Wishing every one a...

DIY: Baptism Decor

My friend's little one got Baptized two weeks ago.  I'm so glad to help them with the decorations for the event and I would like to share what we have accomplished.

 

I made the banner with papers, doilies and ribbons.

 The message board is a painter's canvass with stencil and acrylic paint. We bought sets of mini tin pails filled with Kisses, then I made the tags for the souvenirs.

Balloon holders from Party City but we softened it a bit for the occasion by wrapping paper doilies and ribbons.

 

On the day of the occasion...With help of good friends, we were able to decorate the place in time for the celebration...

Sewing: Four Seasons

Hi there!  It's been a while...  I started sewing again after the Summer break since my son is back at his school plus I still have enough free time to do so.  Next year, I have a different plan in mind and I wish to go back in the work force.

But for now, I'm glad to share what I've made for my dolls.  I called it Four Seasons because each was inspired by the beauty of weather changes in a year, especially, in Northern countries.  Basically, all are onesies with matching crochet hats of the same style but of different hues and prints.

I crocheted a hat for each with an over-sized sunflower

Blanche (Kiss Me True) in a Winter-inspired country outfit

Emily (Prairie Posie) in a Spring-inspired country outfit

Heather (Rosie Red En) in Summer-inspired country outfit

Darla (Simply Chocolate) in Fall-inspired country outfit

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead.  Happy Thanksgiving in advance!

Crafts and Dolls: Sewing a Dress and Crochet a Rose Vest for a Blythe Doll

I'm really having a great time making doll clothes inspired by the Bohemian-chic style because of the many interesting pieces and accessories that goes with the style.  I was able to finish the sewing project I was referring from my previous post.

Here, Faye (Very Vicky)is wearing a simple dress with hand-embroidery on the skirt with a matching crochet vest and hat to complete the look.

I made the vest without any pattern and just did the stitches with the look I'm hoping to achieve.  The highlight of the vest is the back part, which is a rose pattern.  This is why I named it a "Rose" vest.

It's a great month for us since my family will be spending the rest of the summer break together.  Our dad is here for a visit (how I wish it will be for good, but he has still lots of work to finish way back home before he can completely join us).  We are so happy, especially, our son...

Thank you and have a great weekend!

Boho-chic Style Crochet Hat for Blythe 2 (Pattern) by TCLjas

I was supposed to finish first my sewing project but I decided to take a little break and fixed the second crown hat pattern.  Things will be a bit busier this month for my family and I might completely forget about it.  Again, I tried my best to make this as clear as possible and I also made a sketch of it for your reference since I'm not too technical with my wordings.

 

 Faye (Very Vicky) is wearing a Boho-chic crown hat in Paprika

Please note that this pattern is for personal enjoyment only and not to be distributed or posted on any other site.  However,  you can make with it and sell it and if you wish to share this pattern, I would be delighted and grateful if you simply link back to this post.  Thank you and happy crafting.

You'll need:

100% Acrylic yarn Medium 4 (I used Red Heart Soft Touch in Paprika) or equivalent and stretchy

Hook US G4 or equivalent

Crochet stitches in this pattern:
Ch - Chain

Sl  St - Slip Stitch

Sc - Single Crochet

DC - Double Crochet

Note:  if you see words in ( ), this are descriptions of what is going on

          if you see words in [ ], you need to repeat the pattern

          if you see words in { }, it is a group of stitches in to a segment or a single stitch

Make it:

To Begin - Ch 5, Sl St to 1st Ch to form a loop

R1 - Ch 3 (raise), 10 DC in the loop, Sl St to top of the raised stitch (11 DC  = raise + 10 DC)

R2 - [Ch 3, Sl St in-between each succeeding DC of R1] all around (now you formed 11 arches, similar to a basic doily stitch)

R3 - Bring to top of the 1st arch of R2 by Sl St to 1st 2 Ch, [Ch 3, Sl St to 2nd chain of the next arch] Repeat this all around in to succeeding arches of R2 (another layer of arches, increased in size)

R4 and R5 - Similar pattern with R3 (you will notice that the arches are much wider)

R6 - Bring to top of the 1st arch of R5 by Sl St to 1st 2 Ch, [Ch 5, Sl St to 3rd chain of the next arch] Repeat this all around in to succeeding arches of R5 (still 11 arches, increased in size)

R7 up to R10 - Similar pattern with R6 except, to start with, Bring to top of the 1st arch of R6 by Sl St to 1st 3 Ch.

