I thought I would share with you a few pages from a journal I made using the Nine Months of Memories craft kit from RVA.
I can't wait to make cute stitched accents with the embroidery patterns as well. There's a cute one with the words 'boy' and 'girl' with check boxes, and I think that's how I'm going to announce the gender on my blog. :) The craft kits from RVA are a lot of fun to work with, and I really enjoy making journals like this one.
xo holly
hello hello. this quick little tutorial is for everyone who purchased our pumpkin spice recipe card kit.
first of all, your kit comes with a little perler beads shape (there are three different leaf shapes, the beads are not included in the kit but can be purchased at any craft supply store)... you can use this to make a super cute embellishment for your card case.
next you'll need to cut out and sew your fleece to make your little card cozie. my finished pouch is 6 inches wide and 5.5 inches tall. you'll want to add an extra inch when you cut it out so that you'll have plenty of room to sew! i used a sewing machine for mine, but it can also be hand stitched fairly quickly if you don't have a machine available...
In your kit you'll find some cute fabric scraps and stickers too! I didn't use these for my project, but here is another great idea that you could use the fabric scraps for... here's a little how to make yo-yo's tutorial by miss heather bailey. these would make cute little decorations for your card pouch!
yay! if you have any questions, please ask me, right here, in the comments! :D OH, and THANK YOU so much for being patient with me on that one. i'm running super behind this week even though i feel like i've been crazy productive. geez!
Also, I completely missed fashion friday this week so i'll have to make an EXTRA long one for you this coming week.... :)) here's a little peek of something i'm in love with...
LOVElove & happy Sunday. Elsie
ps. look below at Holly's amazing textile post and check back tomorrow for Rachel's interior design feature. XO.
I love this recycled fabric rug. I am so quick to give my old clothes to goodwill but now I know what I can do with my maternity shirts when I no longer need them! I wonder how long this took. FOREVER?! Those colors are the best and it's the closest I've seen to a DIY rug that I'd actually use in my home.
This little craft has been popping up lately and intimidates me slightly. I've heard it involves paper piecing and being precise. Two things that don't come easily to me. However, I love the hexagon shapes and it would be yet another way to not only use up some favorite fabric scraps, but add a little customization to a plain tee.
Now that I know how to knit again, I think I might use up some leftover skeins to make one of these. I love her color palette and the simplicity of the pattern. And that sleeping baby is pretty adorable.
What is on your 'TO MAKE' list?
xoxo,
Rachel
Hi everyone! Vivianna has been kind enough to post some great tips for beginning and intermediate level knitters here! Thanks so much, Vivs! We love you! XO. Elsie & the rva girls
Hello there! I'm Vivianna from Polka Dot Robot
I am so excited to share with you my new patten that has been published through Red Velvet Art.
This pattern is for beginning/ intermediate levels.
Learning to knit can be stressful if you don't know where to start. I am here to get you in the right direction and show some of my favorite websites, books, and magazines.
Websites
These days the internet is your friend and you can find just about anything you need. Learn to knit on the internet. (ha!)
Youtube: is great! You just need to find the right video for you.
Knittinghelp.com is one of my favorite sites but does not have a wide range of how-tos
Knitty has amazing free patterns every season and a large archive of patterns to choose from. They also have useful articles on knitting techniques.
Ravelry is GREAT for loads and loads of inspiration, but you have to have an account. There is a waiting list but it should not take long to receive your invitation. Every knitter is on this site. It the one-stop shop for knitters: you can find patterns, sell patterns, get help in the forums, keep track of your projects, see what your friends are working on, and more!
Books
is an awesome book if you are just starting out knitting. I learned how to knit from this book. I still go to it if I need to look something up. It has some cute patterns that are easy for beginners.
Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book
is useful for all levels of knitters. The photos are great and easy to follow.
All books by Elizabeth Zimmermann are wonderful, but a little old fashion.
ok,these are just a few of the books that I use all the time. There are so many out there that it can be a little overwhelming finding the right book for you.
