tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4603855174608796122023-11-16T04:28:56.029-08:00Coral CircleCoralCirclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15516268506060697051noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460385517460879612.post-84471885812648288142011-08-26T00:05:00.000-07:002011-08-26T00:05:23.333-07:00Fabric Yo-Yo Love<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6081721328/" title="yo-yo1 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="yo-yo1" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6081721328_26bb173a76.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
To many of you it's not news, I mean, apparently these things were used before I was even thought of! But to me fabric yo-yos were a major discovery! I am in love with them now!<br />
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I first found out about fabric yo-yos over at <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/"><strong>The Purl Bee</strong></a>. Their mini quilt of the month was this <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2011/5/31/may-mini-quilt-of-the-month-yo-yo-coverlet.html"><strong>yo-yo coverlet</strong></a><strong>.</strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JQKnYCFim1vOFww4der_3FxZ9NHVSPG5X8tYU9mXtnDq28dNP0v4Xgpnbk0xg-OYYvZHNm5xP4W62yl40n6RrupfuYvOqYuNYJK4Ehg0n8BM8IFtLGNcTpesPbFQwZXJ9BQX0lSJh7I/s1600/yo-yo-quilt-425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JQKnYCFim1vOFww4der_3FxZ9NHVSPG5X8tYU9mXtnDq28dNP0v4Xgpnbk0xg-OYYvZHNm5xP4W62yl40n6RrupfuYvOqYuNYJK4Ehg0n8BM8IFtLGNcTpesPbFQwZXJ9BQX0lSJh7I/s1600/yo-yo-quilt-425.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(from </span><a href="http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2011/5/31/may-mini-quilt-of-the-month-yo-yo-coverlet.html"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I thought yo-yo? I've never heard of such thing. I mean, I know about the plastic ones that use to be a popular toy when I was a kid, but I didn't know about the fabric ones. Then they said that, apparently, there are these<strong> </strong><a href="http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/3318"><strong>yo-yo makers</strong></a> that make it super easy and fun to make one. So I decided to get some fabric and this yo-yo maker and make this mini quilt to put on my bathroom wall. How that worked out I will definitely let you know when I am done. But one thing for sure - they are super cute! They look to me like sand dollars and I had so much fun making a few of them!</div><div style="text-align: left;">So that got me interested. I then was able to find many <a href="http://www.clover-usa.com/search?n=1&q=yo-yo+maker&t=products"><strong>more</strong></a> of these yo-yo makers in different sizes and shapes - to me the smaller the cuter!</div><div style="text-align: left;">I researched a bit of what these yo-yos are used for and to my surprise, I easily found plenty of lovely projects using these cute creations. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Like this wrath from <a href="http://www.luckystarlane.com/"><strong>Lucky Star Lane</strong></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBnQppjUsnf-TaxBboR0kc6hW7bgdERV9EG2Az9xScv2hmReOdU6emvTB5riCHRNkp5xaehF2SDbvbhOUhKl-uvZGYV9wmGyo6nsAqoPj_RbZ7wO36DrBcYtbr6aICDrockZWFnw96FA/s1600/DSCN2635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBnQppjUsnf-TaxBboR0kc6hW7bgdERV9EG2Az9xScv2hmReOdU6emvTB5riCHRNkp5xaehF2SDbvbhOUhKl-uvZGYV9wmGyo6nsAqoPj_RbZ7wO36DrBcYtbr6aICDrockZWFnw96FA/s400/DSCN2635.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(from </span><a href="http://www.luckystarlane.com/2010/02/fabric-yo-yo-projects-part-1.html"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Or this pillow from <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/index.php"><strong>Sew, Mama, Sew!</strong></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPTZbtzNoMzvdXw1ykkij8F2h5giDMEH0U919EdZzdOE4shDRtQ6dAg7f2CS0KU44GNqWCLN-B-NyKUgxL709WT_WgMo8EsmDamnEG1ynxhCfHzP-HHb_hxDlA88omvI7w_KDE5SwrLg/s1600/EFF814091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="343" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPTZbtzNoMzvdXw1ykkij8F2h5giDMEH0U919EdZzdOE4shDRtQ6dAg7f2CS0KU44GNqWCLN-B-NyKUgxL709WT_WgMo8EsmDamnEG1ynxhCfHzP-HHb_hxDlA88omvI7w_KDE5SwrLg/s400/EFF814091.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(from </span><a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2009/08/elizabeths-fabric-focus-yo-yos/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Or even this card with yo-yos embellishment from <a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/"><strong>Style Me Pretty</strong></a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QQQLG391cJlfMMsJGvAwS8RMEW_ZpCwbf5W4rxp0UbWIMuy4kjcAD9S9HFx60HjlfL3n-dObViaxywmw131yzKI8AGExcOlmlD9PZu6htFpOaZPw3qgy37wwufmGxBj6c5rplKoHzGA/s1600/DIY-Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QQQLG391cJlfMMsJGvAwS8RMEW_ZpCwbf5W4rxp0UbWIMuy4kjcAD9S9HFx60HjlfL3n-dObViaxywmw131yzKI8AGExcOlmlD9PZu6htFpOaZPw3qgy37wwufmGxBj6c5rplKoHzGA/s640/DIY-Flowers.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(from </span><a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/2010/03/12/diy-project-by-posh-paperie-and-jackie-wonders-photography/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So, yeh, I got pretty excited about this new thing I discovered (new for me that is...)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">But this is not the end of this yo-yo story! Today I went to Borders as they are closing and had pretty good sales on their books. I got myself a couple of crafting books to add to my collection of books that inspire my creativity (which I will be sure to share with you some day, Ah, so much to tell about! :) ) One of them got me really hyped up and it is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Artful-Bird-Feathered-Friends-Make/dp/1596682388/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314326040&sr=8-1"><strong>The Artful Bird</strong></a> by Abigail Patner Glassenberg. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6082131284/" title="the artful bird1 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="the artful bird1" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6192/6082131284_6de6369825.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">It is amazing, and I can't wait to get to make all of these! Here are a couple of my favourite birds to get you excited as well!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6082131368/" title="the artful bird2 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="the artful bird2" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6187/6082131368_072400bb5b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6081594219/" title="the artful bird3 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="the artful bird3" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6075/6081594219_d3dde30a79.