Congratulations to Rachel and her beautiful family. Ruby was born at 3:45 this afternoon!
Today is a very special day. Please give her all your love.
Love, Elsie, Emma and Holly
November 07, 2009
November 06, 2009
Fashion Friday
Hello Hellooooo! It's Fashion Friday and I wanna highlight a favorite designer & a favorite current trend this week....
Miss Betsey Johnson
If you don't love her you either haven't been in one of her stores or you're crazy. I have loved her since the ripe ole age of about 12. Her style is over the top, adorable and if it was a food it would have at least 1000 calories! Here are a few peeks at why I love her so much...
her dresses are gorgeous and her branding is FLAWLESS. plus the fact that she's been putting out gorgeous things for SO many decades, like since my mom was in high school... swoon! She's a hero of mine for sure.
and here's my very own favorite Betsey Johnson necklace...
And a current trend that I'm sorta into is boyfriend jeans...
I'll be honest, I've ALWAYS loved skinny pants and when I first saw this trend I was a little bummed. I'm not exactly gonna get rid of my skinnys (no way) because I'm really short and they work on my body type, but i'll at least give this trend a try just for fun!
Happy Fashion Friday! XO. elsie
ps.a few more for the road....
the cutest dressed 'band guy', like ever!
i always wanted clear framed heart glasses.
and every time i see the Olsens i miss my sister soooo bad. they have killer style.
November 05, 2009
No Pattern Presents:)
I am finally getting familiar enough with crocheting that I feel confident about making up my own projects without patterns. A friend of mine had hinted that she would love a pair of mittens for the holidays this year. I know there are many many many wonderful patterns and tutorials out there for making mittens but something inside me just wanted to see if I could make it up.
This is a SUPER basic mitten but I am really quite pleased with how they turned out.
1.I started by making my slip knots and made enough so that when joined as a circle the largest part of my hand (the thumb knuckle area) could slip through it. Most yarns have some stretch to them anyway so don't sweat the exact number of knots.
2.I did a simple crochet up forming a tube. The thumb is simply an oversized button hole, and I decided on the placement of the thumb hole by measuring the mitten on my own hand again. So the main body of the mitten is a long tube with a button hole.
3.I started another long tube, exactly the same way as before but this time when I felt it was long enough to serve as the mitten top I just started skipping every other stitch until it closed up onto itself like the top of a hat.
4.Lastly, using the same color yarn, I sewed the mitten top on to the upper outside edge of the mitten body so that it could flip over and cover the finger area.
I added the black button just for cuteness:) One holiday present down, many more to go!
love love, emma
November 03, 2009
i love you & i miss you.
my happy thought today. XO. elsie
A little bit of inspiration.
November 02, 2009
Painted!
Have you ever been tempted to give something a makeover using a little paint? Do you have the tendency to want to rework everything or does it take you three months to commit to spray painting a single picture frame? The concept of giving a modern edge to an old piece by adding some trendy color was one of the major players in how I choose furniture for our home. We are usually on a tight budget but have learned the art of seeing potential in used or vintage pieces with great shape. Not everything should be painted but for those who like a little color, it's an affordable way to change up your space and get a surprisingly custom look.
xoxo, Rachel
October 29, 2009
October 28, 2009
.crochet your halloween.
There isn't much time left before Saturday, but I thought these were too cute not to share. Amigurumi is a great way to create any creature you can imagine with crochet, Etsy is a great source for patterns. Wouldn't be awesome if people made crocheted lollipops for trick or treaters?!
Look at these zombies! Pattern can be found here.
these cuties have great costumes!
Twinkie Chan has crocheted some super cute candy corn stuff in the past.
speaking of candy corn...
ha!
And just for fun.... I was inspired by this halloween decor featured on Apartment Therapy:
What are you handing out to the trick-or-treaters this year?
XO holly
October 27, 2009
Halloween
How are you doing it?
