a common thread blog

pattern: mesh crochet necklace

acommonthreadcrafts@gmail.com (acommonthread) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:00:00 +0000

I wanted to put together a simple mesh crochet necklace, almost like a kerchief-style scarf. here's what i came up with. pattern is below, or if you're not so inclined to make your own, check them out in the shop.

Pattern

Materials:

E/4 - 3.4mm crochet hook
DK weight yarn (I used a cotton/linen yarn)
gauge doesn’t really matter.
CH 40 sts
row 1: dc into 4rd ch from hook, *ch1, skip 1 ch, dc into next st*, repeat from * until end of the row (ending with a dc). turn.
row 2: sl st into first st, ch 2, *ch 1, skip dc on previous row, dc into next ch st. repeat from * across row. (always end row with a dc, which will be 1 st shorter than the previous row. you’re decreasing 2 st each row - 1 at the beg and 1 at the end).

repeat row 2 until 1 st remains. bind off.

to make it bigger or smaller, just do your initial chain in any odd number of stitches + 3.

land-rich // beautiful handmade shop

acommonthreadcrafts@gmail.com (acommonthread) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 18:24:00 +0000

my friends gina and jason have just opened up a new shop, Land-Rich, with beautiful classic items inspired by raw nature.

the current edition has four amazing ornaments filled with simple, raw elements. my favorites are the reindeer moss (essential food for reindeer) and the tallow bulbs (small versions are just $10!). just in time for the holidays!

sale in the shop

acommonthreadcrafts@gmail.com (acommonthread) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:02:00 +0000

hey guys, just letting you know that i'm holding a little sale in the etsy shop. everything is marked down 10-20% or has free shipping!

tv dinner time

acommonthreadcrafts@gmail.com (acommonthread) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

i've always been a fan of tv dinner style trays and decor, and absolutely loved this wallpapered tv tray from design*sponge.

this is such a clever and perfect way to making a vintage item beautiful and modern. i've been a long admirer of this wallpaper and have considered adding it as a touch of color to one wall in my living room. but having it cover something useful, such as this cute little tv tray is perfect.

and a tv tray stand wouldn't be complete with the most adorable tv dinner plate. i love this porcelain version of the old plastic types. and it even keeps your food separated!

then there's also the plastic version of the prison lunch tray. i actually bought a set of these in stainless steel a while back, but it looks like only the plastic version is offered now.

vintage charm jewelry

acommonthreadcrafts@gmail.com (acommonthread) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

i recently came across some wonderful vintage finds, and created some necklaces featuring them as charms. i love the mix of the gold-tone brassy colored charms mixed with the darker patina chains. now available in the shop.

the lone wolf

a big ole' gold heart

the panda bear eating bamboo (!)

d.i.y. wall decor + organization

acommonthreadcrafts@gmail.com (acommonthread) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

i've noticed a few ideas and tutorials popping up out there that i'd like to try around my apartment. first there was the most beautiful toilet paper roll decor from design*sponge that i've ever seen. originally designed as "kid art"...hmmmm...

i really liked the idea of it, but something about toilet paper rolls just seemed...not fitting. then i came across this design with cans!

green + sturdier than cardboard rolls + functional! i love that you can actually store things in the cans. maybe this would be the perfect decor/storage in the craft/office room.

in search of the perfect cape

acommonthreadcrafts@gmail.com (acommonthread) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

ever since the summer, i've been plotting in my head the perfect cape for this fall/winter. it just seems like a much easier thing to make than a full winter coat. and with the ease of making it, comes the ability to make multiples ones. i could see having a new winter cape with every outfit.

originally i was inspired by this beautiful red cloak by the super talented maryy from burdastyle. she makes the most creative and beautiful clothes, all without using a pattern! i'm always envious of all of her creations.

other beautiful capes started popping up, including this plaid version worn by jane from sea of shoes. i love these rich beautiful colors.

so, in searching for a pattern, burdastyle offers this beautiful version, which they've made up in a wonderful gray wool. and no arm holes = super easy.

the cape seems like such an easy thing that it probably doesn't warrant spending the $4 on a circle pattern. so, i searched around and found this easy tutorial for cloak-making, which i'm hoping to test out very soon.

