Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Recycled Yarn Tote Bag

This bag is another item made from premium recycled silk yarn from Darn Good Yarn. This yarn, as well as the others available through Nicole's site, allow families in India and Nepal to gain strength in areas with no sustainable job market for those struggling in poverty.








The bag itself measures 12" wide and 10" tall with a 38" strap. The body was knit in the round and then the bottom was double-sewn shut for strength. A clasp or button could easily be added for securing the top.

For $30, you'll have a one-of-a-kind bag that has helps multiple small businesses (Curious Goods and Darn Good Yarn) and the families in India and Nepal that have made this fabulous yarn.

Peacock Scarf

I know it's summer and it's hot outside, but sometimes I just can't resist making a pretty scarf!


This particular scarf is made from some delicious yarn from Darn Good Yarn. It's comprised of 2 skeins of recycled silk yarn, knitted together. This yarn, as well as the others available through Nicole's site, allow families in India and Nepal to gain strength in areas with no sustainable job market for those struggling in poverty.

In addition to the uniqueness of the yarn, this scarf also has almost superpower qualities. Lightweight but very warm, soft and fuzzy. It can also change shape and size! The drop-stitch style allows it to "shrink" down to 5"x36" or stretch up to 4"x52". So if you like short and wide, long and narrow, or anything in-between... this scarf is for you!

At $30, this scarf will benefit you (by being super sexy around your neck and shoulders), the Curious Goods store, Darn Good Yarn, and the women who make the yarn themselves. That's a lot of good!


Short and wide:


Long and narrow:

Some close-ups:


Thursday, June 28, 2012

Sock Monster: Duke of Cucumbarms

So I'm back on the sock monster bandwagon again.

This boy had no plan, no pattern. In fact, his sole purpose for existence was to be my first attempt at using a sewing machine rather than hand stitching.

That being said... Meet the Duke of Cucumbarms. He's a Duke, and his arms are made of cucumbers. Nuff said.





Measuring a proud 14" tall, the Duke is made from 3 very different socks. Maybe that's why he has 3 eyes. Or maybe I was just doing everything to make him weirdly adorable so that someone will want to give him a loving home. Oh yeah, did I mention he wants to include your home into his reigning domain?

Adopt him today for $15! Not recommended for very young Lords or Ladies, given his button eyes. But perfect for the young at heart!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Volumetric Flask Vase

If you're a science person like me who also dabbles in crafts, you may find yourself staring at pretty glassware and wondering what cool things could be done with them.

Well, I finally came across a free stash of unwanted, unloved and abandoned glassware and decided to do something with it.

This particular piece was a Kimax 500ml volumetric flask. Here's a lovely picture of Fiona getting in the way just to sniff the messenger bag that seems to double as a bed for every cat in the house.

















Using scraps of "The Blender Live Wire Sari Yarn" that I acquired from Nicole Snow at Darn Good Yarn, a little hot glue and a LOT of patience, I created a colorfully unique vase that would be ideal for a single flower stem... or just for sitting empty as a decoration.


















Here are a few close-ups so you can savor the texture as much as I do.







UPDATE: I now have 6 pieces finished! 

Flask #1: ~12" tall, $15

Flask #2: ~12" tall, $15
 
Flask #3: ~12" tall, $15
 
Flask #4: ~11" tall, $13

Flask #5: ~11" tall, $13

Flask #6: ~11" tall, $13

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Magenta and Tan Denim Bracelet

Yup, I got two bracelets done today! This was my first attempt at a bracelet that consists of two different styles of beads and I have to say that I'm quite pleased with the outcome. The magenta and tan marble patterns really make this piece pop! Available for $15.



Golden Bead Bracelet

So here's another addition to the recycled denim bracelets. This one is lined with gold colored beads and matching snaps. Sorry for the blurry images. For some reason my camera was terrified of the amount of bling this bracelet possesses. And it's only $10 (slightly less than previous bracelets due to these beads being snagged during a sale!).

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Axolotl Love

First, I must admit that I made this for myself. That being said, I still wanted to share it. This particular axolotl is a felt embroidery on canvas.

Crochet Blanket (Purple, Teal, Tan)


So this is my first completed afghan! It's crochet with two yarns at once, making it extra think and warm. It measures roughly 28" wide by 42" long and would make an ideal throw blanket for a small child.


While this blanket is gorgeous, it deserves a home where it will actually get some use... or at least be safe from our cats. To recoup the cost of materials I'm asking just $30.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Scrap Scarf (purple, blue, green)



I wanted to make a scarf that incorporated these three gorgeous shades of yarn. But I'm lazy. I don't want to constantly have to change colors and count rows and weave in ends.


The solution? Take all three yarns, cut each into random lengths and tie them end-to-end. This creates a rustic yet whimsical pattern that has a little extra texture. The best part? No loose ends, literally!


This scarf is about 50" long (plus tassels) and is super soft! It's also light-weight due to the knitting pattern, making it perfect for those cool spring mornings. Just $6!

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Homemade Stained Glass Frames

Given my poor track record with soldering (I have a tendency to solder my hair to my work), it's probably better that these stained glass pieces are held together with epoxy glue.


Fashioned from an upcycled picture frame, each piece is different! The one on the left (rainbow) has found a permanent home with us but a similar piece can be made upon request.





The green/champagne/clear frame is just over 5"x7" and is $5.00. SOLD!
The orange/purple/blue frame is 7.5"x9.5" and is $7.00.
The purple/lilac/yellow frame (painted metallic purple) is roughly 8"x10" and is $10.
The dark blue/light blue/clear frame (painted metallic teal) is roughly 8"x10" and is $10.