Grosgrain [guest] Giveaway: Camera Strap

I've been following the Grosgrain blog, but I don't have any wee little ones to try to win costumes for, so I haven't participated in her "Create a Link" giveaways. I love the idea though, and love the awesome things she sews up every week. The current giveaway is a camera strap cover.

I think it would make a great holiday gift. Check it out, you could "create a link" and try to win it too! Even if you aren't a photographer, check out her blog.

Custom Camera Strap GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Grosgrain Blog

WIP - Boyfriend Sweater

It's started snowing... I better pick up the pace! Back panel, almost ready to shape the arms.

Part One: WIP - Boyfriend Sweater
Pattern: Berroco - Dan (free pattern)
Yarn: Bernat DenimStyle

Christmas Cactus

Yesterday, I adopted yet another plant for the room. I think they designed Meijer so that I have to pass the plant section on my way from the groceries to the pharmacy. I'm pretending it's a present celebrating the first day of my (paid) internship.

Today grants no rest; I've finished up work obligations, only to have schoolwork left on my plate. Hopefully I'll have some time after Engineering Statistics to work on the boyfriend's sweater.

WIP - Boyfriend Sweater

It's getting colder, the wind is blustery, and I need a new project. I think I've finally mustered up the courage to knit a sweater.

Pattern: Berroco - Dan (free pattern)

Gordon Freeman Costume Resources

Last year's Gordon Freeman Costume seems to be getting some attention as we near the Halloween season this year. So, I thought I would make life easier for you guys by sharing my images and providing a few tips for construction.

The Labcoat: there are plenty of medical supply stores online. If you're a college kid, ask someone in pre-med where they got their scrubs. You're looking at like $20.

The ID badge: This one is trickier... I suggest checking an office supply store like Office Max, Staples, or even Meijer. A multi-pack wouldn't be more than $5, I imagine.

You could go all-out and paint a crowbar, but I don't think the neighbors will appreciate you brandishing a "bloodied" crowbar at their kids. Set it on the table near the candy for effect.

Iron Transfer sheets: Key for this project. These are available at any Hobby Lobby or similar craft store. Make sure you get the right type for your printer and fabric (dark, light, inkjet, toner).

Downloadable resources:
BlackMesa Logo - blackmesa_logo.jpg
BlackMesa ID Badge - blackmesa_ID.jpg

Tips: When transferring the logo onto the labcoat, cut out the interior white space so that you don't have to iron the design for as long. Otherwise, just follow the directions and you should be ready to go!

Fabric Pumpkin Pattern

It's (nearly) October, and that means Halloween is right around the corner! My roommate loves to decorate for the holidays, and I want to lend a hand, so I'm sewing up some fabric pumpkins.

This pumpkin is about 7" around, but you could blow up or shrink the pattern to whatever size you want. I'm working on several different sizes to scatter around the room. It is a quick project with maximum satisfaction. I recommend very springy stuffing and stuffing lightly to keep the crinkly effect.

Pattern provided by Schlosser Designs: link

Elephant in the Basil Forest

In the forest of basil where leaves perch atop tall woody branches or neglect, a lone elephant lurks among the trees.

Paper Embroidery is my Zen

My latest WIP. Paper embriodery requires a little pre-planning, but it takes the work out of placing each stitch precisely when you've got thread on the needle. This is how I unwind after day of classes/labs, homework, and mediocre dorm food.

...yes, I know my thread box is a mess.

Tutorial on paper embriodery at craftystylish.
doe*c*doe blog (weekly embroidery patterns)

Craftiness: Boring blue

We'll see how well this "craftiness" segment goes, seeing as my crafty adventures are sporadic in nature. Nonetheless, I'm surprised I've been so quick on this project (and the image taken with similar haste). I started the Aran Cable Scarf free on the LionBrand site just two days ago.
I have to admit I don't really like this color, so I won't be sporting this scarf in my own wardrobe, but it was the only yarn I had enough of to complete a scarf. I always thought that cables were some sort of scary juggling act of knitting, but after a little surfing found out that you don't even need a cable needle. So, the LionBrand pattern became a base for a few of my own tweaks. I used only the first cable pattern throughout the whole scarf, and I've done a left-cross cable instead of a right-cross.

Should be finished tonight, aside from sizing; only one foot left to go!

College Crafts

How do you keep your door open? Paint a rock! I was feeling inspired so I jumped on the dorm-activities bandwagon and crafted a doorstop featuring a totoro (painted from memory, mind you). It's a simple project that anyone can do; just grab some paint, brushes, some rocks, and some friends!
All my yarn is still sitting around waiting so be loved. I promise I'll get to you soon (once I figure out my Calc homework)!