Knitting Knobby Necklace

I have at least half a dozen projects in motion right now, none of which are finished. But, I did finish something recently that I started YEARS ago. So many years ago, in fact, I’ve lost track.

If you’re not familiar with what a knitting knobby is, maybe you know it by another name, such as corking, Bizzy Lizzy, spool knitter, knitting mushroom, Knitting Nancy or French Knitting. If none of those ring a bell, I might be sounding a little crazy by now. But this is a craft that has been around for a very long time, and if you didn’t try it as a kid, it’s never too late.

A website called Needlepointers has lots of links to information about knitting knobby projects, including this PDF from Hasbro (yes, the toy company) from 1945.

I started this because I fell in love with that black and white yarn in the first photo. I can’t knit or crochet, which limits my ability to use yarn in a productive way. But I was also looking for an easy craft I could do while watching TV with my family and it doesn’t get much easier than a knitting knobby.

I started, with no plan as to what I was going to do with this long thing I was “knitting.” I’d pick it up every once in a while, make it a little longer, then put it away again. Sometimes it stayed there for months, probably even years. At some point I decided I’d just stop when I ran out of yarn.

Fast forward to 2012, year of the infinity scarves and t-shirt yarn necklaces. When I realized I could actually make something I could wear from my little project, I was kind of ecstatic. No one wants to work on something for that long without a purpose.

I almost made it to the end of the ball of yarn, but once I decided what to do with it, my impatience won. I finished it off, tied the ends together and here’s what I ended up with.

Of course, now that it’s finished it’s warming up around here. I’ll will probably have to wait until the fall to wear it, but what’s a few more months for something years in the making?

Friday Favorites–My Birthday

I would swear I just had one, but according to the calendar today is my birthday. My oldest child is graduating from high school soon, so my husband is taking me shopping for a dress. I feel like I need a button to wear that says “Call me ma’am and suffer the consequences.” But they’re welcome to ask for my ID, should I choose to order a beverage containing alcohol. Wait until you see how cranky I’ll get when I have really big birthdays.

I came across a few things that made me much less cranky though. For starters, how could I, being a crafter, not smile at this little beauty? It can be found at Joann, and I just can’t get over what a great job Singer did combining the old and new.

When I was a kid, in the olden days before computers, I actually loved to type. My husband gave me a tablet for my birthday last year, so this USB Typewriter from Uncommon Goods just seems like a perfect fit.

Speaking of my little tablet, the reason I wanted one in the first place was to read books on it. I don’t read a lot of non-fiction, but I think my next one will be Imagine: How Creativity Works by Jonah Lehrer. I always find it fascinating to hear a scientist try to explain why we do what we do.

If you understand the references on this t-shirt, you know why it’s one of my all-time favorite movies. If you don’t, go find The Princess Bride and watch it. Right now. But don’t read the book – it’s truly awful. Inconceivable.

I have ridiculously sensitive teeth. Not because I’m getting older – they’ve always been that way. I rarely even bother trying to drink something cold without a straw, so I’m pretty sure I need these Bent Glass Straws from Etsy seller ManyMinis.

I already got a fabulous coffee cup for my birthday from my sister. It came from Amazon in a GIANT blue velvet bag, which made it extra fun to open. In case you’re new here, I’m a big Wonder Woman fan.

I’ve been on a search for some cute red heels. I don’t know where I’m going to wear them, it just seems like something that should be available in my closet when I figure it out. This pair from DSW might be The One.

As a graduation gift, we’re taking our daughter and her friend to Disneyland. This cute Dooney & Bourke bag might not be in the budget (after high school comes college), but I will have to find it there, just so I can see it in person. No really, I just want to look at it. Really.

When my husband and I got married, almost 21 years ago, we decided we didn’t need or want formal china. A few years ago, I found my “china” in Fiesta ware. I have quite a bit of it now, but there’s always a new piece or color on my radar. Right now, it’s this chip and dip set. Love.

