February 22, 2013

200 Posts! And A Project Finished

A few posts back I told you that I had discovered the joys of Swap-bot.com and showed off the amazing dishcloth I received in our sender's choice dishcloth swap. I finished mine and just love it.


I love the way the back turned out. It looks like an exotic stitch on its own!


The nice little nubbly things should be good for scrubbing pans. Or, if the new owner so chooses, it actually is pretty soft and would make a good washcloth. I am thinking of making one for myself for that purpose. *Dalek voice* Exfoliate! Exfoliate!


When I got it all done I rolled it up in a little burrito,

wrapped it in tissue paper, and tied it with ribbons to look like a cracker. Of course, I forgot to photograph this step!

I have good news though! The receiver apparently liked it because she gave me a heart as well as a rating of 5.

If you want to make your own lovely dishcloth/washcloth, the link is here.

And now I have to celebrate 200 blog posts! But how? I think I will celebrate with a surprise that I will start working on tonight. What is it? You'll see soon! *maniacal laughter*

February 20, 2013

Going Dotty

What pattern is trending this spring yet always a classic, appropriate for the office but perfect for parties, nostalgic and modern at the same time, and sweet without being sugary? What goes beautifully with all of the fun candy-coloured denim on offer this year? Black and white polka dots, of course!

(Please note: yes, stripes are the big deal for spring, but let's face, it, they are being shoved at us from all directions to the point that I am already heartily sick of them. Let's go for the more subtle polka dot trend instead.)

For chilly March mornings sleeves are still necessary, and these are dotty! You still get some stripes, but without going overboard. I love how comfortable this shirt looks.

Easy Tee in Dots and Stripes

Let me say up front that I usually do not care for styles that expose too much skin, as I find them to be more trouble than they are worth. Just walk into a gas station wearing a tube top and you will find out what I mean, if you are so fortunate as to not already know. Actually, don't. Just take my word for it. But when I saw this, I immediately pictured it with a high-waisted ball gown type skirt, maybe bright pink or buttery yellow. I think it could actually look quite nice. And of course you could always put a sheer top or thin shirt underneath instead and wear it with jeans if you'd rather not be so bare.

Dance Night DJ Top

Can't you just picture Betty Boop flouncing around in this skirt seductively?

Dot Jacquard Flounce Skirt

I love scarves! A fun one like this can be used in so many ways to make your old clothes look brand new.

Polkadot Head Scarf Black and White

Bow ties are cool, and polka dot bow ties are no exception. Be careful not to get a floppy polka dot bow tie because that makes people think of clowns. This one is perfect!

Oliver Black/White Polka Dot Bow Tie

The sporty yet sweet ties are what make these heels special.

Truth or Dare Mulliner

This bag quietly echoes the mod touches that are huge this spring, without being so blatant as to date it. I think it would make a great wardrobe staple.

White Spot Leather Amelia Handbag

For those days when you're only feeling a little dotty, try these fun bobbies!

Polka Dot Bobby Pin Box Choice B

You can even decorate with polka dots! It would look so cheerful and classy at the same time.

Origami Crane Mobile

Well, dot's all, folks!