and pass it through the middle of the flower and twist it in the middle

* start threading one bead at the time, and pass the wire up and down the centre of the flower (same as you were sewing)

* once one end of the wire is too short, start with the other side until you're happy with the overall look.

* loop the ends of the wire with the pliers so it won't be pocking you!

At this point you can pick wether you want a ring, a pendant or a pin.

For the pendant, add a jumping and a chain or a cord, for making a ring or a pin, take a base ring or a base pin, get busy with your glue gun and stick the flower on top of the base!

The first one will be a bit time consuming, but then you get the hang of it and you can't stop!!

xox, d.

will party here