A Few of My Favorites Things: DIY clothes

Happy Monday lovelies!  Did you have a fabulous weekend?  I know I did, thought I might have enjoyed the sun a bit TOO much;)  It seems like, as the summer hits us, I see more people focusing on making their own clothes!  I definitely want to try to create some outfits in my free time this summer!  Here's my inspiration!

Zipper Sweatshirt from Cotton and Curls

Lace Sweatshirt from Anthropology

Glitter Peter Pan Collar from Armommy

Draped Colorblock Tee from Melly Sews

Nautical Colorblock Shirt from Alida Makes

Lace for Days Skirt from Elle Apparel

Glitter Chevron Tee from What I Wore

Ruffled Maxi Dress from Sugar Bee Crafts

 

Hope you have a lovely week!

Echo: Small Town Travels

This last weekend, my family and I traveled to a teeny town called "Echo."  You can probably already tell that it was cute just by that name:)  I didn't take a ton of pictures, but thought I would share on here those that I did:)

First things first.  We stopped by Jamba in the airport and tried these "wheatgrass shots."  Interesting.  They tasted like sweet peas.  Thankful for the orange juice!  Have you tried these?

 

It was a beautiful, sunny day.  The rays shining through these trees were just lovely.

I love old bridges, don't you?

We stopped for dinner on the way and I ordered a Caesar salad (for those of you who don't know me, I always eat Caesar salad).  But the pickles that came with the sandwiches sounded yummy, so I asked for "extra pickles."  You mean not everyone does that?  I think every meal should come with a side of pickles.

Lovely sunset on the river.  No filter, no editing.  Just a raw shot.

Those clouds.

 

Three of the four stores in the town: an antique shop, a bike shop, and a boutique.  All open from 9ish-5ish.....if the owners decided to show up (they didn't.)

 

A lovely old bank that had been there for many, many years.

 

I don't know what it is, but old firetrucks just make me happy.  But there weren't any there:'(

Love the look of this old building.  And the train in front.

 

Blue skies and golden grass.

Stopped by a train.  When was the last time?  I don't think I mind.

Liebster Award

Have you heard of the Liebster Award?  It's given to "up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 or so followers.  What is a Liebster?  The meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.

Well, Tara from Salt and Pepper Moms nominated me for this award!  I think she is the "Liebster", especially since I've been MIA for so long!!!  I first started following Tara via Instagram ( she's @saltandpeppermoms and I'm @fancythatnotion).  Now I'm following her and Devin on their blog, and love it!  They've got some awesome DIY projects, and yummy looking recipes!!!

Here are the rules for the Liebster Award:
1) Thank your nominator and include a link back to their blog.

2) Answer the 11 questions given to you by your nominator

3) Post 11 facts about yourself

4) Nominate 5-11 other up-and-coming blogs with less than 200 followers-no tag backs!

5) Come up with 11 questions for your nominees to answer

6) Let your nominees know you nominated them so that they too can pass on the Liebster love!

Now that the official business is over, lets get to the fun part!!!


Here are my answers to Tara's questions:

1) Do you speak any foreign languages?  If not, which would you like to be fluent in?  I took a few years of Spanish, but never majorly picked up on it.  But now I'm learning American Sign Language!  Would definitely love to be fluent!  (And yes, I "eavesdrop" without shame when I see people signing.....don't worry, I can only understand like one word every few sentences;)

2) What is your favorite food or recipe? Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana.  I still need to make the recipe that I've seen floating around on Pinterest!!!  (Have you tried it?)

3) What do you like to do when you are alone? Alone?  What's that?  In a family of eight, you're never alone;)  But on the extremely rare occasion, I'm usually sewing or reorganizing my craft supplies (sermon playing or music blaring, mind you!)

4) How many years have you been blogging? Just one year blogging!  But hopefully many more to come:)

5) Describe yourself in one word.  (Try as best as you can.)  Outgoingly-shy.  Is that two words?  And does it even make sense?  Well, let me explain.  I'm super energetic, love to talk and laugh - once I get to know you.

6) Do you prefer a fork or a spoon? Spoon.  (Think ice cream?)

7) What is your favorite cereal?  If you don't eat cereal, what do you replace it with? Grits.  I used to think they were blah, but now I kind of love them.