Do you remember the brownie/cookie dough/cake dessert from last year? It was heavenly. This year, I’m leaning toward these Salted Caramel Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars from Made with Pink. Tell me your mouth is not watering right now.

I’m off to do some celebrating. Have a great Mother’s Day this weekend!

8 Comments

by CraftyStaci on May 11, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in Friday Favorites

Tagged bag, birthday, books, crafts, dessert, sewing, shoes, t-shirt

Posted by CraftyStaci on May 11, 2012

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Caramel No Bake Cookies

I’ve been volunteering in the College and Career Center at my kids’ high school for the past couple of years. I’m assigned a group of teenagers, and my job is to help them figure out how to achieve their post-high school goals. We help them find scholarships, information on colleges, internships, military contacts, volunteer opportunities, etc. You’d think that would be enough.

With all that assistance just there for the asking, they should be overflowing out the door of our little room. Nope. Teenagers are teenagers. However, they can be bribed. We aren’t above luring them in the door with treats. We have new rules to follow though, and we aren’t supposed to give them anything over 200 calories. That’s why I can tell you, my teenager-bait for today comes in at about 100 calories per cookie.

Caramel No Bake Cookies

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup evaporated milk (I use skim)

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 cups oats, either quick-cooking or old fashioned

Combine the sugars, butter and milk in a saucepan. Cook on medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add peanut butter, vanilla and oats. Stir well. Working quickly, drop by teaspoons full onto waxed paper. Cool completely. Makes about 50 cookies.

I also tried sprinkling a little bit of sea salt on a couple of these, and loved it. They’re very rich anyway, so one or two goes a long way. I’m off to see if the high schoolers feel the same way.

5 Comments

by CraftyStaci on May 9, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in recipes

Tagged cookies, cooking, diy, food, recipes

Posted by CraftyStaci on May 9, 2012

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Friday Favorites–Pinterest Finds

This week, I decided to share some of my favorites from my Pinterest boards. I try not to visit every day, because if I did nothing else would ever get done. Today though, I spent a LOT of time there. My daughter called it procraftination. Smart girl.

This canvas project from Virginia and Charlie has been popping up for a while. I was surprised to find out when I tracked it back to the original post, she didn’t use glue, like all the pins say, and she didn’t paint it. It’s puffy paint, and she left it white. I still love it, and she shows some other versions she made as well.

I think I’ve mentioned this before, but a few years ago, we took our kids on an epic, two-week, cross-country road trip. It was fantastic. I’d love to embroider our path onto a map and frame it, like these from Martha Stewart.

I found this cute project recently. It comes from a Hungarian blog, whose name, A Papír egy Csoda, Google translates as The Paper is a Miracle . What a fun, beautiful way to fill the space under the stairs.

I love Christian Louboutin shoes. You know, the high heels with the red soles? And it’s really only because of those soles. I could have something similar and sparkly for a fraction of a fraction of the cost with this tutorial from Could I Have That.

I like food with flavor, but not super-spicy. Every once in a while though, I get in the mood for a jalapeno popper, and I think this Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich from BS’ in the Kitchen would be a delicious substitute.

These bags from Jump From Paper look like cartoons, but are actual bags. They’re pretty pricey, but kind of adorable.

This Thin Mints sign from Etsy seller Atlas Signs is my most liked and repinned pin. And oh-so true.

I had to do some serious digging and searching to find the originator of this shadow box car display, which is Work in Progress Kits. Totally worth it. I’m digging out my son’s old Hot Wheels right now.

We’ll wrap up this week with one of my favorite new quotes, courtesy of SomeEcards.

2 Comments

by CraftyStaci on May 4, 2012 • Permalink

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Tagged crafts, diy, food, Friday Favorites, home decorating, inspiration, Pinterest, shoes

Posted by CraftyStaci on May 4, 2012

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Shopping

I’m a big fan of shopping online. I love being able to sit at my computer, in my pajamas, and look for anything I might need. Or not need. It also makes me happy that someone will bring it to my door.