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6082131886/" title="the artful bird4 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="the artful bird4" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6082131886_9403fcefa2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6082132148/" title="the artful bird5 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="the artful bird5" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6082132148_75518dc87f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Well, what does that have to do with yo-yos, you might ask. It's quite simple, but had me feeling a bit like a fool (how could I not know about these yo-yos, they are everywhere!) - one of the options on wing embellishment, the author offers, is in fact tiny yo-yos.</div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6082132454/" title="the artful bird6 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="the artful bird6" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6082132454_1c1a8c9ec6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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One more thing is now added to my cluttered head and many more projects are emerging from it. But for now, I am going to sleep - tomorrow starts my two year journey as a dental hygienist student - eh...</div>CoralCirclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15516268506060697051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460385517460879612.post-1267620982422209712011-08-23T22:21:00.000-07:002011-08-23T22:21:23.759-07:00Tutorial: Doll Remake<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6074923427/" title="doll remake 2 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="doll remake 2" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6200/6074923427_dc8d429ee6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6075461756/" title="doll remake 1 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="doll remake 1" height="374" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6184/6075461756_f43ef80ff2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Mom gave me this doll, that she thought wasn't pretty and she was going to throw away. Knowing me, she said she thought I could use it for something. So I took on the challenge and decided to remake it to something more appealing. Sort of like in all those movies where somebody gives a person a remake and they all of a sudden become so different and attractive, when they use to be ugly... There is nothing some new clothes, and new hair style can't fix, right?<br />
I wanted this doll to be something I imagined would be standing next to a teddy bear without one eye in a little princess's room, does that make sense? Like in old times... Maybe it was that proud porcelain face that made this image stuck in my head, but this was what I was kind of aiming for. I didn't use any reference as to how I should make her, or what she should look like, just that image in my head and more imagination.<br />
For that reason this tutorial might not be that technical, but I will try to describe the process as well as I can in case if anybody else would like to remake a doll of theirs.<br />
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So the first thing I did was stripped that poor thing of that clown outfit. Underneath that clothes she had porcelain arms, legs, and head and everything else was wire - perfect!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6075621972/" title="doll remake 3 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="doll remake 3" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6065/6075621972_764ced2fe6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Then I erased her black hair, because I was going to make her hair more realistic. I decided to leave the face, because it gives her character.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6075084245/" title="doll remake 4 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="doll remake 4" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6184/6075084245_321c800dc7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Next I wrapped and tightened with a thick thread some quilt batting around the wires where the body was suppose to be and also around the arms to create some volume.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6075623614/" title="doll remake 5 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="doll remake 5" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6210/6075623614_a5ddd29930.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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The dress was really an improvisation. If I would have to repeat it, I don't think I could. I used glue to glue the top directly to the doll.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6075142299/" title="doll remake 6 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="doll remake 6" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6075142299_ac757c2b05.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Then I sewed the under skirt and the skirt to the batting.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6075131391/" title="doll remake 7 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="doll remake 7" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6190/6075131391_db9c5db108.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6075131799/" title="doll remake 8 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="doll remake 8" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6189/6075131799_0d48e8bb1a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Then used more details and a lot of fray stopping liquid to cover up all the connections and spots where raw materials were still visible.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6075671662/" title="doll remake 9 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="doll remake 9" height="712" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6197/6075671662_71a0dcb4bb_z.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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The same idea is used for the hat. I simply improvised - cut a rectangular piece of fabric, folded it, put it on doll's head, winded the remaining fabric into a rose looking knot, secured the knot with thread, then sewn some vintage lace on it to make it pretty.<br />
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As for wigging, I used the technique that I learned when I made my own dolls. I used viscose doll hair as it is shiny and easily curled, but wool can be used as well. This is what I did.<br />
First separate the strands that you need to curl and wet them. (I used various sized and thicknesses)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6075719410/" title="wigging1 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="wigging1" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6184/6075719410_cbf8cf9c18.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6075182005/" title="wigging2 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="wigging2" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6075182005_f397942278.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Then wind them on wooden sticks (I use kebab sticks)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6075182537/" title="wigging3 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="wigging3" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6075182537_a1382ef773.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6075183509/" title="wigging4 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="wigging4" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6066/6075183509_c90c84a89c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Then bake them under 150F' for about 5-10 min or until dry.<br />