R11 - Bring to top of the 1st arch of R10 by Sl St to 1st 3 Ch, [Ch 4, Sl St to 3rd chain of the next arch] Repeat this all around in to succeeding arches of R10 (forming the band of the hat)

R12 (optional, you can play with the edge, but I like scallop patterns so this is the one I did here) - {Sc, 3 DC, Sc, Sl St} in to 1st segment of the band (note: 1 segment = 4 ch from R11), [ {Sl St, Sc, 3 DC, Sc, Sl St} in to succeeding segments of the band] all around. Fasten off and weave in. (now, you have the hat and all you need to do is jazz it up! have fun!)

 Here, I used a chunky yarn.  Darla (Simply Chocolate) is wearing the hat

Then, on this one I added group stitches on each arches. Charlotte (Simply Guava) is wearing the hat

You can do variation of this pattern by adding layers of different crochet stitches on top of each round or by using a different yarn type.  Adjust it accordingly to fit your doll's head.  Thank you so much and now back to my sewing project! :)

Sylvanian Families: Kimono Pattern for a Female Adult Figure by TLCjas

I would like to share the pattern I did to make the Kimono for a female adult Sylvanian Families figure. I made the Kimono for a friend last year.  I referred to a Takara doll's Kimono for the concept. Please always refer to the figure or doll to proportion and get the correct measurement.

 

Description: Mother Cassandra of Macavity Cat family is wearing a Kimono
Inspiration: Tradition, Japan, Kimono
Outfit: Kimono, Sash/Obi, Headdress and Footwear (Geta Slippers)

Please note that this pattern is for personal enjoyment only and not to be distributed or posted on any other site.  However, if you wish to share this pattern, I would be delighted and grateful if you simply link back to this post.  Thank you and happy crafting.

Boho-chic Style Crochet Hat for Blythe (Pattern) by TCLjas

Part of my appreciation with the Boho-chic style are the cool head pieces that are matched with the clothing like headbands and hats.

Faye (Very Vicky) is wearing a Boho-chic style crown hat

This is what I did on my previous sewing project where I made a crown hat and, like I said, I will be glad to share the pattern as soon as it's ready.  This is my first crochet pattern, I tried my best to make this as clear as possible and I also made a sketch of it for your reference since I'm not too technical with my wordings.  

Please note that this pattern is for personal enjoyment only and not to be distributed or posted on any other site.  However,  you can make with it and sell it and if you wish to share this pattern, I would be delighted and grateful if you simply link back to this post.  Thank you and happy crafting.

You'll need:

100% Acrylic yarn Medium 4 (I used Red Heart Soft Touch in Paprika) or equivalent and stretchy

Hook 7/0 JP or equivalent

Crochet stitches in this pattern:
Ch - Chain

Sl  St - Slip Stitch

Sc - Single Crochet

DC - Double Crochet

Note:  if you see words in ( ), this are descriptions of what is going on

          if you see words in [ ], you need to repeat the pattern

Make it:

To Begin - Ch 5, Sl St to 1st Ch to form a loop

R1 - Ch 3 (raise), 10 DC in the loop, Sl St to top of the raised stitch (11 DC  = raise + 10 DC)

R2 - Ch 3 (raise), 2 DC to 1st DC of R1, [Ch 1 (increase), DC to 2nd DC of R1, 2 DC to 3rd DC of R1] Repeat this all around in to succeeding DC of R1, Ch 1, SL ST to top of the raised stitch (18 DC = raise + 17 DC)