You all know I have a shop on Etsy, but they’ve come up with a few new things recently that make shopping there even better. The big one for me is that you can now purchase from an Etsy shop without using PayPal. You can simply use a credit card right from the cart. Yay!

There’s also an Etsy feature I like called “Gift Ideas.” It’s in the lower left corner of the home page, under “Ways to Shop.” It looks at your Facebook friends’ interests and suggests related items. Some of them are pretty good. Some are just entertaining. I laughed when it suggested a whole bunch of Strawberry Shortcake items for my son who likes strawberries. But the chocolate chip cookies are spot on.

I just noticed you can now create a wedding registry on Etsy (upper left corner). My wedding was almost 21 years ago, but I’m hoping other types of registries will follow.

This might be surprising, but I just recently placed my first order with Fabric.com. Fabric is one thing I rarely order online, mostly because I like to be able to feel it. But the prices were too good to pass up, and I’m very impressed with them so far. I ordered some swatches first, which were much bigger than I expected (about 8” squares) and came very quickly. They offer very good sales and I found the colors and descriptions to be accurate. I’ll definitely order again.

My most recent shopping discovery is called Tophatter. It’s an auction website, but it’s different than any I’ve seen before. It seems to be handmade, vintage and supplies, and from what I’ve seen so far many of the sellers are from Etsy, looking for a new outlet for their goods. It’s fun to watch, if only for the little animated auctioneer.

Handmadeology will be hosting a Live Mother’s Day Auction on Tophatter on May 5th, which might be a good time to check it out. It appears that Tophatter gives you a $5 credit to use toward your first purchase over $5. I haven’t used mine yet, and it’s only good the day you register, so keep that in mind if you decide to check out the site.

Edit: When I wrote this post, I had applied to be part of the Handmadeology Mother’s Day Auction, but didn’t know if I would be accepted – I was! Also, I’ve been given 10 Tophatter invitations, so if you need one, email me and I’ll invite you.

Now I’ve got to give the shopping a break and get back to work. Let me know if you try any of these out!

4 Comments

by CraftyStaci on April 30, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in crafts

Tagged crafts, Etsy, fabric, sewing, shopping

Posted by CraftyStaci on April 30, 2012

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Friday Favorites–Gifts for Teachers

Teacher Appreciation Day is on May 8th this year. We’ve been fortunate enough to be part of a great school system and my kids have had excellent teachers over the years. Having volunteered in their schools for the past 15 years (whew!) I can tell you that those teachers bring a lot of themselves to their classrooms, both mentally and physically. Their rooms are filled with things they’ve brought from home or purchased with their own money. It’s always nice to show them a little appreciation and support as the year comes to a close.

Have you ever been in a classroom that doesn’t have a box of tissues floating around somewhere? Nothing says they can’t be fancied up a little with this Tissue Box Cover from Sew-4-Home.

These Mod Podge Glass Clings from Mod Podge Rocks are shown on vases and glasses, but they would make great window decorations for a classroom.

This Something Special Card and Envelope from Sew, Mama, Sew takes a simple message of appreciation up a notch.

A common site on a teacher’s desk these days is a mouse. The computer kind. This Fabric Scrap Mousepad from How Joyful would give it something pretty to sit on.

This Post-it Note Holder from Smile Monsters is cute, functional and inexpensive to make.

I’ve noticed most teachers keep some sort of drink on their desk (water, coffee, Kool-Aid, etc.), making these DIY Fabric Covered Tile Coasters from Marie, Oh Marie a handy gift.

This Chalkboard Planter from Accidentally Wonderful is just cute. I want one, and I’m not even a teacher.

I could see this Emergency Zippered Pouch from A Spoonful of Sugar might be handy to clip to their ID lanyard when they’re out of the classroom with the kids.

Gift cards are always nice for teachers, and a Gift Card Cozy like these from Make It and Love It make them a little more special.

Let’s face it – sometimes the best thing you can give your favorite teacher is cold, hard cash. To soften that “cold, hard” part, try folding it into a bracelet with this tutorial from Under the Table and Dreaming.