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Then spin them above open flame to get rid of the little hairs that stick out.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6075184469/" title="wigging5 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="wigging5" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6071/6075184469_f26f4e1563.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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And unwind...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6075723036/" title="wigging6 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="wigging6" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6210/6075723036_2bf1e11fd0.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I glued my curls to the head , cut them... <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6075186591/" title="wigging7 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="wigging7" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6185/6075186591_ecb8446d7b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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...and then glued the hat on top and voila!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6075731166/" title="wigging8 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="wigging8" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6068/6075731166_dc6779ed37.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I really enjoyed this process, because I could let my imagination loose. There were no rules, I just did what I felt was right, and I am satisfied with the result.<br />
All she needs now is a big teddy bear with one eye but that is a whole other story...CoralCirclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15516268506060697051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460385517460879612.post-15546141062063307182011-08-22T22:45:00.000-07:002011-08-22T22:47:06.394-07:00Our One Year Anniversary<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52253000@N05/6071845843/" title="wed by ThePassionfruit, on Flickr"><img alt="wed" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6068/6071845843_27f8054cf3.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
A year ago the most important thing in my life happened - I got married to this amazing guy.<br />
So today we are celebrating a one year birthday of our family.<br />
I thank God every day for sending such an amazing person into my life! <br />
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Today was busy, we had to work after a night drive back from LA but to me the little details don't matter. It's the fact, the occasion is what made the day!<br />
We went to the restaurant where we had our reception a year ago - a small but delicious and romantic French restaurant overlooking a lake. Upon my request, they set us on a patio, where a year ago we set with our family and friends, listened to their hearted wishes, drank expansive wine, and listened to live music. <br />
We were sitting very close to the lake and we could see the evening lights reflecting off the water - the view, interrupted only by the swans that passed by. We had champagne and delicious meal, recalled stories from that important day, and soaked inn the view. I kept looking at my husband thinking, how did I get so lucky, and my heart was singing. I just wanted to stay in that short moment for ever!CoralCirclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15516268506060697051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460385517460879612.post-28482091051844439242011-08-20T10:00:00.000-07:002011-08-22T22:46:06.832-07:00Photography: Lake TahoeWhat an amazing place Lake Tahoe is! The nature is just so ritch! <br />
I think one of the most important parts in successfull photography is inspiring locations like that, or inspiring people if you do portraits, but I am yet to try serious portrait taking.<br />
To me, the picture should create a mood, not just show objects. It should also tell a story. <br />
Here is a story about us spending a couple of days in the paradise.<br />
<div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6059521098/" title="lake tahoe5 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="lake tahoe5" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6189/6059521098_bd34ae3be5.jpg" width="500" /></a></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><a name='more'></a>Comming from Vegas, Lake Tahoe forest is everything I missed - green, cool, ritch, full of beautiful flowers and funny squirels and birds eating in the morning right by our patio.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6059520320/" title="lake tahoe1 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="lake tahoe1" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6188/6059520320_ca6d14db78.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6059520512/" title="lake tahoe2 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="lake tahoe2" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6184/6059520512_ca1c71c894.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6058974141/" title="lake tahoe6 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="lake tahoe6" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6058974141_92c265c2a2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6059522146/" title="lake tahoe7 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="lake tahoe7" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6089/6059522146_cc18e827d6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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One of my favorite things to do, was to sit on our bed in our room made out of logs, with big windows and beautiful view of the forest and the lake. During the day our windows were open all the time, and the cool breeze would pat my feet as I set there and did what I love the most - crafting and reading.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6059522498/" title="lake tahoe8 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="lake tahoe8" height="712" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6190/6059522498_ee53510bf3_z.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
This is the view form our porch. Is that priceless or what?!</div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6059522778/" title="lake tahoe9 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="lake tahoe9" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6089/6059522778_a456dfe5bf.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6059523092/" title="lake tahoe10 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="lake tahoe10" height="344" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6206/6059523092_59e515b153.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6059523388/" title="lake tahoe11 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="lake tahoe11" height="354" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6196/6059523388_ddd1bdaee1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
