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 Project Update

Soooo, I began this collar yesterday from the spring issue of Vogue Knitting.  I'm making it in a lovely kelly green (in honor of St. Patrick's day). 

Since I'm determined to work on creating something each day, I put the yarn, magazine and needles into my purse and brought it along with me for dinner with my family...and then proceeded to get totally distracted, lose track of where I was and mess up my pattern.  I had to unravel it all (cussing the whole time..well, my brand of cussing..which usually involves words like "holy peanuts!" and "son of a biscuit").  I think maybe I need to put the yarn down for a little bit and try a different project.  Though my sewing and jewelry making projects may not be as portable, they might be a welcome respite as they come a little easier to me.

Perhaps I'll start an embroidery project..that should travel fairly easily!

I'll keep you posted on my progress, and I will certainly be revisiting this collar because I'm totally head over heels for it ;)

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Create 365 - Project Updates

I'm still plodding along with the Geek Chic hat pattern.  I'm hoping to have it complete by this weekend (which will be excellent timing, since we're expecting a rather large snow storm in the next few days ;)

In the meantime, I thought I would share with you a few other things I have in mind for the Create 365 project.  This is not a comprehensive list, but a few highlights that I'm really looking forward to tackling!

I want to create this dress for the spring.  The pattern was designed by the lovely Gertie of Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing.  Her blog is a HUGE favorite of mine, you should go take a peek at it if you love to sew!

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I also purchased Gertie's Book and fell in love with a scalloped skirt pattern.

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I think I'd like to do it in a pretty teal blue or fuchsia color.

On the knitting front, I just purchased the spring issue of Vogue Knitting and I LOVE the brightly colored knitted collars!  I think I may begin with this one, but I might be moved to make them all ;)

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Also on the knitting front (a far more ambitious pattern than I have yet attempted) this adorable sweater from Knit Vintage, by Madeline Weston.

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In addition, I have several projects of my own design in the works, including a new jewelry line, and some additions to some of my current lines (Like the Sirene and Once Upon a Time series) and another doll for a special someone ;)

I can't wait to share these with you!  Let me know if you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear your opinions.

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Create 365 - Free Heart Warmers Wristwarmer Knitting Pattern

After my first excursion into fair isle knitting with the tardis wristwarmer project, I decided to try my hand at writing my own pattern..so, without further ado..

Heart Warmers - Hugs and Kisses Wristwarmers

1 skein red heart super saver yarn (or other medium weight yarn) in each of the following colors - Red, White, Black

1 pair of US size 3 knitting needles

• Cast on 48 stitches
• Begin double rib row (k2, p2)
• Repeat 13 more times for a total of 14 rows.
• Knit even next 3 rows
• Purl row
• Knit Row
• Purl Row
• knit 7 stitches, begin chart.  (Chart should be done in stockinette stitch with 7 stitches before and after chart on each row.)
• Complete one row of (k1, p1) alternating white and black.
• Complete second row of (p1, k1) alternating white and black
• Cast off in (k1, p1). 
• Finish, weave in ends.
• Fold over wristwarmer so the wrong side is facing out and match both edges together.  Figure out where you want your thumb hole to be.  Pin on either side of thumb hole.  
• Sew from bottom up to the start of the thumb hole, then from the end of the thumb hole to the top of the wristwarmer.
• Turn inside out, and your wristwarmers are complete!

Here are a few resources for fair isle knitting, cast on and cast off.

This is my first attempt at pattern writing, so please comment or email if anything is unclear and I'll be happy to answer your questions.  Please feel free to share a picture on our facebook page if you decide to make these!

Hugs and Smooches,

D

Create 365 Update - Fair Isle Knitting

Hello all!

Just a quick update on the Create 365 project.  I had so much fun with my first fair isle knit project (The Tardis Wristwarmers..here.), that I decided to try writing my own pattern.  It's just about done, I have one valentine wristwarmer that I designed completed and just have to finish the other one and tweak the pattern a little.  I'll be posting the free pattern here on the blog once it's complete!

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Create 365 - Tardis Wristwarmers

Yayyyy!  Tardis wrist warmers are done and on their way to a lovely young friend :)  You can find the link to the pattern here.

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Create 365 Update - Tardis Wristwarmers

Here's the project I'm currently working on:

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You can find the pattern here on Ravelry.

I have one wristwarmer almost completed.  It is my first venture into fair isle knitting and I have to say, I LOVE it.  In fact, I like it so much, I'm considering writing and designing my own pattern for wristwarmers with little hearts on them..

Finished project to come soon!

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Create 365 - Vintage Knitted Scallop Collar

Finally done!  It was a fun project because each scallop was done individually, so I felt like I had accomplished something each time I completed one ;)  I think I may make a few more in different colors!