Magazines
Magazines are great for new patterns and how-to's.
Some of my work
and then the stuff that is never ending
Flickr love
1. owl sweater, 2. birthday sweater, 3. Merino Chunky Throw, 4. Noro Scarf IV, 5. Koolhaas 4, 6. Relm, 7. sometimes i just feel like standing there., 8. Garter Stripe Beanies, 9. Norwegian Stockings, 10. One of Each, 11. frontpage, 12. yummy, 13. Arch-shaped Socks, 14. FO: Central Park Hoodie, 15. Not just in Scotland anymore
Happy Knitting!
Vivs
If you have any question about knitting you can email me at vivianna(AT)polkadotrobot(DOT)com
p.s Down a few post Holly wrote about knitting too.
I've been dying my own yarn the last couple days, and I had several people ask me how I do it, so this is for you lovely girls.
Kool aid can be used for so much, it tastes delicious accordingly to Zeke, I myself prefer to dye soft fibers, and occasionally, accidentally the kitchen counter and stove top.
Kool aid works only on animal fibers, and for bright, bright colors, 1 pack kool aid per ounce does the trick. I just tested a 75% wool, 25% nylon skein, and it came out pretty bright too, just add a little extra kool aid :)
First you wanna soak your yarn in soap and water, I fill the sink enough to cover the yarn, and add a drop of dish washing detergent.
Then add your choice of kool aid in a pot, add enough water to cover the yarn, and heat the yarn to nearly boiling, tun it off, cover with a lid, and let it sit for 30 minutes.
If you are only doing one color, drop the whole skein in the pot. I like to do half one color, and half another, so ill leave half the yarn out, to dye later.
When the water is mostly clear, let it cool, remove the yarn, and rinse in water the same temperature as the yarn. Cold water can cause the yarn to felt.
When I do two different colors, I'll fill the pot again, and add the undyed half of yarn. Bring it to nearly boiling, let it sit, rinse, and hang to dry. Easy as that! :)
and voila!
Dying the yarn two, or more, colors will cause the yarn to self stripe when knitted. I love it!
Here's and example with yarn I dyed last week <3
I hope this was helpful, and if you already knew how to do this, and haven't in a while, then maybe this was just the little kick in the butt you needed to get inspired to do it again :)
<3 Silje
Finally!
I've had this project in mind for quite some time now, but haven't gotten around to actually play, due to work, the flu and just being busy in general.
I kicked myself in the butt, and after a minor set back,...I ran out of bulbs mid-printing, and had to wait for an order to arrive, allthe way from Japan. I finally got it done, my 2009 calendar :) yay!
Hand printed using the beloved gocco. Oh gocco, I could write you a million love songs, seriously!
I had planned for these to be christmas presents for friends and family, but I made way too many, so I put a couple up for sale in my Etsy :)
<3 Silje
I finally had time to dig out patterns, and yarn, and after watching videos on youtube on how to knit, I finally did it! :)
I knitted 4 pairs of mittens the last 3 days while at work, and I'm loving it! No more cold hands ever! I think socks, and a hat might be next on the list! :)
Knittet on 4, size 7 needles, pattern from "Hats, Mittens & Scarves".
These are up for sale now in my Etsy Shop :)
What are you knitting right now?
<3 Silje
After my visit to a russian gift shop last week, I was so incredibly inspired! They had amazing books about the history behind the nesting dolls, and beautiful, hand carved, and hand painted dolls.
I wasn't able to ake any pictures at the store, but the cute lady that worked there, told me, with her adorable russian accent, that matryoshkas are a sign of family or sisterhood. I love them!
The day before I recieved a box full of fabric inks, and screens from Japan, and I was ready to try out printing on fabric! And this is what I came up with :)
They are ment to hang as ornaments, and I really can't wait for christmas so I can hang them on my tree :) Each one measures 5x3", and are stuffed with polyester fill.