There are a few ideas for gifts for teachers right here too! Check out the Pencil and Paper Drink Sleeve and Mat (also in my Etsy shop right now), Reversible Coffee Cup Sleeves, Reusable Sandwich and Snack Bags or Oval Mug Mat.

BIG THANKS to all the teachers out there!

2 Comments

by CraftyStaci on April 27, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in crafts, Friday Favorites

Tagged crafts, diy, fabric, Friday Favorites, gifts, school, sewing

Posted by CraftyStaci on April 27, 2012

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Paint Chips from Photos

As I mentioned last week, we’re in the middle of remodeling another room in our house. When we moved out of our last house, years ago, we had just finished adding onto and updating it too. Needless to say, we’ve spent a lot of time mulling over paint chips.

I love color, but that task always stresses me out a little. It’s a bit like choosing a baby’s name – whatever you pick, you’re stuck with, even if you decide later that Apple is both an odd choice for a child and a bad color for your bathroom.

I happened upon a tool yesterday, which I have absolutely no affiliation with, that’s kind of brilliant. It’s called Chip It! by Sherwin Williams and it’s almost criminal how fun it is to play with.

It’s very simple. You give it the address of a photo, like the one above from my homemade Salsa post, and it chooses a palette of colors based on what it sees in the picture. At first, it gives you a smaller group of five chips, like this pic of Lavender Mint Tea.

But when you hit that little “More Colors” link at the bottom, it expands to up to ten.

It probably goes without saying, but it’s going to pick up the background in your photo, so the more the colors you’re aiming for fill the frame, the better.

You can use photos from pretty much anywhere online – Pinterest, Flickr, blogs. You can also share your chips, once you’ve saved them to your ChipBook, via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.

I apologize in advance for causing you to lose part of your day, but maybe this will inspire you to go paint something. Somewhere out there, my husband is hoping not.

12 Comments

by CraftyStaci on April 25, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in crafts, diy

Tagged color, crafts, diy, inspiration, paint

Posted by CraftyStaci on April 25, 2012

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Friday Favorites–Recycling and Repurposing

I’m never quite sure what to say about Earth Day. It feels similar to what we all tell our children when they ask why there’s no Kids’ Day. Say it with me – every day is Kids’ Day. Isn’t every day Earth Day? Do you only recycle on April 22nd? Probably not, and I found a bunch of creative people who do it year-round too.

I just bought some shrinkable plastic sheets to play with. I wish I would have found these DIY Shrinky Dinks from Curbly first.

If someone comes up with some creative way this thing will water itself (I’m sure it’s out there) I’ll be all over this Vertical Vegetable Garden from Instructables user pippa5, because I’m pretty sure I have this shoe organizer somewhere.

I’m sure if you’ve even dipped your foot into Pinterest, you’ve experienced the frustration of trying to track down the original source of a pin. I saw this photo and loved it, but finding where it came from took a LONG time. Turns out, it’s an entry in a photo contest on Dave’s Garden. The photo, taken by Elfishone, is lovely and the idea is a brilliant way to reuse an old purse.

Who hasn’t found themselves with old, empty DVD cases and wondered how they could be repurposed? This DVD Coloring Case from Handmade by Stacy Vaughn is the perfect answer.

I’m not sure how difficult it would be to find the hardware for this Book Page Bracelet from Happy Hour Projects, but I think it’s definitely worth looking.

Start collecting those pop tops, because you’ll need a lot of them to make this Pop Top Lamp Shade from Make.

This Buckle Up Key Holder from Uncommon Goods is a ready-made item, but with a little ingenuity and access to an old seatbelt, I’m sure you crafters out there could make one.

Something about this Corner Door Shelf from Craftaholics Anonymous feels like Alice in Wonderland.

This braided belt from Instructables user hammer9876 uses ties from yoga pants, but the possibilities for reusing other string-shaped items are endless.

