ConstantlyAlice

I Love the 90's

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:24:00 +0000

I Love the 90's by constantlyalice featuring high waisted jeans

Movin' on Up..

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 21:24:00 +0000

Hello friends!

As I mentioned in a previous post, I am aiming to create a website that will house all things ConstantlyAlice. To that end, I am moving my blog to Wordpress (which is the platform I believe I will be using to create my new site.) You can continue to follow along here.

This page will remain active until I've sorted everything out and moved it all over..I can't wait to share all the new and exciting changes with you all! Thanks for being loyal ConstantlyAlice followers <3

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Create 365 - Faux Fox Stole

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 01:53:00 +0000

This little fella is kind of free form. I created him without a pattern and just added and subtracted stitches as I went. My current project it teaching myself to create a website, which may take a bit of time, so you'll notice a temporary slow down in posts ;) I'll keep you all updated!

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Whistle While You Work!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 18:51:00 +0000

ConstantlyAlice gives me a great sense of joy and accomplishment. Over the last year or so since I started selling on ConstantlyAlice, I've developed a blog, created projects and giveaways, started making handcrafted jewelry and met some wonderful, WONDERFUL people (that's you!!)

However, I have never really done any of it with a plan in mind. I just put things out there as I think of them, add stuff to the site when I have a moment away from my full time job and family and occasionally share a thought, passion or two when the spirit moves me.

SO.

I've decided to change that a bit and make a more serious commitment to really developing ConstantlyAlice into a thriving business. I want to provide you, as my customers, community and friends, with not just a good product, but a great one.

What does that mean?

Well, for starters, I am working on creating a ConstantlyAlice website. It will be a one stop shop for everything ConstantlyAlice. Blog, merchandise, vintage, tutorials and my soon to be developed YouTube Channel.

I am also expanding what I offer. As you know, I have recently added the Avon brand to my growing list of products. Some other things you can expect, in addition to really great vintage finds and handcrafted jewelry, will be knitting and crochet patterns, ConstantlyAlice Designs (a line of vintage inspired clothing and accessories) and a line of handbags and wallets.

Additionally, you can expect a lookbook/magazine. This project is still in the works, but I hope to make it either a quarterly or seasonal offering.

You'll notice these changes gradually, and everything else will be business as usual (I won't be closing up shop while I go through this process!) Keep an eye out for the grand unveiling of the site, lots of giveaways and contests, some discount coupons and sales as we grow :)

Thanks so much for being loyal customers and followers of ConstantlyAlice <3

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Create 365 - Rose Colored Glasses

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 01:17:00 +0000

I've kind of fallen in love with the recent trend of floral embellished glasses, but rather than spring for a new pair I decided to upcycle a pair I already owned. A few rose buttons, some swarovski crystals and VOILA!

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Create 365 - Butterfly Cuff Bracelet

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 00:16:00 +0000

I created this from scraps of ribbon and lace, a vintage shoe clip and a vintage butterfly brooch. It closes with two white buttons.

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Avon Calling!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 13:52:00 +0000

One of my goals for ConstantlyAlice this year was to build it into a "lifestyle" that incorporated all of my passions, instead of just being about selling in my etsy shop. I want to share a way of life, not just a brand.

So, along those lines, in addition to my posts on creating, vintage and literature, I will be adding one of my favorite product lines to my offerings..I'm now an Avon lady ;)

Avon is one of my favorite brands, mostly because of the vintage appeal, but also because they provide excellent quality items at great prices.

My plan is to add posts to the blog that review Avon products, give step by step tutorials on creating different looks (with a focus on vintage style) and eventually to create a youtube channel where I can share videos of how to use different products with you.

I'm so excited to be sharing this new addition to ConstantlyAlice with you! You can find the ConstantlyAlice Avon shop here. Stay tuned for my first product giveaway!

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Create 365 - Crocodile Scarf

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 01:34:00 +0000

Ok..so I know I said I was going to give the yarn a break for a while, but my little one fell in love with this scarf ;) It was a really fun project, and really quick to make! You can find the pattern here.

Hugs and Smooches,
D

TLC for a Fair Complexion

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:30:00 +0000

Getting ready for the day!

Well friends, here I am in all my un-retouched glory. I thought today I might share with you some of the things I (obsess over) use to take care of my complexion.

It's no secret that I am very fair. I've spent most of my adult life protecting my skin from the sun, and I've learned that it has two settings..burnt and pale. I prefer the latter, and it just so happens that it suits my love of vintage style ;)

For the most part, my skin has always been pretty cooperative, but I find now, as I'm in my late 30's, it's reached a point where it can become very dry if I don't take care of it. So here is the system I'm currently using.

AM

I wash my skin using a gentle cleanser (I like Clarins Cleansing Milk with Alpine Herbs)

While skin is still damp, I apply Burts Bees Naturally Ageless Intensive Repair Serum (as you can see, I reallllyyy love natural products ;) I let it soak in for about 5 minutes, and then I apply my moisturizer.