burda fashion: free winter patterns

acommonthreadcrafts@gmail.com (acommonthread) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

burda has some really great free sewing patterns available right now. i love this tulle skirt! it's so winter wonderlandy.

and this fur vest! such perfect winter wear.

thanksgiving printables

acommonthreadcrafts@gmail.com (acommonthread) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:24:00 +0000

if you're planning a thanksgiving celebration, LoveObsessInspire has the cutest little thanksgiving invitations, free for the printing.

etsy treasury: the bird girls can fly

acommonthreadcrafts@gmail.com (acommonthread) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:30:00 +0000

i was lucky enough to snag an etsy treasury last night and put together a cozy and warm selection of ruffles and frills, and feathers and fringe.

project: victorian wallpaper skirt

acommonthreadcrafts@gmail.com (acommonthread) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:30:00 +0000

my latest project was the revamping of a skirt that i found at a stoop sale a few weeks ago. the fabric was so beautiful, like the wallpaper that would be hung in a very fancy house. unfortunately, this was how the skirt fit...like a big, long, frumpy sack.

to change the fit, i needed to add some darts. i wanted the front of the skirt to remain flat with no darts, and the zipper was in one of the side seams, so all of the fitting had to be done in 2 huge darts in the back. since i was going for the easy-fix on this one, i didn't mind that the side seams no longer are at my sides.

next, i chopped off about 5 inches from the bottom and baby-hemmed the lining and the skirt all at once. yes, not the best, but it was really quick and doesn't look bad.

with the extra fabric i chopped off, i made an extra long tie-belt backed with the extra lining from the skirt. i would have preferred if the belt was wider, but i wouldn't have much of a skirt left.

and here's how it turned out...

overall, i'm pretty happy with the new skirt. but, i have to admit that i did almost all of these alterations late last night half-awake and there's still a bunch of little things left to do (including a gaping hole in my tie-belt! oh no!). but that was no reason to not wear this new skirt today.

curbly DIY design community

acommonthreadcrafts@gmail.com (acommonthread) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:30:00 +0000

so, following the internet cookie crumb trail, i just discovered the site Curbly (via How About Orange). how have i not seen this site before?? after just glancing it over for two seconds, i spot DIY tutorials, handmade ideas, design inspiration, organization resolutions, and tips for tiny spaces. and, all of the projects are beautiful!

like this styrofoam cups, adorned with designs made by a sharpie!

jurassic jewelry

acommonthreadcrafts@gmail.com (acommonthread) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:15:00 +0000

this weekend, i spent my time making little tiny dinosaurs gold. i actually started this project on halloween, and after realizing what i'd gotten myself into with this gold-leafing and how difficult it is to make everything perfect, i had to make a stop by the art supply store to pick up some gold paint. this was my conversation with the guy who worked there:

me: i need to buy some gold paint. i'm not sure what type? something that sticks to plastic.
him: oh, sure. probably acrylic. what are you using it for?
me: i have some dinosaurs, you know, the little ones. and they need to be gold.
him: oh.....this is for your costume. (it was halloween)
me: no. i just need gold dinosaurs.
him: ....and it's not for your costume?
me: no.

this can't be that weird of a request, right? in any case, i got my gold touch-up paint....and this was my finished product.

this is currently my favorite creation. it's hard work getting those guys gold though! but i do have a bit of gold-leaf fever. my next project will involve something with less tiny arms and legs and intricate parts.

since 5 dinosaurs can be a bit scary. i did create the lone-dinosaur necklace as well. same idea; less terror.

also, when i was posting these guys, i did a little bit of dinosaur-googling to get their proper names. this guy, is actually called apatosaurus, the dinosaur formerly known as brontosaurus. when did this happen?

in any case, these little guys will be posted to the shop this week!

a new look

acommonthreadcrafts@gmail.com (acommonthread) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:18:00 +0000

i'm such a tinkerer. i can't let any of my websites just, be. after discovering, and loving the website How About Orange, i decided i couldn't live without a 3 column blog. so things have shifted a bit and i'm still working out the details, so you may see things still moving around.

also, in my quest to redesign things around here, i've discovered some useful new tools. recommended by How About Orange, is FontSquirrel. They really have some wonderful free fonts.

vintage pattern: peasant sleeved jumper

acommonthreadcrafts@gmail.com (acommonthread) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

i was recently at a yard sale, where i came across a ton of vintage knit patterns, some of which are dated back to the 20s and 30s, which i believe are all now public domain. i thought i'd pick out a few of my favorites and post.