I’m going to start stashing away colorful magazine pages so I can make these gift bows from How About Orange. As if I need another excuse.

Stretching Designer Fabric

That title might be a little misleading. I’m not talking about literally stretching the fabric. What I want to talk about is how you can buy less expensive fabric but make it go farther in a room. Before I get into that, you’re going to need a bit of back story.

Our house was built in 1972. We bought it in 2002, and very little had been done as far as updating. There was still orange shag carpet in a closet and these lovely things hung by the front door.

One bathroom had a dusty blue toilet and bathtub and the other was avocado green. There were several pieces of gold glass throughout the house. That dark wood you can see in the photo was EVERYWHERE.

We’ve been working on some part of the house constantly since we moved in. My daughter jokes that she’ll always have to have one unfinished room in her house just to feel at home.

This is my fireplace. At least, it was.

I had all I could take of that wood paneling, so I asked my husband what he thought about painting it. One thing lead to another, and pretty soon we were re-doing the living room. I’m dying to show you what we’ve done, but it isn’t finished, so I’m holding off for a big reveal. I will tell you – the paneling did not get painted.

What I can show you are the new pillows for the couch. It’s just a tiny part of the room, but I want to share a couple of tips on making your expensive fabric make an big impact on your room, but a smaller one on your wallet.

I set out to find fabric that would match my new living room colors and fell in love with the print above with the squares. The black with the keys is a companion print. Because we decided to do this room on a whim, the budget is very tight. I wanted to use it for pillows and curtains, but at $18 per yard, that wasn’t going to work. I didn’t want to give it up completely, so instead I found a tan microfiber on clearance and used that for the back of all eight pillows.

That allowed me to buy enough of the squares and keys for the fronts of two pillows each, and mix in the other coppery orange that I also found on clearance. I recovered our existing pillows instead of buying new pillow forms, so I saved there too. Another trick I used was piecing together some of the cheaper fabric with the expensive to get the look without using much at all.

I’m very happy with the pillows and can’t wait to show you what I did with the curtains. Home improvement…better than spring cleaning.

6 Comments

by CraftyStaci on April 18, 2012 • Permalink

Posted in crafts, sewing

Tagged crafts, diy, fabric, home improvement, pillows, sewing

Posted by CraftyStaci on April 18, 2012

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Friday Favorites–Dresses and Skirts

We’ve finally had a couple of really nice days around here. We made it all the way to 70 degrees! I painted my toenails and dug a pair of sandals out of the back of my closet. Two days later I was stuffing them back in and slipping into my wool socks again, but it was nice while it lasted. That little bit of sunshine, combined with my daughter’s senior prom coming up soon, has me in the mood for dresses and skirts.

I’m fascinated by the idea of these Infinity Dresses, like this one from Sew Like My Mom…

…and this one from Rostitchery. I’m just afraid I’d end up somewhere lost in a knot.

Instructables user nataliehua made an entire Ruffled On-Shoulder Dress from one extra-large t-shirt. It’s a teeny dress, but impressive.

I don’t own one, but these yoga skirts like this one from Sew, Mama, Sew look very comfy.

The sash on this Simple A-Line Skirt from The Mother Huddle is removable, but it’s so cute, why would you want to?

I love the color of this Sweet August Dress from Kojo Designs. So summery.

My favorite things about this Taking Notes Skirt from Sewing in No-Man’s Land are that extra-wide waistband and wide tie. And the bright yellow. And the dots.

I like the extra details on this Flowered Wrap Skirt from Creative Kismet, like the curved corner and the lining that would show if it flipped a little.

All the ruffles on this Ruffle Equation Skirt from iCandy Handmade are adorable, but I’m trying to figure out how I would get those boots to go with it.

I’m not sure I’m brave enough for this Party Dress from DIY Style, but it just wouldn’t be as fun any other way.

I can’t even tell you how much I love this Vintage Inspired Summer Dress from Etsy seller Darmiani Fashions. This, with a pair of red heels, would make me blissfully happy.