8) Where do you like to buy your clothes from? Gap, Ann Taylor, Loft, Target, Romy, Nike, Under Armour, GW Outlet (EEK!)

9) What's your favorite movie? Peter Pan.  I'm a die-hard fan.  Don't judge;)

10) Which blog is your favorite to follow? See Kate Sew.  She is one of the first blogs that I ever followed, and I absolutely love her style.  (And seriously, how cute are those two kiddos???)

11) What project have you not done yet on you blog, that you would love to do? I'm working on a sweatshirt covered in bows.  But it turns out that I'm not a huge fan of sewing the same straight lines 15 times over again.  Soon hopefully!

Alrighty, now I get to tell you 11 completely random things about myself!

1) I hate bananas.  But I eat them ALL. THE. TIME.

2) I scream whenever I drive by a semi.

3) I don't understand the obsession with mustaches on necklaces.  I think mustaches are great and all, but on a necklace?  Not thank you.

4) I've been pinched by a crab in the ocean and a praying mantis in Costco.

5) I talk to myself.  ALL. THE. TIME.  Sometimes even more if I feel people watching......weird.

6) When going up or down stairs, I have to land on my right foot.  Does that have anything to do with being an engineer's daughter?  Maybe...

7) At meals, I eat all of one food, all of another, and so on.  I don't take a few bites of each one.  Everything in order.  Again, engineer's daughter.  Right here.

8) When my hair is straight (it is naturally curly), it goes past my waist.

9) I have an obsession with beachcombing.  I can't help myself.  Weird part?  Now my dog picks up whole sand dollars.

10) I've never broken a bone in my life.

11) I'm known for my "eagle eyes" and good memory........except when it's really needed.

And now for my nominees!!!


Andrea from Aidie's Hideaway

Christie from Storehouse Crafts

Shannon from Shannon Weight Photography

Charming Touch Parties

Emily and Ingrid from The Handmade Girl


Here are my questions for you lovelies!!!

1) What's the first blog that you remember following?

2) What's on the top of your bucket list?

3) What is your favorite color combination?

4) What part of the blogging process takes the longest?  (planning the project, taking pictures, writing the post, etc.)

5) What's your favorite crafting product?

6) What would be your dream job?

7) What's your favorite healthy snack?

8) What wakes you up the most in the morning?

9) What trend is popular right now that you think is ridiculous?

10) What is one crafty thing that your really aren't good at? (if any:)

11) What is your favorite way to accessorize?



Please let me know when you nominate some other blogs so I can read your answers and follow some new friends!!!

~Kelsey

Thoughts on Polka Dots....and other things: What I Wore Wednesday

               

Would you do it?  Would you wear polka dots on polka dots?  Well, I am.  And if I had polka dotted TOMS, I'd wear those too;)  Even though it's a blazing 80 degrees (ok so that's hot where I'm from) I'm braving the elements with long sleeves and jeans.  I just wanted to get this outfit on before summer hits us entirely.

 

 

 

                                

Also, would you wear tribal jewelry with polka dots?  Well, you guessed it!  I am;)

What are YOU wearing today?

~Kelsey

                 

A Few of My Favorite Things: Silhouette Portrait

Why hello there!  I'm back again!  I thought I'd start with a round-up post, an especially special one this time!  Cuz guess what?  I won a Silhouette Portrait!!!  So, needless to say, I've been looking at a bunch of projects for inspiration on what to make!  If you have any ideas, I'd love to hear them!

Bow Bookmark ~ from The Silhouette Blog

Paper Flowers ~ from The Silhouette Blog

Spring Paper Wreath ~ from Tater Tots and Jello

Travel Pinboard ~ from The Silhouette Blog

Travel Journal ~ from The Silhouette Blog

Gift Card Holder ~ from The Silhouette Blog

Recipe Cards ~ from The Silhouette Blog

Mini Notebook ~ from The Silhouette Blog

Wish You Were Here Card ~ from The Silhouette Blog

Hello Card ~ from The Silhouette Blog

Beachy Canvas Art ~ from Mom Endeavors (she's the one that I won the portrait from!!!)

 

Hope you have a wonderful Monday!!!

