Lorelei Eurto's Blog, page 25
March 23, 2015
Cats in Hats Book Review and Blog Hop
Cats in Hats
Sara Thomas
Running Press, 2015
I had to chuckle when I was asked if I wanted to give a book review of Sara Thomas' new book from Running Press. As a cat owner, of two little black beauties, my imagination went crazy when I started thinking of them wearing little knit and crocheted hats.
Just look at that kitty on the cover.
THAT LOOK.... IS PRICELESS.
The book showed up on my doorstep and I grabbed a coffee and sat down and was quite entertained throughout the 112 page book. As a new knitter, I mean, Brand New knitter, these projects were a little outside my current comfort zone. Although there are beginner, intermediate and advanced hats included, I still didn't feel all that comfortable trying any of them out.
I can say though that the book is done very well. The photography is outstanding, first of all. Each shot really exemplifies each cat hat, and I can really see a more advanced knitter taking the knowledge that they learn in these pages, to the next level with their own designs.
My favorite project was this guy. This cat looks just like my dad's Smoky and just thought of him wearing this little dinosaur cap had me cracking up!
The projects are very clear to following with lots of alternative photographs of the hats, and great knitting patterns like this one.. the Fox cap, another great one!
I also liked that the back of the book included a nice comprehensive overview of knitting and crochet tools and techniques.
As a person that isn't really into dressing their cats up, I can't imagine I'll ever create any of these but will definitely keep this book out on the coffee table as it is a wonderfully fun conversation starter for sure!!
To play along though. I did create little crocheted discs that I made my kitties try on. :)
Funny enough, they've been pretty naughty ever since.
As will the last book review I did for Running Press, there is a blog hop happening! Here are the participants, feel free to hop around and see if anyone created hats for their cats!
AUTHOR KICKOFF: 3/16 Scooter Knits 3/17 Yarning 4 A Smile 3/18 Wendy Knits3/19 In Stitches 3/20 Polka Dot Cottage 3/21 FaveCrafts3/22 Recycled Crafts3/23 Lorelei’s Blog3/24 CraftSanity3/25 Lori Greenberg3/26 Crafting a Green World3/27 Gaea Handmade 3/28 Pretty Things Blog
And then, to enter the giveaway for this exclusive Easter Egg hat kit, click HERE.
Please note, the giveaway is being given by the publisher, not me, so please click the link above to be redirected to their entry page.
The giveaway grand prize will be a prize pack with a copy of the book, and exclusive pattern from Sara Thomas, and enough Lion brand yarn to complete the pattern. Five runners up will receive copies of the book. (Please note that this giveaway is open to US residents only).
This contest will run from 3/16 to 3/30 @ 12 AM EST.
Good Luck!!
March 21, 2015
The Craftsy Jewelry Blog has a new writer!
That's right! You are looking at one of the new monthly writers for the Craftsy jewelry blog! My very first post went live today! I am sharing a very rare post with readers all all of my very most favorite jewelry business vendors, from gift boxes to beads. You won't want to miss it! Head on over there now!
Craftsy, The Jewelry Blog
I will be writing posts 1-2 times a month, but I'll definitely give you a heads up here. If you want to follow their blog, go ahead and add http://www.craftsy.com/blog/jewelry/?... to your bloglovin account or other blog readers.
March 19, 2015
Workin' on my shhhhhhhh........
If you could see the amount of jewelry I have here, you would be shocked. I'm drowning in it. And it's because I powerhouse through each week and create more than I can move. So, in an attempt to clean out some older stock, I have marked down a large number of items in both of my Etsy and Webstore sites, to 40% off. Check out the Sale/Clearance sections to see what is posted, and throughout the day I will be posting new things there - the floaters that never got listed.
So check back periodically!
Also - I was thinking that this funky yarn might be cool for jewelry making so I'll be listing some yardage of this over at Jewelry accord.
So check back periodically!
Also - I was thinking that this funky yarn might be cool for jewelry making so I'll be listing some yardage of this over at Jewelry accord.
March 17, 2015
A beady Plea
Dear Richelle of Shipwreck Dandy.
It appears that I am already out of these gorgeous multi color faceted polymer nuggets from you. I have had such a good time using the few that I had, and it did not take long to use them up. I know you must get asked to make them time and time again.
Oh Please. Could you make more!? Pretty please....
These are some other things listed in your ETSY shop that has my heart all a-flutter....
To.
Die.
For.
You ARE AMAZING.
Sincerely yours, forever and ever,
Lorelei
It appears that I am already out of these gorgeous multi color faceted polymer nuggets from you. I have had such a good time using the few that I had, and it did not take long to use them up. I know you must get asked to make them time and time again.
