Mileage Shawl Pattern
Well, this can be a shawl or an afghan. Its named this because it works up very fast. I like how fast trebles work up, but I also like the single crochet stitch. There is such a neatness created by single crochet stitches.
Worsted weight yarn
I used lily sugar and cream scraps in blue, white, and "landscape". It will take at least 8 small balls, or two cones.
Size I hook
Chain 59.
Row 1: sc in each stitch across. 58 stitches.
Row 2-3: sc in each stitch across.
Row 4: Treble crochet in each stitch across.
Repeat these rows until desired length, or reach 3 feet in length.
-MNR
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Boobs and Exercise, the good and the bad
It might be a secret that I have large boobs. Esp. since I don't post pictures of myself. D= I just can't find good ones!
I am fat, but not every fat woman has large breasts. At least they make my waist look small. But in some ways, I envy fatter women with large breasts. For example, they can find sports bras! Once you hit cup D and up, it becomes astronomically more expensive and more difficult to find. I REALLY don't want to pay $65 dollars for one sports bra. Its a bit unfair that some women have to pay more for decent bra and some pay less... and of course can find their size...
FYI, I researched breast taping as an alternative. They flatten your breast tissue and can cause lumps, poor circulation, and improper taping can crack your ribs and compress your lungs. Oi, being a female can be difficult.
Why am I saying all of this? I used to love running when I was younger. I used to be amazing at sprinting. I also used to be skinny. I just... really miss running mainly. Of course I want to lose a bit of weight, but that is mainly so I can enjoy running again. It is a great past time.
I feel, the main things that are stopping me are:
1. my boob size: finding sports bra, them moving and hurting me
2. I hate sweat cuz it causes me skin problems.... even after washing myself
3. my knees and ankles tend to hurt after a few days of running, what with cracking and just feeling like I've sprained them.
4. I have no one to run with (either in my area, within my family, or in my size range). I guess I could search for a running group in my area, but I feel... these people will be people that are experienced, and run 5 miles a day, with their lean, rippling leg muscles...
I've been working my way up to running 1 block. I also want to know what times people choose to run. I feel that I'm not a morning person, noon is when the sun is pounding down upon you, afternoon is when the few television shows that I actually do watch are on, and obviously you can't jog at night, what with cars and crime. AND MOSQUITOES, ugh, bugs, I hate jogging and having bugs get in my ears. HATE it. If I put on headphones, then the bugs just touch my neck and chest and legs. Why....
What I really want is a running skirt... those look so comfortable. Of course, like the breast reducers/sports bras, they're EXPENSIVE.
I tend to build muscle fast, in general.
I have found walking doesn't build or tone my muscles as fast as running, hiking, stair climbing or bicycling.
I struggle to find a way past these problems. My online searches only yield generic advice for slim people OR larger people. It truly seems either/or. It may be my search terms that are the problem.
Umm, on another note, I'm almost done sewing a different style of lolita skirt. Hand sewing. It is going to have an elastic band used as shirring: it has a folded over waistband, sewn onto the actual skirt, which has a wider diameter and is shirred.
I don't know, I just prefer sewing by hand to machine sewing, even though it is vastly faster. I've also accidentally stabbed my fingers several times this summer, just by hand sewing. I somewhat want one of those leather thread pullers or leather thimbles, to minimize that. Usually I just wipe my finger and continue on, as it isn't worth it to put a bandage on a pinprick. It stops bleeding in minutes anyway.
I need a new petticoat for that matter. The last one I had I foolishly put in the dryer....I have some old t-shirts and bedsheets I wanted to experiment with. Cotton/polyester. I want to reserve my larger pieces of fabric for actual skirts, dresses and tops.
-MNR
Monday, September 3, 2012
Lolita bonnets, knitted?
I am totally making this bonnet. I've had it on my ravelry to do list for quite a few months. The link to the pattern on ravelry was just fixed, and I dod love my bamboo size 8 circular needles. Now all I need is a decent yarn that won't make my head sweat or dry out my hair.
I'll show you all how it turns out, and if it is feasible to knit a lolita bonnet. =D
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pilgrim-bonnet
http://tanglewashere.wordpress.com/patterns/pilgrim-bonnet/
Many thanks to the designer for fixing the link and posting the pattern.
