pattern: mesh crochet necklace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.