Whistle While You Work!

ConstantlyAlice gives me a great sense of joy and accomplishment.  Over the last year or so since I started selling on ConstantlyAlice, I've developed a blog, created projects and giveaways, started making handcrafted jewelry and met some wonderful, WONDERFUL people (that's you!!)

However, I have never really done any of it with a plan in mind.  I just put things out there as I think of them, add stuff to the site when I have a moment away from my full time job and family and occasionally share a thought, passion or two when the spirit moves me.

SO.

I've decided to change that a bit and make a more serious commitment to really developing ConstantlyAlice into a thriving business.  I want to provide you, as my customers, community and friends, with not just a good product, but a great one.

What does that mean?

Well, for starters, I am working on creating a ConstantlyAlice website.  It will be a one stop shop for everything ConstantlyAlice.  Blog, merchandise, vintage, tutorials and my soon to be developed YouTube Channel.

I am also expanding what I offer.  As you know, I have recently added the Avon brand to my growing list of products.  Some other things you can expect, in addition to really great vintage finds and handcrafted jewelry, will be knitting and crochet patterns, ConstantlyAlice Designs (a line of vintage inspired clothing and accessories) and a line of handbags and wallets.

Additionally, you can expect a lookbook/magazine.  This project is still in the works, but I hope to make it either a quarterly or seasonal offering.

You'll notice these changes gradually, and everything else will be business as usual (I won't be closing up shop while I go through this process!)  Keep an eye out for the grand unveiling of the site, lots of giveaways and contests, some discount coupons and sales as we grow :)

Thanks so much for being loyal customers and followers of ConstantlyAlice <3

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Create 365 - Geek Chic Crochet

Here is the current project in the works for the Create 365 project..

This hat pattern is from the book "Geek Chic Crochet".

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There are some really adorable patterns in this book!  I love the dress pattern on the cover as well :)

I have been working on the hat in a pretty wine color and I think I'm going to do the ribbon in gray velvet..Still deciding on that ;)

Hugs and Smooches,
D

The Reading Corner - Knitting Vintage

I have a small (LARGE) pattern addiction.  Sewing patterns, knitting patterns, crochet patterns, modern, vintage, doesn't matter.  I'm pretty sure I will never be able to complete all of them in my lifetime..but I just like to know they're there when inspiration strikes.  (Don't even get me started on my fabric hoard..)

So, of course, when I saw Knitting Vintage, I had to purchase it.

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It did not disappoint.  There are a number of really cute, wearable vintage inspired knitting patterns in this book (minus the headache of trying to size up or down a vintage pattern, or figure out what types of yarn are suitable.)

The book is broken down by decade from the 1920's to the 1980's and includes patterns for everything from cardigans and sweaters to collars and cloche hats.

I found the patterns really easy to follow, and the pictures are absolutely gorgeous.

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I've added the pattern for the crochet collar to the Create 365 project.  I'm making it in a really pretty lace weight pale gold yarn with tiny gold sequins.  Looking forward to sharing the end result!

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Hugs and Smooches,
D

The Reading Corner - The Bolter by Frances Osborne

When I was in junior high, I had a friend (we'll call her "Beth") who was my complete opposite.  Beth and I hung out during the summer months because we ran with different crowds during the school year.  Her behavior fascinated me.  As a confirmed "goody-goody" who walked through the school halls with my nose in a book, only wore dresses and enjoyed spending time with my parents, I was amazed at her fearlessness.  She wore make up, talked back to adults, snuck out of her house and was much "faster" with the boys than I was (which wasn't hard..I barely knew they existed..)

As I got older, I tried a time or two to shake my good girl image, to no avail.  (In fact, I'm 99% certain I could go on a crime spree tomorrow, confess to everything and nobody would believe me..)  Over the years, I have learned to embrace it, but I never have quite gotten over my admiration for women who dare to push boundaries.

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The Bolter is the story of Idina Sackville, as told by her great-granddaughter, Frances Osborne.  Frances' mother kept Idina a secret from her until she was 13 years old because she didn't want her to "think of her as a role model" or have her daughter known as "The Bolter's granddaughter".  This, of course, only fueled Frances' fascination with her great-grandmother.

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Idina was irresistible.  Standing at only 5'3, she was an impeccable dresser.  While she was not conventionally beautiful, she could "whistle a chap off a branch."  And she frequently did..

Married and divorced five times, with countless lovers and a dog named "Satan", she caused quite a ruckus in proper Edwardian England.  (Where you could, of course, have an affair, but certainly MUST be discreet about it!)  In 1919, Idina married her much younger third husband and moved to Kenya where she hosted wild house parties for her friends (known as The Happy Valley Crowd) that usually ended in partner swapping games devised by Idina herself.

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Under the surface, though, there was more to Idina.  She was full of vitality, intelligent and well read, loved freely and was an incredibly loyal friend.  Her friend Rosita, who was interviewed for the book, is quoted as saying "she was preposterously — and secretly — kind."  She was a woman who wanted to be loved.

The tale of The Bolter is masterfully told by her great grand-daughter.  Frances does a lovely job of telling of Idina's exploits without judgement and allowing you to feel Idina's free spirited character. The book is full of insight into who Idina was to her family, her friends and herself.

Whether you are the dashing, scandalous type, or just have an admiration for women who are, this book is an excellent read!

Hugs and Smooches,
D