I'm still undecided!
xoxo, Rachel
October 25, 2009
:Pumpkin Spice Recipe Card How-To:
hello hello. this quick little tutorial is for everyone who purchased our pumpkin spice recipe card kit.
first of all, your kit comes with a little perler beads shape (there are three different leaf shapes, the beads are not included in the kit but can be purchased at any craft supply store)... you can use this to make a super cute embellishment for your card case.
next you'll need to cut out and sew your fleece to make your little card cozie. my finished pouch is 6 inches wide and 5.5 inches tall. you'll want to add an extra inch when you cut it out so that you'll have plenty of room to sew! i used a sewing machine for mine, but it can also be hand stitched fairly quickly if you don't have a machine available...
In your kit you'll find some cute fabric scraps and stickers too! I didn't use these for my project, but here is another great idea that you could use the fabric scraps for... here's a little how to make yo-yo's tutorial by miss heather bailey. these would make cute little decorations for your card pouch!
yay! if you have any questions, please ask me, right here, in the comments! :D OH, and THANK YOU so much for being patient with me on that one. i'm running super behind this week even though i feel like i've been crazy productive. geez!
Also, I completely missed fashion friday this week so i'll have to make an EXTRA long one for you this coming week.... :)) here's a little peek of something i'm in love with...
LOVElove & happy Sunday. Elsie
ps. look below at Holly's amazing textile post and check back tomorrow for Rachel's interior design feature. XO.
appreciating textiles.
tex·tile (těks'tīl', -təl) 
n.
A cloth, especially one manufactured by weaving or knitting; a fabric.
Fiber or yarn for weaving or knitting into cloth.
Textiles are so beautiful, and they are all around us! I think I would have to say that yarn is my favorite textile. I'm a sucker for beautiful yarn, this this silk/merino yarn from Hedgehog Fibres.
Gorgeous isn't it??
My mother in law is also very passionate about textiles, and makes sure to visit fabric and textile shops wherever she travels to. Her favorite textiles are linens, silks, and ribbons. What is you're favorite type of textile?
XO holly
October 21, 2009
Holly's Crocheted Afghan Pattern
I've been crocheting this afghan lately as a fun project to
do before bed, or while Simon is down for a nap. It's a really
easy patternand if you know the basics of crochet (chain, single
crochet,& double crochet) you can do it easily.
If you're just learning, or want to learn, this is also a great
project (though quite large).
You can look to YouTubefor some great How-To videos on how to do the stitches.
The Pattern is as follows.
Chain 180 or any other number that is divisible by 3.
90 or 120 might be more appropriate for a baby blanket.
Row 1: 2dc in 3rd chain from hook. *skip 2 stitches, (sc, 2dc) in next stitch.
Repeat from * across.
Sc in last chain of the row, chain 2, turn.
Row 2: 2dc in first sc. *skip 2 dc, (sc, 2dc) in next sc. Repeat from * across, anding with sc in turning chain. Chain 2, turn.
Repeat Row 2 until desired length.
Final row: ch 1, sc in each dc & sc across. Finish and weave in ends.
This is a great project to use up all those extra skiens of yarn you have just sitting around. Why not turn them into a beautiful blanket! I'm using worsted weight yarn, and a 5.50 crochet hook.
For some added inspiration, here's some beautiful work by the lovely Sarah London. Her Flickr is FULL of gorgeous crocheted masterpieces. Like her Wool Eater blanket pattern.
I also love this photo from her photostream. Look at those hangers!
Ravelry is also a great source for tons of afghan patterns. This baby blanket caught my eye.
Happy Wednesday, and happy crocheting! If you have any questions about this pattern, or crochet in general, feel free to leave them in the comments, and I'll do my best to answer. :)
XO holly
Puppy Birthday!
Little love love is 3 years old this month! They grow up so fast.
here he is eating a doggie doughnut yesterday.
Happy Birthday Lovers! -emma
October 20, 2009
Hello Color!
What is your GO TO color of the season? Have you noticed all of your Fall/Winter accessories are the same few shades of plum or that every new article of clothing you pull off the rack is knit, or yellow, or both? Do tell.
xoxo,
Rachel
October 19, 2009
good bye sweet little weekend.