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Create 365 - Update

 

Still working on this collar (which I mentioned in my review here)

I've finished up all these little scallops..

..and now I just need to connect them all together!

Can't wait to share the finished product.  I realllyyy like the yarn I used for this (It's a Patons lace yarn with tiny gold sequins in it :)

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

Create 365 - Project Development

Hiya, friends!  I hope you're enjoying the Create 365 project as much as I am so far..I have a lot more planned.

What I would like to do today is put this question to you..what would YOU like to see?  Is there something special you'd like to purchase from the shop, or that you would perhaps enjoy a tutorial on?  I'm happy to add it to my planning..(I do, after all, have 362 more projects to complete ;)

Add your ideas and suggestions in the comments below.  I look forward to reading them!

Hugs and Smooches,
D

The Creative Process

Happy New Year to you, friends!  Wishing you lots of good things in 2013 :)

Have you made resolutions?  I generally don't.  The thing is, January 1 is not only the start of a new year, it's my birthday, which means another whole year of my life has passed.  It seems like it should be marked by something momentous.  Like I should plan something big for the next year of my life..which has always felt bit grand and overwhelming, so I've previously chosen to avoid it..

However, I've decided to take a different approach this year.  Just one resolution (I prefer to think of it as a "goal"), so it's easy to keep.  I've decided this year, I will create something every day.

The creative process, for me, always seems to become more robust when I focus on it consistently.  I go through phases where I have so many ideas I fill notebooks full of them.  I sew, knit, write, draw and craft myself into a state of pure bliss.  Then something interrupts (let's call it "life" ;) and I end up stagnating for a while, unable to gain back my momentum.

My hope for this goal is that consistently creating on a daily basis will allow my ideas to flourish.  New products for the shop, an environment that is more consistent with my visions, and fresh new style ideas.

I plan to document the process here, to keep me honest, and since I'm beginning on the 3rd, I have a little catching up to do!  I already have a project in mind for today and I can't wait to get started.

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Crafting for the Holidays

If you love making gifts for the holidays, as I do, you know that it's never too soon to begin planning your holiday giving list.  (In theory..I do have a tendency towards procrastination and have found myself in previous years pulling all nighters with a pot of coffee and several skeins of yarn ;-)

I have vowed, however, that I will be organized this year!!  In this spirit, I have started sorting through some of my pins on Pinterest to identify what I would like to try my hand at, and who the gifts would be suited for..because, truthfully, I do sometimes find something I reallllyyy want to make that would only be suited as a gift for me :-)

Here are a few things I'm thinking about so far:

For her

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 These gorgeous origami fabric butterflies would be perfect for hair accessories, brooches or as an accent on a necklace.

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Hand scrub, great in a gift bag with a nail file and some pretty nail polish!

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Embellished cardigans..soooo easy.  (Incidentally, this is also an adorable blog with several other fantastic ideas!)

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Cozy sewn felt slippers (also a great idea for kiddos!)

For Him

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My husband LOVES these.  They're pretty easy to make..I may enlist the children to create a few for their Dad and uncles ;-)

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Despite his protests about the "Fudge Handles" he acquires every holiday season, The Man loveeesss some homemade fudge.

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Create a playlist, could be songs for your sweetheart, running songs, songs to brighten your day, type the list out on fun paper and attach to an itunes gift card..it's like a mixed tape for the 21st century ;-)

For the Kids

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Create a bunch of these.  Use to embellish overalls, sweaters, hats, mittens or stitch them all together to make a scarf.

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Rice filled heating pads to snuggle up to on a cold night!

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I'm a sucker for a cute hat, and this one's about as cute as they come..

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This link is for 25 Christmas Books and crafts to go with them, but you could do this with any book for any age!  My oldest daughter loves the Hunger Games, and I thought a neat combo would be the Hunger Games books and a craft project to make arrow hair sticks out of chopsticks and feathers or felt feathers.  My youngest loves Diary of a Wimpy Kid, so to go along with that, a craft for making your own diary. 

So that's my (preliminary) list!  What are your ideas for the holidays?  Do you make gifts as well?  What sort of items are on your crafting list?  Feel free to share here or over on facebook!

A Room of One's Own

I thought today I would give you all a little tour of the space I create in :)

My space began it's life as a dining room, but since we all gravitate towards the kitchen, It was quickly taken over with my crafting supplies.

This lovely old machine is from the 1920's.  The amazing 80yr old woman who previously owned it was still using it up till last year!  It's my back up machine, because it doesn't have the modern bells and whistles, but it runs like a charm!

A small portion of my fabric stash (I have two steamer trunks and several suitcases full so I'm never without when I get inspired!)

