Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Baby Lamb for a Baby Girl

Knitting Review
This adorable little Lamb was created for a close friend who was blessed with a new baby girl.  I found the knitting pattern via Ravelry.  But here is a direct link to the pattern at Petite Purls designed by Susan Anderson.

Supplies:
Set of Size 4 double pointed needles $8
1 ball White Teri Cloth Yarn $6.40
1 ball Tan or Beige Yarn (something extra soft) $6.50
Yarn Needle
Poly Fiber Fill $3
*Make sure the gauge of the yarn fits the pattern!

Total cost $12 - 24  
(Depending on what supplies you have on hand)


Review: The pattern is fairly easy to knit for a moderate skill level.  You should be familair with knitting in the round with double point needles.  The littly Lamb is really fun to make but it is on the small side so take breaks from knitting, your sure to get some cramps.  The 'fill as you go' method make for easy construction and closure ensuring that any Kiddy playing with the lamb wont be able to get at the Fiber fill.  The only change I had was the knitting of the ears, I simply made additional I Cords, instead of knitting in the round with few stitches.  All in All it was a fun pattern and I am really happy with the result.  

The back end : ) 


The pattern uses an I Cord,  wasn't familiar with technique, here is a video that I used to learn how.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Someone Else on a Different Budget

We've all felt the crunch of the economy on our wallets.  And while I don't want to be another person spouting advice or commiserate on how difficult it is because I can't drop $$$$ on clothing each weekend I was humbled today reading a fellow blogger's budget crunch.

Reed lost his job last December and instead of cutting back on expenses he added a new one.  Handing out $10 a day to a total stranger.  Sounds simple, and generous, and too easy.  So the reason I wanted to share is because his philanthropy goes beyond the $10 he hands out.  Reed will actually spend anywhere from 20 min to 3 hours getting to know someone, learn their story, and lastly find out what they plan to do with $10.  They are not always people who look needy, mostly they are average D.C. Residents like himself.  Each day he blogs about the person who received the ten bucks and what they plan to do with it, I've started following his blogs just for the stories, to hear about average looking people with more than average stories.

I'm not going to lie and say he has inspired me to do the same, because I have always donated my time and in a future post I will share that organization.  But today, if your interested, i encourage you to check out his blog Year of Giving
image of Reed borrowed from his blog.

Friday, April 16, 2010

The most comfortable shoes in the WORLD!

Lucky Brand Parisa Sandal
$50-80

These are by far the most comfortable Heeled Sandals I've ever owned.  They go with everything, and I wear them everywhere.  When I first saw them I thought they would fit right in my Anthropologie catalog, but at a much more reasonable price!  I've been getting so many compliments on these shoes I just had to share.  They are avaliable at Endless.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Floral Broach Necklace


Two things I love, the color Coral and large statement necklaces.  To get the best of both worlds I took one of my old bracelets added some new beads and got a great new summer necklace.

Old: 
- Broach from a Target Bracelet
- Lobster Clasp, stolen from an unused necklace
New: 
-Coral glass beads from BeadMonkey 3 strands for $24

Project Time: 1 Hour
Total Cost: $24



Strands:  Thread the strands 1/3 full, then thread through the broach.  Complete adding beads, the strand closest to your neck will require fewer beads, 2 more for the middle strand, and 2 more on top of that for the outer strand.
Clasp: Using needle nose pliers I stole the lobster clasp and chains from an un-used necklace and attached with the thread ends.  I'm planning to wear this necklace with turquoise and purple for a great summer look.

New Feature: ReStyled

This is a new Feature called ReStyled.  I take something Old, add a little something new to update your wardrobe in a budget conscious way ... because as always it's on a BUDGET!