On another note, isn't this dress just lovely? Its a 1700s robe a la francaise. I want to sew this, by hand. Because I am an insane person. I've been researching free patterns for them. It basically consists of a back and a front, sewn in at the waist, and the middle is a stomacher that covers the corset. Three pieces, yet SO many yards of fabric. Around 15 yds. Need to see about getting cheap but pretty fabric from somewhere... when I have money.
https://www.google.com/search?q=robe+a+la+francaise&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-Address&oe=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=kmFFUM_0Msue6wHM6IGwCA&biw=1366&bih=622&sei=lmFFUJiGL8XF6wGwrYDoBg
BTW, I'm taking a semester off from school. I will be working on a job, but I really wish that my job would be artist. I am trying to get my artwork into some contests and shows. Mainly acrylic paintings, too scared to do oil, for it is horribly messy and dries SLOWLY.
-MNR
I'll show you all how it turns out, and if it is feasible to knit a lolita bonnet. =D
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pilgrim-bonnet
http://tanglewashere.wordpress.com/patterns/pilgrim-bonnet/
Many thanks to the designer for fixing the link and posting the pattern.
 |
| Taken from met museum website here: http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/C.I.64.32.3a,b |
On another note, isn't this dress just lovely? Its a 1700s robe a la francaise. I want to sew this, by hand. Because I am an insane person. I've been researching free patterns for them. It basically consists of a back and a front, sewn in at the waist, and the middle is a stomacher that covers the corset. Three pieces, yet SO many yards of fabric. Around 15 yds. Need to see about getting cheap but pretty fabric from somewhere... when I have money.
https://www.google.com/search?q=robe+a+la+francaise&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-Address&oe=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=kmFFUM_0Msue6wHM6IGwCA&biw=1366&bih=622&sei=lmFFUJiGL8XF6wGwrYDoBg
BTW, I'm taking a semester off from school. I will be working on a job, but I really wish that my job would be artist. I am trying to get my artwork into some contests and shows. Mainly acrylic paintings, too scared to do oil, for it is horribly messy and dries SLOWLY.
-MNR
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Amigurumi tips
Hello all.
I got an email recently from one of those crochet sites, advertising: 5 tips from amigurumi pros.
Amigurumi is japanese term. I don't know the exact translation, but it basically is crochet stuffed animals or toys. I consider knitted stuffed animal/toys to be amigurumi as well, but that is my personal preference.
From the Crochet Me email/website:
Well, the advice was OK, but it is mostly what you tell beginners when they're starting ANY craft or activity. Mostly motivational. Their advice is not wrong, its just not how I learned.
I thought I would share some more detailed advice, more helpful advice for making nice looking amigurumis you can either love or be satisfied with.
Amigurumi tips
1. When using single crochet, decrease by inserting hook through back loops only. This creates an invisible decrease, if you want an invisible decrease.
2. When sewing on different parts of the creature, sew them onto the vertical bars (into the holes) made when you crochet around a stitch. Don't sew through the yarn strands themselves.
3. Memorize (or have handy) the basic circular increase or circular decrease. You know, the kind that makes a sphere shape. That way, if you want to lengthen or shorten a spherical shape, or you want to make a sharper increase or decrease, you have within your power to do so.
4. Insert eyes and sew on any details BEFORE stuffing your amigurumi with whatever stuffing you're using.
5. Use a hook small enough to make a tight gauge, but not so much that it hurts your hand to use. You don't want to see the stuffing poking through, it just doesn't look right generally.
I got an email recently from one of those crochet sites, advertising: 5 tips from amigurumi pros.
Amigurumi is japanese term. I don't know the exact translation, but it basically is crochet stuffed animals or toys. I consider knitted stuffed animal/toys to be amigurumi as well, but that is my personal preference.
From the Crochet Me email/website:
Tips from the Professionals on Crochet Amigurumi
Laura Gibbons:
Don't give up! I think many people look at the patterns and their brain
just starts to hurt because they don't understand it. Take the pattern
line by line, piece by piece.
 |
Stacey Trock:
Amigurumi should be fun, not frustrating. Don't get too caught up about
positioning the ears "just right" . . . whatever looks cute to you is
right!