R3 - [Ch 5, Sl St to 1st increased Ch of R2] Repeat this all around in to succeeding increased Ch of R2, Sl St to the top of the raised stitch (now you formed 6 arches, similar to a basic doily stitch)

R4 - Bring to top of the 1st arch of R3 by Sl St to 1st 3 Ch, [Ch 9, Sl St to 3rd chain of the next arch] Repeat this all around in to succeeding arches of R3 (another layer of arches, increased in size)

R5 - Bring to top of the 1st arch of R4 by Sl St to 1st 5 Ch, [Ch 11, Sl St to 5th chain of the next arch] Repeat this all around in to succeeding arches of R4 (final layer of arches, increased in size)

R6 - Bring to top of the 1st arch of R5 by Sl St to 1st 6 Ch, [Ch 8, Sl St to 6th chain of the next arch] Repeat this all around in to succeeding arches of R5 (forming the band of the hat)

R7 - Ch 3 (raise), DC in to the stitches of R6 all around, Sl St to top of the raised stitch (now the band is much wider)

R8 (optional, you can play with the edge, but I like scallop patterns so this is the one I did here) - Sc to 1st DC of R7, [DC to the 2nd DC of R7, DC to the 3rd DC of R7, Sc and Sl St to the 4th DC of R7, Sl St and Sc to the 5th DC of R7] Repeat pattern all around in to succeeding DC of R7. Fasten off and weave in. (now, you have the hat and all you need to do is jazz it up! have fun!)

Right now, I'm working on another hat pattern for this doll, still with the same style concept, and as soon as I'm finished with it, I will also make and share the pattern here.  But first I need to finish another sewing outfit for this doll.  Thanks again and have a great week ahead!

Crafts and Dolls: Sewing and Crochet Outfit for a Blythe doll... Boho-chic Style

Still hook with the Boho-chic look which I also find nice in summer...  This time it's a mixed of bell sleeves  top  and capri pants.

Here, Jade (PunkP) is wearing a Boho-chic outfit in pink and brown.

The hand embroidery pattern on the vest and pants were derived from the prints of the top.

Then, I crocheted a simple belt and a crown hat to complete the look.  I just made the crocheted hat and flower without a pattern...  Maybe I'll try my best to sketch it so I will remember it.  I might as well share it here soon for those who wish to make something for their doll.

Before I go, I just wanted to share how glad I am to be reunited with the rest of my girls (Blythe dolls).  After putting away some of our stuffs in place, I decided to give them I nice bath to make them fresh and clean since they have been stocked in the box for months.

That's it for now, thank you and have a great weekend ahead!

Crafts and Dolls: Boho-chic Style Top and Pants for a Blythe doll

This time I sew a top and a pants using Blythe doll as my measurement reference.  I referred the pants pattern from the one shared at www.puchicollective.com but I have to re-draw and measure it since I don't have a printer.  I like the pattern since it's perfect for the style concept I'm trying to achieve.

Here is Abbey (ABE custom) wearing the outfit.  The top is like a wrap and the pants is flare. Everything is hand-stitched.

 I'm enjoying hand embroidery.  It's a little time consuming but it's nice because it makes the accent unique.

I remembered having and wearing a pair of pants like this, with embroidery and bead works.  Also, this reminded me of "Jazz up your Levi's" during the 90's.  So you might have an idea how old I am right now... :)

Then to complete the look, I crocheted a headband using a psychedelic colored yarn matching the color scheme of the top.

Thanks for viewing and have a beautiful weekend!

Crafts and Dolls: Boho Chic Outfit for a Blythe doll

Here is the outfit I made using the custom lace I did a few days ago...  Everything is hand-stitched since I still don't have a sewing machine.  But I much like it especially working on with the details.  My theme for this and for my upcoming projects will be Bohemian Chic/Boho-chic style.  I also find it cute and cool especially on a Blythe doll.

Genevieve (Alexis Emerald) is wearing a Boho-chic themed outfit

I crocheted a belt and made a vest to match the dress

I did a hand embroidery on the vest following the same design of the custom lace.