Peasant Sleeved Jumper

knots of love

acommonthreadcrafts@gmail.com (acommonthread) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000

so, first things first, i finally created a facebook page to keep track of updates, goings-on, fun links, etc. you should join!

A Common Thread on Facebook

and second....a night or so ago, as i was perusing etsy, i joined a virtual labs session waaay too late, but ended up in a nice conversation with a few other etsy sellers. one of them had the lovliest jewelry. i've been really into knots recently and absolutely loved this love knot ring by meganlimjewelry. it's so intricate and i love how each one is always a little different.

megan also has a nice selection of hair accessories and other statement rings as well. and, megan herself is such a sweet person!

a few little exciting things

acommonthreadcrafts@gmail.com (acommonthread) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:32:00 +0000

so, this past month has been quite a good one. a friend of mine recently sent me an email saying, "why didn't you tell me you were featured in bust magazine weekly email??" and i have no idea what or why, but i did notice that all of a sudden a week or so ago about 1,000 bust-ee's showed up on my a-common-thread doorstep all out of nowhere. and sure enough, she forwarded me the email and there it was...

so, that was pretty exciting to see all of the nice things bust had to say. and, refinery29.com featured my leather pouch necklace on their site...

and the pyrite necklace was recently featured on thefrisky.com

it's been nice and so fun to see these things pop up!

new jewels

acommonthreadcrafts@gmail.com (acommonthread) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000

i made up a few new items and added them to shop.

this necklace is made out of the most beautiful magnesite. i've never really heard of it before but i love the crackles and the little snowflake looking designs in the stones. i combined it with swirling and tangling multi-chains.

i love the look of freeform coral and the sparkle of crystal prisms. all combined together on a vintage gold-tone chain.

knit pattern: moss stitch bow headband

acommonthreadcrafts@gmail.com (acommonthread) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000

this was a little bow that i created a while back for a friend's birthday present, but now i'm thinking of creating these little bows for everything. necklaces? bracelets? bow ties?

the pattern is pretty simple here, and you really only need the idea to make your own. the yarn, gauge, needle size, or following the measurements in the pattern are not critical. make it as big or little as you like. all of the details i used to make this bow are listed below, but if this all looks too daunting, you can always buy one here.

Materials
- Worsted weight yarn (I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Solids and Heathers) Less than 1 skein
- US #8 knitting needles
- size G crochet hook

Gauge
18sts and 24 rows = 4”

Notes
Gauge, nor yarn weight is critical for this project. For a larger or smaller bow, add or decrease cast-on stitches, making sure to keep the total number an odd number.

Seed stitch pattern: K1, *P1, K1. Repeat from * across.
Repeat for all rows.

PATTERN

Main bow:
Cast on 13 stitches.
Work in seed stitch until work measures 5.5 inches.
Bind off in pattern.

Loop:
cast on 5 stitches.
Work in seed stitch until work measures 3 inches.
Bind off in pattern.

Headband:
Using crochet hook, chain stitch 3 ropes about 20 inches long (or size to fit around your head).

Piecing it together:
To make the bow, wrap the loop around the center of the main bow and stitch it together on the backside. Run the 3 crochet chains through the back of the loop and join to the beginning of the chains.

sewing project: treasure skirt

acommonthreadcrafts@gmail.com (acommonthread) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000

a while back, i found the leftovers of a stoop sale, just dumped off in the trash bin area across the street from my apartment. after rummaging through (no, i do not have any shame), i found a very worn, misshapen, too long, unflattering skirt. but the fabric was something that i thought i could work with.

here's the before photo. (and a bit of a trash-bin reenactment.) see...long and baggy. eck. but i had visions of rich colors in gold and black, so i took it home to give it a makeover.