Gina Reneé Padilla:
Don't be afraid of crocheting amigurumi, if you know the basic stitches
of crochet, then you will have no problem crocheting amigurumi. Take
your time, draw a picture, even search online for something that will
inspire you.
Allison Hoffman:
Keep those stitches tight and stuff 'til you can't stuff' em any more!
Sketch the face out first (embroidery, eye placement, etc.), and it
makes it a lot easier to transfer your idea onto the toy. Experiment
with different kinds of yarn for texture.
Nancy Anderson:
Use smaller hooks in order to crochet tight fabric with no stuffing
show-through, but rest your hands regularly, as this tight gauge can
make your hands hurt. Have fun and don't be afraid to be creative and
whimsical with colors, embellishments, and feature placements. It's okay
to go a bit wild and crazy, it's just a toy. Best of all, have
fun—that's what it's all about.
Well, the advice was OK, but it is mostly what you tell beginners when they're starting ANY craft or activity. Mostly motivational. Their advice is not wrong, its just not how I learned.
I thought I would share some more detailed advice, more helpful advice for making nice looking amigurumis you can either love or be satisfied with.
Amigurumi tips
1. When using single crochet, decrease by inserting hook through back loops only. This creates an invisible decrease, if you want an invisible decrease.
2. When sewing on different parts of the creature, sew them onto the vertical bars (into the holes) made when you crochet around a stitch. Don't sew through the yarn strands themselves.
3. Memorize (or have handy) the basic circular increase or circular decrease. You know, the kind that makes a sphere shape. That way, if you want to lengthen or shorten a spherical shape, or you want to make a sharper increase or decrease, you have within your power to do so.
4. Insert eyes and sew on any details BEFORE stuffing your amigurumi with whatever stuffing you're using.
5. Use a hook small enough to make a tight gauge, but not so much that it hurts your hand to use. You don't want to see the stuffing poking through, it just doesn't look right generally.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Hair and dresses.
So I'm having a bit of financial troubles at the moment, and a lot of things are stressful.
I've come to the point where I can't sustain my website and domain, calienteokami.com. One day when I'm actually working I'll be able to buy it back, but for now, I cannot afford it... College is really taking its toll. I'm about ready to be out of it and onto the real world. One of the reasons being I don't like bouncing in between two locations. I'm never sure which address to use for something, because I'll only be home for a few months, and then I'll only have my dorm address for a few months. Also, I'm tired of being broke.
I want to pay for my own things. I want SOOO many wigs, and dresses. Dresses I can make. Wigs I cannot. Which is kinda sucky. I'm starting on a new skirt, I'm going to try hand sewing it, even though at home I have access to sewing machine. (another reason I want a permanent residence, I won't have to lug my things back and forth. Also, the sewing machine is not mine.)
In my google searches for various things, such as handmade lolita and lolita pattern and lolita fabric and whatever else I've been searching for this afternoon, I've come across a number of pictures of black lolitas. Eeek. Its just uncommon to see. I've even seen one with twists in her hair; cool!
Anyway, since I can't afford wigs, I want to explore my hair options as a black lolita. I have natural hair (coarse and curly, but soft) , of shoulder length, and it takes a while to grow.
I neither want to cut off my hair, nor go dred, and I'm not particularly interested in getting my hair permanently straightened.
There are plenty of options for lolitas with straight hair. One could wear it long, or in pigtails or pony tails, or curl it up, etc. If one has enough money, one could purchase a variety of wigs that will give your hair this effect.
I ask you, potential visitors and readers, what can someone with fragile curly hair do to look victorian, steampunkish, regency, rococo, etc?
The strength in such hair is the great volume. Extensions of course can be easily added.
Anyway, this isn't an easy question, and it isn't one that I"ve ever seen covered in the lolita community. I"m going to research it, and try to take photographs of myself with some hairstyles. I think that would be a great summer project.
I think one of the many more common solutions is to braid the hair into strands, and then manipulate it. I will try my best at styling hair. I'm mainly... interested in this topic as scientific or cultural research, to add to the community in some way.