Oh Please. Could you make more!? Pretty please....
These are some other things listed in your ETSY shop that has my heart all a-flutter....
To.
Die.
For.
You ARE AMAZING.
Sincerely yours, forever and ever,
Lorelei
March 13, 2015
Enrolled in my First Craftsy Class!
I signed up to take Stephanie Japel's Knit Lab
on CRAFTSY for learning needle knitting! I started watching the class yesterday and I love it. It's so comprehensive - covering all the basics that I was wondering about like what needles to use, for what gauge yarn. We are even working on a scarf project within the class. I was shocked at how long the class actually is. But it's cool because I can watch a little at a time and then go back to it as many times as I need to.
Craftsy, those lovelies over there, were nice enough to extend a little discount for my blog readers!
There is a huge class sale this weekend, 50% off! But next week when that sale is over, if you use this link:
http://www.craftsy.com/ext/20150310_Freelancer_Lorelei_Eurto_PAID_CLASS.html
you'll get 25% off of this Knit Lab class! Sale expires Saturday March 21.
Hey why not learn something new! Have you ever taken any of the Craftsy classes?
What has your experience been like?
on CRAFTSY for learning needle knitting! I started watching the class yesterday and I love it. It's so comprehensive - covering all the basics that I was wondering about like what needles to use, for what gauge yarn. We are even working on a scarf project within the class. I was shocked at how long the class actually is. But it's cool because I can watch a little at a time and then go back to it as many times as I need to.
Craftsy, those lovelies over there, were nice enough to extend a little discount for my blog readers!
There is a huge class sale this weekend, 50% off! But next week when that sale is over, if you use this link:
http://www.craftsy.com/ext/20150310_Freelancer_Lorelei_Eurto_PAID_CLASS.html
you'll get 25% off of this Knit Lab class! Sale expires Saturday March 21.
Hey why not learn something new! Have you ever taken any of the Craftsy classes?
What has your experience been like?
March 8, 2015
Bit by the Knitting Bug
I have been meaning to write this blog post for a few weeks now, but time has been escaping me each day!
Several months ago I noticed a post from my friend Nancy Adams, on Facebook, about how she was back at her knitting loom for the Winter. I ran out and bought one. A small plastic pegged Knitting Board brand sock loom. And promptly got to work learning some basics, and trying it out. It seemed a lot harder than it looked and I guess, at the time, I wasn't really patient enough to learn more about what I was doing wrong and so it was thrown on a shelf and was forgotten.
Until a few weeks ago when Nancy posted a picture of the most gorgeous colorful loom knit scarf she was working on with gorgeous baby Alpaca yarn. This time, I ran out and bought a metal peg Knitting board loom, the 10 inch model. Got some yarn and threw together this first cowl in a matter of days.
I was. SMITTEN. to say the least.
What is not to love about a nice little hobby that I can do while sitting in front of the TV during these last few cold snowy months of winter. And the instant gratification, I am learning, is what I love best about it.
I joined Ravelry - if you want to see more details about any of the finished pieces in my blog post, head on over to my page there. http://www.ravelry.com/people/LoreleiEurto
You will need to sign up to see stuff on the site though- but its worth very little effort. Lots of great forums, and lots of inspiration and people to connect with!
After that, I bought another loom. and another loom. And now I have : the 10 inch loom,
the All in One Knittingboard loom, a set of round looms much like the nifty knitter looms, and the smallest, Tadpole loom. Check out www.knittingboard.com to see details on all of their looms.
I was able to find a large selection of looms available at Joann fabric if you want to check them out in person.
Here's a smattering of other things I've made since starting this new hobby!
Many looms and many yarn purchases later... and I am still loving it. That's a good sign! I just wanted to write this post to get the word out on this great little tool. The knitting loom has been around since well, a long freakin time, but there is definitely a lack of many tutorials and books on the topic, and magazines won't TOUCH tutorials for loom projects for some reason. It is very bizarre.
So, I challenge you to get yourself a loom. Play around, practice makes perfect, and try coming up with your own design and submit it, share it on social media, get the word out there!! I know many talented people that are really capable of bringing this craft to the next level!!!!
Here is my most recent project.... I created this little clutch by myself. It wasn't a pattern. I just played around and had some ideas and brought them to fruition and I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome!!
I knitted the panel on my 10 inch knitting board .... using Manos Wool Clasica in Uranium.
I have been thinking about how I wanted to branch out from making usual scarves, hats, gloves or cowls. And starting instead thinking: Accessories. So I thought I'd try out a clutch. the 10 inch loom seemed like the perfect size. I had bought this yarn which is really interesting by the way .... kind of thin and thick all at the same time. and really nice and squishy. It worked great doing the Stockinette stitch as double knitting on the board.