The lake itself is another dream. It's so clean and blue and the beech is covered in coarse sand that is so pleasant to the feet. We laid on it, warming ourselves up after the dip in a cold water of the lake.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6059520908/" title="lake tahoe4 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="lake tahoe4" height="712" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6084/6059520908_6c6ce7f5e3_z.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
One of the mornings we went fishing. It was an opportunity to me to experience the sunrise right on the rocky beech.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6058976105/" title="lake tahoe12 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="lake tahoe12" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6192/6058976105_f3afd7e717.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6059524268/" title="lake tahoe13 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="lake tahoe13" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6205/6059524268_065537d7d5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6058977033/" title="lake tahoe14 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="lake tahoe14" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6089/6058977033_fd05589158.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6058977253/" title="lake tahoe15 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="lake tahoe15" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6079/6058977253_fc787f886e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I call this shot - Switzerland. I want my view to be like that every day!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6059525400/" title="lake tahoe16 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="lake tahoe16" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6204/6059525400_bcb66749ab.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6059525856/" title="lake tahoe17 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="lake tahoe17" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6184/6059525856_f12c955f40.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6059526318/" title="lake tahoe18 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="lake tahoe18" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6061/6059526318_54fe3fbc90.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6059527036/" title="lake tahoe19 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="lake tahoe19" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6198/6059527036_3ab9a6cc2a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6058979969/" title="lake tahoe20 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="lake tahoe20" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6185/6058979969_c8bb2c0a67.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6059528076/" title="lake tahoe21 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="lake tahoe21" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6069/6059528076_57af052d5f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6059528384/" title="lake tahoe22 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="lake tahoe22" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6191/6059528384_b38641d0eb.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
On the way home we stopped by the Devil's Postpile National Monument. This amazing nature's creation is a monument to its' greatness!<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6058981449/" title="lake tahoe23 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="lake tahoe23" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6071/6058981449_df5e5477f7.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh what an amazing trip this was! I can't wait to go again! And this weekend we went to California. I will tell about how that went next.</div>CoralCirclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15516268506060697051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460385517460879612.post-57578353912777195372011-08-18T13:41:00.000-07:002011-08-18T13:42:15.638-07:00Wish List: Cross Stitch KitsBecause of the fact that for the past two weeks I have been talking mainly about cross stitching, I got myself swooning over some kits. To me, opening a kit is like a Christmas day, because there are so many beautiful things in one package and I get to play with it all! <br />
Cross stitched work is so decorative! I mean look at this, don't you want to jump on it and make it yours?..<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6054070831/" title="6 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="6" height="450" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6209/6054070831_d4463de4b4.jpg" width="436" /></a><br />
From <a href="http://www.everythingcrossstitch.com/45x4-hope-ornament-mrp-p29721.aspx?k2=y4">here</a><br />
<br />
There are millions of them out there, so many, so pretty, aaaah! <br />
Well here are a few more examples.<br />
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Birth records are so fun! Again, the number of cross stitch kits for that is huge! Here are a couple that I thought would be so cute, hanging in the baby's room!<br />
<br />
For a little princes...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6054070599/" title="2 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="2" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6087/6054070599_0611873ba9.jpg" width="441" /></a><br />
From <a href="http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?pageName=search&flag=true&PRODID=xprd1089432">here</a><br />
<br />
For a cuddly bear...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6054070655/" title="3 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="3" height="450" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6192/6054070655_10d6542bd3.jpg" width="349" /></a><br />
From <a href="http://www.everythingcrossstitch.com/bears-in-clouds-birth-record-mrp-p28938.aspx?k2=y4">here</a><br />
<br />
For a little monkey...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6054070701/" title="4 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="4" height="329" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6188/6054070701_a49067c598.jpg" width="450" /></a><br />
From <a href="http://www.everythingcrossstitch.com/mod-zoo-birth-record-mrp-p24336.aspx?k2=y4">here</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6054070775/" title="5 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="5" height="448" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6054070775_6f0e4db72c.jpg" width="450" /></a><br />
From <a href="http://www.everythingcrossstitch.com/savannah-birth-record-mrp-p28442.aspx?k2=y4">here</a><br />
<br />
Now as for Christmas decorations, there will probably be a whole month if not more just for talking about all the things you can do for that special occasion. Christmas is my favorite Holiday ever! But as for now, isn't this seven piece set awesome? Makes me want Christmas to be here right now!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6054620852/" title="7 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="7" height="232" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6075/6054620852_dac13bc12d.jpg" width="450" /></a><br />