They are up for sale in my Etsy! :)
Hope you all had a relaxing, and inspiring weekend!
<3 Silje
Start out with two pieces of thick chipboard that measure 6" x 5 1/2" as well as a strip of canvas or grossgrain ribbon that measures 2" x 5 1/2".
Sew canvas or ribbon onto one 5 1/2" side of each piece of chipboard. I attached the canvas with double-sided tape to hold it in place while I sewed. Make sure to leave about 1/3" of space between the two pieces of chipboard so that it has room to fold.
Cut out your woodgrain contact paper so that there is about 1" overhang on each side.
Carefully attach the first page of your chipboard book to the sticky side of the contact paper and smooth out before attaching the rest.
Fold over the top and bottom edges so that they are wrapped over tightly. Attach double-sided tape or mounting squares to the corners where the top has folded over and then fold over both of the short sides.
It should look like this.
I used vintage wallpaper to cover the chipboard on the inside but you could also use scrapbook paper or more woodgain to cover it. Measure your two pieces to overlap the 'naked' space. Two separate pieces allows for easy folding room. I covered the inside edges with a strip of tape.
Next you'll want to cut your paper of choice to measure 11 1/2" x 5" and fold in half.
Align the middle of your paper fold with the chipboard fold and poke three holes through both paper and chipboard. I used an awl but a heavy embroidery needle may also work. Starting from the inside of your book, thread through the bottom hole and come back out through the middle hole.
Then thread down through the top hole and double back to thread through the middle hole again.
Finally, you'll pull the needle through the bottom hole between the paper and chipboard, as well as the other end of the string. Tie a knot and trim string.
The spine of the book should look like this.
Due to the stiffness of the contact paper, you may want to place a heavy item on your book until you're ready to use it.
Alter it to make it a mini album or use it as a journal for ideas. And when your best friend asks you where you got it, tell her you know this really great blog...
We're going to start seeing lots of red and pink and 'love' inspired craftiness so I've decided to offer up something for those who aren't feeling the slightest bit excited about love. This pillow is dedicated to all the girls who've had a broken heart. Just flip it over when you've found love again.
Trace your heart shape on a 12'' x 12" piece of fabric. This will be your template for the remaining three hearts.
You'll need to cut out a lining for the first heart shape. I used white. This will be the back of your heart.
Cut out a solid pink and a lighter pink fabric with the same heart template. Now you have the front of the heart.
You'll need to use a light colored pen to trace the shape of a break. Make it about 1" wide at the top and narrower towards the bottom. Mine is about 5" long.
Pin the top and bottom pieces together so that when you stitch your heartbreak, you're stitching through both pieces. (Mine is stitched together in the pic but its unnecessary at this point.) Thread your needle with light pink embroidery floss and backstitch as shown along the break outline.
Once you've finished your stitching, carefully cut out the top layer of the heartbreak so that the bottom layer shows up. Leave about 1/8" from the stitches.
Pin the front and back of your heart together with the right sides facing each other.
Starting near the bottom of the heart, sew around the edges leaving about 1/4" from the edge. Leave about 4" of a gap in order to fill it with stuffing.
Cut little wedges around the curves of your heart so they will spread nicely once unfolded.
Turn inside out and stuff with poly-fil or goose feathers or whatever you're into. Stitch shut with your needle and embroidery thread. Voila!
You're ready for Valentine's Day.
~Happily Married Rachel~
I had eight panels of cardboard that folded nicely in the middle just lying around from a recent sewing project and decided they were too useful to just toss in the recycling bin so I enlisted this one to be the cover of my travel journal.
I then gathered up any old or useful non-scrapbooky papers that had also been rescued from recycling and cut them to measure 8 1/2" x 11" and then folded them in half. I used pages from an atlas, a blank calendar page, old letters with interesting designs and plastic windows, a manilla envelope, a page from an Anthropologie catalog, an 8" x 10" picture, etc. and sewed them together in the middle. I then used double sided tape to adhere them to the back of the journal cover and sewed around three sides and in the center of the last page to secure it firmly.