~Kelsey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What I Wore Wednesday.....a day early

Happy Tuesday everybody!  We've been experiencing some lovely weather lately, so it was time to pull out the spring clothing!  I personally love all the bright colors right now, and am glad to wear them on an equally sunny day!  Here are my two favorite outfits right now....favorite as in, I wear them allllllll the time:)

 

scarf // DIY

shirt // Charlotte Russe

skirt // Target

sandals // Land's End

pouch // Sand and Starfish

 

 

shirt // Ann Taylor

shorts // Target

shoes // Land's End

pouch // Sand and Starfish

 

Ok, so let's talk.

• Skirts are the most comfortable things in the world.  I didn't realize how stiff jeans feel until I spent the day in this skirt.
• Mint is awesome.  Just saying.
• Neons and neutrals are pretty awesome too.
• I think peplum is the most feminine feeling style ever......EVER.
• Sand and Starfish is amazing.  I use my pouch every single day.  SOmetimes purses just get too bulky, and it's nice to have a cute little clutch!

Alrighty, that's all.  Happy Tuesday everybody!!!

~Kelsey

It's been a while.............

Way too long in fact.  Honestly, I just can't wait for summer when there will be more time for crafting and creating!  BUT - I have been sewing today, and can't wait to show you what I came up with!!!  (hint - one project involves, you guessed it, a vintage sheet!!!!!)  In the mean time, I thought I'd show you what I've been pinning lately!  I hadn't gotten on Pinterest in a few months until I hopped on the other day and realized that I have 600+ followers!!! Needless to say, I was shocked:)  {Are you following me?}  So, without further ado, here you go!

When I was younger, my dad's entire side of the family would go camping every few summers.  One of my favorite memories was opening a little metal mailbox with my name on it and finding carrot cake that my aunt made especially for me.  Ever since then, I've kind of had a thing for carrot cake.  I'm absolutely loving this idea of carrot cake cookies!  And butterscotch chips??? YUM!!!!

Have you been following Crochet 101 going on over at One Artsy Mama?  Well, if you want to learn to crochet, I highly recommend it!  I've seen a few tutorials on how to crochet coffee cozies, but this one was definitely the most clearly written and easiest to follow.  In fact, I made one on Sunday!  I just have to get a cup to make sure my sizing is right before I sew the button on...

Another fun memory (please bear with me as I reminisce): my grandparents used to make pickles that look just like these.  I don't remember if they were canned or just refrigerator, but let me tell you:::they. were. delish.  (Wow.  My mouth just started watering).  In case you don't know, I kind of have a thing for pickles.  Like, some might say I'm addicted.  I was sad when my grandma stopped making them and then we couldn't find the recipe, but I think I'm going to need to give these ones a trysie.


I'm always on the look-out for simple crochet projects that don't say "look! I'm a beginner!!!!  Wanna see the useless 2x2 square I just finished?"  This *paper chain* would be super simple, but is also totally adorable!  And it would last much longer than a real paper chain.

Anyhoo, I'm always looking for more inspiration, so feel free to leave your Pinterest name in the comments and I will come over and stalk you!;)

Until next time (complete with a vintage sheet)
~Kelsey

Note: all credit for photos, recipes, and patterns goes to these bloggers.  I take no credit for their work.  Just trying to spread their awesomeness!!!

Instagram Photo Display

 Hello there!  Kelsey here.  Do you remember me?;)  I'm back today with a new DIY project!  It's been too long..........
Lara came up with this idea a little while back to put all her lovely Instagram pictures up on her wall.  She already had this frame and the twine.  So all she needed to purchase were the mini clothespins ($1.99 at Joann's I think?) and the prints.  And now this super cute display is hanging up in her room!

 

Do you follow us on Instagram? Lara is @ladylarza and I (Kelsey) am @fancythatnotion.  I'd love to follow you back as well!

Hope you're having a lovely Wednesday!!!

~Kelsey

Linking up to:

Mom on Timeout
We Like To Learn As We Go
The Dedicated House
733 Blog
Beyond the Picket Fence
The Taylor House
Chocolate, Chocolate, and More
I Gotta Create
Fireflies and Jellybeans
The Shabby Creek Cottage





Guest Post: Spring Chick

Today we've got another guest post for you!  Even though Easter is over, there is still so much spring to be had!  And this little chick will brighten up any room:)  As always, feel free to send pictures if you crochet this!