From <a href="http://www.everythingcrossstitch.com/set-of-six-joy-tag-ornaments-mrp-p29715.aspx?k2=y4">here</a><br />
<br />
Maps - they are my weakness. Shows my nerdy side probably, but ever since I was a baby I loved looking at all the places on the map, thinking: "I wonder what happens there now". This is double fun - you make it, then you look at it, and you can even look at it while you make it! Alright!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6054620578/" title="1 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="1" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6190/6054620578_18a759952f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
From <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewing/Olde-World-Map-Counted-Cross-Stitch-Kit/3344170/product.html">here</a><br />
<br />
I was talking about Mill Hill a lot. So here are a couple of examples of that.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6054670640/" title="8 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="8" height="290" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6207/6054670640_a5262a1f4a.jpg" width="288" /></a><br />
From <a href="http://www.123stitch.com/cgi-perl/itemdetail.pl?item=MH14-8106">here</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6054121085/" title="9 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="9" height="288" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6054121085_5acf2ee3fb.jpg" width="288" /></a><br />
From <a href="http://www.123stitch.com/cgi-perl/itemdetail.pl?item=MH14-0205">here</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6054670722/" title="10 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="10" height="287" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6181/6054670722_d45beda2b7.jpg" width="288" /></a><br />
From <a href="http://www.123stitch.com/cgi-perl/itemdetail.pl?item=MH14-8202">here</a><br />
<br />
Aren't they amazing? When I got my kit, I had to play with yarn and especially beads before I could start the process of making all that goodness into even more goodness. <br />
<br />
And this one is mine. Looks so familiar now! <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6054681856/" title="11 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="11" height="300" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6074/6054681856_9dacb2ec46.jpg" width="303" /></a><br />
You can buy it <a href="http://www.123stitch.com/cgi-perl/itemdetail.pl?item=ST15-0104">here</a>, but this one might not be a good idea for a beginner project... It's kind of complicated to read since the diagram has no color in it... But I say, if you like it - go for it! My way of looking at it - there is nothing you can't do!<br />
<br />
And finally - one of my favorite cross stitch kinds - samplers. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6057120748/" title="12 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="12" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6057120748_3bc2500704.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
From <a href="http://www.herrschners.com/product.aspx?sku=182751&qid=">here</a><br />
<br />
This one is so seasonal! I am getting myself one some day!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6056572595/" title="13 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="13" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6056572595_8e2fc03a40.jpg" width="322" /></a><br />
From <a href="http://www.123stitch.com/cgi-perl/itemdetail.pl?item=VS128">here</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6056572627/" title="14 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="14" height="370" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6089/6056572627_7e48ced60d.jpg" width="350" /></a><br />
From <a href="http://www.123stitch.com/cgi-perl/itemdetail.pl?item=CTS-MS03">here</a><br />
<br />
How about this bird sampler? Ah, I want to make them all!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6057121002/" title="15 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="15" height="411" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6204/6057121002_a4a8806d5e.jpg" width="350" /></a><br />
From <a href="http://www.123stitch.com/cgi-perl/itemdetail.pl?item=ANC-PSC52">here</a><br />
<br />
I can go on and on, but I have to stop myself from drooling over this, or I'm going to drown! <br />
I hope you get and idea of how huge the number of things you can do with cross stitching skill is. Oh, don't even get me started on all the wonderful prayers and Bible verses you can stitch! My favorite one is about love. I got a whole book on this, and as soon as I make something from there, I will be sure to share.CoralCirclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15516268506060697051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460385517460879612.post-45367260475354793702011-08-15T19:11:00.000-07:002011-08-17T12:48:33.938-07:00Tutorial: Framing Your Cross Stitch Work<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6047276077/" title="Framing Tutorial by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="Framing Tutorial" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6204/6047276077_e97cc5ed54.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
As I was saying a week ago in my <a href="http://coralcircle.blogspot.com/2011/08/cross-stitch-tutorial.html">cross stitch tutorial</a>, this summer I managed to finish two cross stitched pieces - one being a Mill Hill and another one is made on linen fabric. <br />
My grandma made me two frames to put these pieces in and that made the result that much more special! <br />
So today I will show you how to frame a finished cross stitched piece.<br />
Note: This technique can be applied to any embroidery work, or anything fabric, really. <br />
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Because framing a Mill Hill work is a little different, I am going to jump back and forth a little to explain the differences in technique when framing a Mill Hill versus the fabric.<br />
You will need:<br />
1. Finished work ironed from the back side. (mine on the picture is already mounted to the backing...)<br />
2. Strong thread of any color (preferably thick)<br />
3. I used insulation tape to attach the cover to the frame, but you can use fabric soaked in carpenters glue, or anything that will keep the frame and the backing together.<br />
4. A piece of cardboard cut into a size, that fits snug inside the frame.<br />
5. I used thin particle board as backing to mount my canvas on, but you can use foam board that fits your frame as long as it's sturdy enough to hold the stretched canvas and not loose its shape.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6047976560/" title="Framing Mats by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="Framing Mats" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6047976560_6aec17a5cc.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
