Salihan Crafts Blog

First Homemade Top

Salihan — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:52:56 +0000

My dabbling with sewing has led me onto a new journey. It’s a scary path which I have avoided for a long time. But I’m glad I ventured on and explored the world of sewing my own clothes. *gasp* To many of you, I’m sure it’s no big deal. But me, it’s a huge deal! The last time I made something to wear, I was 14 and had my home economics teacher guide me step-by-step. What did happen to those culottes?

Anyway, what spurred me onward was this free sewing pattern – Tessuti’s Fave Top {link}. I had a look at it and thought that “I can sew that!”. So I printed the pattern out. Arranged the pages, sticky taped them together and cut the two sides out.

Pinned them onto two metres of stretchy fabric which I bought at a warehouse for only $2/metre. Cut the front and back pieces out. Then sew. I made the sides narrower than what the pattern called for and it was fun to try out the ‘elastic overlock stitch’ on my sewing machine. It made the job a lot easier! But the hem and neck line were not so easy for me. I’ve never sewed with stretch fabric before. So the stitches were not so straight.

I ended up with a giant tee shirt. You must be thinking that “How is Salihan gonna fit in that? It’s way too big!”

Well, what do you think?

It’s ooohhh so perfect for summer. Bring on the heat wave and bbqs! I’m ready to stay cool and comfortable while I’m pigging out. Haha.

Psst… I have another two metres of stretch fabric. I am undecided whether to make another one of these or try a different one. I’ve been looking at sewing patterns on Burda Style and a few have caught my eye, especially the Cowl dress/top by Ichigogirl.

If you have any suggestions, please let me know!

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Mystery Christmas Project CAL

Salihan — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:53:58 +0000

Sarah London is having a Mystery Christmas Crochet-Along (CAL) and I’m playing along.

Here are the materials you need:
http://sarahlondon.wordpress.com/2009/11/08/mystery-christmas-crochet-project/

And the tutorial to the first granny square:
http://sarahlondon.wordpress.com/2009/11/09/november-mystery-crochet-project/

Hope you join in too!

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Christmas Gifts: Crochet Potholders

Salihan — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:18:01 +0000

I’ve started making gifts for Christmas. I’ve crocheted these potholders over the weekend while watching TV and they are super quick, easy and FUN!

Pattern: Scalloped Potholder and Crochet Flower Hot Pad
Yarn: Anchor Magicline
Hook: 4.25mm
Mods: None
@ Ravelry [1] [2]

The scalloped potholder (on the top) is twice as thick as the crochet flower hot pad, and is very soft and squishy. I’ve fallen in love with it and I’d probably have to make one to keep for myself.

I’m thrilled that Spotlight has stocked up on Anchor Magicline. At $10 for a pack of 10 balls (50g), they’re a bargain, just like the Ecoyarns yarn packs at my shop. It’s amazing what you can make with just one or two balls of yarn.

I have a few more these cotton yarn left, even though I’ve already made the Blue Christmas Tree and these potholders.

Now I’m all set to crochet the Chrysanthemum Dishcloth [Ravelry] but my RSI is pretty bad at the moment. My elbow throbs and I get shooting pain down to my hand. So I really need to rest for a while.

On the up side, it gives me more time to read and do a bit more sewing. I’m really excited to show you what I sewed up yesterday! Alas, it has to wait till next time. I’ll see you back here on Wednesday, ok?

Have a happy Monday!

Related Posts:
Christmas Tree Trio
Exclusive Yarn Packs

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New Pattern: Christmas Tree Trio

Salihan — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:00:48 +0000

Good things come in threes and this trio of crocheted Christmas Trees is no different.

Crochet one, two or all three for your home, family and friends.

They will bring cheer to your home decor or as a cuddly soft toy for the little ones.

[Read more...]

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Exclusive Yarn Packs Now Available

Salihan — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:00:02 +0000

ECOYARNS have put together 8 special yarn packs exclusively for Salihan Crafts Shop. Each individual pack is filled with beautiful eco-friendly and organic yarns at a massive 35% to 50% discount! It is a great opportunity to grab a bargain or simply to try eco-friendly and organic yarn for the first time.

Each yarn pack cost $45 and are one-offs, never to be repeated again. While stocks last!

Red-brown Pack

Click here for more details

Blue Pack

Click here for more details

Rauschenberg Pack

Click here for more details

Perfect Pink Pack

Click here for more details

Pure Pink Pack

Click here for more details

Baby Pink Pack

Click here for more details

Sea Green Pack

Click here for more details

Earth Pack

Click here for more details

All yarn packs are available exclusively at Salihan Crafts Shop
http://shop.salihan.com

Also visit ECOYARNS for your organic and eco-friendly yarn, fabric and fibre needs.

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Yarn and Kisses – 15% off storewide

Salihan — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:28:40 +0000

October giveaway sponsor, Yarn and Kisses, is relocating from Perth to *ahem* and having a 15% off all stock store wide. Sale ends 15 November.

Just thought I should just let you know since I know there’s quite a few Malabrigo lovers out there. *wink wink*

P.S. Email me [me@salihan.com] if there’s something happening in your store or blog that you would like me to mention here. I would be more than happy to do so if it would benefit my readers.

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My Second Handmade Knitwear

Salihan — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:50:18 +0000

I’ve been knitting for four years now but I’ve only just made my second knitwear. If you look at my Ravelry project page, you’ll notice that I have plenty of small knitted and crocheted projects and only one other cardigan – my February Lady Sweater, which I practically lived in this past winter.