I like to prepare my travel journals with a few pictures and ephemera as starting points or fillers. I also collected a few items that would be easy to add and general enough that I'd probably use them in the next two weeks. I packed double sided tape, a pen, vinyl alpha stickers, fabric scraps and more scrap paper to keep it interesting.
I couldn't help but sew a little travel case to keep it in as I knew the journal would get tossed around on its way through the Midwest. I reused a ribbon from a recent gift swap to keep things sealed in style.
Its a nice switch from the usual structures of scrapbooking and a lovely way to catch up with yourself.
Merry Christmas to all!
~Rachel~
I finished this garland for a holiday garland swap tonight. I used vintage book ephemera, Love, Elsie 'Noel' paper, glitter alpha letters from a craft store, eyelet paper, silver sequins, pink ribbon and cream lace. It was super easy to put together once I found the right materials. I think I may have to just make one for myself now!
~Rachel~
As an artist, I get pretty excited this time of year when people say, "hey come over, I am having a pumpkin carving contest." It all sounds good, until you show up and realize that everyone is using PATTERNS!! what the heck is up with this? I may be out of the loop, but this year is the first that I have heard of said patterns. I won't lie when I say, I don't like it! How do you have a contest based off of other people's work! BOO! So, I searched for some inspiration and came up with this. What do your pumpkins look like this year? Halloween is tomorrow so you still have one day to carve!
*Sarah
ok... bit of a delay there, but i wanted to share some pics from Ciders Days a few weeks ago... we had a booth for RVA and it was a LOT of fun! 
more photos can be found right here!
So the *sort of* fall weather has me SO in the mood to create... been painting a lot and cutting up some clothes and sewing them back together... what are you up to?
oh... and check out the zombie cookies that em and i made last night.... 
have a great day! xx, Elsie
we do! 
check out the tutorial here!
Hey! :) This week has been SO crazy! Sorry our blog has been a little bit neglected! The good news is... I know we all 3 have lots of artistic projects going on at the moment.. So lots of new stuff is on its way... I am excited to share!
This purse is something I made a few years ago... I got a bunch of old calendars for like $2 and used the photos in them to make some purses! :) All you have to do is use clear laminating paper on the images and then stitch the zipper on (way easier with a sewing machine.. I usually like to hand stitch.. but for this, I would make an exception! lol!)... and stitch the 2 sides together with ribbon over the edges.... super super easy project you can do in an afternoon.... Would also be cool to try with real photos.... :) Happy Weekend! Elsie
Makeup Clutch:
You will need:
*1-12x9 inch piece of patterned felt.
*18-medium and large buttons (assortment)
*1-12 inch piece of ribbon
*10 inches lace (needs to be at least 2 inches wide)
*6 inches of small ribbon
*1 strip of felt (2x9 inches), use a different pattern than the other piece
*embroidery floss
*scissors
1. Choose a piece of felt (i used the zebra pattern felt from Hobby ( 12x9 inches.
2. fold 5 inches of the felt up so there is a doubled over portion that is 5 inches tall and a flap at the top (2 inches).
3. sew the 2 sides of the pouch (doesn't matter how it looks, you will be covering this part with lace or ribbon). Leave the flap at the top loose.
4. Cut 2 5 inch pieces of Lace. Sew the lace on to each side of the clutch, use buttons on front and back to embellish.
5. Trim the square edges off the flap (see photo).
6. Sew the 2x9 inch strip to the inside of the flap, trim to fit after it is stitched on.
7. Add a large button to the front of the purse.
8. Use the small ribbon to create a loop that will attach to the large button holding the flap shut. You may not need all the ribbon. Sew this to the flap.
9. Create a little bow with the last piece of ribbon and attach it with a button to cover the raw edges of the small ribbon.
10. enjoy! :)
*Elsie*