I was thinking that I would possibly line it with fabric, but then this morning had an A-HA! moment and thought leather would be cool. I got this sheet of super soft leather at Michaels. I sewed it onto the knitted panel, folded it up and sewed the edges together. Added a sweet vintage skeleton key and riveted leather button loop not he front for the closure.
backside
I am having the best time trying out different stitches. And am even trying to learn some regular needle knitting just so I have a better understanding of knitting - could be useful down the road if I ever need to transcribe a needle pattern to a loom pattern.
Needle knitting is much harder than it looks that's for damn sure. I am all thumbs but understand the basic knit and purl.
There are some really great youtube videos that will teach you all that you need to know to get started. Just search Loom Knitting!
Several months ago I noticed a post from my friend Nancy Adams, on Facebook, about how she was back at her knitting loom for the Winter. I ran out and bought one. A small plastic pegged Knitting Board brand sock loom. And promptly got to work learning some basics, and trying it out. It seemed a lot harder than it looked and I guess, at the time, I wasn't really patient enough to learn more about what I was doing wrong and so it was thrown on a shelf and was forgotten.
Until a few weeks ago when Nancy posted a picture of the most gorgeous colorful loom knit scarf she was working on with gorgeous baby Alpaca yarn. This time, I ran out and bought a metal peg Knitting board loom, the 10 inch model. Got some yarn and threw together this first cowl in a matter of days.
I was. SMITTEN. to say the least.
What is not to love about a nice little hobby that I can do while sitting in front of the TV during these last few cold snowy months of winter. And the instant gratification, I am learning, is what I love best about it.
I joined Ravelry - if you want to see more details about any of the finished pieces in my blog post, head on over to my page there. http://www.ravelry.com/people/LoreleiEurto
You will need to sign up to see stuff on the site though- but its worth very little effort. Lots of great forums, and lots of inspiration and people to connect with!
After that, I bought another loom. and another loom. And now I have : the 10 inch loom,
the All in One Knittingboard loom, a set of round looms much like the nifty knitter looms, and the smallest, Tadpole loom. Check out www.knittingboard.com to see details on all of their looms.
I was able to find a large selection of looms available at Joann fabric if you want to check them out in person.
Here's a smattering of other things I've made since starting this new hobby!
Many looms and many yarn purchases later... and I am still loving it. That's a good sign! I just wanted to write this post to get the word out on this great little tool. The knitting loom has been around since well, a long freakin time, but there is definitely a lack of many tutorials and books on the topic, and magazines won't TOUCH tutorials for loom projects for some reason. It is very bizarre.
So, I challenge you to get yourself a loom. Play around, practice makes perfect, and try coming up with your own design and submit it, share it on social media, get the word out there!! I know many talented people that are really capable of bringing this craft to the next level!!!!
Here is my most recent project.... I created this little clutch by myself. It wasn't a pattern. I just played around and had some ideas and brought them to fruition and I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome!!
I knitted the panel on my 10 inch knitting board .... using Manos Wool Clasica in Uranium.
I have been thinking about how I wanted to branch out from making usual scarves, hats, gloves or cowls. And starting instead thinking: Accessories. So I thought I'd try out a clutch. the 10 inch loom seemed like the perfect size. I had bought this yarn which is really interesting by the way .... kind of thin and thick all at the same time. and really nice and squishy. It worked great doing the Stockinette stitch as double knitting on the board.
I was thinking that I would possibly line it with fabric, but then this morning had an A-HA! moment and thought leather would be cool. I got this sheet of super soft leather at Michaels. I sewed it onto the knitted panel, folded it up and sewed the edges together. Added a sweet vintage skeleton key and riveted leather button loop not he front for the closure.
backside
I am having the best time trying out different stitches. And am even trying to learn some regular needle knitting just so I have a better understanding of knitting - could be useful down the road if I ever need to transcribe a needle pattern to a loom pattern.
Needle knitting is much harder than it looks that's for damn sure. I am all thumbs but understand the basic knit and purl.
There are some really great youtube videos that will teach you all that you need to know to get started. Just search Loom Knitting!
March 2, 2015
Pretty Birds Book Review and Blog hop
I was recently asked to participate in reviewing this new book by Virginia Lindsay, Pretty Birds 18 Simple Projects to Sew and Love - and then also a blog hop for the book as well!
When the book arrived, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of flipping through it! As my regular blog readers know, I'm a bird addict, and that's putting it lightly! I really had intentions of trying to put together one of the projects for the book, but with a recent deadline for a magazine article in the midst, alas I didn't get to it in time for my blog post. But once things slow down a bit, I really would love to try the Cardinal project.