When framing Mill Hill you use perforated cardboard, so no mounting is required. This means you will only need either foam board or cardboard to secure the finished piece inside the frame.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6048000342/" title="Framing Mats MH by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="Framing Mats MH" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6048000342_dc54f4ef9f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Now this is what you have to do:<br />
When the finished work is on the cardboard the framing is really easy! <br />
<br />
1. You put the finished work in the frame.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6047506973/" title="Framing step 1a by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="Framing step 1a" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6205/6047506973_cfc5982bc8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
2. Put the backing behind it.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6048061076/" title="Framing step 2a by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="Framing step 2a" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6205/6048061076_01f49e0d3c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
3. And tape the backing to the frame.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6047509301/" title="Framing step 3a by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="Framing step 3a" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6190/6047509301_1f2d1c9b20.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Then you can hang your picture just by the frame or use various mounting options. I just use a little nail and hang it by the frame itself.<br />
<br />
Now with the canvas cross stitch work there are a couple more steps to framing it. And these steps are more likely to be used for other stitchery work.<br />
<br />
1. You position your finished work on the particle board or foam board backing, then tape the corners and the sides positioned as shown on the image below.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsaJIcRq1KPrW_Y0KOvj4pOaOsVdaFJguaL6GMe7J08FkgV54on1IHVlgCP-LWAfjQSKn7-2hKZCOVK2wkwU03XH1f1j_Fjp06R4Ns3LxC-XWnGWTlMmquF0zYFxMUjIPFuBrbYrPIbr4/s1600/rama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsaJIcRq1KPrW_Y0KOvj4pOaOsVdaFJguaL6GMe7J08FkgV54on1IHVlgCP-LWAfjQSKn7-2hKZCOVK2wkwU03XH1f1j_Fjp06R4Ns3LxC-XWnGWTlMmquF0zYFxMUjIPFuBrbYrPIbr4/s400/rama.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
2. Then you take a thick strong thread and a big needle and stitch the corner sides together (see the photo, as it is kind of hard to explain) and then secure your work by criss-crossing the thread back and forth as shown on the photo.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6047541061/" title="Framing step 1b by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="Framing step 1b" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6083/6047541061_bb9e6b794d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
The rest is the same...<br />
<br />
3. Put the finished work in the frame.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6047574495/" title="Framing step 2b by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="Framing step 2b" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6047574495_ff9ec06bcb.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
4. Put the backing behind it, this time backing can be cardboard or any other material named above.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6047574761/" title="Framing step 3b by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="Framing step 3b" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6183/6047574761_47b6db5002.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
5. And... Yes, you guessed it right - tape the backing to the frame.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6047576167/" title="Framing step 4b by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="Framing step 4b" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6183/6047576167_022c753ab0.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6048130538/" title="Framing step 5b by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="Framing step 5b" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6048130538_ce4ac895bf.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
And we are done! Now just find a pretty spot for it, where everybody can see it! Both of my pretties went into a kitchen.CoralCirclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15516268506060697051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460385517460879612.post-79975907567398428242011-08-12T10:00:00.000-07:002011-08-15T16:13:16.050-07:00Crafty Collectibles: Vintage Threads and Yarns<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6028099892/" title="Collectibles - vintage threads and yarns by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="Collectibles - vintage threads and yarns" height="329" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6149/6028099892_091d795095.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
It started from my grandma giving me the sewing machine threads that her mother in law (my great grandma) gave to her when she was young. These amazing, beautifully colored fibers, spun on wooden spools are French and came from Iran, where my grandpa was born to Russian immigrants. <br />
Can you imagine how special they are? <br />
Well starting from then I asked my grandmas to give me everything they've got that is from their younger years and I ended up with quite a collection. And I am always on the lookout for more.<br />
Vintage yarns and threads are great to collect for any crafty person or vintage lover.<br />
Here are a few kinds that will find use in many crafting projects. <br />
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1. Sewing machine thread can be used for just that - sewing. It is good to have many different colors to match the fabric. This is why I was jumping from joy when I saw all of these vibrant, beautiful colors. For creative souls out there, there are many other uses. I mean, you can just put a couple of matching colors in a pretty glass jar and have it as decoration, right?<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6028100064/" title="collectibles - vintage threds 1 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="collectibles - vintage threds 1" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6148/6028100064_d460df5409.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6027549613/" title="collectibles - vintage threds 3 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="collectibles - vintage threds 3" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6133/6027549613_6e5f4a63fb.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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And I am drooling on these wooden spools!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6027548689/" title="collectibles - vintage threds 2 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="collectibles - vintage threds 2" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6210/6027548689_f193dc095f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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2. Embroidery yarn can be used for embroidery, or pretty jewelery, or even miniature crocheting. I will be sure to show some examples later... And again, the colors are just amazing!