Then I made a crocheted headband to complete the look.

Here is the dress without the vest and belt.

More to come...

Thank you so much and have good day!

Sewing: Custom Lace with Simple Hand Embroidery

Finding the right piece for a project could be a challenge especially when you're trying to achieve a particular result in your mind.  As for me, I'm trying to find the right cotton lace for my next project in shops here but I couldn't and I also have a limited budget so I can't go for the costly ones.  Instead, I decided to make my own cotton lace using basic sewing tools and simple hand-embroidery stitches.

First, I prepared my fabric by measuring (1 1/2" x 12" base) and did the scalloped edge.  Since, I left my drafting tools way back home, I borrowed my son's play money coins to make each scallop even.  I applied Fray Check around the base after cutting the excess fabric and let it dry for a bit.  (Note:  Always test bonds on a small piece of your scrap fabric similar to the one your working with before application, just to be sure it will not do anything bad on your project.)

Then, I drew my pattern at the back of the fabric using the same play coins and ruler, before I started making the embroidery. Here are the hand embroidery stitches I used - blanket stitch, back stitch, french knot and lazy daisy.

Finally, I have my own custom cotton lace which I'll be using for my next project.

 Thank you very much and a good weekend to every one!

Crafts and Dolls: Still Enjoying Sewing Summer Dresses

I got inspired making other dresses using denim fabric with crocheted matching headbands after I made the dress for my dolly friend.

Here is the first one... It's a chic dress in red, white and blue.  The special part of this dress was working on the hand embroidery at the bottom of the skirt, which I really love.  Then I crocheted a matching headband with the same color scheme to complete the look.

The next one is a cute and simple empire cut dress in pink, blue and green.  I added a cotton lace at the bottom to make it more girly.  Then I made a crocheted headband to match the dress.

So, these are my accomplishments for the past few days...  Good night and thank you!

Crafts and Dolls: Sewing a Summer Dress for a Blythe doll

I made a promise to my dolly friend that I will make some clothes for her girls.  I started making the doll clothes last month and here is another one for her...

It's a simple summer dress with a crocheted headband to match the dress.  I just love the simple lines and the mixture of denim and eyelet fabric with a few touch of red accents to liven-up the whole look.  

Here is my Genevieve (Alexis Emerald) modelling the dress

 Simple and sweet

A closer look of the dress

Thank you very much for viewing and enjoy Summer!

Handmade Card: Summer Fun with You

I made this card with few craft tools and simple techniques to maximize the use of pattern papers.

Summer Fun with You

This card is for my husband who'll be coming home soon...

I measured and draw my paper pieces then cut them using a pair of scissors and a basic hand-held cutter.  The flower and flourish were graphics I also cut from patterned paper.  I inked the edges of each pieces using markers for depth.  Good thing I brought a few rubber stamps with me, especially those given to me and my favorites I've collected,  I was able to use it on this card.  Sorry, I forgot the name of the stamp set.  I colored the hand-stamped image with markers and cut the excess paper leaving a few border around the image.

Here is the card with the layers of papers glued on it.  Since I don't have a foam tape, I made use of a packaging stiffener similar with a carton box material and cut it into small squares to mount the graphics with glue on my card (recycling)...

...this gave the layout depth and volume.  I made the flower using layers of hand-cut papers similar to what we did when we were young by folding circles into pies and cutting the edges/corners to make either snowflakes or flowers.  Then to form it, I used the same technique I learned when I made my layout for The Color Room.  Finally, I added the buttons, yarn string and ribbon.

The wordings were part of the design.

I draw the sun and made doodles of letters for the wordings.  The boat is also part of the rubber stamp set.

Materials:  Patterned papers from Authentique Paper, My Mind's Eye "Lost & Found" and "Miss Caroline", Rubber stamps, Inkadinkado double-tip stamp ink, Zig Writer pen, Letraset AquaMarker, Marvy Brush marker, adhesive, packaging stiffener/carton, assorted buttons, trimmings and basic craft tools.

Thank and happy crafting!