I mean, look how adorable!!
Each of the book projects shows a photograph of the finished project, and then for the pages of the tutorial, the images are sketched. As with all great art project books, it lists out a materials list, some templates you can download, with a handy QR code too!
Another aspect of the book that I really liked was that each project contained a page of alternative projects you could try featuring each bird. Like the cardinal, offers up projects like an ornament or a card holder - turning just a regular ol' bird into something more versatile.
I also really loved this Cucaburra. So adorable with his spotted eye band and dotted tail.Each bird, can be completely customizable depending one what types of fabrics you use!
Each one is hand-sewed, no machine necessary.
Please take a moment to check out the other bloggers who have participated in this Pretty Birds blog hop:
2/25 You Go Girl!2/26 Erica B. DIY Style2/27 CraftSanity2/28 Recycled Crafts3/1 Sew Mama Sew3/2 Lorelei’s Blog3/3 FaveCrafts3/4 S is for Sewing3/5 Lori Greenberg3/6 Killing It As A Grown Up3/8 Pretty Things Blog3/10 Sweet KM3/11 Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy Crafts3/12 Buzzmills3/13 Girl Like the Sea3/15 Cut Out + Keep
And if you would like to enter to win a special prize of a bird kit and book, there will be 5 winners chosen at the end of the blog tour! Click this link to be redirected to the entry page:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1017537211/?
When the book arrived, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of flipping through it! As my regular blog readers know, I'm a bird addict, and that's putting it lightly! I really had intentions of trying to put together one of the projects for the book, but with a recent deadline for a magazine article in the midst, alas I didn't get to it in time for my blog post. But once things slow down a bit, I really would love to try the Cardinal project.
I mean, look how adorable!!
Each of the book projects shows a photograph of the finished project, and then for the pages of the tutorial, the images are sketched. As with all great art project books, it lists out a materials list, some templates you can download, with a handy QR code too!
Another aspect of the book that I really liked was that each project contained a page of alternative projects you could try featuring each bird. Like the cardinal, offers up projects like an ornament or a card holder - turning just a regular ol' bird into something more versatile.
I also really loved this Cucaburra. So adorable with his spotted eye band and dotted tail.Each bird, can be completely customizable depending one what types of fabrics you use!
Each one is hand-sewed, no machine necessary.
Please take a moment to check out the other bloggers who have participated in this Pretty Birds blog hop:
2/25 You Go Girl!2/26 Erica B. DIY Style2/27 CraftSanity2/28 Recycled Crafts3/1 Sew Mama Sew3/2 Lorelei’s Blog3/3 FaveCrafts3/4 S is for Sewing3/5 Lori Greenberg3/6 Killing It As A Grown Up3/8 Pretty Things Blog3/10 Sweet KM3/11 Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy Crafts3/12 Buzzmills3/13 Girl Like the Sea3/15 Cut Out + Keep
And if you would like to enter to win a special prize of a bird kit and book, there will be 5 winners chosen at the end of the blog tour! Click this link to be redirected to the entry page:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1017537211/?
February 26, 2015
Jade Scott Update Day
Head on over to Jade Scott's ETSY shop today at 2pm CST for her pendant update!You will love the goodies she'll be listing, I promise you!!
She created this adorable teapot and teacup charm set.... I love the outcome of this bracelet. It reminds me of all the times I enjoyed having tea parties with my sister and friends.
February 19, 2015
DeStashing some beads
I need to unload some stuff, and this is the easiest way. I am doing it here on my blog due to the recent Facebook changes/challenges.
Here's how this will work....
Each box is labeled Box 1, 2, 3, 4
Each tray of beads will fit into a flat rate box, for $5.95
The cost of each tray of beads is $35. PLUS the $5.95 for shipping. If you are interested in purchasing a tray, leave a comment on this post telling me which box you'll purchase, and an email where I can either send a paypal invoice, or if you'd rather pay with a credit card, email me at ljeurto@gmail.com
Beads in the tray are AS IS- no substitutions.
Here's how this will work....
Each box is labeled Box 1, 2, 3, 4
Each tray of beads will fit into a flat rate box, for $5.95
The cost of each tray of beads is $35. PLUS the $5.95 for shipping. If you are interested in purchasing a tray, leave a comment on this post telling me which box you'll purchase, and an email where I can either send a paypal invoice, or if you'd rather pay with a credit card, email me at ljeurto@gmail.com
Beads in the tray are AS IS- no substitutions.
February 9, 2015
Happy Valentine's Week!
The coupon code is now active in both of my online shops! Enjoy 25% off your orders today through Saturday.
Coupon code: BEMINE
Thank you and happy Valentine's!!
Lorelei Eurto's Blog
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