and...this is what i came up with...

i gave it a bit of a trim and tightened it up for a more fitted look, and of course layered it with tons of gold and fur and jewels. i was really happy with the way the skirt turned out. and the new shape is actually quite nice. now i'm just awaiting the day when my neighbor spots me on the street wearing her trash.

project: gusseted floor cushions in tomato soup

acommonthreadcrafts@gmail.com (acommonthread) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000

so, i've been making a bit of progress on the gusseted floor cushions. i'm about 90% done with one cushion. please let me have enough yarn for two of these! i'm going to be cutting it really close.

the pattern is from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. for yarn, i'm using knit picks cadena in saffron. i bought 9 hanks, for 2 cushions. once i got the yarn, i realized i needed to modify my needle size and pattern a bit to get 18"x18" pillows. this yarn isn't as bulky as the pattern calls for, so i'm using size 11 needles (instead of 15 - so much for a super quick knit), so i had to change up the number of stitches cast on. for the side panels i cast on 14, and for the wider pieces i cast on 63. seems to be going well so far.

internet for good, not evil

acommonthreadcrafts@gmail.com (acommonthread) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 19:15:00 +0000

so, one day a month or so back, i got an unexpected flickr message from another user of the site. the message sort of came out of nowhere (we weren't previous internet acquaintances) but it turns out that we both adore vintage knitting, sewing, and fashion, so it was only a matter of time before our internet paths would cross. margaret could tell that i admired all things vintage (from my photos of vintage patterns, handknits of vintage gloves and sweaters, and by joining numerous vintage knitting and sewing groups), and she generously and kindly offered to send me a HUGE stack of vintage knitting patterns. they were doing a bit of a cleanup and she wanted them to go to someone who would appreciate them. i was so flattered that she chose me! and floored by this kindness and generosity that doesn't happen everyday on the internet.

you could imagine how excited i was to receive a HUGE box in the mail full of vintage patterns. here are some of my favorites. this book is SO fun. sure, the patterns are for kids, but don't think i won't knit them up for myself. this knit-o-graf book had so many fun ideas.

these cute little shoes are so much fun. how adorable to have a dog on your sock/slipper. or a cowboy on your mittens.

or a sailboat on your sweater. and this is just one book out of many many more. thanks so much margaret!

pattern: ruffled crochet bib necklace

acommonthreadcrafts@gmail.com (acommonthread) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:45:00 +0000

Finally! here's the pattern for the crochet bib necklace. all of the details for making the necklace yourself are below. however, if you're not so inclined to make your own, you can always buy one from the shop.

Materials: I used Peaches & Creme cotton solids and a size G hook, but you could pretty much use yarn/hook size to get whichever size you prefer.

C= chain
SC= single crochet
DC= double crochet
TC= triple crochet

Chain 33 sts
row 1: DC into third stitch from hook, DC across row.
row 2: C3, turn, DC into first st, *chain 3, DC into next st, repeat from * across the row.
row 3: C3, turn, DC into first st, then in loop created from previous row (TC, C1, TC, TC, C1, TC), * C3 skip 1 loop, SC into next loop, C3, skip 1 loop, in next loop (TC, C1, TC, TC, C1, TC). Continue from * to the end of the row. DC into remaining st. Bind off.

Repeat for next layer only chaining 29 stitches for the foundation row.

Repeat for next later only chaining 25 stitches for the foundation row.

Stitch all three together and attach to a chain. you’re done!

Note: this pattern can be easily modified if you're using bigger or smaller yarn. To make longer or shorter pieces, just increase or decrease your initial chains in increments of 4.

weekend projects

acommonthreadcrafts@gmail.com (acommonthread) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:51:00 +0000

this weekend, we took a little day trip out of the city, and up to Beacon, NY to visit the Dia: Beacon museum, sift through treasured goods at a yard sale or two, and have the longest lunch of my entire life (why is it that service is slow as molasses once you leave the city?)