The only thing I love almost as much as vintage...books ;)

One of the afore mentioned steamer trunks, more books and my poseable sketch model, Cordelia, who the children like to put in random poses to amuse me ;)

I have two of these pegboards to hold my supplies (and that gorgeous jacket was rescued from a yard sale for $2.  It's authentic to the late 1800's and it's in BEAUTIFUL condition)

Lola <3 (If you look carefully behind her you can see a tortoiseshell hair comb from the victorian era.)

A small selection of my patterns (that sideboard they're sitting on is chock full of them from every decade you can imagine!)

I keep little jars of buttons, notions and feathers readily available for inspiration!

A repurposed plant hanger holds mason jars of buttons, spools of ribbon and my inspiration journal where I jot down ideas.

The sign on the door that goes from my sewing room into the husband's "Man Cave" ;)

Hugs and Smooches,
D

The ConstantlyAlice Manifesto

"Marilla, isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?"
- Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables 

This is one of my all time favorite quotes and I think of it every time I'm looking at a brand new year stretching out in front of me.  Isn't it wonderful to think that we have a whole new year to expand our knowledge, push our boundaries and live to our fullest potential?  (Or, you know, even just another year we get to snuggle in on the couch with a good book and a cup of Chocolate Dream tea??)

I think it tends to have even more significance for me because I'm a January 1 baby.  That means when y'all are celebrating a new year, I get to celebrate another year of my life ;)  Pretty heady stuff, right?

With that in mind, I'd like to share with you some of the things I've been cooking up for the coming year!

1.  Who doesn't love a make over?  Or a whole LOT of make overs!  I'm planning for a 30 day challenge this year for both hair and make up.  I will test out a new hair style or make up look each day for a month and share the photos with you all as a part of my Signature Style Challenge (more on this to follow). {Picture Source}

2.  I will incorporate more vision boards and pinterest posts in an attempt to determine what styles I gravitate towards the most.  Some will be all about a specific decade, some will feature a particular shop or website, but hopefully all will help me to nail down the details that will help me to build my Signature Style. {Picture Source}

3.  The Home Ec posts will continue!  Some topics for this year;  Hat making, Repurposing worn or poorly constructed items to create new looks, Style on a budget (This will involve putting together an entire outfit at a local thrift store for $15 or under), Sew and Knit Alongs, Etiquette, Planning a Party and a few more I have to iron out the details on! {Picture by Gil Elvgren}

4.  *Gulp* Modelling.  That's right, I said it.  I am working on adding some more exercise to my routine so I can tone up a bit and maybe work up the gumption to model for the shop and for the "Style It" posts here on the site.  I'd like to have the shop pictures reminiscent of the pin up gals of the 40's.  I'll be sure to keep you in on the adventure as I dive into posing, photography and styling! {Picture by Vaughan Bass}

5.  My folks gifted us with a trip to Disney for Christmas this year (Thanks Mum and Dad!)  We're heading down for April vacation and I have plans to pick out several vintage dress/play suit and maybe even a bathing suit pattern to sew up and take along with me.  I will share the patterns with you, the progress and the end results.  (And of course, the pictures of Disney!)

6.  I also plan to add a "Go Ask Alice" feature.  This will be to cover any questions you all may have for me regarding vintage (how to date vintage items, what basics are needed for a wardrobe from each decade, etc.)  Feel free to start emailing me your ideas now! {Picture Source}

I can't wait to dive in and get started on these projects!  I'm so looking forward to a wonderfully productive 2012 :)

Hugs and Smooches,
D

Book Review - A Stitch in Time v. 1



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 This book is without question my FAVORITE vintage knitting pattern book of all time.  Susan Crawford does an absolutely beautiful job with this collection of actual vintage patterns that she has put into an easy to read format with the most stunning photographs you've ever seen.

Fortunately, Susan also has a Ravelry account where you can go take a peek at some of the items you can create from the patterns in the book.  Here are some of my favorites:

Light and Lovely

Dark Red Pretties





With a Touch of the Military

Accessory for Your Spring Suit

I'm in the process of working on this one below.  I've got a back and two sleeves :)  I had meant to complete it for the fall, but I kept getting caught up in other projects.  I've put it aside to work on holiday projects for now, but I'm excited to complete it.  Those cold winter months are perfect for knitting by the fire!

To Set Off Your Summer Frocks

Susan also has a number of other lovely knitting books including Vintage Gifts to Knit (which is marvelous for the holidays!) and A Stitch in Time v.2 which was recently released (and appears to have sold out on Amazon!)

What do you think of these patterns?  Would you be interested in doing a knit along with one of the patterns from this book as one of the Home Ec posts?  Let me know in the comments :)

Hugs and Smooches,
D