I thought it was high time I made myself another cardigan but this time, it’s for summer. I had bought 20 balls of Moda Vera Linen Mode for $1 each during Spotlight’s end of winter clearance sale last year. I tried knitting a Tonia [pattern] jumper with it but it just felt stiff and I was very worried that I would run out of yarn.

I finally dug the yarn out of my stash a fortnight ago and began knitting a Shawl Collar Vest [pattern]. I needed to knit this more than you know. I was strung out (I blame PMS) and desperately needed a project that was just for me. “Me” needed a reward, a pat on the back.

This pattern was just right for my state of mind. The simple ribbing on each end was soothing and the easy chevron pattern in the middle was just enough to pique my interest.

And then, it all came together with a little seaming- from a flat knitted piece to a wearable, almost circular garment.

I came across a small problem though. I used Elizabeth Zimmerman’s sewn bind-off [tutorial] and it made the edge too wide and loose for me. The cotton and linen blend yarn just didn’t bring the bounce back to the edge. However, a button and a crocheted loop made the vest fitted again. I love the way the wooden button floats on the sea of blue.

Am I in love? You bet, I am. I can just see myself wearing it on cooler summer nights, when we’re dining outdoors by the bbq or at a beach side cafe or simply strolling by the waterfront on one of our many summer evening walks.

Free Pattern: Shawl Collar Vest
Yarn: Moda Vera Linen Mode
Needles: 4.5mm
Mods: None

And it only cost me a measly $7 and most importantly, an affirmation from my darling husband that knitting is so cool!

@Ravelry

Related Post:
My first knitted cardigan

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My Craft Space

Salihan — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:20:54 +0000

I have organized my craft space and I’ve kept it clean and tidy for a few weeks now. Hard to believe that my new system stood up against overly enthusiastic stash enhancement shopping sprees and even more yarn acquisition from a generous friend and the dabbling of yet another craft hobby and most importantly, “I’ve-got-a-great-idea-that-I-must-do-it-right-now!” moments!

Computer workspace
Ifa, my female cat, pretty much lives on the printer. The only time she gets up voluntarily is when I’m cooking or eating or when it’s her dinner time. I normally kick her out of the room halfway through the day so that she can get some exercise.

Craft workspace
It’s so good to have a table just for my sewing and crafting. The white board and stackable storage boxes helps keep me on track and in check. Cats have learned to keep off this area, otherwise, Mummy goes psycho!

Store related containers
Two of my 50 litre containers hold my store related materials, stock and yarn. My thinking is that if these boxes are overflowing, I’m not selling enough products quickly enough. Time to re-think a few things.

Yarn stash
The largest of the containers is 57 litres and it holds all my stash yarn. I really can’t afford to have any more than this much yarn. I don’t have the space or the money to let this grow any bigger. I have enough stash yarn to keep me knitting and crocheting for at least one year! Although, I will make allowances for free yarn. I’m not that silly!

ECO-FRIENDLY & ORGANIC YARN FOR SALE
I would like to talk more about this in detail next week. But if you can’t wait to enhance your yarn stash now, CLICK HERE to grab a one off deal from my shop. 35- 50% off!

Knitting WIP
I have Shawl Collar Vest [pattern] and Feather & Fan Comfort Shawl [pattern] on my needles now. I am almost finished with the vest and I’m obsessively knitting it every chance I get.

Crocheting WIP
These are hot off my crochet hooks. I’m just waiting on a delivery to put the finishing touches on them. Watch this space for my new Christmas crochet pattern. Coming very soon!

Did you like the voyeuristic peek into my craft room? I’ve shown you mine, now show me yours.

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2-in-1 Christmas & Kids Bunting

Salihan — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:50:56 +0000

Inspired by the Scalloped Fabric Garland [tutorial], I decided to sew my own version. I wanted mine to be reversible with a Christmas theme on one side, and a kid’s party theme on the other.

I made this especially for my mother-in-law to use all year around. She LOVES Christmas and her only grandson. She has a spare room decorated just for him whenever he sleeps over. I thought she could hang it above the little boy’s bed when Christmas is over.

It was really fun and quick to make. The tutorial and template from Jessie is clear and easy to follow. The only mistake was I used a thinner bias tape and even though it looks good from a distance, I had to re-sew over the garland with wide zig zags as some of the fabric came loose from the tape.

I loved making the bunting so much that I whipped up another one the next day! I took ideas from the scalloped garland and Purl Bee’s Party Garland [tutorial] to create a shimmery Christmas Bunting.

This pretty bunting is available for sale in my Etsy store now.

By the way, have you seen the Sew, Mama, Sew Scrap Buster Contest? If you haven’t, I highly recommend you pop over and check out the many free tutorials dedicated to use up your fabric scraps. I guarantee you’ll find an instant gratification project you can sew up right now.

Enjoy the rest of your day and I’ll see you again on Friday!

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Yarn and Kisses Malabrigo Winner

Salihan — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:05:18 +0000

There was a whopping 420 entries to the very successful Yarn and Kisses Malabrigo Giveaway! A big thank you to everyone who played along.

Alas, there can only be one winner.

Drumroll please…

And the winner of the Yarn and Kisses Malabrigo Giveaway is…

Click here to view all the numbered entries

KINNEXA! Congratulations!

As your wish is my command, you’ve won two skeins of Kaleidos Malabrigo Worsted yarn. YAY! I’ll be in touch with you shortly.

Thanks again to everyone who left comments and especially those who subscribed to my blog via email and RSS.

Last but not least, a big “YOU ROCK!” goes to Yarn and Kisses for being a great sponsor.

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