 

Cute Little Chick

an amigurumi design by Nerdybirdycrochet

 

 

Supplies:

~G hook

~Worsted weight yarn in any two colors (I used Red heart super saver. Rough on the hands but they

have a nice selection of plain colors...)

~Small scrap of black yarn or embroidery floss

~oh, and some stuffing, but you probably had that figured out already:)

Abbreviations:

~sc..........single crochet

~inc........two single crochets in the same stitch

~st..........stitch/stitches

~ch.........chain

~dec.......either a sc2tog, or an invisible decrease, whichever you prefer.

~dc.........double crochet

Notes:

~This is worked in the round as a spiral.

~It uses the magic circle technique.

~ Stitch count only matters up to the eighth round. From round 9 and on it doesn't really matter:)

Pattern:

Head/body (make one):

R1: In magic circle, do six sc.

R2: Now, close that magic circle! Now, without turning, inc around. Yay, you've got 12 st around.

R3: Now, you've got to remember this sequence: *Inc in next st, sc the next st after that.* Go around

the whole round with that sequence and you should end up with 18 st.

R4:*Inc in next st, sc in each of next two st after that* around. You should end with 24 st! :)

R5-7: Just straight sc'ing. No fancy sequences to remember! Just keep crocheting.

Uh-oh...I see your circle slowly flipping itself inside out...quick! Change it to the right side out! Oh,

confused, are you? ...Never fear, here's a really, really handy linky:

http://www.planetjune.com/blog/which-is-the-right-side/

R8: Some decreasing coming right up...*1 dec, sc in each of next two st after that* All the way around.

You should now have 18 st!

R9: sc in the next eleven stitches, then inc in each of the rest of the st. You should have 25 st around.

R10: sc in the next 12 st, and and inc in the rest. You *should* have 38 st here. If not it doesn't matter:)

Woah- before we move on, take some stuffing and stuff your little piece to death.

R11-13:sc around!

R14: 6 dec, then sc the rest of the way around.

R15: sc around

R16: sc first st, 4 dec, then sc the rest of the way around.

R17: sc about 12 or 13 st to where the little tail will be. Pinch off approx. 6 st and sc them together, like this:

See what I did there? I stuck my hook into TWO stitches! Now what I did was sc each of the next few st, except stick your hook into two layers, as shown, until you get to the end.

Then turn and slip stitch back across what you just did. (approx. 3 slip stitches. No ch 1 needed.)

Now continue going around like you just took a detour and

R18: Just dec until you have a small hole about 5 to 7 st around, cut your yarn, and close the hole with the tail you left.

Good job!!!!! You've just completed the head/body!

Now we move onto the wings....

Wings (make two):

Using main color.

In Magic Loop, do one sc, 2 dc, and one more sc. Close Magic Loop.

R2: ch 2, and turn. Dc into first st, then two dc in all the rest. Cut yarn leaving a tail long enough for sewing.

Yay, that was easy! One more thing- the feet.

Feet(make two):

With contrasting color, ch 6

R1: sk first two ch from hook, sc next ch and all the rest of the ch in this row.

R2: ch1, turn. Sc next 3 st, ch3, and turn.

R3: sk first two ch from hook, sc the third ch and the rest of the row.

R4-5: repeat rows 2+3.

break off, leaving tail long enough for sewing.

Assembly

Sewing the parts:

Refer to photos for wing and feet placement. Weave in unnecessary ends when finished.

 

Ok.. hopefully you figured out that the little pointy tip you made by sc two layers of crochet together, is the tail. The smaller rounded end is the head.

So do you see how it's supposed to be, now?  Good! :D soon comes the facial embroidery.

Embroidering the facial features:

With a scrap of black yarn embroider a simple V-shape for the eyes.

Cut a small diamond with felt and sew it on the bird.

Done!

 

I really hope you enjoyed making this! I know I did!

Please comment on ravelry if my instructions were unclear.

All photos and pattern copyright (c) Nerdybirdycrochet. You may sell items made from this pattern if you wish, but not the pattern itself. Thank you.

So I've been MIA for a while

And I feel kind of horrible.  I've been sick on the couch for about a week and a half, and it's been no fun at all!  But now I'm back in the land of the living, as my family says;)  So hopefully there will be some new posts up this week!  A guest post with a crochet pattern, and some happy mail that I received this week!