Anywhoo... I'm going to try to get my digital camera in order.
P.S. I am sooo into period fashion and culture. o_o I totally want to make a regency dress. And then A rococo dress, like the french aristocracy. How fun. And of course renaissance. And other ones oooh.
-MNR
I've come to the point where I can't sustain my website and domain, calienteokami.com. One day when I'm actually working I'll be able to buy it back, but for now, I cannot afford it... College is really taking its toll. I'm about ready to be out of it and onto the real world. One of the reasons being I don't like bouncing in between two locations. I'm never sure which address to use for something, because I'll only be home for a few months, and then I'll only have my dorm address for a few months. Also, I'm tired of being broke.
I want to pay for my own things. I want SOOO many wigs, and dresses. Dresses I can make. Wigs I cannot. Which is kinda sucky. I'm starting on a new skirt, I'm going to try hand sewing it, even though at home I have access to sewing machine. (another reason I want a permanent residence, I won't have to lug my things back and forth. Also, the sewing machine is not mine.)
In my google searches for various things, such as handmade lolita and lolita pattern and lolita fabric and whatever else I've been searching for this afternoon, I've come across a number of pictures of black lolitas. Eeek. Its just uncommon to see. I've even seen one with twists in her hair; cool!
Anyway, since I can't afford wigs, I want to explore my hair options as a black lolita. I have natural hair (coarse and curly, but soft) , of shoulder length, and it takes a while to grow.
I neither want to cut off my hair, nor go dred, and I'm not particularly interested in getting my hair permanently straightened.
There are plenty of options for lolitas with straight hair. One could wear it long, or in pigtails or pony tails, or curl it up, etc. If one has enough money, one could purchase a variety of wigs that will give your hair this effect.
I ask you, potential visitors and readers, what can someone with fragile curly hair do to look victorian, steampunkish, regency, rococo, etc?
The strength in such hair is the great volume. Extensions of course can be easily added.
Anyway, this isn't an easy question, and it isn't one that I"ve ever seen covered in the lolita community. I"m going to research it, and try to take photographs of myself with some hairstyles. I think that would be a great summer project.
I think one of the many more common solutions is to braid the hair into strands, and then manipulate it. I will try my best at styling hair. I'm mainly... interested in this topic as scientific or cultural research, to add to the community in some way.
Anywhoo... I'm going to try to get my digital camera in order.
P.S. I am sooo into period fashion and culture. o_o I totally want to make a regency dress. And then A rococo dress, like the french aristocracy. How fun. And of course renaissance. And other ones oooh.
-MNR
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Lacey Things!
Good morning all.
I love lace. I recently discovered this after many years of crocheting and knitting.
I feel its one of those ultimate lolita crafts. After all, the most refined ladies of all ages mastered these things and created delicate, mindboggling shapes.
I guess I got into it when I learned I would probablyu never get rid of the large holes in my crochet. Crochet is made with vertical stitches and twists, so there are often vertical "slats" of holes. But crochet also makes sturdy fabric, much more structurally sturdy than knitting.
Don't get me wrong, they both have their benefits and to me, they benefit in certain situations. But I'm not a fan of the drapeyness of knitted doilies and edgings. I like the really tight gauge, and crochet lace works up so fast toooo, so it is my method of choice when creating lace generally.
So far, my most used technique of lace making has been crochet, but I've learned that tatting, or frivolite I suppose it was called in other languages, is VERY portable and creates very loopy gorgeous laces. I feel tatting is more freeform, so larger diagrams are sooo confusing. Plus its hard to find tatting patterns larger than a bookmark or doily.
Again, I'm promoting ravelry as really good for this purpose. Ravelry
I've even sewn my handmade lace onto lolita shirts and skirts. The edging wore out on an ebay dress I purchased two years ago, and I plan on replacing it with crocheted lace, if I could find the perfect edging! I might just use tatted lace. I really want to try remaking lolita slippers with my own canvas fabric and lace.
I also wonder what lace made with plastic bags would look like. I'm really into using alternate yarns.