the rest of my weekend, i managed to start and in some cases complete a few new projects. i've been doing a massive cleaning up of the craft room (ok, it's an office, but i like to refer to it as my craft room). i have about 3 tons of this poly fiberfill stuff that has been stuffed beside my craft table (aka desk) just waiting for me to make pillows out of it. in 3 years, i've made exactly 2 small pillows that now rest on my couch. since i've been neglectful, i thought i would just give it way (I have so many free piles outside of my apt). but the longer it sat by the door, i realized i just couldn't do it. so, instead, i immediately put in for a purchase of knit picks cadena yarn (in saffron) to make some tomato-soup colored gusseted floor cushions.

pattern and photo from Last Minute Knitted Gifts

i know the fiberfill will not be as good as a big firm piece of foam, but the whole purpose here is to get rid of this fiberfill. maybe i will just stuff it really really tight. so far, i've knit up about 85% of one cushion. i am determined to finish this one. i'll take some pictures soon. hopefully mine will turn out as pretty as the ones in the book.

also, i was very, very excited to receive a whole big package of jewelry-makin' supplies. oh boy! ....and made up a few things this weekend to put in the shop. making jewelry is so much fun, i almost wish i could just make it to give it away.

my favorite thing out of the whole bunch were these pieces of pyrite. i love love these earrings. as a kid, i used to go to the rock/gem store in downtown savannah with my mom, and everytime i was allowed to pick out one rock to buy. and no matter how many times i would go there, i would always buy pyrite...even though i really liked the other gems, i always chose the pyrite to take home to my growing collection of pyrite pieces. i remember asking my mom, "but how do you REALLY know it's not gold??" i always imagined the rock people had let one slip by and accidently put in a real piece of gold.

the next thing i made was this statement necklace made out of a black lace applique. i like the mix of lace and chain, and it looks really pretty over a simple shirt or blouse. it's like having a fancy lace shirt, without having to do any of the work.

the pyrite earrings and the lace applique necklace are available in the shop.

handmade holiday gifts to knit or crochet

acommonthreadcrafts@gmail.com (acommonthread) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000

i know, the holidays are like, a quarter of the year away still, but i like to give everyone a little something handmade, and hate feeling rushed when there's two days before christmas and i *only* have to finish knitting and sewing a million things. so, just to get started a little early this year with some ideas, this will be part 1 of the handmade holiday gift ideas. this set includes quick knits and crocheted items.

item: denim knit kerchief
pattern: from the book last minute knitted gifts. (i checked this out from my local library). OR a similar free alternative is the silk kerchief.
yarn: i used elann den-m-knit pure indigo cotton (1 skein)
perfect for: daughters, moms, nieces, or perfect for just about anyone, probably a female, but whatever -nobody's judging.
notes: i made it out of denim cotton and like to pretend like i'm a robber when i wear it.

item: oh my god these are so cute - mitts!
pattern: french kit (4 euros)
perfect for: daughters, moms, nieces or any female whose hands need stylish warmth.
notes: i love love love these! i currently ordered up some peruvian pure alpaca to make these beauties (for myself...ahem)

item: knit purse
pattern: ipbolaget.com (free)
perfect for: daughters, moms, nieces, grandmas, aunts, or any female
notes: i haven't personally knit this one up but it's been in my queue for a while. i love how simple and clean the design is.

item: amy march slippers
pattern: tiny owl knits (free via ravelry)
perfect for: anyone who has feet
notes: adorable! this is on my queue, and i will be making them...for myself.

item: urchin beret
pattern: ysolda teague via knitty (free)
perfect for: women with heads
notes: i made this (again, for myself...selfish) and love love it. it was so simple i made most of it during a meeting at work, and wear it constantly throughout the fall.

item: owlets
pattern: roman sock (free)
perfect for: children or anyone who doesn't hate animals
notes: i've yet to make these, but again, on my list (i even bought the eyes). looks like a perfect way to get rid of that fuzzy lion brand yarn that would actually look good all matted-up on this owl.

item: finally something for men! a cute hat with a twist at the top.
pattern: marsan watchcap (free)
perfect for: men! boyfriends, dads, grandpas, uncles. or women too. i think it would look nice on women. but i've been seriously lacking in my gift ideas for men, so here you go.

ok, that's enough for now. but i've got many more and will do a handmade holiday gifts part 2 soon.