My moisturizer can vary depending on how dry my skin is feeling, but my standby tends to be Cerave Moisturizing Day Cream with SPF 30

After that, I apply concealer where needed and my make-up for the day!

Lately, for reasons I cannot quite figure out, I have been breaking out a little around my forhead and nose (SO unfair! I'm not a teenager anymore, after all!) So my evening routine currently consists of using all the products in Murad's Acne Complex Kit. Technically, you're supposed to use it morning and evening, but I've found that while it does a wonder at keeping my skin nice and clear, it is VERY drying if I use it more than once a day.

Once a week, just to combat the drying, I also use a moisturizing mask like Burts Bees Intense Hydration Mask.

And that's it!

I also have my very first appointment with a dermatologist next week to get a baseline for any skin cancer concerns (always a worry for fair skinned gals!) and to have them take a look at that pesky break out issue I mentioned earlier to make certain it's not an allergy related issue.

Do you have any favorite skin care products? Do you use foundation (I typically avoid it in favor of BB creams because I find it too heavy, but I'd love to hear your input..especially if you have a good recommendation for fair skin!)

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Create 365 - Decoupaged Dominos for New Spring Jewelry Line

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 00:47:00 +0000

A quick fun project! I created a few domino pieces for a spring line of jewelry. It will be very whimsical and light...I can't wait to get started!

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Create 365 Project Update

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:11:00 +0000

Soooo, I began this collar yesterday from the spring issue of Vogue Knitting. I'm making it in a lovely kelly green (in honor of St. Patrick's day).

Since I'm determined to work on creating something each day, I put the yarn, magazine and needles into my purse and brought it along with me for dinner with my family...and then proceeded to get totally distracted, lose track of where I was and mess up my pattern. I had to unravel it all (cussing the whole time..well, my brand of cussing..which usually involves words like "holy peanuts!" and "son of a biscuit"). I think maybe I need to put the yarn down for a little bit and try a different project. Though my sewing and jewelry making projects may not be as portable, they might be a welcome respite as they come a little easier to me.

Perhaps I'll start an embroidery project..that should travel fairly easily!

I'll keep you posted on my progress, and I will certainly be revisiting this collar because I'm totally head over heels for it ;)

Hugs and Smooches,
D

New to ConstantlyAlice!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 13:56:00 +0000

Click link to purchase.

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Create 365 - Geek Chic Crochet Hat

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 03:16:00 +0000

FINALLY finished! I have to confess, I do not like this hat anymore ;) I tend to be a bit impatient and this pattern, while fairly simple, was very repetitive. I think I'll probably take a break from crochet for a bit and perhaps do a little sewing.

Hugs and Smooches,
D

The Beacon - Sportsmanship

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 14:48:00 +0000

I'm sure many of you have seen this video making the rounds on facebook, but I was so moved by it I thought I would share it as a beacon post. What a wonderful example of sportsmanship. These kids should be very proud. I know I'm proud of them!

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Create 365 - Project Updates

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 15:45:00 +0000

I'm still plodding along with the Geek Chic hat pattern. I'm hoping to have it complete by this weekend (which will be excellent timing, since we're expecting a rather large snow storm in the next few days ;)

In the meantime, I thought I would share with you a few other things I have in mind for the Create 365 project. This is not a comprehensive list, but a few highlights that I'm really looking forward to tackling!

I want to create this dress for the spring. The pattern was designed by the lovely Gertie of Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing. Her blog is a HUGE favorite of mine, you should go take a peek at it if you love to sew!

Link

I also purchased Gertie's Book and fell in love with a scalloped skirt pattern.

Link

I think I'd like to do it in a pretty teal blue or fuchsia color.

On the knitting front, I just purchased the spring issue of Vogue Knitting and I LOVE the brightly colored knitted collars! I think I may begin with this one, but I might be moved to make them all ;)

Link

Also on the knitting front (a far more ambitious pattern than I have yet attempted) this adorable sweater from Knit Vintage, by Madeline Weston.

Link

In addition, I have several projects of my own design in the works, including a new jewelry line, and some additions to some of my current lines (Like the Sirene and Once Upon a Time series) and another doll for a special someone ;)

I can't wait to share these with you! Let me know if you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear your opinions.

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Create 365 - Chunky Crochet Scarf

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 23:25:00 +0000

I took a quick break from my crochet hat project to whip up a chunky scarf. I love working with bulky weight yarn and large crochet hooks..projects work up so much faster and I get a little sense of accomplishment to keep propelling me forward on my other projects!

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Books, Books, and some more Books..

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 21:14:00 +0000

Credit

I worship books in whatever form they come in. For the longest time, I refused to get a kindle because I feared that it would interfere with the pleasure I derived from snuggling up in bed, turning the pages and smelling the delightful papery-ness that comes from a good book. I was SO wrong. Instant gratification. Now I have stacks of books and a pretty substantial kindle library, and I couldn't be happier. I thought I would share a few of my recent purchases with you..feel free to ask questions about them, I'm always happy to provide my opinion!