I already miss the weekend:( The boyfriend and I visited a pumpkin patch with friends.
and I have been watching movies and working non-stop on my new RVA project. here is a little sneak peek:
happy thoughts for monday:
it is looking like flannel shirt weather in LA today (yesssssss!)
tonight i have an acting workshop i've been looking forward too
tomorrow the boyfriend has the day off
hope your weekend was wonderful-have a happy little week!
love love, emma
October 16, 2009
:Fashion Friday:
hi, it's elsie. i'm starting a new feature here ever Friday for fashion inspiration! i'm posting tons of pretty looks with a common theme. my theme this week is warm & cozy, adorable outfits for the coming cold weather months... enjoy!
christmassy plaids. source
dark tights & bright shoes? yes, please. source
the puuurfect warm hat. source
so so cute. i'm FREEZING and excited to layer for the rest of the season! give me boots, knitted hats and tons of plaid scarves, pleaseeee. :)
if you have a moment, leave me a note about what kinds of features and fashion inspiration you'd like to see on Fashion Friday! we are totally revamping this group blog and making it %100 more cute. yay....
LOVE-loveee.. elsie
On the 'TO MAKE' list
I love this recycled fabric rug. I am so quick to give my old clothes to goodwill but now I know what I can do with my maternity shirts when I no longer need them! I wonder how long this took. FOREVER?! Those colors are the best and it's the closest I've seen to a DIY rug that I'd actually use in my home.
This little craft has been popping up lately and intimidates me slightly. I've heard it involves paper piecing and being precise. Two things that don't come easily to me. However, I love the hexagon shapes and it would be yet another way to not only use up some favorite fabric scraps, but add a little customization to a plain tee.
Now that I know how to knit again, I think I might use up some leftover skeins to make one of these. I love her color palette and the simplicity of the pattern. And that sleeping baby is pretty adorable.
What is on your 'TO MAKE' list?
xoxo,
Rachel
October 15, 2009
Arm Warmer Tutorial
Rachel and I had a little time to knit on the weekend, and I really didn't have a
specific project in mind... but then I had an idea!
(I'm going to send them to Rachel :D)
This is what you'll need:
-bulky yarn (I used a super soft 1 ply yarn, not sure of the brand)
-size 15 needles
-yarn/tapestry needle
-buttons/lace/trim or other embellishments of your choice
I started by casting on 20 stitches. (You can also use any weight of yarn and any size of needle for this project, as long as the finished square is 8 inches by 10 inches). Work in Stockinette stitch for around 40 or so rows, until the length is approx. 10 inches long. Stockinette stitch is one row Knit, one row Purl. Repeat.
Once you have around 40 rows or 10 inches, cast off. The Knit Witch video on YouTube is a good help if you need some. Leave a long tail to use for weaving/sewing the piece together.
Thread your yarn needle with the tail and sew the ends together to make a sleeve.
Try on the arm warmer, and mark how big the thumb hole should be, and make one small stitch with an extra piece of yarn, at the top, to make the thumb hole.
Next, embellish them however you like! I just stitched on some large buttons, but you could use lace trim, ribbon, bows, anything your heart desires.
xo holly
fashion inspiration
As the weather changes it just feels like time to update your style. I have been adding to my ever growing list of fashion blogs i like to peruse and get inspiration from. Just thought I would share some of my current favorites with you.
streetpeeper.com
fashiontoast.com
altamiranyc.blogspot.com
facehunter.blogspot.com
stylesightings.com
happy inspiration surfing.
love, emma
October 14, 2009
true love.
i made my way back to LA today. its so good to be home! not that i didn't have the GREATEST time in springfield with my family and all the red velvet girls. i spent the last two days in houston, tx with some other friends of mine so i was feeling the home sickies. i missed my little doggie so bad-we have been catching up all evening and as soon as the boy gets home we are going out for dinner, or we may order pizza in. i am feeling laaaaaaaazy. i made a little white and red heart out of pealer beads and glued a back on it. random.
love love, emma+the lovers
