R2-D2 Cross Stitch

I forgot how easy it is to cross stitch.  Of course, I'm not doing a bajillion color changes or anything intricate. And, I'm not showing the backs....it's a hot mess.

I finished R2-D2 last night completely and have C-3PO's main color all finished.

I'm attempting to buy as little as possible for these. So far, so good.  I'm just getting close on some of the colors and using what cross stitch fabric I have on hand.  That's why the droids are on red.  It was the only color that did not clash too bad.

Cross Stitch for Christmas

I always try to make Christmas presents.  I succeeded fairly well in 2014.  This year I'm wanting to try something different from sewing* or knitting, so why not cross stitch.

There are so many fun and hip cross stitch patterns on Etsy.  I just bought several patterns that I had been eyeing.  The shop (Wee Little Stitches) is running a 20% off spring sale. I struck while the iron was hot.

I bought 2 Batman (heroes and villains) sets, Star Wars, and Harry Potter, Hermione, and Ron set.  My brother is getting a single Batman. If I feel generous I will add the Joker.  My daughter is getting Batman and the Riddler (her favorite).  My sister will be getting, I think, C-3PO and R2-D2.  I might add, "These aren't the droids you are looking for."  Probably not though.  I can see myself still working on these on Christmas Eve.

I just remembered this Halloween pic, but I'm keeping my dogs below still.

I don't think I'm going to cross stitch for my parents.  I probably will get them photo books printed of my daughter.

Since I just bought the patterns and haven't started, but blogs are boring without photos; here is a photo of my chihuahuas:

Roo and Tico

I guess I should add that this is going to be interesting.  I haven't cross stitched in probably 20 years when I was little kid.  I've embroidered some.  I'm hoping it comes back to me since I was never really taught in the beginning.  I just did it.

*Funny story.  I made my brother a lap quilt.  When I bought the quilt batting I just quickly grabbed something.  I had no idea I bought crib size.  Jokingly on Christmas morning I told him and his girlfriend, "By the way, it's crib size."  Now, they are saying it is a cursed fertility blanket like in the movie The Proposal since I am becoming an aunt in November! LOL.

Ewok Sweaters

Ewok sweaters:

Supplies:

US 2 needles

Sock yarn
4 stitch markers

Closures (snaps, Velcro, etc.)

Darning needle

Ewoks

Notes:

In a mix bag of Star Wars Ewoks that was purchased from a flea market I noticed there were 3 varieties.  The sweaters are generally the same for all three, but changes may be needed depending on the neck, body or arm length. Patterns have not been thoroughly tested. Ewok 2 I will be making more than once so I will update if I find anything major.

Ewok 1 (1985 Lumat)-

CO 16

K1 x P1 rib for 6 rows

                Work stitches as they appear on the wrong sides.

Work the 6^th row of rib- Raglan set up K3, pm, K3 pm, K4, pm, K3, pm, K3

Start increases by knitting 1 stitch before maker, KFB, sl m, KFB, repeat to the end. (24 sts)

Purl to end.

Repeat Raglan increases.  (32 sts)

Purl to end.

Repeat Raglan increases. (40 sts)

Purl to end.

Knit to first marker.  Remove marker and place stitches between the markers on scrap yarn.  These are the sleeves.  Knit to the next marker and repeat.

Starting on the wrong side St. st. for 3 rows.

K1 x P1 rib for 2 rows.

BO in rib pattern.

Sleeves-

Place stitches back on the needles. Pick up 1 stitch on each side of the ends. 

St. st. for 3 rows. 

*K2tog, K2* to the last stitch, K1. 

K1 x P1 rib pattern.

BO in rib.

Repeat for the second sleeve.  Seam up and stitch up any holes under the arm.  Weave in ends and sew on closure.  To keep the roll neck collar down, I tacked it on the purl rows when weaving in ends.

Ewok 2 (1983 Ewok Medicine Man and 1984 Teebo)-

CO 18

K1 x P1 rib for 4 rows.
                Work stitches as they appear on the wrong sides.

Work the 4^th row of rib- Raglan set up K3, pm, K3 pm, K6, pm, K3, pm, K3

Start increases by knitting 1 stitch before maker, KFB, sl m, KFB, repeat to the end. (26 sts)

Purl to end.

Repeat Raglan increases.  (34 sts)

Purl to end.

Repeat Raglan increases. (42 sts)

Purl to end.