The types of lace-making I practice:
crochet
knitting
tatting
punto in aria (needle lace)
Bobbin lace, one of the more traditional forms of lace from the 1400s to late 1800s in most parts of the world, is entirely hard looking! I have yet to master this. I have yet to start! I have to make pairs of bobbins to practice with, and its not very portable or fast. Plus, at any time, you can have anywhere from 4 to 32 pairs of bobbins or more. That means 8 to 64 different strands of threads weaving in and out of eachother.
When I master the basics of it, I'll let you guys know. =_=
Anyway, I need to upload images of what I've been making this boring summer, so stay tuned. Most of it is lace as it comes out pretty and staves off boredom for a short while. Uuuugh... I don't have a car so I can't get a job/volunteer. Maybe I will reopen my etsy with crocheted lace?
I've also been interested in diy technical things. I want to use things I have around the house to make a wind/solar power generator, or charger. Some of the ingredients I don't have, like magnetic enamel coated wire, so I'm going to have to bus it to radioshack or walk to the hardware store and see what they have. I didn't know it was so hard and time consuming to get from place to place when you don't have a car! Well, I knew, but I was used to taking 30 minutes to run an errand rather than 1.5 hours minimum on the bus (or walking).
Also, my computer is being fixed by lenovo (it has been almost a month) so I am using my mother's computer. That means I can't do 3d things and play most of the games I have for the computer. Eeeeeh.
-MNR
I love lace. I recently discovered this after many years of crocheting and knitting.
I feel its one of those ultimate lolita crafts. After all, the most refined ladies of all ages mastered these things and created delicate, mindboggling shapes.
I guess I got into it when I learned I would probablyu never get rid of the large holes in my crochet. Crochet is made with vertical stitches and twists, so there are often vertical "slats" of holes. But crochet also makes sturdy fabric, much more structurally sturdy than knitting.
Don't get me wrong, they both have their benefits and to me, they benefit in certain situations. But I'm not a fan of the drapeyness of knitted doilies and edgings. I like the really tight gauge, and crochet lace works up so fast toooo, so it is my method of choice when creating lace generally.
So far, my most used technique of lace making has been crochet, but I've learned that tatting, or frivolite I suppose it was called in other languages, is VERY portable and creates very loopy gorgeous laces. I feel tatting is more freeform, so larger diagrams are sooo confusing. Plus its hard to find tatting patterns larger than a bookmark or doily.
Again, I'm promoting ravelry as really good for this purpose. Ravelry
I've even sewn my handmade lace onto lolita shirts and skirts. The edging wore out on an ebay dress I purchased two years ago, and I plan on replacing it with crocheted lace, if I could find the perfect edging! I might just use tatted lace. I really want to try remaking lolita slippers with my own canvas fabric and lace.
I also wonder what lace made with plastic bags would look like. I'm really into using alternate yarns.
The types of lace-making I practice:
crochet
knitting
tatting
punto in aria (needle lace)
Bobbin lace, one of the more traditional forms of lace from the 1400s to late 1800s in most parts of the world, is entirely hard looking! I have yet to master this. I have yet to start! I have to make pairs of bobbins to practice with, and its not very portable or fast. Plus, at any time, you can have anywhere from 4 to 32 pairs of bobbins or more. That means 8 to 64 different strands of threads weaving in and out of eachother.
When I master the basics of it, I'll let you guys know. =_=
Anyway, I need to upload images of what I've been making this boring summer, so stay tuned. Most of it is lace as it comes out pretty and staves off boredom for a short while. Uuuugh... I don't have a car so I can't get a job/volunteer. Maybe I will reopen my etsy with crocheted lace?
I've also been interested in diy technical things. I want to use things I have around the house to make a wind/solar power generator, or charger. Some of the ingredients I don't have, like magnetic enamel coated wire, so I'm going to have to bus it to radioshack or walk to the hardware store and see what they have. I didn't know it was so hard and time consuming to get from place to place when you don't have a car! Well, I knew, but I was used to taking 30 minutes to run an errand rather than 1.5 hours minimum on the bus (or walking).
Also, my computer is being fixed by lenovo (it has been almost a month) so I am using my mother's computer. That means I can't do 3d things and play most of the games I have for the computer. Eeeeeh.
-MNR
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