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6028102806/" title="collectibles - vintage threds 4 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="collectibles - vintage threds 4" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6145/6028102806_4efbb74abf.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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3. And of course there is plenty of recycled yarn out there. It is great for knitting, crocheting, gift wrapping and many other things! I for one am determined to make a knitted teddy bear from that white recycled 100% wool.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6027552245/" title="collectibles - vintage yarn 1 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="collectibles - vintage yarn 1" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6192/6027552245_080032ca52.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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These are my vintage treasures. I am sure the collection will grow, as I am fascinated with the idea of these beautiful fibers being over 50 years old!<br />
CoralCirclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15516268506060697051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460385517460879612.post-30731970521025559382011-08-09T15:15:00.000-07:002011-08-15T16:13:40.067-07:00Wish List: YarnI am in love with hand spun yarn! I tried to do some myself, but never got around it enough to learn how to do it well. Once I do learn I will be happy to teach everybody else. <br />
The little yarn that I did spin, I used to knit a notebook cover, for a place where I keep track of my projects. It turned out kind of fun. I need to make another one and I still have roving materials that I could use for spinning, so I will be sure to share the project once I get done with the ones I already started.<br />
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Once in a while I visit Etsy to search for fun yarn. <br />
Sometimes materials can inspire a project, so I find inspiration in the beauty of hand spun fiber. <br />
Here are a couple of favorites for today. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6027226214/" title="yarn6 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="yarn6" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6081/6027226214_514f27d4c1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
From <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/78967996/worsted-weight-melon-creamsicle-merino?ref=sc_5">here</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6027225926/" title="yarn1 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="yarn1" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6195/6027225926_883e79f06f.jpg" width="489" /></a><br />
From <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/71800468/handspun-yarn-tardis-120-yards">here</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6027225980/" title="yarn2 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="yarn2" height="345" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6185/6027225980_ecf503803d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
From <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/77575501/handpun-yarn-meringue-natural-alpaca">here</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6027226094/" title="yarn4 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="yarn4" height="333" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6146/6027226094_3558688a19.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
From <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75941638/recycled-hand-dyed-100-cashmere-eco?ref=cat1_gallery_24">here</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6027226058/" title="yarn3 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="yarn3" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6027226058_6d967f629a.jpg" width="497" /></a><br />
From <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/78967996/worsted-weight-melon-creamsicle-merino?ref=sc_5" rel="nofollow">www.etsy.com/listing/78967996/worsted-weight-melon-creams...">here</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6027226288/" title="yarn7 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="yarn7" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6062/6027226288_492f8ce5c7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
From <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/79433521/ooak-somewhere-out-there-handspun-thick?ref=cat1_gallery_39">here</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6027226146/" title="yarn5 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="yarn5" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6197/6027226146_f90f644aa1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Until not so long ago I had no idea they had these yarn bowls! They are so pretty and make life that much easier.<br />
From <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76577858/loveable-lovebird-yarn-bowl-handmade?ref=cat1_gallery_35">here</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6027226328/" title="yarn8 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="yarn8" height="332" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6190/6027226328_2c6fbe9f61.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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And how cute is that? Babies are amazing as they are, but this hat is just too cute to be true on that little head!<br />
From <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66045390/purple-green-grey-and-cream-baby-box?ref=cat1_gallery_24">here</a><br />
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The way it usually works is I am going to end up getting at least some of this yarn, then touch it, smell it, play around with it, then come up with a project for it and share it with you. :)CoralCirclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15516268506060697051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-460385517460879612.post-45644518254396721412011-08-07T22:10:00.000-07:002011-08-15T16:13:56.717-07:00Tutorial: Cross Stitching<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6020653216/" title="cross stitch tutorial by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="cross stitch tutorial" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6143/6020653216_b0bd799ec2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Besides the fact that the name itself has three letters "s" in a row in it, cross stitching is also a very fun and rewarding craft. The way I look at it, is I can't draw, but I can make art with thread, which satisfies my creative need. It is challenging at times but once you get over the details, the possibilities are endless. <br />
The basics are really easy, and then it is up to you what you want to do with the skills...<br />
I just recently have finished two cross stitched pieces, that I made into framed pictures and today I am going to show the basics and give a couple of advices on the process.<br />
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Like any other project cross stitching starts from materials:<br />