Knit to first marker.  Remove marker and place stitches between the markers on scrap yarn.  These are the sleeves.  Knit to the next marker and repeat.

Starting on the wrong side St. st. for 4 rows.

K5, KFB, knit to the last 6, KFB, K5.

K1 x P1 rib for 2 rows.

BO in rib pattern.

Sleeves-

Place stitches back on the needles. Pick up 1 stitch on each side of the ends. 

St. st. for 3 rows. 

*K2tog, K2* to the last stitch, K1. 

K1 x P2 rib pattern.

BO in rib.

Repeat for the second sleeve.  Seam up and stitch up any holes under the arm.  Weave in ends and sew on closure.  To keep the roll neck collar down, I tacked it on the purl rows when weaving in ends.

Coming soon Ewok 3 (1983 Chief Chirpa).

Copyright by Natalie Scrimshire, 2015.

Please do not sell pattern or product made from pattern.

Christmas time

I periodically get the crazy idea to make Christmas presents for everyone in my family.  I've skipped doing this for 2 years, but now I'm back to it.

I've made beaded bracelets for a few people, headbands, and sewn gifts.

It is difficult coming up with ideas for the men in my family.  I made glasses case with lanyard for my BIL, a heating pad cover for my daddy, and a blanket for my brother.

R is getting  a lot of handmade items.  Her big one from me this year is a Middie Blythe that I customized for her.

Last peak before being wrapped.

Along with the Middie is a collection of clothing and a carrying case.  I made her Blythe girls, Lisa and Coco, some outfits too.

Santa is bringing her a Mab Graves Pinkie and the baby dino cameo, and she is receiving a microscope, karaoke machine, and other odds and ends.  Her daddy is getting a necklace made from the shell of the bullet that killed her first deer this year.  Funny enough the shell has her initials on it.

I hope everyone who happens upon this post has a great holiday season!

Crayon Lipstick

Have you heard of crayon lipstick?  Search it on YouTube and you will find many DYI videos!  A friend of mine showed the videos to my 9 year old and of course she wanted to make some.

It was rather easy.  I watched the video once and grasped the concept.  Biggest question- are crayons really safe for lip color?  Honestly, I am not sure.  This is what I found on Crayola's website:  http://www.crayola.com/faq/your-business/how-are-crayons-manufactured-and-what-are-the-basic-ingredients/

And here is the list of ingredients that are not in the crayons:

http://www.crayola.com/faq/safetymsds/due-to-allergies-and-allergy-concerns-can-you-tell-me-the-ingredients-in-your-products/

And, they do meet the "acid free" standard.  This is more for archival purposes, but still good to know.  http://www.crayola.com/faq/another-topic/are-crayola-products-acid-free-and-permanent/

They are indeed toxic-free:  http://www.crayola.com/faq/safetymsds/are-crayola-and-silly-putty-products-nontoxic-even-if-ingested/

Now for the personal disclaimer, I have no further information than what was found on the brand's website.  I tried the lipstick on myself without any complications.  I cannot wear cosmetic lipstick....all brands I have tried make my lips peel.

If you try this at home, you take responsibility. :)  Now that I covered that, onto the product.

I'm not going to post a how-to.  I just want to share the outcome.

I let R choose the colors which she based on the video she watched on YouTube.  I did most of the work since it did involve the stove and a pan of hot water.  I allowed her to stir the mixtures, but I did all of the pouring into the containers.  I do suggest clean up with paper towels to prevent color transfer, and having the pouring/prep on a cookie sheet.  It helped with not getting color on my granite.  You do have to clean the bowl and funnel between each color which was tiresome.

The brand of Coconut Oil I used.  It isn't the cheapest, but not the most expensive either.

The colors used....that is Orchid.  R forgot the r.  I think Strawberry is really Wild Strawberry.

My goodness

My goodness it has been a long time!!  Wonderful news, I graduated with my Masters of Science in Library Science.  Hooray! Hooey! Joy!

I have had more time to sew and knit.  I've been sewing like a crazy person making doll bags, hankie dresses, and long style dresses for my Blythes.

Here is a sampling:

Maybe eventually the long dresses will shop up in my Etsy shop.

Here is some knitting projects:

Team Zissou Hats!!

Tax season Blythe Knits pattern sale!

On Ravelry from now until April 15th, get 15% off of my knitting patterns with the taxes coupon code!

http://www.ravelry.com/redeem/blythe-knits-designs?code=taxes

This is on Ravelry only! Enjoy!