Amazon

I love the idea of constantly evolving. One of my favorite stories about Benjamin Franklin is how he kept a log his entire life of the things he wanted to improve on and rated himself regularly to keep track of how well he was succeeding. I was so moved by this suggestion, that I started my own book to track my evolution. One of my more recent yearnings is to change up my make-up routine and shake things up a bit. Jemma Kidd is amazing. (Also, if you're in the market for a make-up manual, Kevin Aucoin is a genius.)

Amazon

Fair warning..there are no patterns in this book. It's more of a technical "how to" on sizing vintage knitting patterns (which you can find for free in abundance on the internet. One of my favorite resources for this is freevintageknitting.com). However, if you've often been frustrated by yarn selection or resizing of vintage patterns, like I have, this book is great.

Amazon

Another great vintage resource, this one DOES come with patterns (on cd). I love how they put the looks together in this book. The outfits are adorable. You'll be seeing a pattern or two from this as part of the Create 365 project ;)

Amazon

..cause you can never have too many books about Marilyn..

Amazon

Great tips on signature looks of some amazing women!

This is just the tip of the iceberg (I have oodles more to read on my kindle and some great vintage books I picked up at a used book store a few weeks ago). Now I just need another 10 hours in the day ;)

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Think Spring!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 15:18:00 +0000

Come check out some of the fun spring offerings at ConstantlyAlice!

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Create 365 - Geek Chic Crochet

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 13:58:00 +0000

Here is the current project in the works for the Create 365 project..

This hat pattern is from the book "Geek Chic Crochet".

Amazon

There are some really adorable patterns in this book! I love the dress pattern on the cover as well :)

I have been working on the hat in a pretty wine color and I think I'm going to do the ribbon in gray velvet..Still deciding on that ;)

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Create 365 - Free Heart Warmers Wristwarmer Knitting Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 04:50:00 +0000

After my first excursion into fair isle knitting with the tardis wristwarmer project, I decided to try my hand at writing my own pattern..so, without further ado..

Heart Warmers - Hugs and Kisses Wristwarmers

1 skein red heart super saver yarn (or other medium weight yarn) in each of the following colors - Red, White, Black

1 pair of US size 3 knitting needles

Cast on 48 stitches
Begin double rib row (k2, p2)
Repeat 13 more times for a total of 14 rows.
Knit even next 3 rows
Purl row
Knit Row
Purl Row
knit 7 stitches, begin chart. (Chart should be done in stockinette stitch with 7 stitches before and after chart on each row.)
Complete one row of (k1, p1) alternating white and black.
Complete second row of (p1, k1) alternating white and black
Cast off in (k1, p1).
Finish, weave in ends.
Fold over wristwarmer so the wrong side is facing out and match both edges together. Figure out where you want your thumb hole to be. Pin on either side of thumb hole.
Sew from bottom up to the start of the thumb hole, then from the end of the thumb hole to the top of the wristwarmer.
Turn inside out, and your wristwarmers are complete!

Here are a few resources for fair isle knitting, cast on and cast off.

This is my first attempt at pattern writing, so please comment or email if anything is unclear and I'll be happy to answer your questions. Please feel free to share a picture on our facebook page if you decide to make these!

Hugs and Smooches,

Outfit Post - Be Mine

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:20:00 +0000

Sorry to have been a bit MIA here, darling ones. I came down with an awful flu about three weeks ago that I couldn't seem to shake..and then it turned into pneumonia (yuck!). I'm finally on the mend and starting to feel human again, so I was moved to post my outfit for the day :)

Create 365 is moving right along, though at a slower pace than I anticipated before getting ill! I have been working on writing my very first fair isle knitting pattern for a pair of wristwarmers and I hope to complete them and have the pattern up here on the blog very soon.

Wishing you all a love filled Valentine's Day!

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Create 365 Update - Fair Isle Knitting

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 13:58:00 +0000

Hello all!

Just a quick update on the Create 365 project. I had so much fun with my first fair isle knit project (The Tardis Wristwarmers..here.), that I decided to try writing my own pattern. It's just about done, I have one valentine wristwarmer that I designed completed and just have to finish the other one and tweak the pattern a little. I'll be posting the free pattern here on the blog once it's complete!

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Winner of the ConstantlyAlice Valentine Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 05:25:00 +0000

Congratulations to Sara, our winner! You will be getting an email from me shortly :).
Thank you to all who entered!

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Create 365 - Tardis Wristwarmers

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 23:30:00 +0000

Yayyyy! Tardis wrist warmers are done and on their way to a lovely young friend :) You can find the link to the pattern here.

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Create 365 Update - Tardis Wristwarmers

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:45:00 +0000

Here's the project I'm currently working on:

Credit

You can find the pattern here on Ravelry.

I have one wristwarmer almost completed. It is my first venture into fair isle knitting and I have to say, I LOVE it. In fact, I like it so much, I'm considering writing and designing my own pattern for wristwarmers with little hearts on them..

Finished project to come soon!

Hugs and Smooches,
D