1. Embroidery needle.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6020759498/" title="embroidery needle by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="embroidery needle" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6025/6020759498_d0e8b61e88.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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2. Cross stitching fabric (or perforated cardboard if you are doing Mill Hill which is exactly that - cross stitching on the piece of special paper instead of fabric)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6020759376/" title="cross stitch fabric by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="cross stitch fabric" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6008/6020759376_d2c5cdd730.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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3. Embroidery thread and some times glass beads. There are patterns that offer to work only with beads, in that case you use half cross stitch to attach them and work the same way you would with a regular cross stitching project. I have a beautiful icon of Virgin Mary to make from glass beads entirely, when I am done, I will be glad to show.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6020418403/" title="thread by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="thread" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6013/6020418403_3c1cc9844e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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4. And a pretty pattern.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">**Some people like to use embroidery hoop, I use it for other types of embroidery, but not for cross stitching.</span><br />
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All of these materials will be neatly packed into a kit, if you choose to get one. I would recommend to do so, because it is easier for a beginner and it is so much fun to get all the goodies in one bag! But once you feel confident you can choose your own colors and materials<br />
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Now lets get to the basics of cross stitching.<br />
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Step 1: Find the middle of the pattern - there are arrows on each side of the pattern pointing at the middle, lightly crease the pattern horizontally and vertically according to the arrows, and where the crease lines meat is where the middle is on the pattern.<br />
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Step 2: Find the middle of the fabric - same way, crease it vertically and horizontally and where the lines cross is where the middle of the fabric is, this is where you start.<br />
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Step 3: Pick the right color of the thread according to the pattern's color key and insert the needle to make first stitch.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6020314131/" title="step 3 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="step 3" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6028/6020314131_9d5a0eeccd.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Step 4: Make a first row of half cross stitches, inserting the needle diagonally bottom left to top right.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6020330169/" title="step 4-1 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="step 4-1" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6002/6020330169_fd080be414.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6020331275/" title="step 4-2 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="step 4-2" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6026/6020331275_45a07ece71.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Step 5: Go back the other way and finish the cross stitches by going diagonally from bottom right to top left.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6020919102/" title="step 5-1 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="step 5-1" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6006/6020919102_ae422b66f3.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6020919250/" title="step 5-2 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="step 5-2" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6014/6020919250_6a8ce80ebc.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6020367267/" title="step 5-3 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="step 5-3" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6129/6020367267_4ee0738b56.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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To secure the first strand, hold the 1" tail of the thread on the back of the fabric in the direction you will be stitching. Make sure the end goes behind the stitches.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6020382689/" title="step 6 by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="step 6" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6141/6020382689_c359ef77c6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Tips:<br />
The stitching technique is easy, right? The hard part is to keep track of all the colors and reading the pattern. To me it's like doing a puzzle, I start with one color and do a little piece and then do the pieces of other color adjacent to it. It is easy to mess up if you go far out from the pieces you already made (there is also an art of saying - "good enough". I messed up in each of my pictures, can you tell?) I find that it helps to cross out with a pencil the rows that I already made.<br />
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On the back the cross stitched work looks like a Picasso painting, but you (and I) should try to make it look pretty on the back as well. If you have to jump with a thread, it's better to stop and start again where you need to, rather than making big gaps with a thread between them.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6020996646/" title="back side by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="back side" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6027/6020996646_dd5ed98919.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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This is basically it. If you have any questions make sure to e-mail me or comment. <br />
There are plenty of applications for cross stitched work such as towel embellishment, pictures, signs, Bible verses, and even clothes. In fact in Ukraine back in the days, people would take linen shirts and cross stitch traditional motifs on them. Until this day these shirts are considered part of Ukrainian outfit, I guess kinda like cowboy hats and boots here in US. Google it!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66137039@N06/6020466587/" title="two framed pictures by Coral Circle, on Flickr"><img alt="two framed pictures" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6121/6020466587_01c1a0b790.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Next time I am going to tell you how to frame your cross stitched work!<br />
CoralCirclehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15516268506060697051noreply@blogger.com1