A few of my favorite things

 

 

On Monday I showed you my version of See Kate Sew's Sweet Scallops Tote.  Today I'll show you my favorite way to use this type of bag.  It's perfect for packing a few items for a change of clothes, using as a full-on purse, or carrying a bunch of craft supplies that need organization *cough cough: stamps*.

1. Sweet Scallops Tote: well, duh.  I like it.  And I fully believe everyone should make one;)
2. My favorite sunglasses, purchased on sale at Ann Taylor.  I'm a big, perfectly round sunglasses kinda gal.  These are the smallest ones I've had in a while, but I love them.
3. Fold-over elastic headbands.  Swoon.  Last year, I bought a bunch of FOE from Elastic By The Yard on Etsy.  My package came super fast, and I'm pleased with the quality!
4. TOMS, yay or nay?  I love the look, but I'm not willing to pay the full price for a pair.  Solution? Rite Aid.  Believe it or not, these shoes were only $10!  I'm not usually a fan of hte knock-off brands, but these ones are different.  They're really comfortable, and have lasted well for how much I wear them!
5. Vintage sheet goodness, mmm mmmmm.  This pouch from Sand and Starfish pairs just perfectly with the vintage florals on this tote.
6. Speaking of vintage....antique jewelry is one of my favorite things ever.  Ok, well it's up there with ruffles and puppies and nutella.  But still.  This particular one belonged to my gramma and was passed down to me and my sister.  In this particular necklace, I love how each of the three layers is a different type of chain.  And I love how the pearl is a perfect accent, and yet not too gaudy.

What are some things you are loving these days?

~Kelsey

Guest Post: crochet leafy headband

Here is another crocheting post from a friend at church.  (She's the one that made me the crochet bracelet)  Nadia created this awesome headband, and wanted to share it with all of you! 

:::::This is a pattern for a headband. I used a fingering weight yarn and a size E (3.5mm) hook.
Gauge is not necessary!! Yay!

This headband is worked in "segments" that are all made as you go, so there is minimum sewing required.
Abbreviations:
Ch-chain
Sc- single crochet

Inc: two sc in the same stitch

St-stitch
Sk-skip
Sl st-slip stitch
Dc-double crochet

To get started, ch 10.

Rnd1: In the second chain from hook, do a sc, and sc the rest of the row across. In the last stitch, do an inc (two sc in the same st), and work in sc in all of the back bumps. Again, in the last stitch of the row, do an increase. By now you should have twenty stitches. If not, that is fine, because the pattern works with any number of stitches.

Rnd2: Sl st in first st, then a sc in the same st (the one you just Sl st in). Then ch 1, and sc into the next st, *ch1 again and sc in the next stitch* Repeat what is inbetween * and * around. When you come to the last st do not ch 1.

Rnd3: Sl st into next sc, ch 3, and double crochet into the first ch space. *Sc in next sc, ch3, dc in next ch space*, and repeat what's in between the * *'s the whole way around. In the very last st, just sc, then Sl st in the same st.

Next segment:
Without finishing off,
Ch 10, and repeat rounds 1-3 for each segment. To make next segment, ch 10 and repeat, making more segments until headband is desired length.

On the very last segment, ch 1 and finish off. Using the tail ends, sew the headband into a circle and weave the ends in.

Tips-
•Every time you start a new segment it is quite fiddly. Do this part slowly, the time it takes will be much less than if you had to rip out everything.
•A yarn that changes color often looks great. Also, try experimenting with larger yarns such as worsted weight. You might like the chunkier feel!
• Instead of sewing the ends together, you might want to add a hairband to provide stretch.
• If you do not want it to twist at all, blocking or ironing the headband would be a good idea. That is what I did. However, if you like the natural twist, you don't have to iron/block.
•Also, to provide more stretch, I connected the two ends with an i-cord. Here is a tutorial on how to do one: http://www.planetjune.com/blog/narrow-pointed-tubes-for-amigurumi-video/

•this headband is not stretchy, so you hafta kind of fit it on your head as you go:)

And you're done! Congratulations! Hopefully this made sense as it is my first pattern! :::::

 

(If you have any questions, please leave a comment or e-mail me at fancythatnotion(at)gmail(dot)com.  Also, if you make this headband,  please send me a pic!  We would love to see what you make:)

Please do not sell this pattern.  You may sell the headband if you give credit to the pattern.  Thank you!

 

 



Linking up at:

Mom 4 Real
Sparkle and A Stove

Post Preview: Felt headband

 

Here's a little preview for an outfit that I'm designing.  I used this tutorial, just made mine a little bigger.  But, shh, don't tell my sister Stephanie.  It's a surprise:)

 

 

Update: I 've found most of what I need for my outfit, just need some trim to finish it off!  I'm so excited, I can't wait to show you!